Cimmaron vs. Heirloom

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Bishline Owners

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From usmc2msu on 10/2/2012 6:01:43 AM

Hey Everyone!

I'm nearing the purchase of either a Heirloom or Cimmaron and I wanted to see what you all thought about the two. I had a chance to play the Cimmaron, but not the Heirloom. I'm not sure how I feel about the finish on the Cimmaron. That might actually be my biggest sticking point at this time. I also see that the Heirloom can be purchased in mahogany and although this is something that interests me, I've never actually played a banjo made of mahogany. Can someone help me pick between these two? Thanks!!!

4 Comments
	thebanjobert says: 10/2/2012 6:32:03 AM Hey, TJ! Welcome to the club of proud Bishline owners! I'm not going to try to make a recommendation because I think this is highly subjective, and a very personal choice. Are you buying from a dealer, or ordering from Rob? I guess either way I would think it might be worth a phone call or e-mail to Rob to discuss with him what kind of music you'll be playing, and the tone you think you're looking for, and ask if he has a recommendation. Either way you go, you're getting the best banjo on the market with Bishline! Congratulations! Good luck and, once again, welcome!
	TNBanjoGirl says: 10/2/2012 6:37:56 AM I was just at the IBMA in Nashville and got to play quite a few banjos (walnut, mohogany and maple). It depends what you like. I personally have a mohogany banjo (custom Bishline Salty Dog). The mohogany seems to have more sustain - the notes resonate a little longer - than the maple or walnut. Walnut banjos typically have very clear notes with little sustain. I prefer mohogany and walnut over maple, but that's just me. Maple has a bright sound. If you go with the Heirloom, you can order it directly from Bishline and have it customized. I don't think you can customize the Cimmaron. Between those 2 models, I prefer the Heirloom but the wood type depends on your personal sound preference.
	usmc2msu says: 10/2/2012 9:48:38 AM Thanks for the comments! This banjo buying is much more stressful than I thought! I just found that Elderly can order the Heirloom for me, but again, I'm stuck on which to buy. I'll keep milling it over for a bit and let you all know what I decide. Thanks again!
	jdeluke137 says: 10/2/2012 1:18:01 PM The Cimmaron has a satin finish. The Heirloom had a nicer glossy finish, which costs more to do. I have the walnut Heirloom with flame maple trim and it has plenty of sustain. The burled walnut resonator is beautiful. As others have said its personal preference, but if you have the money I'd go for the more expensive model and have Rob build it exactly like you want it. By the way, banjo.com stocks the Heirloom and Cimmaron, along with a couple of other Bishline models. Call and talk to Mark Bramlett there and he can give you a detailed third party opinion on the various models.
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