Well, I was starting to think that this day would never come. The Aria Pro that Charcloth put up on the Mudcat Auction has arrived. I have jumped through a bunch of hoops getting it here, Charcloth has been really patient and helpful in going through some of these hoops with me. You should see the steps he went to to make sure it arrived to me in one piece. I think that the Louvre receives priceless art that isn't as well packaged. It did arrive intact.

Well, this looks and feels like a beautiful instrument. For those who were also bidding, I thought you would like to know it sounds and plays terribly. However, I suspect that will improve once I put the bridge back on and tune it up.

Well, I now have a real Banjo. My current one was a pretty good sounding and playing Cast Aluminium pot, but this has a Tone Ring. I've played my Uncle's Tone Ring Banjos and there is no comparison in sound and playability.

I can't wait to run her up and hear her voice.

I also think that I've made an online buddy in Charcloth.

Thanks Mudcat.