I finally made it out of my instrument desert to TN. I have been hitting small music stores all over. Found some surprises and am becoming more knowledgeable on brands of the stringed instrument.
Found a Johnson banjo that was soo loud up through the neck I was almost embarrased to play it. Very fancy banjo with inlays everywhere and engraved everything. Double purlings on resonator. Very heavy banjo. Didnt think china made such things. Was 1000 usd.
Played a Danville that was really resonant past the 12. Store was asking twice internet price for this chinese banjo.
Found out I love the br160A. Ive played several now.
I havent found any Hatfields, Stellings, Sullivans or other American SE luthier brands. Im going to hit Nashville on my way back to go to Gruhn and Carter. Any suggestions in east central TN?
Edited by - NotABanjoYoda on 03/26/2023 05:59:57
Mountain Music
Folk Music Store
both in Chattanooga
Check out Ciderville Music in Powell, TN just above Knoxville. It's a small hole in the wall but was (and may still be) the world's #1 dealer of Martin guitars. He also has (or had) a banjo wall, you never know what you might see there. It's where I saw my first Nechville banjo nearly 30 years ago.
I went to Mountain Music, Folk Music store, guitar center and a couple others in Chatt... pickers friend in Athens and Main Stage in Dayton yesterday.
I was surprised that folk music was a house on a main commercial street.
There were certainly plenty of guitars to be found, but all of that driving only produced a single 1970s RB250 that was beat to crap and a few more chinese banjos.
I bought some light elixer banjo strings. This is my preferred guitar strings but I havent tried them on a banjo yet. The store owner told me elixer will no longer make banjo strings! Then went on to assure me he isnt gouging the price like everyone online. So i bought two sets...lol.
Main stage in Dayton stood out. Not only did they have a very high end store full of Gibsons and pro equipment, but also a display case full of starwars collectibles and starwars themed guitars.
@banjoy I really want to go to ciderville on Friday to their weekly concert. Looks like a happenin place! Im going to call ahead first though. Wifes not liking banjos getting in the way when nothings panned out so far....lol
If you want to stop by my house in Knoxville, I have plenty of banjos for sell (I make them myself).
hardisonbanjos.com
Also, Music Room Guitars in Knoxville has a decent selection of instruments for being such a small shop.
