jbalch Says:
Sunday, April 22, 2012 @10:20:15 AM

I saw Tom during the Breakin' Up Winter gathering at Cedars of Lebanon park in February. It was great seeing him again.

hitman9900 Says:
Sunday, April 22, 2012 @10:29:23 AM

Hi John, I haven't seen him in about a year but know he's getting out lots more and playing some. Mary actually built most of this banjo. Tom milled the metal parts he didn't order. Her autoharps are to DIE for!! Wish I could find one. She passed away of breast cancer years ago and was a wonderful person and a master builder. I'm selling most of my instrument collection for estate planning purposes since neither Bonnie nor Holly want them. I have four long neck open backs for sale if you know anyone who's interested. A '62 Gibson RB 175 prototype (one of a kind), a one of a kind hand built long neck originally owned by Dick Weissman, a 1970 Ode arch top aluminum pot & another aluminum pot that is a one off with no markings. All are at least near mint.

Hope all is well & best to your Dad. Barbara says hi!!

Jerre

DEmery Says:
Monday, April 23, 2012 @4:55:16 AM

Jerre how is Barbara? Had her in classes years ago and always enjoyed being with her. John and I have played music for years and I have been fortunate to know the Balch family since getting out of the Navy in the early 1980s. That is a nice banjo. I did meet the Morgans once long ago and knew of their building but had not heard about them for a good while. Thanks for showing off the banjo. David E.

hitman9900 Says:
Monday, April 23, 2012 @6:43:12 AM

David, thanks for leaving the comment and also your nice compliments re Barbara. She retired from MTSU in Aug, 2010 and took a position on the TVA Board of Directors and as you would expect is doing a wonderful job for them-m an awesome responsibility. I love this one off Morgan banjo and use a Kelly Emerson cherry wood bridge on her. She has more sustain than any banjo I have ever played or heard including those with resonators. The cherry bridge is an awesome addition to the sound. Have you tried them? Just Google Kelly Emerson banjo bridge if interested. You have a great collection yourself!! --My Best, Jerre

OldPappy Says:
Thursday, January 17, 2013 @11:36:16 AM

May have made more than 4 of them. I
was looking at one last week, was told by the man who owns it that it was number 5, though I thought the serial number ended 4, but I did not have my glasses with me.

Whether 4 or 5, it is a real nice banjo. Excellent tone. The tone ring looks like it was rolled from 3/8" rod, but I am not sure what kind of metal.

I just may buy it.