"Playing in" a banjo

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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 bobb62 on 9/6/2011 9:26:49 AM

I just traded a Deering GDL for a Staghorn. The Staghorn had not been played in over 10 years. I took me some time to clean it up, set it up, and get it playable. I was only moderately happy with the way it sounded when I was done and thought I was going to regret the trade. I took it up to our Cabin in Canada and played it non-stop for 3 weeks. I always thought that "playing in" a banjo was a myth. I can not believe the difference in tone after spending time playing it. We have been home for two weeks and it still seems like it is getting better every day.

How long does the "playing in" process continue? Am I just getting used to the tone and my ear is getting "played in" not the banjo? I can't wait to get home everyday to see how much better it sounds to me!

4 Comments
	Geoff Stelling says: 9/6/2011 9:30:43 AM Bob, I think the tone will keep improving even if it is only in small increments, over the life of the banjo. I know that a Tony Pass rim will explode with power and depth of tone only moments after a banjo is assembled and played for a short while. I can hear the difference after playing one tune or just a part of a tune. That's why many people leave their instruments out on a stand so they can vibrate continuously. It's not a great idea if you have animals or small children in the house that could knock it off the stand, however. Geoff
	thombanjo says: 9/6/2011 10:27:15 AM I had my Red Fox,( which had been neglected before I got it and cleaned it up,) for just about two years when it opened up and vibrated like a buzzing bee. Some of this was due to me always changing bridges on it. I went through about 20 or so before I settled on one. I haven't tinkered with it now for a year and it just sounds wonderful, full and sweet. It does not have a Pass rim and I doubt I would upgrade it now BUT I would love to have a Walnut Stelling w/ a Pass rim one of these days !!!!
	CurtissWhite says: 9/12/2011 1:29:45 PM (This guy traded a Stelling away for a Deering?). ..... Bob, does your friend have any more Stellings to trade? :o)
	bobb62 says: 9/12/2011 3:13:01 PM He gave me cash in the deal too!
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