I have a 1983 Masterpiece. I love it, but don't take it out to play at our gigs for "banjo safety" reasons. Because of that, I've become attached to in import (sorry, but it's replaceable) that I use most generally, and play my Stelling mostly at home.
I have, in the past, thought about sending it back to Geoff for a re-hab, including the installation of an old wood rim. Until now, I've resisted the urge. Last week I played a new Bellflower in the vendor's room at a festival. I was blown away at the depth and clarity of the sound. Of course it was new, with the old wood rim, and set-up fresh from the Stelling shop.
Now my juices are flowing once again and I'm strongly considering a total overhaul. I was one of those who believed in "not broke, don't fix it", but I can't get the sound of that new Bellflower out of my little head.
I have the money in my 'banjo budget' and am probably closer to pulling the trigger on this work than ever before. I need some feedback, especially from Stelling owners who have had the work done. Like it better now or wish you hadn't done it?
9 Comments |
 | dpskala says:
3/26/2011 10:39:38 AM
How would the rehab cost compare to that of buying a new Bellflower? And you told me the folks here talked you out of replating the hardware - changing out the rim is more drastic than that.
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 | thombanjo says:
3/26/2011 10:45:58 AM
Well...I have a Red Fox with a Cooperman 3 ply rim made in 2003. My banjo sounds wonderful and I would be reluctant to have the Pass rim put in...would have to wait another few years ? for the new sound to "open up/" I think it would cosy around 500.00 to get the Pass rim...would probably do it if I had the money and could handle waiting for the new sound...I'm sure I'd like it
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 | Old Man says:
3/26/2011 3:11:35 PM
I have owned both and the Masterflower that I am playing now has the cooperman 3ply rim and it does not need anything .My teacher will Parsons says it is one of the best and most powerful Stelling that he has played and he is a stelling man. If you set that banjo up right You want need another rim.
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| dpskala says:
3/26/2011 4:02:00 PM
I've been following this thread, and I am somewhat conflicted. My 1988 Masterpiece sounds awesome, but I'm a greedy SOB, and if an old wood rim would make it sound better, then I want it. On the other hand, if I start changing out major parts, then I have a hybrid banjo, not a classic Stelling Masterpiece. Plus it's expensive to do the change.
I think I have come up with a good compromise. I will leave the banjo as is, but when I'm not playing it, I'll store it underwater in my bathtub. Now the pressure/temperature won't be quite the same as the bottom of Lake Superior, so it might take some time to come up to "old wood" standards, but I can be patient when I have to. All I have to do is drain it and towel off when I want to play -- a small price to pay for superior performance. And when I'm done, not only the rim, but the neck and resonator as well are artificial "old wood." I'm going to start running the bathwater right now!
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 | Geoff Stelling says:
3/29/2011 8:55:19 AM
Gentlemen,
My advice is, if you own a classic or collectible banjo such as a Masterpiece, do not change any of the parts, but just maintain it as you should, and, by all means, send it to me for any repair work or a set up. I have a 1988 Master's Cross Deluxe that was the best sounding banjo I ever owned and then I switched rims to a Pass thin skirt just to be up to date. It still sounds great but, I think I lost something that the old rim had that I miss. I highly recommend the Pass rim but not in older or collectible banjos. Save your money for that next heirloom Stelling you want.
Geoff
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| Geoff Stelling says:
3/29/2011 9:00:10 AM
And another thing: I had a Bill Emerson Red Fox Deluxe made of cherry that had the signature inlaid in the fingerboard. I had all the gold parts replated and it turned out looking like new. The new buyer asked if I would change the rim to a Pass, and I said, not on this banjo. Boy was he glad I didn't. Once it was set up by me, with a new head and bridge, it had as good a sound as you'd want and it is all original. It is #8 of only 12.
Geoff
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 | TL says:
3/29/2011 10:27:05 AM
Whew....that was close! Thank you to Dennis, Geoff and everyone else for pulling me back from that deep, dark hole of temptation! The integrity of this banjo will not be compromised! I will, however, probably take Geoff's suggestion and send it to him for a genereal re-furb once I get up enough courage to trust UPS!
Thanks again....TL from IL
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| dpskala says:
3/29/2011 10:37:22 AM
Well, #60 insisted that I do my best to prevent her sibling from disfigurement! ;-)
Dennis
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| thombanjo says:
3/29/2011 11:19:13 AM
Thanks , Geoff for your comments about to Pass or not Pass ! A greedy banjo maker could certainly say that "yes...by all means...get the Pass rim." You are honest enough to offer your buyers your best, most honest opinion regardless of money made or lost. This is one reason why Stelling owners have such respect for you. Thank you for my Red Fox...a standard model but ,to me, an heirloom.
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