Orpheum #1 5 string banjo neck repro

Subject: Orpheum #1 5 string banjo neck repro
From: Fortunato
Date: 17 Feb 08 - 04:48 PM

We're trying find a talented luthier to build a reproduction of a Orpheum #1 5 string neck circa 1920s to modify a tenor.

The gentlemen we left it with 18 months ago isn't getting in closer to doing the job. He's very good, but Susette would like to play the banjo in '08, we had hoped for '07.

So we come to the question:

Can anyone recommend a banjo luthier who can and will build a reproduction of a Orpheum #1 5 string neck to modify Susette's tenor?
Thanks in advance for any ideas.
cheers
chance

Subject: RE: Orpheum #1 5 string banjo neck repro
From: GUEST,DonMeixner
Date: 17 Feb 08 - 05:08 PM

Bernie Lehmann in Rochester NY
H. F. Eibert in Syracuse, NY
Bart Reiter on the Web.
Look on the internet for their sites.

But Jeepers Chance, There must be someone close to home .

Don

Subject: RE: Orpheum #1 5 string banjo neck repro
From: Charley Noble
Date: 17 Feb 08 - 05:41 PM

Chance-

Where are you located?

I could certainly recommend the luthier in Maine who did a fine job of creating a replica neck for a Stewart Orchestra 5-string banjo; the original neck was badly butchered. He did take a year to do the job, working on it when "he had the time" but it was worth the wait.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Orpheum #1 5 string banjo neck repro
From: Fortunato
Date: 17 Feb 08 - 07:01 PM

Don and Charley,

We are in Silver Spring, Md. There may be someone close to home, but I don't know who they are. So I appreciate your help.
chance

Subject: RE: Orpheum #1 5 string banjo neck repro
From: GUEST,Arnie
Date: 17 Feb 08 - 07:59 PM

You could get in touch with Walt Koken. I understand He's arranged an authentic repro 5 sting neck for his own banjo.

Subject: RE: Orpheum #1 5 string banjo neck repro
From: Fortunato
Date: 17 Feb 08 - 08:53 PM

Don,

Harry Ebert is interested in building the neck, how do you come to know him and recommend him?

thanks,


Arnie, who is Walt Koken? How would I get in touch with him?

Subject: RE: Orpheum #1 5 string banjo neck repro
From: GUEST,DonMeixner
Date: 18 Feb 08 - 12:25 AM

Hi Chance.

Harry is a friend who belongs to The Guitar League, as do I. He is a luthier who trained with George Gruhn. He builds some fine guitars. Has been featured in jornals for the restoration of a Stromberg Archtop. He builds Harp guitars. He restored the Guild F-30 I play, refretted and reset my Ode Long 5. He does work for The Syracuse Symphony. And he is doing a neck reangle on My D 12-20. I find him to be fairly priced and reasonable to get along with. He also buys my jewelry to give to his wife.

Don

Subject: RE: Orpheum #1 5 string banjo neck repro
From: GUEST,Arnie
Date: 18 Feb 08 - 09:15 AM

Walt is definitely one of the finest living old time clawhammer banjo players around. He also plays fiddle in the Orpheus Supertones. He's a very friendly guy. His email is [e-mail]
Arnie

Subject: RE: Orpheum #1 5 string banjo neck repro
From: Fortunato
Date: 18 Feb 08 - 11:31 AM

thanks Don.

Thanks Arnie.

Subject: RE: Orpheum #1 5 string banjo neck repro
From: oombanjo
Date: 18 Feb 08 - 11:34 AM

Hi Chance you could also mail it over here to Dave Stacy. You will find him in the old time news mag. cheers. John Y

Subject: RE: Orpheum #1 5 string banjo neck repro
From: BanjoRay
Date: 18 Feb 08 - 12:32 PM

Chance, Walt was over here at last year's festival with the Orpheus Supertones. Part of the band name comes from Walt's Orpheum banjo.
Ray

Subject: RE: Orpheum #1 5 string banjo neck repro
From: GLoux
Date: 18 Feb 08 - 02:36 PM

Chance,

I recommend that you contact Ray Alden. He has had a good number of banjo necks made for him over the years by more than one luthier.

rgamusic at bestweb.net

-Greg