I've got a question for you guys and gals. I live in an area where there are not many banjos for sale anyplace. Nearest to me would be Boyd's in Montana and I probably will never get that far. I feel like I am kind of stuck buying a banjo that I have never played before it arrives. I have a friend with a Hatfield and I really like it. I have thought of ordering one from Arthur but how do I know if I'll like the sound of it unless I've played it before? This will be my last banjo so I want it to be something I'm really happy with. Have any of you purchased your banjos without having played them before the final purchase? Also, how much do they range in cost? I'm clear out on the West Coast so I don't even know how I would get it here. Guess I need some advice!
12 Comments |
 | eagleisland says:
7/13/2014 3:36:57 PM
Barb, many a Hatfield owner has been in your position and ordered one on faith. I've not heard of anyone being disappointed. In fact, I've not heard of anyone who didn't find the banjo to be MORE than he or she expected.
There are very few banjos I would order sight unseen. Hatfield is among them - and Arthur is committed to getting it right.
Arthur's banjos are a bargain when you consider what you get for your money - comparable banjos built by other top-end builders are typically +$1000 or more.
As for how it would get to you - Arthur has shipped many banjos, and knows how it's done. Leave that in his hands.
Realistically, all you need to decide is if you want mahogany, walnut or maple, and what color metal you want the hardware to be. He can do other options for you too, but your best bet would be to call him, tell him what you're looking for, give him an idea of the sound you want the banjo to produce, and let him guide you from there.
One final bit of advice: if it's possible, I'd go to his shop on one end the transaction or the other (the order or the pickup). It's a wonderful experience just being there, talking with Arthur and Bev, and breathing the sawdust.
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 | darlo says:
7/13/2014 4:06:22 PM
hi barb as an englishman i was as stated in previous email in the same predicament as yourself i have in my possession a hatfield special (walnut) and as far as i am concerned it is absolutely beautiful not only in looks but in sound
now we get to the good bit arthur and his good lady wife posted my banjo to montana mike in washington state so that i could collect it when i attended the american banjo camp.please give arthur a call he is a gentleman and 100% genuine as stated in the previous e mail it is on my list of things to do to visit arthur at his shop,all i can say is arthur and bev are very special people
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 | slammer says:
7/13/2014 5:17:35 PM
Just buy it and don't look back!!! Done!,,
Nuff said!!!
Slammer!!!
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 | SJL says:
7/13/2014 5:58:42 PM
I'm in Canada, I had Arthur build me a Custom. I spoke to him on the phone a number of times and exchanged e- mails with him. I echo what the others have said. Arthur is an I old world Craftsman who takes the utmost pride in everything that he does. I, like Skip, was fortunate enough to go to Arthur's shop to pick mine up. It's everything that I had expected and then some.
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 | Deb D says:
7/13/2014 7:19:24 PM
Hi Barbbanjo,
I ordered a Walnut Hatfield Special without having heard or seen a Hatfield banjo. I simply wanted a banjo made for me by an American craftsman, preferably one who lived within a day's drive from my home. I'd never treated myself to any such extravagance before, but two of my three children had just graduated from college and I decided I needed a graduation gift!
I am perfectly pleased with my banjo. I am in love with my banjo. After more than a year, I still look forward all day to my banjo time. The sound is so warm and beautiful. The instrument is absolutely stunning. I went to Midwest banjo camp in June, and found it to be true that a Hatfield Banjo is a "head-turner"! Kind of like driving a snazzy sports car. People notice! My banjo skills are not at all deserving of such a fine instrument, but practicing is pure pleasure.
Meeting Arthur (Bev was out of town) and seeing his shop has made my banjo all the more special to me.
Arthur's home is an easy and lovely hour's drive (perhaps a bit more) from Louisville, so airline connections shouldn't be so difficult! I just don't know if I'd have the nerve to check my new Hatfield through with the luggage!
Eagleisland said it best!
I will never need another banjo. I went from an absolute beginner banjo straight to the top!!!
Good luck with your decision.
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 | montanamike says:
7/14/2014 9:24:43 AM
I am about 1 mile further that you are to Hatfields... 2423 miles vs 2422... Jen and I would love to get to his shop again. That being said, Mr. Hatfield did ship mine and Mr Darlington's to us and both arrived safely (and happily!). Will might be able to retrieve it for you and carry it back via plane or car our next trip out.
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 | barbbanjo says:
7/14/2014 11:12:47 AM
Mike, you're killin' me here! You're making it easier to order one! Could I come up and play yours again a few times to help me make a decision?
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| barbbanjo says:
7/16/2014 10:43:14 PM
Well, Mike loaned me his banjo today and I have had a lot of fun pickin' and grinin'! I'm getting closer and closer to pulling the trigger! It's just so much money! But, I am 65 and if I don't get it now I know I never will after my husband retires - if that ever happens.
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| eagleisland says:
7/17/2014 3:39:53 AM
Order the banjo already. As you say, if you don't get it now you won't get it at all. And who wants to live with THAT kind of regret?
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| barbbanjo says:
7/17/2014 11:24:08 AM
Skip, how long does it take to get the banjo from order to arrival? Or maybe it varies. I think what is slowing me down is that we are on one income and I am feeling guilty about it. Ken works so hard and for me to spend this much money makes me feel bad. Of course he says we will order whatever I want. I'm in trouble now ..... Mike has loaned me his Special to play for a few days and now I am really dissatisfied with my old banjo. I don't know if this hesitation is a woman thing or not but I will probably order just to stop the misery I'm gong through! Thanks for your support.
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| eagleisland says:
7/17/2014 12:04:17 PM
Delivery time depends on how many orders Arthur has ahead of yours. Seems like the mahogany Buck Creek models - his most popular - have the longest wait time. Why not contact him and ask?
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| barbbanjo says:
7/17/2014 6:50:20 PM
Will do, Skip...thanks!
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