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One beautiful banjo touched so many!

Hi Chuck and Tamara,

As I said in my Facebook message to you, I am truly enjoying my banjo and Steve and I are finding some healing through the gift of music.  (See additional story)

We wanted to touch base and let you know how one beautiful banjo touched so many!

It seems that my banjo dreams awakened musical dreams within our family. Steve started playing and composing beautiful pieces on his electric and acoustic guitars, my sister Shannon is composing and started playing the guitar, in fact she bought an electric and has an acoustic on order. Our brother in law, Dwight, is starting to play his acoustic guitar, a long forgotten enjoyment, and my Dad actually decided to learn to play the piano. He has had two lessons and is thoroughly enjoying himself. At almost 79 he is learning to play his first instrument.

Once a week Shannon and Dwight come over, we visit and then we all play our instruments together. It doesn't get any better than that.

Chuck and Tamara, you are good people who probably never realize the impact you have on others. From the bottom of my heart, I say thank you. We've had a tougher road than we ever thought we'd travel, but God sends angels along the way to help smooth out the potholes.

You two are heaven sent. I think of you every day when I pick up my beautiful banjo and play.

Steve and I will be forever grateful that God sent you two our way.

We wanted to share a picture of a photo collage Steve and I put up in our music room. As you can see, Chuck has a place of honor with the rest of our family. On the top row left, is Steve with his electric guitar, next is Kendra with her guitar, and then me playing my banjo. The middle row is our son Cody with his guitar, Kendra taking piano lessons from me while I did her hair, and Kendra and Cody having fun; the bottom row is my sister Shannon with her electric guitar, our friend and banjo maker Chuck Lee, and our brother-in-law Dwight playing his acoustic. I don't have one of Dad playing his keyboard yet but I'll get one, one of these days.

The second picture is our music room right before we started to practice. We all play different styles of music, but once a week we get together a just play anything and everything. We are practicing Christmas tunes as well. It's all good. ☺

We hope all is well with you and pray that God sends you as much goodness and light as you have given.

Cheryl and Steve

Banjo player celebrates 50th birthday in style!

Fifty years old is pretty special!  The following quote is from our wonderful customer Kris Herfkens:

I have always wanted to play the banjo.  I’m not sure why, but the sound of banjo music thrills me.  I played a bit of guitar when I was a kid, but had wandered away from it by the time I hit college.  As much as I love music, I never tried to play anything as an adult.  My education and work took nearly all of my time.

Middle age has a way of reworking priorities, and it occurred to me one day that I might actually be able to learn to play the banjo.  I quickly acquired my mom’s banjo (which had never been used) and started taking lessons.  In short order, I knew I would persist and I wanted my own special banjo. 

I scoured the internet for information on banjos, listening to sound files and reading reviews.  I was convinced that the banjo of my dreams was a Chuck Lee banjo.   A musical instrument like Chuck’s, however, should belong to a fine musician, and I am most definitely not that.  Through an odd series of circumstances (Chuck is a friend of a friend of a friend), I spent some time on the phone with Chuck one Saturday afternoon. He is an amazingly approachable, down to earth guy, and he patiently answered my questions and educated me on the workings of a banjo.  By the time we hung up, I decided that I wanted a Chuck Lee banjo soon, and that I could justify it to celebrate my 50^th birthday.

Much quicker than I could imagine, I was the owner of a beautiful Chuck Lee Ovilla.  Chuck was great about sending pictures and talking with me multiple times to pick out the parts of this instrument.  I initially felt a bit awkward about owning such a magnificent banjo.  It sounds and looks amazing.  I really felt like I didn’t deserve it!  For sure, the quality of my playing does not do justice to this banjo, but I benefit from the quality of it every time I pick it up to play.  And, I pick it up nearly every day.  Slowly but surely, I am learning to play clawhammer banjo.  The beautiful sound of this banjo and the ease with which it plays constantly inspires me to keep on playing. 

Stolen Instrument Alert

Stolen Instrument Alert               

          

Lone Star Deluxe Custom serial number 568 was stolen from a car in Forrest City, Arkansas on or about June 6, 2012. 

The instrument has a walnut rim and neck.  It has a "Custom Made for Tim LaBaron" plate on the side of the dowel stick above the "Chuck Lee Maker" plate.  The plate was held on with two small screws, so if the plate is gone, the holes may still be visible.

The serial number is on the dowel stick near the "Chuck Lee Maker" plate and in the rim near the rim cap.

If found call the Forrest City Police Department. The non-emergency number for the police department is (870) 633-3434.

Or call Chuck Lee Banjos at 972-978-9535.

In Memory of Kendra Ann Calhoun

Chuck tells me this is one the hardest, yet most rewarding banjos he has ever built.   We know how special every child is, and when he was contacted by a mother who had tragically lost her daughter, he knew an emotional roller coaster was headed his way. Cheryl's daughter Kendra was a feisty, engaging and active young lady.  Chuck studied her pictures intently many times, read and reread all her mother had to say, before beginning her memorial inlay.  There were hours of mental preparation before the redrawing began.  It was a banjo truly finished with laughter, prayer and tears.

Below Cheryl tells the story of the life of this banjo.  To follow Cheryl's journey, check out her blog.

In Cheryl's words:

"It's hard to tell the story of my beautiful Chuck Lee banjo without a little background so here goes.

 Ever since I was a little girl, I loved the banjo and wanted to have one of my own. I played the piano, flute, and piccolo, but as much as I loved playing those instruments, I knew there was something more. I can remember staring longingly at banjos on the walls of music stores and antique shops when I was a child. When I'd say I wanted a banjo someday, whoever was around would smile. It never occurred to me to ask my parents, and looking back I know they would have gotten me a banjo if I'd just asked, as music was a big part of our family.

 As adulthood happened, so did responsibilities and life in general. Although I still played my instruments, I didn't have as much time for them and my banjo dreams faded.

On April 30, 2011, we lost our beautiful 24 year old daughter Kendra in an automobile accident. Words can't describe the anguish Steve and I felt. Heck, words can't describe it at all. Once we got through the service, we pretty much sat around numb. I won't go into details as neither you nor I want to go there. At some point in June, the words, Buy the banjo, Get the banjo, kept going through my head. No I wasn't hearing voices, it was probably my childhood self paying me a visit. And so I bought a beginner banjo. Playing the banjo took me to an almost meditative state that helped start the healing process. In time, Steve took up the guitar and through music, we are both able to express and heal where words fail.

 Fast forward several months and as I learned, I would go to the Banjo Hangout and read and read about all the wonderful banjos. I listened to sound clips and watched videos. There were several that were just beautiful and I thought that one day I might have one.

 One day, I saw a Chuck Lee Ovilla with a girl under the moon. The banjo brought tears to my eyes as that girl reminded me of Kendra and the moon reminded me of the many times our family sang Fly Me to the Moon (Sinatra/Straight version) while on the way to visit the kid's grandparents.

 Thanks to the Banjo Hangout, I discovered Donald Zepp and his music store. He has a great website with sound clips from all the different banjos he carries and plays. Let me tell you, that man can play the banjo in a way that touches the soul. I listened to him play the Ovilla over and over and knew that I wanted one. After hearing me obsess about all things banjo for months, my husband said, "If you could have any banjo, what would you want?" With no hesitation I said, "An 11" walnut Chuck Lee Ovilla customized in remembrance of Kendra." He said, "Then you should do it."

 I emailed Chuck and he emailed right back. He is a kind and thoughtful man, an artist really. He said he would be honored to build my banjo and asked for pictures of Kendra. He also asked intuitive questions about her personality. The process and the man were wonderful. He told me that his wife, Tammy, prayed over each banjo as she finished them. I was, and am touched by that. On April 30, 2012, Chuck shipped our beautiful Ovilla to us. He remembered the date and shipped it to us on the one year anniversary to help lighten our load. I will never forget his act of kindness.


 Yesterday, she arrived. She is the most beautiful instrument I have ever seen and held in my life. Her voice is even more beautiful than that.  The inlay is a wonderful representation of Kendra, with a boot on one foot and a sock on the other. The finish on the walnut is smooth as silk. I chose walnut for the sound and because it reminded me of Kendra and the hours the kids played in our walnut orchard. She has the rich woody tones I wanted, each note clear and full. I played and played her yesterday and will play her every day.

When I could tear myself away from my beautiful banjo, I called Chuck to thank him. He said, "You can't play a sad song on the banjo." He is right. Steve and I will be forever grateful for our beautiful banjo, honored that the kindhearted banjo builder that is Chuck Lee crafted it for us and for Kendra too." 

European Customer says it all!

I live in Switzerland, and my brother delivered my new Marble Falls banjo to me recently- and I just cannot put it down.

It looks really beautiful, but not too flashy/decorated. The Irish knot looks great in the sunlight, almost 3-dimensional, and the maple wood is wonderful. It even smells fine :-)

Now that I've played it, I know what they mean when they say that you build the best banjos; There is some magic in the sound. This banjo fits me perfectly and it lets me actually play better :-) And, I think that as my banjo playing gets better, I will discover even more of the strengths of this beautiful instrument.

Thank you for building such a fine banjo for me. I am much more than satisfied - it's a pleasure and an honor to play and own such an instrument.

Casper Noetzli

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

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 walnut which I really like as well so we decided on an all walnut banjo. I told him that I liked the look of the Cottonwood peghead the best, and that I wanted the banjo to look as natural as possible to highlight the walnut instead of any inlay.

Working through the banjo design with Chuck was fun and efficient, and when my banjo arrived it was everything I could have hoped for and more. Simple, beautiful and very light to hold were my first impressions, but upon strumming across the strings that first time I realized that this banjo was different, clear, crisp and explosive notes rang out and with such warm tone. I was so pleased by the combination of Chuck’s work and the Nylgut strings that I knew immediately this was a special banjo, and one I’d have for life.

I recently decided to put Chuck’s preferred Elixir strings on to hear what they would sound like and was not surprised this time to hear how awesome that transformation was. Steel strings on that deep walnut rim and the ebony tone ring are just fantastic. I really feel like I have the best of both worlds, and I couldn’t be happier with my Chuck Lee experience.

Kurt Eichler

It's all about the great customers.

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 wanted to do it again'. So I started practicing bluegrass three finger style and it came back to me.

Then one day I heard Mary Cox playing clawhammer style and loved her sound on her Chuck Lee. I started playing some clawhammer and it came pretty natural. So eventually after a lot of research .... I looked up Chuck and the next thing you know I was in his shop In Texas. I had quite a few bluegrass style banjos but my wife told me I could have another banjo if it had our cat inlaid on it (not really! well, sort of!).

Anyway, I showed Chuck pictures of "Billie the Cat" and we decided to build the Cat banjo.. it has Billie on the headstock longing for a bird and her fishing on the fingerboard...the inlay is a work of art but the inlay is the least of it. Its about the SOUND and the QUALITY! Chuck's instruments are world class. The tone is special . The workmanship is impeccable. All the care and love Chuck has for what he does is embodied into the instrument. This Cat banjo has a beautiful curly maple 12 inch pot with a wooden tone ring and a highly figured black walnut neck...and a wonderful tone.

So the story goes on... I was in Chuck's shop again after getting the Cat banjo and I played a banjo he was shipping out. It had an 11 inch rim and Chuck's Dobson style tone ring .WOW! Another great sounding instrument. So once again Chuck and I picked out the wood. Curly maple neck. curly maple rim, figured ebony fingerboard and with no inlays. You see its all about the SOUND. Another Chuck Lee masterpiece was soon in my hands. What a joy to play.

The most recent banjo Chuck built for me is a 13 inch pot, nylgut stringed, scrolled headstock banjo with a skin head. We call it the "Fretless Wonder". It's like an old southern gentleman with a low soft but clear voice. A beautiful voice that is wonderful but hard to describe.

Thank you Chuck for creating such masterpieces. Your instruments seem to have a soul, a voice that creates beautiful music that I have not heard in any other banjo. Anyone that is fortunate enough to own or play one of your instruments understands what I am talking about. And as I have said before IT IS ABOUT THE SOUND ! Your instruments have the sound."

Devin Tower

Dave and Doug Unplugged

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 "folks songs are to be shared and enjoyed" philosophy, and has had no lessons except for Seeger's "How to play the Five String Banjo".

Doug bought a Chuck Lee Chautauqua with the Silver Bell tone ring (shown above) so he could be heard. They play a couple times a month at coffee houses and small festivals or other simple gigs, and enjoy sharing music with others.

As for the second banjo, Dave tells us:

"I saved enough money to get another Chuck Lee banjo. This one I wanted to be more traditional, no tone ring.

I did want something special so I contacted Chuck and we came to the conclusion that a custom banjo with a figure sitting fishing would be what I wanted. I live on a small lake, and play outside a lot during the summer.

I had no idea what a tremendous instrument would come to my house. It has a great true sound, the artistic work is completely unique, and it is always something people in the audience ask about every time we play. The sound is incredible. "

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

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 beautiful. I really can't get over how pleasing it is to the eye and to the touch. I love the subtle, understated beauty of the unadorned headstock and fingerboard as much as I admire the artistry that produced the fit and finish of the components. I find myself now wishing that all of my banjos - including the bluegrass banjos - could be similarly bling-free.

The first thing I noticed in running through a few tunes was the instrument's overall tonal balance. I frequently play up the neck and was pleased to discover no loss in the strength or character of the notes in the banjo's upper register. As important, the volume remains constant as one progresses from the lower to the higher positions on the neck. These characteristics do not change when you step on the gas; the more forceful the attack, the louder the banjo gets. Very nice.

After playing it daily for the past week, I believe that I've found the sweet spot(s), become familiar with its idiosyncrasies, and have a handle on how to elicit the banjo's optimum response. (And respond it does. We had a jam session last Wednesday evening - banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, and bass. In a group setting, just as when playing it by myself, the banjo sounds sublime - full, round notes, beautiful separation, excellent volume. Golly.)

The day before the jam, Ori came over and brought his Chuck Lee banjo. We spent several hours playing, passing the instruments back and forth. The sound from my new banjo, listening from the 'business side', was every bit as impressive, and perhaps even more, than when I play it (of course, Ori's fine playing may have helped a bit). I also noticed that the banjo has a really broad sweet spot - no matter where you place your right hand, it maintains its strength and tonal character. Simply put, it sounds great.

So in summary, Chuck, I am very pleased with this terrific banjo. And I'm more grateful than I can say to have chosen you to build it. I have no doubt that, as long as I'm able to play, my satisfaction with it will remain undiminished.

All the best,

Jim Evans

Local Artist Contributes to Special Projects

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 interested in lutherie.

He is also a skilled musician as well as busy clock repairman. His wife Rebekah showed artistic talent at a young age, and now teaches art students in their home.

Rebekah has been a contributing artist on several banjo inlays.

So far, she has collaborated with Chuck in drawing a whimsical cat fishing, a mastiff and a cat playing with a fish.

Her next project will be a golden retriever for a custom on order.

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

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. He was gracious and patient, answering all my questions and demonstrating techniques by playing tunes as we spoke, and essentially giving me my first clawhammer banjo lesson.

I also couldn’t help but admire his instrument. It made a sound unlike any banjo I had ever heard – deep, woody and tuneful. It was also beautiful and organic, with a cherry neck and pot and a figured mesquite fingerboard and headstock. That was the first time I heard the name Chuck Lee. By the time I returned home from the festival, I had decided I needed to learn how to play clawhammer, and I had to have a Chuck Lee banjo. Soon after, I called Chuck to place an order and a few months later, I took delivery of my first banjo – a walnut Lone Star Deluxe – at Chuck’s shop.

One day, while browsing Chuck’s website, I saw this blog post, and I learned that James Reed, the gentleman that had been so willing to share his enthusiasm for clawhammer and his Chuck Lee banjo with me, had passed away. I spent less than two hours with James that day, so it’s hard to say I knew him, but learning that he was gone affected me. Last year, I began to talk to Chuck about building another banjo inspired by the one that James played the day I met him. We finally settled on something that would be a tribute to the original while still having its own unique identity.

I’m now playing that banjo, the custom Cottonwood pictured here, and it’s special in every way. It looks and sounds exactly as I had hoped, and it really captures the spirit of the original. I play it every chance I get. It’s my way of saying thanks – to James Reed for introducing me to the joys of clawhammer banjo, and to Chuck Lee for the care and craftsmanship that he puts into every instrument.

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

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 would lend themselves to that, and creating a final product that exceeded expectations.

The only complaint I have about my new Chuck Lee Custom Ovilla is that my playing level in no way extracts the potential of the banjo. Chuck exceeded expectations for the banjo and advice and service after the sale (I needed a little help with adjusting the action and was afraid I'd ruin it. He patiently walked me through the process and it was easy).

This particular banjo has a cherry neck and rim, renaissance head and heavy Moon bridge. It has a very nice tone with just enough plunk to arrive at the sound I was looking for.

I do not know why anyone would need look any further for a premium banjo than talking with Chuck. I assure you, you'll not be disappointed.

Jim Crumpley

Custom 13" Chuck Lee Banjo.

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.

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 of raising four kids and fixin' teeth, during which time I promised myself that one day I would treat myself to a "real" musical instrument . That day came by surprise in a magazine article about Chuck and his wonderful banjos. The deal was sealed for me when I learned that Bela Fleck chose Chuck to make a banjo for him. Dealing with Chuck has been a wonderful build up to finally getting the banjo in my hands, and to begin to play again. The process of selecting the woods and various components was a personalization process that led to an incredible product of "old world" craftsmanship that will undoubtedly be a family heirloom. Chuck is living the dream of enjoying his passion, and sharing the fruits of his amazing skill with others. Having a "Chuck Lee Banjo" is a source of tremendous pride for me.

Dr. C. D. "Mac" Taylor

Friendswood, Texas

Clawhammer Mike & his Chuck Lee Banjo

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. It’s the people music – you have to play it from the heart because you are not going to get rich off it. Although playing festivals is a lot of fun- nothing beats getting together on Sunday in the living room and playing tunes for nobody but each other.

I like busking because it breaks down the barrier between you and your audience and gives unsuspecting people access to old songs. A couple of weeks ago I was playing and this young African American, who was blasting hip-hop in his headphones, got up in my face and shouted “That’s some of the Dopiest s__t I have ever heard”. Made me feel good.

I got my Chuck Lee #291 used on Ebay and I instantly fell in love with it. My Chuck Lee is everyone's favorite banjo who plays it. The sound, playability and look are perfect for what I want in an old-time banjo. One of my students was so jealous of mine that he had to get one too and his is #270.

Clawhammer Tune Of The Day is my new blog where I try to present simple tunes with a little bit of historical context. Hopefully it will be a good resource for those who are looking to increase repertoire. Plus I get to praise a bunch of dead fiddlers who should not be forgotten.

Clawhammer Mike, Temporary Stringband

clawhammertuneoftheday.blogspot.com/

www.myspace.com/temporarystringband

Custom Chuck Lee Banjo for Dan Coates

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) for several weeks now and am really enjoying it. The tone is sweet with the ebony tone ring. I've enjoyed the process from the start. You've been great to work with and I appreciate all the time you took with me over the phone to talk through the details of the project. Also, I appreciate the detailed emails from you documenting all of our decisions and agreements."

We really enjoy customers like Dan!

Kristi Dunks & Mountain Moongrass

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!

Kristi plays banjo in Mountain Moongrass, a 6-piece string band from Butte, Montana. Their sound is an eclectic blend of country and bluegrass tunes, as well as a fun mix of originals. They enjoy playing both the old and the new, and reinterpreting songs as they see fit. Mountain Moongrass is a big fan of audience participation at their shows so you may find the crowd dancing, laughing, clapping, or singing. Featuring 33 strings and six voices, the players are Renee Bruce-fiddle, Jim Constantine-mandolin, Kristi Dunks-banjo, Timothy Mason-guitar, Maggie Lou Perkes-bass, and Mike Tierney-guitar/harmonica.

Check out these links to the band on Facebook, Twitter and their Website.

Kristi has a new Chuck Lee and commented as follows:
“Chuck’s banjos are an amazing combination of beautiful sound and exquisite artistry.Chuck isn’t too bad of a fellow either!”

Customers like Kristi are what banjo building is all about.

John Les is Frailing in Great Britain & Beyond

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 all summer as we tour and play at the British festivals, with up and coming visits to France, Czech Republic and Ireland."

Les went on to tell us about his duo's 1999 tour in the US. "... we were privileged to enjoy a ten day tour with banjo player Tony Ellis and The Musicians of Braeburn starting in Columbus Music Hall, Ohio. Then a gig in Circleville Ohio, and onto Balsam Mountain Inn near Asheville, where we sang for our supper with Singer Songwriters Guild of Nashville. Traveling on to Lebanon County Cedar Park where we were made very welcome by Buddy Ingrams, eventually enjoying the highlight of visit we were honoured to spent a magical afternoon with much missed John Hartford."

Southern String Band

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 cleanest sound I have heard." We're so proud!

Check out Wade and company at the band website, Southernstringband.net. We wish they were closer to Texas!