quote:
Originally posted by bigleafFabulous, Douglas! Let me know how it goes.
-Bill
Finally got the job done. I'll trim the tag ends when I'm sure I've got it right. Makes a world of difference!
Doug
A special thank you to our Banjo Bolster customers for their wonderful feedback!!! It truly makes our day to read how much you are enjoying the improvement in your banjo's tone.
If anyone is interested in reading real-world, non edited customer testimonials, please click the image above. If you have any questions about the Banjo Bolster, please don't hesitate to contact us. We would love to hear from you!
- Ric
Happy New Year Everyone!
Playing 4-string cello banjo with two Banjo Bolsters is like pulling the instrument out of an echo-y tunnel, into a gorgeous panoramic terrain full of colorful flowers.
We wanted to let everyone know that we are running a 15% off sale from now until February 29th. This sale is not being announced anywhere else and is exclusively for Banjo Hangout users!
Please use discount code BANJOHANGOUT15 during checkout and get 15% off your order!
Visit banjobolster.com to learn all about the Banjo Bolster!
- Ric
Recent Customer Testimonials
“Ric and Deb, thank you for the Banjo Bolster that recently arrived. The construction is innovative, in the sense that if the interior dimensions are measured correctly, it will stay put.
Secondly, based on your instructive suggestions toward Resonator Banjos, the variations of placement open up a whole new world of tone alternatives. Ranging for a nuanced change, to more dramatic, the overall effect of note decay and note separation, so sought after by pros, is wonderful.
It used to be all setup…..string gauges, bridge weights, and heads……but now any Resonator Five-String Banjo will benefit from the Banjo Bolster.
If you are a Stanley nut and like lots of ring, then you can literally tailor the amount of ring and note separation. If you like flat heads, you can essentially accentuate the bottom end or top end to your liking and getting that Scruggs note separation on even fast songs.
Then it opens up the use of lighter gauge strings, 9’s, 9.5’, or 10’s on the 1st and 5th, but with the ability to boost the bottom or top end for that balanced EQ across the strings.
Truly a ground breaker for Resonator Banjos!
Regards"
- E.E.G.
“Ric,
With great anticipation, I finally received the Banjo Bolster. I have been searching many years for something to hold back the overwhelming sound and overtones coming from the back of my Ome 12 inch open back mahogany Wizard, without sacrificing the wonderful mellow tones of the instrument.
I am happy to report that the Banjo Bolster is as good as advertised.
You have a very satisfied customer.
Thanks.”
- Wayne N., Richmond TX
“I picked up a new piece of banjo paraphernalia this week. It’s called a Banjo Bolster, a nifty little device that helps tame the unwanted overtones of an open-back banjo.
The best thing about this unique overtone tamer is, unlike a piece of foam stuffed between the dowel stick and the banjo head, the Banjo Bolster™ lets you adjust the amount of ringing you want to hear by allowing all, some, or none of the Bolster to come in direct contact with the banjo head. Also, unlike a piece of foam, it doesn’t lower the overall volume of the instrument or muffle the tone.
The icing on the cake is the Banjo Bolster™ is handmade by an experienced fiber artist and looks great. I ordered the Banjo Bolster with the intent of using it in my Wildwood Troubadour banjo. The effect on the Troubadour was pretty subtle, but the improvement in my Mike Ramsey fretless banjo is much more dramatic.
In closing, if you have some spare coin and are looking to find a way to rein in those troublesome overtones in your open-back old-time banjo, check out the Banjo Bolster at www.banjobolster.com. Ric & Deb Hollander will make you one to fit your banjo.”
- Rick J., Rocky Point NY
One thing I’d like to clarify about the way I mount my Banjo Bolsters is that they can be used in many ways, according to how you want YOUR banjo to sound.
I like the sound of my banjos best with the bolster off the head, so that’s why I use the velcro ties to keep it off the head. With so many configurations of banjos out there, folks will want to try it in many different ways until they find what works best for them… fully against the head, partially against the head, on one side of the dowel or the other.
One thing I can definitively say is that I love what the Banjo Bolster has done for my sound.
Thanks for the kind words Bill!!!
We have received a few inquiries recently regarding the use of Velcro ties to secure the Banjo Bolster in place. We hope this short post clears up any confusion.
Bill Vinett’s (aka bigleaf) ingenious solution, discussed on page 3 of this thread and also on page 2 of the “Fiberskyn on an Enoch Tradesmen” thread solved a problem he was having. According to Bill, “my belly pushes the bolster against the head dampening it more than I want and sort of defeating the purpose of this wonderful invention…”.
If you find that parts of your body make their way into the banjo pot and shift the position of the Banjo Bolster, then Bill’s solution is a great way to hold it in place and we recommend it highly!
However, based on the extensive feedback and customer testimonials we have received since opening our store almost a year ago, this situation rarely (0.3%) occurs. For the vast majority of Banjo Bolster users (99.7%), the use of Velcro ties are unnecessary, as the Banjo Bolster will, by design, hold your desired configuration perfectly.
Thanks again Bill for sharing your creative solution!
If you have any questions about the Banjo Bolster please don’t hesitate to reach out and either Deb or I will be happy to help!
- Ric
BanjoBolster.com
Okay, consider me convinced!
I was a bit skeptical at first. I play resonator banjo and stuffing doesn't work very well. But this is not about stuffing. What I like most about the bolster is that you can dial in the suppression of overtones with a high degree of granularity. I spent years wrestling with tones with my Stratocaster so I am familiar with notching/boosting, Parametrics etc. I was experiencing an over-ring from my fifth string and I was able to just make it go away with the bolster. The configurations are limitless and I may never be done experimenting, but at some point you have to call it good. And $28 for a handmade item? I spend more than that on a thumb pick. Any tool that gets you closer to the sound that you love is well worth the price, and is well worth 28 bucks just to find out (okay, it's refundable).
Thanks Ric!
Thanks Laurence!!!
Lots of 3-finger resonator banjo players are discovering the Banjo Bolster and the feedback has been 100% positive!
3-Finger players are immediately hearing a noticeable improvement in both note separation and clarity, all without loss of volume, projection or tonal response.
Thanks agian!
Ric
quote:
Originally posted by FrailblazerThanks Laurence!!!
Lots of 3-finger resonator banjo players are discovering the Banjo Bolster and the feedback has been 100% positive!
3-Finger players are immediately hearing a noticeable improvement in both note separation and clarity, all without loss of volume, projection or tonal response.
Thanks agian!
Ric
I've been using Banjo Bolsters for a few months now in a variety of different banjos. I was very skeptical at first, but consider me a convert! The Banjo Bolster is by far the best method of "stuffing" the banjo that I've tried, and I've tried many.
Banjo Bolsters have helped me achieve far more pleasing sounds with each of my banjos, which increases my enjoyment of playing immeasurably. Check out my new thread on Banjo Building, Setup, and Repair, in which David Politzer, professor of theoretical physics at Caltech and winner of the Nobel Prize for physics, refers to the Banjo Bolster as an “insanely clever device.”
Love these things! When's the next sale?! Need to order a bunch more!
quote:
Originally posted by wileypickettLove these things! When's the next sale?! Need to order a bunch more!
Thanks for the feedback! Much appreciated!
quote:
Originally posted by wileypickettLove these things! When's the next sale?! Need to order a bunch more!
Our Biggest Sale Ever Is On Right Now!!!
We can’t believe it! It’s the first anniversary of BanjoBolster.com. We opened our web store in March of 2023 and received our first order in mid-April. How time flies!
We’ve added a few new products to our site since then that we’d like to share with you.
We are now offering the Banjo Bolster Hat in two colors, chocolate brown and forest green. Supplies are limited, so nab one if you’re interested!
Introducing the Grab Pouch!
Not wanting to waste cut off pieces of fabric left over from making Banjo Bolsters, Deb has been saving them all for something special that we call the Grab Pouch!
As musicians, we keep a lot of stuff in our cases. Most of the time we simply want to play our instruments and only need to grab a few of these items, like our capo, tuner, and picks (if used).
Have you found that you often rummage through your accessory compartment trying to find these items? Well, search no more!
Use the Grab Pouch to hold your key accessories and easily grab everything you need to play, in one shot!
Prefer to keep your instrument on a stand? Simply hang the Grab Pouch on the stand for instant access to your key accessories.
The Grab Pouch is perfect for many instruments, including Banjo, Guitar, Fiddle, Mandolin, etc.
Handmade in the USA from the same high quality fabric we use for our Banjo Bolsters.
We are offering the Grab Pouch at an introductory price of $12.
The Banjo Bolster Anniversary Sale!
To celebrate our first anniversary, we’re having a very special sale which ends on May 2, 2024!
Use code BB-ANNIVERSARY-20 and get 20% off your entire order!
PLUS, if you purchase two or more Banjo Bolsters and use code FREE-GRAB-POUCH, we will send you a Grab Pouch for free. Just remember to add it you your cart in your selected color. The discount will be applied during checkout.
Please note, you must add BOTH discount codes mentioned above during checkout to receive both 20% off and the free Grab Pouch.
As always, purchase three or more Banjo Bolsters in a single order and the shipping is on us!*
* Free shipping for USA orders only. International orders will receive a shipping refund of $6.00 - the average cost for US shipping.
Time passes slowly up here in the mountains.
I'm reminded of Dylan's line when I think of how Banjo Bolsters have dramatically transformed my perception of banjo sound; slowing down my awareness to appreciate subtle tonal nuances I'd been trying to squeeze out for ages - but could only fully bring into full fruition after the advent of this momentous invention - savoring each moment of banjo bliss.
THE BANJO BOLSTER
ANNIVERSARY SALE ENDS TOMORROW!
A very special thank you to everyone who has placed orders for Banjo Bolsters, Grab Pouches and Hats during our Anniversary Sale!
So many of you are returning customers, coming back for your 4th, 5th and 6th orders, with many ordering multiple Banjo Bolsters in a single order! And, for our first time Banjo Bolster customers - Welcome!
Please know that we are working as quickly as possible to get your orders completed and shipped, so thanks for your patience.
For anyone interested in picking up a Banjo Bolster, now is a great time to save 20% on your entire order, but tomorrow, May 2, 2024 is the last day of the sale.
Use discount code BB-ANNIVERSARY-20 during checkout and save 20%.
If you order two or more Banjo Bolsters in a single order you can also use discount code FREE-GRAB-POUCH and get a Grab Pouch in your choice of color for free!
If you have questions, don't hesitate to contact us. We would love to hear from you!
Don't Stuff It, BOLSTER It!
BanjoBolster.com
Thank you for the reminder. Just ordered one.
quote:
Originally posted by SirenSongThank you for the reminder. Just ordered one.
Hi Twila. We did receive your order. Thank you!
Ric
For me, the Banjo Bolster has played a pivotal role in rethinking what my banjos are capable of. The tonal enrichment they help me achieve is really profound, enhancing my sensory emersion and musical inspiration. I've always wanted to be able to pull a more beautiful sound out of my banjos. After over 60 years of playing - mostly as a professional performer - the sounds I've longed for are finally here. Thanks to Ric and Deb Hollander for their awesome Banjo Bolster!
Mr Hollander, Im still really new to the banjo and probably wouldnt be able to tell the difference..but..really do LOVE your artwork...very warm and homey feeling...when I get better at this thing will probably buy one because of it.
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