Martin
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Post by Martin on Oct 13, 2022 11:48:11 GMT
While on holiday last Friday (specifically having lunch at The Ship Inn in Elie), I received a notification that Leon Ballard had just completed two banjos available for sale. This is unusual in that most of his work is commission-only and his waiting list isn't currently open. I've had a semi-fretless banjo of Leon's before, and while lovely I just couldn't get to grips with the lack of frets or the brass plate. I do have a great little vintage banjo which Leon made a new neck for (some of you may have seen this at Huddersfield a few weeks ago), so I'm a fan of his work. Anyway, I took the opportunity to contact Leon about his new banjos and a few hours later, one of them was winging its way to Hamilton. I'm delighted to say I've been having some fun with this little beauty Not me playing it, but it's this banjo 12" American Black Walnut block constructed rim Sonokeling integral tone ring Brass rod tone ring Ebony rim cap Renaissance head Walnut arm rest European flamed Walnut neck Ebony heel cap 25.5" scale Ziricote fingerboard (17 frets) Arc shape frailing scoop Side dots Ziricote peghead overlay 26 hooks, shoes Nickel plated hardware 5-Star planetary tuners with Ebony buttons No Knot tail piece Cherry bridge
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Post by Onechordtrick on Oct 13, 2022 12:34:24 GMT
Another beauty.
What is a semi-fretless banjo? Or I suppose any other instrument and what are the benefits?
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ocarolan
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Post by ocarolan on Oct 13, 2022 12:40:40 GMT
Impressive banjo! And beard...
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colins
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Post by colins on Oct 13, 2022 13:34:34 GMT
Now that is a sweet sounding banjo Martin. I like the armrest, I had a copper one on my banjo and had a green arm by the end of a session.
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Martin
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Post by Martin on Oct 13, 2022 17:25:40 GMT
Another beauty. What is a semi-fretless banjo? Or I suppose any other instrument and what are the benefits? The one I had didn’t have frets where the first seven should be, but instead had a brass plate. The rest of the fingerboard was fretted normally, so allowed a variety of styles (or not as the case may be). Impressive banjo! And beard... I’m more jealous of the beard growth than the banjo making/playing skills… Now that is a sweet sounding banjo Martin. I like the armrest, I had a copper one on my banjo and had a green arm by the end of a session. Cheers Colin. The armrest was a wee bonus, and I do like it. Copper would look cool, but yeah I can imagine the downside of turning into The Incredible Hulk
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leoroberts
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My main instrument is: probably needing new strings
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Post by leoroberts on Oct 13, 2022 22:16:02 GMT
Friction pegs, Martin? That always gives me the shivers - irrational, I know... Or maybe these are cleverly disguised geared thingies...
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Post by otis1960 on Oct 13, 2022 23:13:51 GMT
Looks jolly nice work, Martin, so congratulations, I hope you have lots of fun together (If you like that sort of thing, of course) At least it's not an accordion (although, apologies to traditional box players out there; Andy Cutting has challenged my deep-seated aversion to the bellows family)
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Martin
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Post by Martin on Oct 14, 2022 4:11:22 GMT
Friction pegs, Martin ? That always gives me the shivers - irrational, I know... Or maybe these are cleverly disguised geared thingies... Nah, just standard 5-star planetary tuners. I’m not hip enough for traditional features like friction pegs.
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Post by Onechordtrick on Oct 14, 2022 8:13:23 GMT
Elie is also expensively close to Pittenweem. Is there anything else you need to tell us Martin?
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Martin
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Post by Martin on Oct 14, 2022 10:05:16 GMT
Elie is also expensively close to Pittenweem. Is there anything else you need to tell us Martin ? Hahaha....no, sadly I managed to avoid that particular temptation (although my bank manager will be relieved )
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Post by oustudent on Oct 30, 2023 19:53:16 GMT
.........
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