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I'm a Bishline "Newbie"

From gharrison on 7/13/2012 2:35:26 PM

Howdy Folks,

Greg Harrison here from Santa Barbara, California.  I'm about to be the proud new owner of a Bishline Cimarron, so I figured I would "join the club" here on Banjo Hangout.

I've been playing a Gold Tone White Ladye 250+ for a couple of years now, and I love it!  After almost 30 years of playing resonator banjos, playing the open-back opened up some new musical doors for me. In quieter situations (which are what I usually find myself in), this banjo performed quite well.  But lately, I've been getting back into full-tilt bluegrass jams and performances. In those situations, I've found that you pretty much have to have a resonator banjo to get "the sound" and the volume necessary.

I knew I didn't want to go down the old road of getting another Gibson, Stelling, or Deering. It's not that I don't like those banjos - quite the contrary!  It's more that I wanted to look into one of the new generation of banjo builders in order to get a "fresh take" on playing a resonator banjo with a metal tone ring again.

Bishline's banjos are superb, and it was tough to choose the one I wanted.  Economics are always a factor, and when I saw an almost-new Cimarron come up for sale on Banjo Buyer (one of the most "dangerous" websites around!), for a good price, I jumped at it.

The Cimarron was attractive to me for another reason - it's a perfect blend of a traditional and a modern look. I've always loved the classic "Gull" (some call it "Bat") inlay that is found on the original Gibson RB-1's.  It's the inlay that Pete Wernick has on his Granada.  Bishline incorporated elements of the Gull inlay, and threw in his own "two cents" with two tastefully-designed inlays that appear at the 7th and the 12th frets.  Very nice touch!  Plus.....the walnut wood is beautiful.

The banjo is on its way as I write this, and I should have it up and running by next Tuesday. As luck would have it, I have a gig with the full-tilt band at a roadside tavern next weekend.  Guess what banjo I'll be playing!

Would love to hear from y'all.

Greg

10 Comments
	corycox3 says: 7/13/2012 2:48:18 PM Welcome! I have a Salty Dog and love it. I know you'll be pleased!
	gharrison says: 7/13/2012 2:55:44 PM Great to hear from you! The Salty Dog is the first Bishline that I heard in person. I was making the rounds at a music festival in the Fall of 2011, and happened upon a jam session that had the "perfect" banjo sound. I stopped in my tracks to listen. The player wasn't fancy or flashy, but he had a solid right hand, a good touch, he wasn't overplaying, AND he had a phenomenal instrument in his hands. I spoke with him when he took a break and he showed me the Salty Dog. I guess that really was the beginning of I wanting to get me another resonator banjo. Who do you play yours with? Greg
	thebanjobert says: 7/13/2012 3:06:57 PM Hello, Greg - and welcome! I was introduced to Rob and Bishline banjos by becoming a student of Rob's, and before too much time had passed, a Bishline owner. Rob built a custom for me we call the "Bluebird". The inlay designs and the choice of burled walnut are mine, the tone and "crack" of the banjo are all Rob's!! My personal opinion (biased, I know) is that there is not a better banjo on the market today, nor a more honorable luthier than Rob. Congratulations and, once again, welcome!
	gharrison says: 7/13/2012 4:00:13 PM Hey There! Well.....there sure are some friendly folks on this site. You included! I'm starting to get the picture.....it looks like I made in a good choice in, not just a banjo, but in the person who built it. I really admire the way he posts videos of himself playing with his customers and students - young and old alike. I'll bet Rob is a great teacher too. His picking is rock solid, clean, and tasteful. Thanks for saying "welcome," I really do appreciate it! Greg
	lostoaks says: 7/14/2012 4:56:18 AM Welcome to the site. I had about talked Myself into a New Bishline, but hated to spend that much money on one since I am not a very good player, then I ran across a good buy on a used Salty Dog on Banjo Buyer. ( My Wife would agree with You on it being the most dangerous site around) Took it over to Rob (Since I don't live too far from His Shop) for Him to set it up. Ended up taking leasons from Him. Was really impressed with the way He builds His Banjos, but was even more impressed with the way He treats His customers. I am sure You will be happy with the Bishline and If You ever find Yourself in Oklahoma, make a point of going by to Met Rob and You will see for Yourself what a lot of His Customers already know.
	thebanjobert says: 7/14/2012 5:07:49 AM Rob IS a great teacher, Greg. Note how well those kids in those YouTube videos play! But you have mentioned something I've often said: I would take lessons every week just to hear Rob play! He is honestly one of my favorite pickers.
	corycox3 says: 7/14/2012 9:49:56 AM Greg, I just jam with folks. I live in Arkansas so there is plenty of chances to just jam. Good luck and keep picking!
	TNBanjoGirl says: 7/16/2012 6:18:23 AM Hey Greg, Congratulations! I live in TN and have a custom Salty Dog on order. Hoping to have it here within the next few weeks. I've never met Rob, just spoke with him on the phone a couple of times...he seems very nice. I have never heard or read anything but good feedback on the Bishlines. My instructor was trying to talk me into a Recording King for an upgrade, but I opted for the Bishline instead. You'll have your new Bishline before I have mine so enjoy it and have fun!
	gharrison says: 7/16/2012 8:45:45 AM Hi Sheri, Thanks for the "welcome aboard." I just took a look at the photos that Rob Bishline has sent you of your banjo in progress. That is so cool! I'll tell ya.....I'm really impressed with the incredible level of customer service he provides. Being able to see your banjo during various phases of construction is a wonderful thing he provides! I can't think of another builder who's willing to do that. Mine should be at my door sometime tomorrow, and I'm chomping at the bit to see how it feels and sounds. I'll let you know! Best to you! Greg
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