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Cimarron's Up and Running!

From gharrison on 7/18/2012 10:15:19 AM

Howdy Folks,

I got home late last night and found my Cimarron had been dropped off at my door by UPS.  Isn't it just the most wonderful thing when you unpack a new banjo, open the case and, for the first time, lay your eyes on your new instrument?  This may sound funny, but I got a similar feeling watching my little baby girl being born.  It's like......"Ah! Here you are at last!  Let's get to know each other!"  :)

The guy I bought it from called the banjo a "Hoss," and he wasn't kidding.  The power and volume that this banjo produces is gonna take some getting used to, since I've been playing a very mellow, deep-sounding open back banjo for quite a while now.  I love the process of tinkering with a banjo and trying to find out just exactly what it "likes," as far as type of bridge, and the head tension - which in my book, is the single most important adjustment to "get right" on a banjo.  Geoff Stelling says that "90 percent of all banjo problems have to do with head tension."  I think he's absolutely right! 

But, I've also found that choice of bridge is equally important.  I tinkered around with three very different bridges on the Cimarron last night, and for my tastes, it sounded the best with a Sampson bridge - which is a very heavy bridge.  The great Alison Brown uses a Sampson on her banjo, and I've always loved her tone.

My only "complaint" is that the action is way too high for my liking.  I emailed Rob Bishline about how to adjust that and, sure enough, he responded within hours describing exactly what I have to do.  Thanks Rob!

I can't wait to get home from work so I can continue the process.

Ciao!

Greg

4 Comments
	lostoaks says: 7/18/2012 11:18:29 AM Yep, Rob is real good to help people with one of His Banjos. As a matter of fact even if it wasn't one of His, He would help. Enjoy Your new Banjo!
	TNBanjoGirl says: 7/18/2012 12:17:38 PM OK, Greg - I'm jealous! I think mine may ship this week so I could possibly have it some time next week. Have fun with your new Bishline (sounds like you already are). Maybe you can get off work early today...
	gharrison says: 7/19/2012 11:21:48 AM Thanks Sheri! I got the action adjusted to my liking, and found another bridge that sounds even better than the Sampson (a bit more "crack," not as mid-rangey), and used it last night a private party I played with my group The Greatful Doods. We're a trio, me switching off on guitar and banjo, an electric bass player, and a really tasty percussionist. When I have the guitar in my hands, I'm singing songs. With the banjo, we do all sorts of instrumentals that range from some Bela Fleck tunes, to Appalachian Fiddle Tunes, Indian and Irish Music, and even a Tango! The banjo sounded great, (really great, actually!) and I love the width of the fingerboard. I've always wondered why most builders make the necks so darned skinny up at the nut! Rob gives you plenty of room to fret those strings cleanly and easily. Sounds like you're about to have a "banjo birthing experience" of your own soon! Greg
	Rob Bishline says: 7/21/2012 7:49:19 PM Hey Dan Thanks for the nice words !! you know I'm gonna have to be nicer to you now !!
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