1979 Superstar

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Stelling Owners Club

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For those who own or want to own the ultimate banjo. www.stellingbanjo.com

537 Members, Created 1/28/2011 -

Administrators: 5 String (owner)

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From zui_ll_sister on 5/2/2011 9:39:39 PM

I have a Superstar from April 1979. I think my brother may have made the resonator but I'm not sure...he was working for Geoff around that time. I believe it is a "prototype" with a Birdseye maple tone ring? Hand written on the receipt says PFF Pot. What does that mean? I was 18 and had expendable income, a desire to play the banjo like my big brother, and no time at all to really get good. My son now plays it, and plays well, but I'm sure it needs some sort of refurbishing. Too bad the shop is across the country now. sigh. We were in San Diego, now in No. Calif. No money to refurbish anyway. Guy at booth at Grass Valley festival (Hendricks) said $100 a couple of years ago to take it apart, clean it well, etc. Good idea? Worth it? Sounds good still, nice, light, tinkling banjo tone. Always loved it. It looks kinda messy, though. Nickel not shiny. Case has held up all these years, with the exception of the handle, which broke. Replaced with a not quite right one, but it works for carrying it. Anyway, any input appreciated. And hello to Geoff. I'm so careful about putting family names out there...but Fred and Woody's sister says hello.

4 Comments
	Geoff Stelling says: 5/3/2011 6:55:28 AM Hi Natalie, I don't remember Woody making resonators for me, but he did do some assembly work for sure. "PFF" stands for prewar flathead fanatic which was the designation I gave to my new narrower tone ring and rim configuration in 1979. In fact, my serial number record has your name in it for Superstar #1066 made April 4, 1979. If I counted right, it was the 8th Superstar we made. If you want to pay for the shipping both ways, I'd tweak it and clean it up for you as an old friend of yours and your brothers'. Nice to hear from you. Geoff
zui_ll_sister says: 5/3/2011 8:37:25 AM Hi Geoff! Wow. I'm tempted for sure. I just googled "shipping a banjo" and the Acoustic Box site has step by step pics. Then I looked up shipping on your site...they take off the resonator and stuff it with paper, loosen strings, take off bridge...much more than you do. I guess what you say to do is good enough, huh? Do I have to worry about the bridge? It will come down to cost, but I'd sure prefer you than a stranger for fixin' up one of your babies! I thought I remember Woody bunging up his hand on a lathe at your shop...have no idea what he was doing. I was just a kid. He's a programmer now. I can't believe it's been so long. I bought the banjo for my 18th birthday and now just hit the big 5-0. Still no better at playing, but my boy is pretty good (he's 24.) Would like it to be in good shape. We'll price it out and see if we can scrounge the shipping. We're heading down to San Diego for vacation to visit the folks in June, and always take the instruments to jam with Uncle Woody. It would be nice to surprise him. Gas prices what they are, 500 miles from home...hope we can afford all this! I have 6 kids, big gas guzzling van to fit them in, and still have to eat. :-) If you are serious, I'd like to ship it out to you. I just love this banjo and the memories of the good old days of San Diego bluegrass in the 70's. I'm sure this is worth the investment. Glad I stumbled onto this board. Good to talk with you! Natalie
	Geoff Stelling says: 5/3/2011 9:12:29 AM Natalie, I've shipped banjos all over the world using the shipping method discussed on my web site. The key to success is maximum shock absorption in the packing used around the banjo and its case inside the box. I recommend UPS or FedEx Ground for good tracking, handling, and reasonable rates. Best regards, Geoff
zui_ll_sister says: 5/3/2011 9:48:01 AM Thanks sooooo much! I'll let you know what we decide! Natalie
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