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Orpheum #1 5 string banjo neck repro

17 Feb 08 - 04:48 PM (#2264817)
Subject: Orpheum #1 5 string banjo neck repro
From: Fortunato

We're trying find a talented luthier to build a reproduction of a Orpheum #1 5 string neck circa 1920s to modify a tenor.

The gentlemen we left it with 18 months ago isn't getting in closer to doing the job. He's very good, but Susette would like to play the banjo in '08, we had hoped for '07.

So we come to the question:

Can anyone recommend a banjo luthier who can and will build a reproduction of a Orpheum #1 5 string neck to modify Susette's tenor?
Thanks in advance for any ideas.
cheers
chance


17 Feb 08 - 05:08 PM (#2264838)
Subject: RE: Orpheum #1 5 string banjo neck repro
From: GUEST,DonMeixner

Bernie Lehmann in Rochester NY
H. F. Eibert in Syracuse, NY
Bart Reiter on the Web.
Look on the internet for their sites.

But Jeepers Chance, There must be someone close to home .

Don


17 Feb 08 - 05:41 PM (#2264859)
Subject: RE: Orpheum #1 5 string banjo neck repro
From: Charley Noble

Chance-

Where are you located?

I could certainly recommend the luthier in Maine who did a fine job of creating a replica neck for a Stewart Orchestra 5-string banjo; the original neck was badly butchered. He did take a year to do the job, working on it when "he had the time" but it was worth the wait.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble


17 Feb 08 - 07:01 PM (#2264911)
Subject: RE: Orpheum #1 5 string banjo neck repro
From: Fortunato

Don and Charley,

We are in Silver Spring, Md. There may be someone close to home, but I don't know who they are. So I appreciate your help.
chance


17 Feb 08 - 07:59 PM (#2264954)
Subject: RE: Orpheum #1 5 string banjo neck repro
From: GUEST,Arnie

You could get in touch with Walt Koken. I understand He's arranged an authentic repro 5 sting neck for his own banjo.


17 Feb 08 - 08:53 PM (#2265009)
Subject: RE: Orpheum #1 5 string banjo neck repro
From: Fortunato

Don,

Harry Ebert is interested in building the neck, how do you come to know him and recommend him?

thanks,


Arnie, who is Walt Koken? How would I get in touch with him?


18 Feb 08 - 12:25 AM (#2265092)
Subject: RE: Orpheum #1 5 string banjo neck repro
From: GUEST,DonMeixner

Hi Chance.

Harry is a friend who belongs to The Guitar League, as do I. He is a luthier who trained with George Gruhn. He builds some fine guitars. Has been featured in jornals for the restoration of a Stromberg Archtop. He builds Harp guitars. He restored the Guild F-30 I play, refretted and reset my Ode Long 5. He does work for The Syracuse Symphony. And he is doing a neck reangle on My D 12-20. I find him to be fairly priced and reasonable to get along with. He also buys my jewelry to give to his wife.

Don


18 Feb 08 - 09:15 AM (#2265301)
Subject: RE: Orpheum #1 5 string banjo neck repro
From: GUEST,Arnie

Walt is definitely one of the finest living old time clawhammer banjo players around. He also plays fiddle in the Orpheus Supertones. He's a very friendly guy. His email is wkoken@comcast.net
Arnie


18 Feb 08 - 11:31 AM (#2265405)
Subject: RE: Orpheum #1 5 string banjo neck repro
From: Fortunato

thanks Don.

Thanks Arnie.


18 Feb 08 - 11:34 AM (#2265408)
Subject: RE: Orpheum #1 5 string banjo neck repro
From: oombanjo

Hi Chance you could also mail it over here to Dave Stacy. You will find him in the old time news mag. cheers. John Y


18 Feb 08 - 12:32 PM (#2265450)
Subject: RE: Orpheum #1 5 string banjo neck repro
From: BanjoRay

Chance, Walt was over here at last year's festival with the Orpheus Supertones. Part of the band name comes from Walt's Orpheum banjo.
Ray


18 Feb 08 - 02:36 PM (#2265545)
Subject: RE: Orpheum #1 5 string banjo neck repro
From: GLoux

Chance,

I recommend that you contact Ray Alden. He has had a good number of banjo necks made for him over the years by more than one luthier.

rgamusic at bestweb.net

-Greg