Tailpieces: Mark Ralston Tailpieces

Submitted by PeterKSiegel on 8/29/2017

Where Purchased: Direct from maker

Overall Comments

Mark Ralston makes reproduction tailpieces based on designs by Fairbanks, Dobson, Stewart, and other early banjo makers. Most of them are for nylon strings. I bought two of his tailpieces and they are very high quality and beautiful. They come with an attachment bolt that will work on most banjos. Highly recommended.

Overall Rating: 10

Bridges: Kateyz

Submitted by PeterKSiegel on 8/1/2017

Where Purchased: Direct from Mike Smith

Overall Comments

I have purchased two KatEyz bridges from Mike Smith. They sound great and Mike is a pleasure to work with. Highly recommended. 

Overall Rating: 10

Bridges: 100 year old barnwood minstrel bridge

Submitted by PeterKSiegel on 7/23/2017

Where Purchased: Direct from Don New

Overall Comments

This bridge was made by Don New, who is a superb craftsman, probably best-known for his dam spillway bridges. The bridge I just purchased however is a two-footed minstrel bridge. I love the sound of this bridge and the way it brings out the character of an old banjo. Don does great work on all his models and is very helpful in making sure you get exactly the bridge you need. Highly recommended. 

Overall Rating: 10

Schattl Conversion: Vega Little Wonder Conversion

Submitted by PeterKSiegel on 7/23/2017

Where Purchased: Direct from Gary Schattl

Year Purchased: 2017
Price Paid: 999 ($US)

Sound

Exquisite sound for frailing. Delicate transparent sound but plently loud.

Sound Rating: 10

Setup

Setup seems perfect. I have not made any changes.

Setup Rating: 10

Appearance

Yes, Gary fashioned a maple and walnut neck that looks great with the original Vega pot.

Appearance Rating: 10

Reliability

This banjo is rock solid. The pot has already been around for 90 years and the neck will last another 90!

Reliability Rating: 10

Customer Service

I just got it. There were a few emails between us and everything went smoothly.

Customer Service: 10

Components

Everything is solid, either original vega parts or high-quality hardware replacements.

Components Rating: 10

Overall Comments

The pot on this banjo is an original Vega Little Wonder pot made in 1924. At that time tenor banjos were all the rage, and the Little Wonder was only made as a tenor. It turns out that when fitted with a 5-string neck, the Little Wonder is a great-sounding banjo for frailing.

This banjo does indeed sound great. Gary has equipped it with a maple neck with walnut trimmings, and the neck is extremely comfortable. It practically plays itself. The neck has a truss rod which is accessed through the heel end to preserve the antique look of the banjo.

 

Overall Rating: 10

Heads: Hide Heads by John Balch

Submitted by PeterKSiegel on 7/22/2017

Where Purchased: Purchased direct from John Balch

Overall Comments

John has provided hide heads for about five of my banjos over the last few years. His work is absolutely top-notch and he has also provided great guidance and suggestions concerning the best head for each banjo. The banjos have gained new and varied voices and I have gained a deeper understanding of what these instruments can sound like.

John makes pre-mounted heads in several standard sizes, which makes installation a breeze. If you have an odd-sized rim, you can send it to him and he will fit a custom head and return the rim to you with the head installed.

If you are interested in learning about and/or obtaining a top quality hide head for your banjo, get in touch with John. You won't be sorry.

Overall Rating: 10

Mike's Banjo Mute: 5-string Standard Model

Submitted by PeterKSiegel on 7/22/2017

Where Purchased: Direct from Mike

Overall Comments

I have had a "Mike's Mute" for about a year and it has allowed me to practice at all hours without disturbing anyone. The mute is a high-quality well-made accessory that slips right onto the bridge. I recently bought another mute for a friend and she loves it. Highly recommended.

Overall Rating: 10