Had a good time at SPBGMA this past weekend. Thanks to Mike Smith for helping pick the right bridge for my 39 year old Scruggs banjo. It was just a bit bright sounding. His Snuffy Smith Bridge brought out the mid range/bass sound just right.
Edited by - Randy Escobedo on 02/01/2023 08:25:31
I ordered a bridge made from the floor of mcCormick spice plant For a Frank Neat Mountain Dr. Arch top that Mike makes. After purchasing the bridge, but before it arrived my 31 year old son lost his life. When I received and opened the package from Mike Smith. I was surprised to find not only the bridge I ordered but another lighter bridge also in the package with a hand written note from Mike telling me the extra bridge had a small flaw and wanted to give it to me . At this point Mike didn’t know my loss. I laid the pkg. with the 2 bridges on a coffee table. For the next few weeks I was still destroyed ,but just looking at the bridges were a ray of light that made me smile . I can’t sing the praises of Mike Smith and all his work. From the Bottom of my soul.. Thank you Mike !
All my banjos either have a Kat Eyz or Snuffy bridge. I've scooped enough up over the years that I can usually find one each banjo likes.
Scott
I’ve found the pegged Snuffys are especially resonant
quote:
Originally posted by Randy EscobedoThanks to Mike Smith for helping pick the right bridge
Same experience.
Mike is great to work with.
I have known Mike Smith for over 30 years and have been good friends long before he ever started making banjo bridges. How he treats his customers is just a small part of the way he lives his life, day in and day out.
I've seen Mike in many situations & circumstances where he could easily have taken the the low road. But Mike takes the high road and gives that person or situation the benefit of the doubt without being judgmental or getting into a heated situation.
About 2 and a half years ago I asked Mike if he would be willing to teach me how to make bridges, so fast forward to date, Mike encouraged me from the start to make my own bridge. I told him why would I want to do that when my best friend & mentor makes the coolest looking custom Kat Eyz design bridges. (Always been my favorite & always will be). I told him , I'd be treading water LOL. And further more I told him there was no way that I was going to take money out of his pocket with any type of bridge sales on my part.
Well, Mike was persistent and stated that there's plenty of room for bridge makers. So I decided to market my own bridge and told him that any bridge design that I sell would be ran by him first for his approval. If he gives me a thumbs down, it ain't gonna happen ! I don't care if I sell one Aztec bridge or any other bridge for that matter. I won't let bridge sales or the love of money come between our FRIENDSHIP, there's nothing in this world worth loosing that !!!
Mike is a straight shooter & he treats people right & is always willing to help people in the business.
I love ya Buddy !
Brian
Many years ago, shortly before the original Snuffy Smith died
, I bought a Snuffy Smith bridge from Janet Davis (that's how long ago it was
). It really made my 1893 Fairbanks-Electric come alive. I strongly recommend them!!
Two of my banjos wear Snuffy Smith bridges. Good stuff!
Never found an original SS bridge that really worked for me but Mike’s new generation SS bridges are fabulous sounding. Have five of them and haven’t found a dud yet. Great bridges.
Edited by - banjoez on 02/01/2023 18:35:37
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