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paradox - Posted - 01/14/2023: 11:10:38
I am curious to know if anyone had to wait a year or more to have a custom banjo built by Companion banjos in Ann Arbor Michigan.
Thanks
Texasbanjo - Posted - 01/14/2023: 11:54:28
I waited almost 9 months for my Small banjo. Of course, it was a special type, neck 3 inches shorter and narrower and thinner. I think Mr. Small actually enjoyed making it. Looks (and plays) just like a regular one, only with a short neck. Used to get some really strange looks from people at jams and festivals.
NotABanjoYoda - Posted - 01/14/2023: 12:02:49
I was told by companion hed build it in 3 months. Then it slowly became 9. Then my emails started not getting returned. Went another route with my money. But all the builders are slammed...
TN Time - Posted - 01/14/2023: 12:49:30
I had my custom "Joe Robert" model banjo built by Companion Banjos. That was a few years ago and I can't remember how long it took Chris to build it but it didn't seem like an unusual length of time. Even a year would be well worth the wait. They are really fine banjos. I still get compliments on it at every open mic and jam I attend. I know they are very busy and are swamped with orders. We just have to be patient.
Robert
mrphysics55 - Posted - 01/14/2023: 12:52:39
There is nothing unusual for custom builds to take a year or even years.
One is usually in line behind others seeking "custom" and it can sometimes take quite a bit of "negotiation" for customers to make up their minds.
If a fella is in a hurry to buy a banjo then perhaps another route should be taken.
"Good things come to those that wait."
Edited by - mrphysics55 on 01/14/2023 12:54:10
Bill Rogers - Posted - 01/14/2023: 13:25:13
A true custom “build” may take six months to a year or more once your number comes up and the builder starts it. A “custom” assembly of stock parts (e.g., rim, resonator, neck at some stage) would take less time. Fancy inlay cutting/engraving and neck heel carving probably take the most time.
paco0909 - Posted - 01/14/2023: 13:27:55
I purchased a Rickard Fretless. It was promised in 6 months and was delivered on schedule. But it’s not uncommon for custom makers with waitlists to need two or more years. Jason Romero wants 5 years!
NotABanjoYoda - Posted - 01/14/2023: 15:52:03
Boy, you must really be denying mortality if your willing to wait 5 years! Even at age 20, 5 years isnt a guaranteed wingspan...
Mad Hornet - Posted - 01/14/2023: 16:18:08
quote:
Originally posted by paco0909
I purchased a Rickard Fretless. It was promised in 6 months and was delivered on schedule. But it’s not uncommon for custom makers with waitlists to need two or more years. Jason Romero wants 5 years!
And you don't see anyone selling them used. I see Doc's advertising here sometimes I think his lead times are out there too.
I ordered a Feud from Arthur Hatfield last year. I think initially he said four months. Ended up taking 8 or 9. I wasn't mad about it though the communication was good and he was dealing with the same thing everyone else is these days.
Gallaher - Posted - 01/14/2023: 16:37:13
Seems like the easiest thing would be to call Companion Banjos and ask them what the timeframe looks like.
NewBlackDak - Posted - 01/15/2023: 04:52:52
This is going to be very build dependent. If it’s a 1 man shop, I would expect it takes longer. A bigger maker may surprise you how fast it gets done. If your build is based on a production model with your changes, it’ll be faster. If you are micromanaging every decision from scratch, it’ll take longer.
paradox - Posted - 01/15/2023: 11:38:58
Thank you all for your replies and thanks to MattRB3 for his personal message. Matt's banjo looks really nice by the way.
My banjo order was going on 8 months and when I emailed Mr Sorenson at Companion to check on the orders status, he wrote back that the build would be out the door that month. That was about 3 1/2 months ago. I would not have minded so much if he would have contacted me once in a while on his own, but he never did. Since some of the folks here have had a similar experience with delays I guess I will wait a while longer and see what happens before investigating other options.
NotABanjoYoda - Posted - 01/15/2023: 12:05:08
quote:
Originally posted by paradox
Thank you all for your replies and thanks to MattRB3 for his personal message. Matt's banjo looks really nice by the way.
My banjo order was going on 8 months and when I emailed Mr Sorenson at Companion to check on the orders status, he wrote back that the build would be out the door that month. That was about 3 1/2 months ago. I would not have minded so much if he would have contacted me once in a while on his own, but he never did. Since some of the folks here have had a similar experience with delays I guess I will wait a while longer and see what happens before investigating other options.
Missing promised dates and no correspondence aint cool on any exscuse level. Some consider that lying.
From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 01/16/2023: 15:31:34
Here is what the Companion web site says:
1. Checkpoints
You'll receive regular communication from us about the progress on your build using your preferred method of contact. You can also stop by the shop for close-up look and a tour.
2. Pricing
Custom builds begin at $2,400 for a banjo with a light-weight wood tone ring and $2,600 with a metal tone ring. Special parts and custom inlays are additional. A $600 deposit is due following sign-off of the build agreement. The remainder can be paid incrementally during the building process or in full prior to shipment. Custom orders take 6-8 months to complete. Contact us for a detailed quote.
Bill Rogers - Posted - 01/16/2023: 17:50:46
A note: I ordered a “custom” Ome Mira (custom in that it had 22 frets, no scoop). Took a full year to arrive. Probably would have been the same if not “custom.” Ome is a very small shop, and takes its time to make quality instruments.
AndrewD - Posted - 01/20/2023: 03:11:59
quote:
Originally posted by Bill Rogers
A note: I ordered a “custom” Ome Mira (custom in that it had 22 frets, no scoop). Took a full year to arrive. Probably would have been the same if not “custom.” Ome is a very small shop, and takes its time to make quality instruments.
No scoop is the custom option ? We're living in crazy times.
gatorslayer - Posted - 01/20/2023: 04:26:59
Pardon my ignorance, what's a scoop? I can't fathom putting sticky ice cream on my Gibson, Ome (early 1980's JuggII), or Stelling.
mike gregory - Posted - 01/20/2023: 04:39:55
A "scoop" in the language of Banjo is a lower portion of the fingerboard, near the banjo body.
I have made banjos in as little as 2 hours (allowing overnight for the glue to dry).
However, those had a piece of 1x2 lumber with the corners rounded off, for the neck, a cookie tin for the body, and eyebolts for tuning pegs.
gatorslayer - Posted - 01/20/2023: 04:41:35
What's the purpose for that?
nechville - Posted - 01/20/2023: 10:36:00
We are quoting 9 months, but our production is getting more and more efficient and we are usually beating that. There are a surprising number of choices available with no or very little wait, since our stock necks fit on a number of different kinds of pots. Let me know if I can quote.
mjt0229 - Posted - 01/20/2023: 10:50:47
quote:
Originally posted by gatorslayer
What's the purpose for that?
The scoop? Many clawhammerers like to play with their right hand over the neck and the 'scoop' is supposed to make it more comfortable to do so.
