Chris Cioffi has done (2) projects for me (as detailed in previous reviews).    I decided I would like a “version” of a prewar banjo, so I discussed options with Chris.  

I learned that Chris had built (2) Chioffi brand banjos around 2009, and both happened to be coming on market for sale.   I was interested, because I was looking for good tone with some degree of prewar parts, and Chris had built two banjos that happened to satisfy what I wanted.  I got to play both of them at Chris’ shop and was blown away with his attention to detail and overall craftsmanship.  Of course they sounded great.

i ended up going with the Cioffi banjo with a 20s or 30s original original Gibson nickel plated raised head tone ring, probably out of a TB-3.  The rest of the parts are all new, with all built and assembled at Chris’ shop    Also included walnut resonator,maple neck , and hearts and flowers inlays.

The raised head has some pop as well as nice low end.   It is kind of a hybrid sound to me, and I love it.  Very happy with this purchase and continue to be amazed at the talent Chris has.  I feel proud and fortunate to have one of the few banjos out there that have “Cioffi “ inlayed on the peghead.

My dad and  I made a banjo from scratch many years ago when I was a senior in high school by following instructions in the back of Earl Scruggs’ banjo book.   Purchased most parts from First Quality and relied on my dad’s significant woodworking skills.   We shaped the neck, fit the heel, installed binding and frets, cut and inlayed hearts and flowers mother of pearl and finally stained and finished.

It actually turned out pretty nice, and I ended up playing this banjo in country and bluegrass bands for about 12 years ( even played it on the Grand Ole Opry stage in in the late 80’s at the Wrangler Country Showdown contest).  Eventually, I got the Stelling bug and Gibson reissue bug and was able to get a high quality professional banjo and stuck my “Dad banjo” in a a closet for many years

Fast forward a number of years when my dad passed away (2014) , I dusted off the old banjo that was wore out and rough looking, and played it at the funeral service and realized how much it meant to me.

i decided to get this banjo refurbished to really pop and get the best possible sound with as many of original parts as possible.  Only one guy came to mind to do this.. Chris Cioffi.   He did my Baldwin Ode D rework (reviewed on the Hangout) and I also bought one of the few original complete Cioffi banjos ( review of this one coming soon)   Both have turned out great;   Quality, attention to detail second to none.

i discussed my idea with Chris and took the banjo to Nashville to show him.   He was very enthusiastic about doing the project, loved the story, and jumped in to start the professional rework I wanted.

He tore it down, corrected some mistakes my dad and I made during original construction.  Some of the highlights included.. neck to pot fit, stainless steel frets, new binding, new flange and resonator refit 5th string peg, add spikes, thin down peg head to proper thickness, polish and buff all metal parts, and finally an outstanding finish on the neck.

My banjo looks amazing now, like showroom new shine, with a lot of pop!   Plays and sounds great.  So proud of this banjo and know it will be a special piece in my family for years to come.

Thanks Chris Cioffi!  Yet another outstanding job.  Banjo players everywhere need to get to know Chris and what his capabilities are      ( also a really nice guy).  You will be very impressed.