The early Rich and Taylor-era instruments from 1993 are arguably the best-sounding banjos made in the last 35 years. The company was a collaboration between Greg Rich and Mark Taylor, son of famous Dobro player Tut Taylor, that formed shortly after Rich left Gibson (the Rich-era banjos that he made at Gibson from 1987-1993 are highly regarded as well).
RK’s Songster shows its roots with time-honored components that give a nod to bluegrass history right down to the original RK hex-stamped flange design. The mahogany resonator and neck combine with the rolled tone ring and classy gloss finish for true banjo tone and vintage bluegrass authenticity players won’t often find at this price.
"Pre-war" style, at a price anyone can afford, AND authentic tone and superb playability describe the OB-150. This Bluegrass banjo sports a three-ply maple rim and one-piece flange (just like the megabucks originals), a maple neck inlayed in authentic style, a brass flathead tone ring, and a smooth satin finish. The OB-150 is professionally set up in our Florida shop and comes with TRANSFERRABLE lifetime warranty.
The Sullivan Deluxe Banjo sounds incredible and gives you more bang for your buck than instruments that cost three times as much. The neck and resonator are mahogany with a rosewood fingerboard and attractive inlays. The Sullivan Deluxe has a three-ply hard rock maple shell, a powerful Sullivan full-weight flathead tone ring, and professional keys. The frets are in excellent condition with little to no wear. This banjo was thoroughly detailed, and the metal was shined in our shop so it gleams.
The Calico is one of my favorite Deering banjos in this price range. It has an attractive blonde curly maple neck and resonator with nickel plated metal parts including a full-weight brass flathead tone ring.
This Stelling Bill Emerson Red Fox banjo came from a private collector and is in excellent condition. The gold plating looks almost brand new, and there is virtually no wear on the edge of the armrest where a banjo player's forearm usually touches. The engraving also looks fantastic. I especially love the holes in the flange that are engraved on the edge.
This Stelling Masterpiece 10th Anniversary Banjo was manufactured between February 4 and February 21, 1986. It's a striking art piece and a powerful instrument with a breathtaking tone. This is the ninth and final Masterpiece made by Geoff Stelling for his company's tenth anniversary in 1984. In total, Geoff made 100 Masterpieces during his illustrious career.
