5 comments on “1964 Chatfield One-Off x-tra long neck”
BrittDLD1 Says:
Sunday, March 23, 2008 @11:17:19 PM
Hey BF-
Great banjo! I've seen either a photo or drawing of that banjo somewhere.... The extended SS Stewartesque vine is quite distinctive.
Since the 25 fret necks were often called "extra-long neck" even in the Vega catalogs -- this 27-fret shoiuld really be called an X-tra--X-tra long neck.
ED
boulderfolkie Says:
Sunday, March 23, 2008 @11:28:39 PM
Hey Ed! Thought you'd pick up on the Chatfield right away...I promised you detailed photos a Loooong time ago for inclusion in your book and they WILL be forthcoming now that the weather is turning here in Boulder. I just emailed my brother some of the details: the neck inlay is different on every fret with no two alike, inside the rim are signatures of Hedy West, Jean Ritchie, Pete Seeger( and a few others), the pot is a 20's Vega Tub, and the reason why it's so long is that Ray had a piece of rosewood that long and didn't feel right about cutting it down. She still rings like a bell as well as being a work of art. You'll get a rush when you see the cherubs on the peghead! Later, BF
stanger Says:
Monday, March 24, 2008 @1:33:09 AM
Dang, BF, you always find the rare ones! That's a very fine banjo! Those 27 fret longnecks are very rare. Karen Dalton, a NYC folksinger and one of the Ode catalogs' 'pinup girls', played one... I'd like to think that Ray took his inspiration for this one from her only appearance in Denver, way back when. Chatfield was a true artisan, and deserves to be better known in the banjo community. Regards, Stanger
Sean ONeel Says:
Tuesday, July 28, 2009 @4:35:55 PM
Karen Dalton...wow.
She had a fascinating voice...
jun3machina Says:
Sunday, April 11, 2021 @6:54:22 PM
such a beautiful banjo! thanks for sharing!
You must sign into your myHangout account before you can post comments.
Copyright Notice:
The Banjo Hangout myHangout photo albums were created to allow members to post photos which 1) they own the copyrights to, or 2) which are non-copyrighted. Please respect others by not posting their copyrighted images. Photos posted in violation of this notice may be removed by the webmaster without prior notice, and may result in a locking of your myHangout account. Read complete copyright policy.
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Privacy Consent (EU/GDPR Only)
Copyright 2026 Banjo Hangout. All Rights Reserved.
