Francy is correct, I believe. John Hartford was a national treasure, mostly associated with the "Smothers' Brothers Comedy Hour." A shame in some ways, as when I saw him live, he absolutely played that Banjo like it was made for HIM. Whadda guy, and musician. Of course, Deering now features a John Hartford model, with a grenadillo (wood) tone ring.

The man was a semi-genius on 5-string. It is just another DAMN SHAME he was taken from us so soon. He was a consummate entertainer, genuine nice and humble guy (met him once, briefly--very down to earth), and a great picker. It wasn't a case of innovating with his picking style, as refining and taking to new frontiers what preceded him. A mensch in the truest definition of the term. I miss ya, John!!!