Interested reading this thread about Jida banjoes. I had a long handled model I bought in the mid 70's. It was never great - so after about 20 years I sold it to Keith Stacey.

Next time I saw it; it was a stunningly beautiful instrument. it played like a dream - even in my hands!

Keith explained that he had dismantled it - every nut and bolt - then reassembled it, having lovingly cleaned and oiled all the parts. He said, the basic design and the materials of the banjo were great, but they just hadn't been put together with love in the factory.

Incidentally Keith is a great banjo player - playing all the main styles and he is still looking for pupils. He lives at Clay Cross near Chesterfield. His number is 01246 865739 and he knows all about banjoes.