Chuck Lee Banjo Company

I couldn’t be happier with my Chuck Lee experience.

2011-12-27T11:03:00.019-06:00

It’s about five months since the beautiful banjo Chuck built for me arrived, and they’ve been the best five months I could imagine.I told Chuck I wanted a banjo primarily set up for playing with Nylgut strings and asked him what would be his ideal design. With little hesitation he suggested the Chalk Mountain with a 3” deep rim and an ebony tone ring. Chuck told me he loves to work with

It's all about the great customers.

2011-11-29T13:05:00.003-06:00

Wow, we love our banjo customers. The following was written by Devin Tower, who we have had the pleasure of getting to know as a Texan, a customer and a banjo player. He's just another example of what this business is all about--the end user!"About 5 years ago I was fortunate enough to retire at an early age. Many friends asked me what I would do and I told them 'I used to play the banjo and

Dave and Doug Unplugged

2011-07-19T10:49:00.000-05:00

Dave and Doug Unplugged consists of Doug Hullinger and Dave Hicks. They started playing together when their daughters were in 2H Horse and Pony Club. We like the same kind of music and with Dave’s unbelievable ability to harmonize so easily they started singing folk music, Americana, and soft rock.Dave played a classic guitar, and a 12 string. Doug was a Pete Seeger fan, and admires Pete's "

American Craftsman, American Dream, American Banjo, Happy 4th of July

2011-07-04T10:37:00.005-05:00

Well, it's been over a week since the banjo arrived and I've had a chance to play it, and hear it played, enough to form an overall impression. In case you're short on time, here's the short version: This is a fine, fine banjo. Here's the longer version: First, I had to resist (as much as is possible, anyway) forming opinions influenced by how the banjo looks. It is absolutely flat-out

Local Artist Contributes to Special Projects

2011-04-26T09:02:00.032-05:00

We had a special local artist, Rebekah Alexander, collaborate with us for this wonderful banjo.A little history: Rebekah is the wife of James Alexander.James and his family have been long time family friends. As a high school student, James contributed many hours in an apprenticeship relationship here in our banjo shop.He was a huge help as we developed our business, and continues to be

One heart, one song, one life touches another....an unfading gift.

2011-04-12T17:00:00.015-05:00

It was March 7, 2009, and I was eating lunch under the big tent at the bluegrass festival in Argyle, Texas, when I noticed a gentleman playing banjo at the end of a long row of tables. I could hear his playing only faintly, but it was not the banjo sound I was used to hearing. It was mellow and melodic and rhythmic and mesmerizing. I moved closer, introduced myself, and began to ask questions.

It's all about the customer, the process and the product.

2011-02-22T13:11:00.003-06:00

When I decided to upgrade to a very good banjo I had few options nearby so I had to do research on the internet. I was impressed by the fact that I could find nothing but glowing comments about Chuck and his banjos. He was professed to be a master craftsman and a wonderful individual to work with in terms of listening to what sort of sound and feel you want, what kind of woods and materials

Custom 13" Chuck Lee Banjo.

2011-02-08T13:29:00.014-06:00

Here's a fun project. Curly Maple neck, Scroll peg head, Pegheds tuners and a 13" x 3.5" x .25" Cherry rim. If a picture is worth a 1000 words, here's a little over 6000 words to say how much I liked this project.

Livin' a Dream & Makin' the world a better place, one Chuck Lee banjo at a time.

2011-02-05T16:01:00.009-06:00

I recently traveled to Ovilla, Texas to pick up my Chuck Lee banjo, which was the culmination of a 45 year love affair with the 5 string banjo that began the first time I heard Earl Scruggs playing "Cumberland Gap". A store bought banjo served me well through college and Dental school as I enjoyed my efforts to sound like Scruggs and look like John Stewart. Then there was the 40 year gap

Clawhammer Mike & his Chuck Lee Banjo

2010-11-22T15:17:00.004-06:00

As a kid growing up I would stay up until 1 AM on the weekends eating pizza in bars while my stepfather played in Bluegrass bands and my mom did sound. To rebel I went off and did punk rock and electronic music as a teenager, but eventually found my way back home to old-time music. As a youngster I remember borrowing old Roscoe Holcomb and Dock Boggs records from my teacher and being mesmerized.

Custom Chuck Lee Banjo for Dan Coates

2010-08-04T09:10:00.004-05:00

Dan ordered this custom banjo with Mermaid Inlay--it was a pleasure to build. Dan graciously allowed us to keep his completed instrument some extra time to coincide with a visit from Garden & Gun magazine--they came to the shop to do a photo shoot and article to be published some time this fall.After receiving his banjo, Dan sent us a picture and the following comments:"I've had (my new banjo)

Kristi Dunks & Mountain Moongrass

2010-07-22T07:57:00.018-05:00

Kristi Dunks of Mountain Moongrass plays two Chuck Lee banjos- one with frets and one without. Being a good banjo mother, she said that she “loves them both equally and makes sure to give them equivalent attention” in her playing. Kristi’s favorite banjo sounds are frailing and blues, and she said, “Both banjos do a stellar job. To tell you the truth, these two banjos satisfy my every banjo need!

John Les is Frailing in Great Britain & Beyond

2010-07-14T08:13:00.008-05:00

John Les is a recent Chuck Lee owner. He lives in North Wales and plays with a duo called "Highly Strung". We enjoyed his comments:"I am very pleased with bass end and tremendous volume of this banjo which I play with Elixir strings. I am equally delighted that I can frail and/or play with finger picks and the quality of the tone is undiminished. It's my banjo of choice which will accompany us

Southern String Band

2010-06-09T12:55:00.008-05:00

Wade Smith is one of nine experienced musicians in the Southern String Band. He has recently purchased a Chuck Lee Chautauqua from Zepp Country Music in North Carolina. We were proud to hear that his whole band approved of his purchase, and that the "feel and even the smell" of the instrument was an instant band hit. Wade owns a number of banjos but he says, "this one has the clearest and

Georgia Crackers, Chip Corbitt & a Chuck Lee Banjo

2010-04-15T15:15:00.026-05:00

Chip Corbitt of the Georgia Crackers plays a Chuck Lee Banjo. He told us " I Love the dynamics of My Lone Star Deluxe (#51) - it's soft enough to play the sweetheart songs and big enough to bark a mean tone for the rowdy Georgia tunes."More about the Georgia Crackers, from Atlanta, Georgia:Take a trip back in time to the early era of Country Music with the Georgia Crackers. Before Hank Williams

Carolina Chocolate Drops' Justin Robinson

2010-03-09T06:59:00.010-06:00

Musician Justin Robinson, of the "Carolina Chocolate Drops", purchased a Chuck Lee from Zepp Country Music. This popular group is traveling the country (& the world) with an amazing sound. They are one of Chuck's favorite Old Time bands. This month they were even featured on NPR. Here are some of Justin's links:The Band:www.carolinachocolatedrops.comwww.facebook.com/

111+ Year Record for Snow & Dakota the Newfoundland

2010-02-14T08:48:00.011-06:00

Well 13+ inches of snow isn't much for most places but it was a 111 year record (that's when they started keeping records) for a 24 hour period here in North Texas. Oh and What's a snow plow? the Power went out and many folks are still out after several days.Here's a picture of Dakota the velcro dog (aka Kota Bear) saying "Dad, I am so excited, can I jump up and put my paws on your shoulders?"

Chuck, Would you build me a banjo?

2010-01-27T07:46:00.011-06:00

When we received a call from Dennis Moore for a custom banjo project, we didn't know that a delightful family was involved.Dennis ordered his Custom Chuck Lee, choosing all the features, woods, scoop style, tuners and more, just as he wanted them. We were thrilled when he could pick it up in person a few months later...bringing this photo-op with him!Chuck really enjoys knowing where his banjos

Great Deals on Martin Guitars, act quickly!

2009-12-04T12:56:00.001-06:00

Zepp Country Music is closing out their Martin guitar line to focus on banjos. They have great deals that they can't publish but I was amazed at what they are going for. Act quickly as they won't last long at these prices.Check it out and give them a call:http://zeppmusic.com/martin.htm

13" pot--a Chuck Lee Banjo Special

2009-10-14T09:10:00.000-05:00

Look what we built for Lee Thomas--a dandy new banjo with a 13" pot. Here's Lee's note:"Hey Chuck and Tammy, Just wanted to let you know how much I am enjoying the new banjo. The one ply, 13" rim is amazing. The clarity and tone are great and the balance from one to five is perfect. I played it the entire gig last Saturday and it was more than a match for our hard driving fiddle player. Looks

Nate Lee, Alan Munde & Elliott Rogers

2009-10-10T23:03:00.000-05:00

Shown above are, Left to Right, Nate Lee, Alan Munde, Chuck Lee and Elliott Rogers. Chuck enjoyed spending time with 3/5ths of the Alan Munde Gazette when they stopped in for a shop visit.

Acoustic Music Camp 2009 Chuck Lee Scholarship

2009-09-01T06:34:00.004-05:00

In this photo, shown from left are Dan Levensen, Jennifer Levensen, scholarship winner Scott Soptick, Tammy Lee and Chuck Lee. Scott proved to be an able musician, enthusiastic participant, and above all, a gentleman.

Scholarship Contest Winner-Acoustic Music Camp

2009-07-24T12:22:00.005-05:00

We are pleased to announce that Scott Soptick of Lenexa, Kansas is our scholarship winner. He has been awarded a spot at Acoustic Music Camp 2009.Scott will be taking clawhammer banjo with Dan & Jennifer Levenson, and will no doubt also enjoy lots of mixing with other musicians and teachers.Thank you to everyone who took the time to enter our contest. We hope to offer a scholarship toAcoustic

Acoustic Music Camp 2009 Scholarship

2009-06-30T07:21:00.009-05:00

Every August, here in the Dallas Area, the talented and fascinating Gerald Jones hosts and directs Acoustic Music Camp. In a few short years, this camp has experienced great success with its lineup of talented musician-teachers. Additionally, Gerald has secured a Comfortable location central to Dallas and Fort Worth, caters a number of meals and snacks, and designs lots of opportunities for

Craig Evans' Autism Project

2009-06-05T08:48:00.008-05:00

At this time we would like to shamelessly promote a CD with a great special interest. Craig Evans, one of our customers and friends, has put out a new CD, Frailin' with Friends. Singleton Street together with some other talented musicians have taken a special interest in children with autism and their families. Proceeds from this wonderful CD go to benefit autism hangout, a forum designed to

Goodbye, James Reed

2009-05-14T08:36:00.006-05:00

We were saddened to receive the recent news that our good friend and gifted musician, James Reed, passed in an auto accident. Our family has known James for about 10 years. Our son Nate received his first mandolin lessons from him. James taught several of our children, and me as well, over the years. He was also a gracious and generous Chuck Lee Banjo owner. Additionally, he was a favorite

Bonnie Lee, High School Graduate

2009-05-08T07:59:00.011-05:00

We are Proud!Bonnie is graduating from our home school this month with 38 concurrent college credits behind her. This is due to our state's program which allows High School students to attend college for credit while completing requirements.She is heading for South Plains College this fall (where big brother Nate Lee has been studying). She expects to spend lots of time in the art department,

Fencing

2009-05-04T07:46:00.006-05:00

Our #5 child, Johnny, just turned 14 yesterday. Here he is shown at his fencing class. (He's the one on the right). Johnny has also started a band; he's the lead electric guitar player. His guitar teacher says, "with a name like Johnny Lee, he's got to be good!" We think his teacher, Patrick DeZeeuw. of Harps of God, gets a lot of the credit.

Banjos and Recession

2009-04-24T07:50:00.003-05:00

I have heard that traditionally during recessions and depressions, banjo playing surges. Perhaps people are staying home more, or in touch with something deep within them. Music can describe the highs and lows of life unlike anything else. We have been curious if this is the case today. Any thoughts? We do know that banjos are still selling! Our music stores still have their doors open, as

Banjo Company Personnel

2009-04-24T07:47:00.005-05:00

Our highly skilled and intelligent personnel are eagerly waiting to serve you.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHUCK

2009-04-15T07:52:00.003-05:00

Today is Chuck's 52nd birthday! Happy Birthday, Chuck.You are an amazing husband, dad, banjo builder and genius tinkerer.With love from your family at home--Tammy, Bonnie, Isaac, Johnny & Tate

Texas Highways Magazine Luthier Story

2009-01-09T10:11:00.015-06:00