Monday, January 28, 2008

Craig Evans CD review



Craig Evans of Singleton Street owns three Chuck Lee Banjos --all Marble Falls Tubaphone models. Recently he sent us his CD "Wingin' It, by Singleton Street, which he recorded using our banjo. The first time Chuck and I popped it in our player, we were traveling to Fort Worth. Together we enjoyed singing along to some great gospel favorites, with a definite "live, you are there" sort of experience.
And I sure love the artwork--what a treat to the eyes! Way to go Craig and Company!

Monday, January 21, 2008

Meet Chuck's new buddy, Charlie

This is Charlie, our Newfoundland. We are adopting him from Brenda Matheny of Brenrich Newfoundlands. (Shown above with Chuck).

Isn't he beautiful? He is 120 pounds of slobbery love and his parents were both from fine bloodlines!

He has seen hard days (neglect/life-worn) and needed a gentle home.

Sunday, January 20, 2008

We Didn't Build Any Banjos,,,,,,




.....But Chuck did help our Scouts build two nice rockets (plus a third for a friend) and one knock-out derby car.

Friday, January 18, 2008

Nate Lee, Musician


Well, here's his picture , so let the bragging begin!

Fiddle, mandolin, guitar, Chuck Lee Banjo, and more. Nate is such a natural with a musical instrument. Since he was 11 years old, he has worked hard and become a wonderful player. Currently, he plays with two bands, The Alan Munde Gazette, and Steve Smith's Hard Road.

He has "played well with others", for years, and taking him to jams and fiddle contests has been among the "button-busting proud" highlights of parenting.

His Chuck Lee Banjo is nicknamed the "Blue Dragon". It's the only banjo with a blue neck and rim which we've built. The peghead inlay has Smog, the dragon, flying over Laketown.

Saturday, January 12, 2008

ZOO



This Badger, with wooden tone ring and all cherry wood, is for Johnny's Guitar teacher, nicknamed "Zoo". Patrick DeZeeuw surprised me at Johnny's first lesson--he told Johnny that a good student should never practice guitar! After the shock wore off, he continued to say, "practice is dull, we don't practice what we love, we PLAY. Lots!" I just have to agree with that approach. Zoo often surprises me; when he plays electric with Johnny, they play it LOUD, 'cos "that's how electric guitar is meant to be played". He is a gifted teacher who cares about his students with great depth.
In addition to being an excellent musician and song writer, Zoo is also an artist and landscape designer. Hope he enjoys his one-of-a-kind banjo.

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Wayne Shrubsall





This Prairieville is on its way to Wayne Shrubsall. Wayne is a favorite of ours, a kind and helpful person and a fantastic banjo player. We think of him as a true " gentleman and scholar".

His Prairieville Vintage 12" is all walnut, with the standard brass hoop tone ring. It features Vintage peghead inlay and Peghed (tm) planetary geared tuners.

This is Wayne's second Chuck Lee Banjo.

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Armrests

We have been trying to provide quality wire armrests for our banjo players. Just before Christmas we had a long anticipated shipment of plated armrests come in! Our boys spent some of their school break helping us sort and divide them. They are mostly gone now.
We don't get these in often, but hopefully more are coming. They are made for us, but fit most any banjo. Be sure to drop us an email if you want one, nickel or brass. If we're out, we'll put you on a waiting list for the next order.
Also, some of our dealers have a few to sell.