Stelling White Cross...

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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

536 Members, Created 1/28/2011 -

Administrators: 5 String (owner)

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From JStuart on 8/16/2015 2:23:52 AM

I have a question for Geoff - last year I acquired a Stelling banjo, a "White Cross," signed and dated inside the resonator by Geoff on 4/22/10 (or 22/4/10 down here in Oz). I've been meaning to ask about the provenance of this banjo, and have never seen the name "White Cross" anywhere in discussions about Stelling banjos. I was prompted into action when I saw the question about tuners - my banjo's tuning knobs look like they're amber, or a similar plastic, rather than ivoroid as Geoff suggests his banjos have these days.

I'm a novice (only about 15 months into learning), but this instrument is in as-new condition, with the typical exquisite finish characteristic of Geoff's banjos. An extravagance for a learner I know, but when I saw it I just had to have it, and I have never been disappointed with the sound or the finish. I love it, but am curious to know if it's a one-off? Thanks for any info Geoff - it's a beautiful thing!

6 Comments
	Geoff Stelling says: 8/16/2015 1:19:48 PM J. Stuart, The only banjo I can remember that could be called a White Cross may have been made and sold to Dave Schenkman of Turtle Hill Banjo Co in MD. but I really need the serial number to confirm that. If it is the banjo I think it is, the inlays are all of the Golden Cross but are all in white MOP. If that is the banjo it is a one of a kind. Geoff
	birdmanUK says: 8/16/2015 1:49:45 PM This is a link to the Turtle Hill banjo: turtlehillbanjo.com/images/Ste...2003.html Does it look like yours? It certainly looks stunning.
JStuart says: 8/16/2015 3:57:40 PM Yup, that's the one! Woodgrain, inlays and other details all match, the White Cross name runs a bit closer to the RH side of the neck as well. Has obviously been fitted with amber tuners since it featured in the photos you've kindly supplied - thanks so much for doing that birdmanUK. I would feel it's a great privilege to own any Stelling banjo, but even as a novice this one grabbed me as soon as I saw and heard it in the home of a banjo teacher in Nambour, Queensland. I knew I needed to have it and couldn't stop thinking about how I could justify its purchase when I left for home, so after promising my wife I'd install a new laundry, I bought it within a few days. Geoff, I took the resonator off and had a closer look - the serial number is 5607. The rest, as they say, is history! I'll get a few photos up for confirmation in the next few days. Now all I have to do is hope I have enough years left in me to do it justice!
	Geoff Stelling says: 8/17/2015 8:40:57 AM Now I remember that banjo. The4 Whitestar inlays were left on the neck and the others were added from the Golden Cross pattern. It is a unique banjo. Hope you enjoy it for many years. Geoff
JStuart says: 8/17/2015 2:34:46 PM Thanks Geoff. When I look at it I see it as a work of art as much as a musical instrument, it's a beautiful thing to behold jn every way. As I said earlier, the banjo is in just about "as new" condition still, so it looks as though it has had a relatively easy life, and I certainly treasure it myself. I'm very pleased to have confirmed its provenance. Thank you again.
JStuart says: 12/17/2015 4:39:08 PM Just a quick question regarding the finishes used on Stelling banjos. My unique White Cross Stelling (2003?) is pretty much immaculate, and the finish on the resonator is perfect, with incredible lustre (sorry spellcheck, I'm in Australia!) and depth. Can anyone tell me, or if Geoff has a moment, what sort of finish is used on these instruments? I was involved in small production using various finishes in my working years, so this is of interest to me. There is no evidence of shrinkage or grain showing, and it seems extremely resistant to abrasion. Maybe points to a high-solids two-pack?
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