During last week's "Walkabout" I dropped into the Twelfth Fret here in Toronto, to do my normal folkie Layabout time-waster.

Grant showed me two fine new instruments from Saga. One is an old time open back frailer that is cheap ('bout 700 Canadian...which makes it about 20 bucks Yankee Ha Ha!) and SOLID! I think it's an improvement on the Deering GoodTyme for a number of reasons. The most important reason (to me) is that it has a "traditional" look. The Deering was obviously designed for those who don't care about stuff like that.

It wasn't set up well, but had a fine sound. The neck is "chunky" but should hold up well for those who are using heavy strings.

The BIG surprise was (also from Saga, and at the same price) a PICCOLO BANJO!!! (I'm sure I spelled that wrong..that's why I got "cutesy" in the header) YES INDEED. Those wonderful tiny five stringers that S.S. Stewart and others used to make, that are rarely seen, often hugely priced, and come complete with warped neck!

Believe me, the neck on this will NOT warp. It's substantial to say the least. The little banjo sounds great, and would be residing here if I could have snuck it past Heather (who would have made me disclose why I needed ONE MORE banjo!)

My guess is they're marketing it as a "travel Banjo" (for those wandering folkies who take 747s instead of hiway 66) but it's wonderful no matter what they call it.

Anyone else seen it?

Rick