I took have a Merlin, but the regular neck style. I think this is the bluegrass one like one I saw on Elderly or Gruhn's website a few months ago for about $1000. I bought it a number of years ago but never played it much due to the high action. Took it to Hogeye music in Evanston, IL and John Carbo there fixed the action (thanks John). It now plays well and sounds like a bell. The neck is alittle wide but you get used to it. Was going to sell it but now will keep it for awhile as it's a good bluegrass banjo with a great bell sound. I used to see Merlins at Lyon and Healy in the early 60's. My email is dbstangle1@aol.com. Art Thieme, give me a shout. I was friends with Ed and Fred Holstein and went to HS with them, hung around the old Fret Shop in High Park, Chicago where George Gruhn got his start, etc. Ed Holstein tells me we went to one of your banjo seminars in the early 60's   I remember all those clubs including Big Johns where Paul Butterfield used to play. Also atended the 3rd U of C Folk Festival and haver attended almost every year since. Had dinner w/ED Holstein last Sunday after not seeing him for well over a decade.

Regards, Doug Stangle