Okay, forgive me for this, but I got kind of excited. Normally I don't sent out birth announcements when I get another axe.

Picked up a new Gold Tone Irish Tenor (IT-250) banjo yesterday from Long & McQuade Music in Stratford Ontario. I had to wait a few weeks as it was on back order but apparently it's worth the wait.

What a crackerjack little axe! Nice fit and finish, decent hardware (except for somewhat subpar tuning machines which I will eventually upgrade), good set-up (from the USA source after they get the instruments from Korea), nice looking with cloud fret inlays, flame maple headstock overlay, engraved armrest, and what appears to be an ebony capped maple bridge.

The factory strings were crap, but restrung with new D'Addario strings it sounds smooth, loud enough for my sensitivities (it is after all, a banjo), intonates well, and the playability is fast and low.

The purchase was made so that I could use the instrument in question when tenor banjo students come for their lessons. Tired of borrowed instruments, however good, or using mandolin or bouzouki, I wanted an instrument that would work for lessons and make me a happy picker privately.

I'm waiting on a Levys gigbag from another supplier, cardboard not really being very classy, even in this neck of the woods. Will also make a cradle style strap for it.

Someday the Remo Weatherking banjo head will be replaced, but in the meantime it's very suitable.

Now, to drive the family crazy with the thing!

Peace, Mooh.