I have seen the prototypes, beautiful banjos. Anything Barry does is top of the line!

Tony and Mark,
I actually got to play two of first Shelby prototypes to be completed.
No shortcuts were taken on these banjos. The grade of the woods used,
the flawless plating, the workmanship and finish, all aspects are exceptional.
The tone, volume and clarity are superior. The thing that got my
greatest attention is the comfort of the neck profile and ease of playing. Barry
explained that the banjo was actually designed and built with the goal of it
being adjustable for ease of playing, for players desiring maximum ease,
or adjustable in the other direction depending on what each player prefers.
And, the Shelby is American made.

Another high-quality masterclone maker. I’m waiting for someone to offer something different in the way of, let’s say, inlays. Maybe some newly designed patterns with engravings. I know that experimenting with the shells and tone rings is risky, but I’d like to see some variety elsewhere.

Hi Bill,
We are coming out with three models that should be ready in the next month or so with different inlay patterns. We will be doing many things in the future. This is our introduction of the company to the public and yes we will continue with these models as they are in demand and we want to please as many
players as possible. It’s just the beginning. We can always do a custom build for you as well.
Best,
Barry

Bill, I always think about Ken’s banjos, some of those inlays were truly unique.

Curious where they are located?

I got a chuckle out of the use of a Goodtime drawing, used for the models that don’t have a photo yet.

quote:

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Originally posted by Bill Rogers

Another high-quality masterclone maker. I’m waiting for someone to offer something different in the way of, let’s say, inlays. Maybe some newly designed patterns with engravings. I know that experimenting with the shells and tone rings is risky, but I’d like to see some variety elsewhere.

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Well said. You're not the only one  waiting for someone to offer something different. I find these inlays to be stodgy and uninspiring. Not a whole lot of original and independent thinking in the banjo world right now!

Same ole....same ole!

Not to mention the fact that the price point on these banjos is more for the "affluent picker". And yet another high-priced masterclone makes its debut. Does the banjo world really need it?

I'm sure there must be a market somewhere for these banjos. But not in the circles I travel in.

Well I certainly see what your saying but there really isn't to many American made banjos being made today with the exception of Deering,Yates and I think Huber is still making banjos but I hear little about them and as far as Masterclone banjos yes its a proven design not everyone wants a prewar banjo at their price point so I think its great and certainly another option, don't knock it until you try it.

quote:

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Originally posted by saltcreek

Well I certainly see what your saying but there really isn't to many American made banjos being made today with the exception of Deering,Yates and I think Huber is still making banjos but I hear little about them and as far as Masterclone banjos yes its a proven design not everyone wants a prewar banjo at their price point so I think its great and certainly another option, don't knock it until you try it.

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I hope Huber is still doing banjos, Ive been eyeballing them and while I dont have my heart set on them yet... I'd hate to miss out on them.

quote:

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Originally posted by saltcreek

 Masterclone banjos yes its a proven design not everyone wants a prewar banjo at their price point so I think its great and certainly another option, don't knock it until you try it.

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Well.....that's like saying not everyone wants an antique Packard, Hudson, Duesenberg or Cadillac. So, let's be grateful there is Toyota, GM and Ford! If you cannot afford any of then then it becomes irrelevant. 

I cannot comment on the banjo (because I've never played one). But I can comment on the facts presented on the website:

1. Price - much too high for me and many pickers I know.

2. Inlays - nothing new to see here. Simply copies of what's already been done over, and over and over!

3. Headstock - nothing inspiring there!

Not much to get excited about so far.  Oh.....but I'm sure the tonal characteristics are flabbergasting, right?

Two builders doing unique and innovative work are Nechville and Kunkel. Both won't be mistaken as Gibson knockoffs.

Wow Mark!! This is just amazing!! How rude and disrespectful can you get. I simply started a company and business venture to do what I love and produce quality banjos.

If you don’t like the style don’t buy one and shut up. Do you get happiness from slamming someone who doesn’t create what you like personally?

There is a high demand for traditional style banjos like this and the people who like them would never play anything but this style. The people who play pre war Gibsons would not want anything but those. Everyone likes different things.

Over the past 10 years I have sold more Deering banjos than anyone, in which are great banjos. Some people don’t like Deering but you can’t say they are not good quality.

And I have also put a ton of work into creating and launching Shelby American Banjo Company. I plan to expand my ideas as time moves forward. But the traditional style banjos will remain as constant models.

I just don’t understand why anyone finds it okay to try and hurt someone’s business just because you don’t like it. You just can’t wait to get to that keyboard and start your drama. Do you find it funny? Does it make you feel macho?

You haven’t seen or played one and you make snide comments and judgement calls about them.

I received a disrespectful voicemail a couple years ago. A friend of mine reminded me today that it was you that left it.

Keep up the good vibes Mark. I’m very impressed, just not favorably.

quote:

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Originally posted by barry Waldrep

Wow Mark!! This is just amazing!! How rude and disrespectful can you get. I simply started a company and business venture to do what I love and produce quality banjos.

If you don’t like the style don’t buy one and shut up. Do you get happiness from slamming someone who doesn’t create what you like personally?

There is a high demand for traditional style banjos like this and the people who like them would never play anything but this style. The people who play pre war Gibsons would not want anything but those. Everyone likes different things.

Over the past 10 years I have sold more Deering banjos than anyone, in which are great banjos. Some people don’t like Deering but you can’t say they are not good quality.

And I have also put a ton of work into creating and launching Shelby American Banjo Company. I plan to expand my ideas as time moves forward. But the traditional style banjos will remain as constant models.

I just don’t understand why anyone finds it okay to try and hurt someone’s business just because you don’t like it. You just can’t wait to get to that keyboard and start your drama. Do you find it funny? Does it make you feel macho?

You haven’t seen or played one and you make snide comments and judgement calls about them.

I received a disrespectful voicemail a couple years ago. A friend of mine reminded me today that it was you that left it.

Keep up the good vibes Mark. I’m very impressed, just not favorably.

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Whoa dude......

What an over the top (big time) reaction with blood, tears and sweat all over the floor. Well...sir I am not favorably impressed with your response either.  Maybe you are not accustomed to hearing anything negative about your product? Well, your outburst here probably negatively impacts you much more than my very insignificant comments about your inlays and headstock. 

Glad we cleared that up....

For a minute there, I thought you might be trying to control the discourse on the Banjo Hangout. 

Oh....and nice try with the wacky comment about voicemail years ago.At this age most of us have given up on tilting at windmills!

quote:

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Originally posted by barry Waldrep

And I have also put a ton of work into creating and launching Shelby American Banjo Company. I plan to expand my ideas as time moves forward. But the traditional style banjos will remain as constant models.

 

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By traditional style.....

You mean ideas and patterns you have copied from someone else!

Correct?

Okay, you two, if you want to flame each other, take it OFF the Hangout.

I gotta go with Mark Douglas on this one, as a new shopper I see constant repeated patterns, while I get the popularity of them, I can totally see where people with far more experience might be bored with them. Price point on the other hand is subjective to me, not that I am affluent, but I generally believe you get what you pay for or don't as it seems in my saga to get a roadkill king. barry Waldrep telling someone if you dont like the style dont buy one and shut up is very off putting. Perhaps you read more into what was said than there needed to be, from my view point it is constructive criticism, run with it. Have you seen the Nechville alchemist atomic nuvo? Outisde of the price point the inlays are pretty spectacular! Maybe just maybe, you could instead take criticism from someone you have a past with per you mentioning it and run with it! Telling a customer if they dont like it, dont buy it and shut up... just rubs me the wrong way. People who dont buy from you are still customers, figure out why they dont buy and then make them something that they will buy. Know what I mean Vern?

For me, given your reaction and all things being equal as a potential customer, your statement is so off putting that I wouldnt/wont buy from you. At least at this time, given the reaction I question what might happen if I have a problem with your banjo or it needs repaired. Will I be told to shut up too? Im sure the answer is of course NO! but it has already happen when people are just kicking the tires looking over your stuff with valid criticism.

Anyway, being that I'm not buying from you and partially supporting the dissent/criticism, I will take your advice and shut up as well. I do appreciate your entrepreneurial spirit and wish you the best of luck! All in all, you have made some pretty ones!

I sure would like to hear these banjos in real time or at least in a good YouTube video.

The sound on the website sounds a bit muffled.

I started this thread because I was excited about a new American made banjo company and wanted folks to check it out not to slam a new business where it might have a negative effect on his business. You are definitely entitled to your opinion and that's what a forum is all about but you do not need to be negative on someone or their product that you've never seen or tried and I'm sure you will respond with some hurtful comments when all you need to do is just scroll on.

The negative flaming posts seen here are just why so many have left the BHO..especially the real professionals that used to grace the site.

Barry..congratulations on your new builds. They look stunning, and I am sure with the components you use they sound just as good as they look. With an overabundance of low end masterclonish crap that has flooded the market, its nice to see small build high end quality instruments being crafted. I look forward to someday seeing them.

quote:

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Originally posted by saltcreek

I started this thread because I was excited about a new American made banjo company and wanted folks to check it out not to slam a new business where it might have a negative effect on his business. You are definitely entitled to your opinion and that's what a forum is all about but you do not need to be negative on someone or their product that you've never seen or tried and I'm sure you will respond with some hurtful comments when all you need to do is just scroll on.

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Some of you folks on here always get bent out of shape when things don't go your way!

Your post is inaccurate AND untrue;

1.  "you do not need to be negative on someone"  

       Who made any negative comments about the owner/seller himself?

        Yeah, that's what I thought.

2.  "not to slam a new business" 

       You crack me up with all the exaggeration. It's NOT a new business it's a new banjo!  LOL

3. "just scroll on" 

       Is that a direct order, sir?

I guess as long as folks on here tell you what a great product and great ideas you have.....

Then folks would just buy the banjos and live happily ever after.

So sorry that I rained on your parade!

Okay, let's attempt to be civil and not flame one another. Any more of that and this topic is locked. Flaming is a rule breaker. Arguing and telling people what they can and can't post is for moderators. Please, let's keep it clean. It's an interesting thread.

quote:

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Originally posted by barry Waldrep

 Does it make you feel macho?

 

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Well....full disclosure. 

I was on YouTube recently and I did have The Village People up at a very high volume during the song "Macho Man".

Just sayin'....

Shelby American banjo company is a business, not just a banjo. One that I’ve worked very hard on and very proud of the quality.

I also own banjo.com which is a business. Two separate businesses that contributes to the banjo community and provides income for me, my family and employees.

I welcome feedback, but I do not welcome people attacking my businesses. My prices are in line with anything close to this quality. The tone is excellent and the craftsmanship is spotless and refined.

Although, I have drawings for my future banjo design. There will always be a need for what I just released.