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Jul 14, 2026 - 12:45:21 PM
61 posts since 12/7/2024

Anyone know what has happened with Don New? I have emailed him as well as left him a message here several times in the past 2 weeks and haven’t heard a thing back from him. He has a current listing in the marketplace so appears to still be in business. Is he well, still selling, just hard to get in touch with? Anyone know of another source for 1/2” banjo bridges suitable for antique banjos with Nylgut strings now that Joel Hooks is no longer making them? Thanks—Larry

Jul 14, 2026 - 7:30:43 PM

742 posts since 6/6/2007

He passed, I believe.

Jul 15, 2026 - 3:16:30 AM

39631 posts since 2/28/2006

Correct. I believe it was in May or early June. There's a post announcing his passing.

Jul 15, 2026 - 4:17:02 AM

Tuedelband

Germany

107 posts since 7/27/2021

Too bad!

So, only here now: https://cliffordessex.com/product-category/accessories

Or does anyone know more?

That would be great.

Jul 15, 2026 - 6:55:07 AM

9 posts since 2/3/2026

Thanks for asking, and thanks for letting us all know.
I reached out to him also, but I missed the post on him passing.

Jul 15, 2026 - 7:08:01 AM

5864 posts since 9/12/2016
Online Now

Yes I like and use both -the spillway and bigfoot and did catch that thread--but his threads in the classified seem to be still existing as artifacts--
those bigfoots will be hard to duplicate--some days they fit my touch the best--
also I got to know Don a bit--a ''good people" kinda person

Jul 15, 2026 - 9:34:33 AM

61 posts since 12/7/2024

@Tuedelband I found a 1/2” compensated bridge on Amazon sold by Golden Gate but it has an ebony cap so is just a temporary one until I can find one more appropriate. I have been looking at the Clifford Essex website and will likely order a couple different ones as soon as I make up my mind. There must be others out there who can add 1/2” bridges without an ebony or rosewood cap that are appropriate for old banjos.Elderly has some copies of the original Cole bridges but they are not available in 1/2”.

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