The hangout emails are NOT working for me. They seem to disappear, and never get forwarded. Please send a text 812-972-5197. Thanks in advance.

History of the banjo:

Back around 2007, First Quality Music (along with many other banjo builders) was searching for the right formula to mimic the sound of prewar tone rings. They had Bill Sullivan's prewar flathead 'Myrtle' analyzed, and went through several metal pours to get to their final formula for the Sullivan brand. Eric had purchased a 1928 tenor banjo wooden rim, and cut it down to provide the 'old growth' wooden rim to pair with their advances of their metallurgical endeavors.

After several revisions, they produced a pour that when paired with the flathead-cut 1928 prewar wood rim, it sounded almost identical to 'Myrtle'. That Sullivan banjo ROCKED. Since I was a highly valued customer at FQM, I talked Jeff and Eric (after much pleading and begging) into selling me that tone ring along with the cut 1928 Gibson wood rim.

Since the wood rim is a bonafide 1928 Gibson arch-top, cut down for a flathead tone ring, replete with a prewar serial number (see pics), I was able to have a neck with the Gibson name built around this prewar rim. So the tone ring is essentially an un-plated, V35 Sullivan ring, paired with this Gibson cut-to-a-flathead, prewar rim. My aim was to create a new Gibson flathead build that sounded like 'Myrtle', for a fraction of the cost.

I had master luthier Ronnie Bales build a mahogany neck and a highly quilted resonator (perhaps Honduran Mahogany?). He did an excellent job on the neck using a customized Bella Voce style inlay pattern (I added the first fret inlay Style 5ish since I didn't like it being plain). I then chose the inlay on the peghead (Style 5) to match the custom 1st fret.

I was going to put some resonator concentric rings in, but the resonator wood was so stunning, that I decided to keep it as it was. So what I ended up with is that I accomplished what I set out to; I created a prewar sound in a tasteful, new mahogany banjo build. If you live around the Louisville area, you're welcome to confirm my assessment. This became my dream banjo.

No trades, as I am now retired and play very little, so I am selling off most of my high-end investment instruments. My user name on Ebay is the same as on BHO, so check out my 100% positive feedback of some 400 items. Also, check out my other ads here on the Banjohangout.

The TKL/AVS series banjo case is included, and double wall boxing will be used if shipped. I prefer to hand deliver this, so if you live around IN/KY/TN/OH/MO or reasonably close, I will work with you to make that happen. Shipping has gotten incredibly expensive, especially with insurance.

I have also included a picture of the prewar Gibson serial number of the tenor wooden rim that was cut down for the V35 ring, as listed on the banjophiles site.

Additional notes: I do have Keith tuners on this banjo, although they are a bit stiff. I have reached out to them to see how to oil, but I have not heard back from them (I know he passed, but was hoping Beacon was still in business). Also, there is one VERY small knick by the second string on the pegboard, but the rest of the banjo is pretty much immaculate as far as I can see.

Thanks--Dave

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