My Stelling Banjo and a trip to Virginia 

One day I will have a "nice" banjo. The one I have may not be much, but I really feel something when I play it and that's all that I care about.

Omg! That is a fantastic story! I love Stelling Banjos! Geoff is plain awesome...the absolute best!Stelling Banjos are second to none!!!!

Wonderful story. I have a Master's Cross in nickel; it's an amazing instrument. And like you, had Geoff do some work on it, then went to the shop to pick it up and spend a bit of time with him. What a fun time going over the mountain.

That's an amazing story Jim! So cool that you got that nice banjo so long ago, and had it all these years. And the part about the guy letting you take the banjo with just a deposit and a promise brings back fond memories of my own, and those times when an honest face and a handshake was good enough.

I think that once in a great while, a well crafted musical instrument is meant to find it's "soul mate. " Thanks for sharing your story.

Hey Jim, great story on your Stelling; that's the first one I've seen without "Stelling" inlaid in the peghead! In 1986 travelled from Australia to Jamestown TN for a festival there and met Clyde Blaylock there ... I'd left my capo back in Melbourne and he took pity on me and very generously gave me a capo which I have and use to this day. Clyde introduced me to Sonny Osborne at breakfast under the awning of his RV ... great memories for me.

Thank u for opening up yourself to share this story. I admire your work. Stay safe Mr Panky

Great video Jim! I love stories like this, and getting to hear them here and occasionally on Discord is always great! Thanks for all you do to teach and educate novice folks like me.

My 13 year old son said this is his dream banjo! So cool to have one of Ralph Stanley's banjos! My son's main banjo is a 1934 Gibson Mastertone that my dad bought in 1964 and gave it to Jakob the other year when he saw how well he played it. His other one is a 1928 Gibson that was given to him by our good friend and his late guitar teacher's family after he passed away recently. Both are very special to him, but one day, he said he's going to save his money and buy this one! :)

Wow! Hands down the coolest banjo I've witnessed yet. That Clinch Mountain Boys armrest is a piece of history

Love this! Stelling banjos are fantastic... such beautiful instruments.

The fancy-walnut Stelling models are the most thrilling and gorgeous-sounding banjos I've ever heard. Your walnut Stelling Masters Cross is amazing, and it appears Mr. Stelling is playing a walnut Stelling Masters cross or a version of one. What soulful playing and wonderful storytelling. I'm the blissful owner of a walnut Stelling Master Flower, and it is my banjo dream come true . . .

I love learning a little about your history and banjo history. Well done video arrangement. Hope to see more of this format. Thanks Jim! 🙂

I can see you really love your Stelling, Jim. I have realized that having a good quality starter (entry level) banjo is very important in getting one started bcos it motivates and drives one to play it more and more. Playing by watching and listening to Jim, MH, BBC, WN, JK, JAMM. It's been a year now since I started on this Asthon Banjo. Had to always re-tune it drg my lessons. Counting down the months to my retirement to own a Deering Goodtime.

Hi Jim. In 1984 I was at Stelling´s shop in San Diego and picked up two banjos. One for me and one for a friend. It was one Sunflower and one Bellflower. I had a few friends with me from my job, Swedish airline, who don't played any instrument, and they helped me to carry one banjo through the custom line back I Sweden and was hoping the custom staff don't have them to prove we where banjo pickers. I still have mine Bellflower and some years later I met Geoff in Sweden at a Bluegrass festival. I heard Geoff don't do any more banjos so I guess my great grand children can sell the Sunflower to some collector year 2084 for a price like a pre war Gibson.😁

Great story. I too bought my Golden Cross Stelling in 1982. It has a number on the inside.

I made the same trip one year ago with my 1983 Bellflower. I had a hard time getting the words out the whole time. What a gift.

Fantastic story, Jim. When you mentioned " he said take it with you and pay me when you can...he must have trusted us". I get that sense about you every video that I watch. I trust you too, you just seem like that type of guy, trustworthy and honest.

What a beautiful instrument. I LOVE the history behind it.

Great story! Beautiful banjo! I will always treasure meeting Ralph Stanley he was a great man.

I like the Stelling sound too. They stand out but it’s hard to describe; you just have to play one. I do not own one...yet!

That is an ABSOLUTELY beautiful instrument Jim and it was fun seeing the Stelling birthplace.

Thanks for sharing, I know I’ve asked about your Stelling a time or two on the live Q&As. I have a 1999 Bellflower that had been sat in a closet for 10 years after the owner passed away. There’s just something about their tone and volume I love, and the story behind Geoff and his business too. Just about the only drawback I can think of is how heavy they are. 😆

You sir are the "Gandalf" of the banjo world! That was pretty awesome.

I really enjoyed listening to your story about the origin of your banjo Mr Jim. You’ve been an inspiration to me over the last few years. Regrettably my health took a “wrong turn” about a year ago and I haven’t been able to spend much time picking. I’m kind of in a better place now, feeling stronger and ready to clean the rust off my fingers and get to practicing again, watching your videos and enjoying each day as it comes. Thanks for all you do from the U.K.

Cool Video Jim. I have always felt that Stelling Banjos where top notch. Their patent taper fit of the tone ring to the shell was in my opinion the greatest innovation since Scruggs 3 finger style. I had the privilege of visiting the Stelling shop in the late 70s when they where located in Spring Vally, CA.

That's a sweet Stelling! I had a Navy buddy I hadn't seen in 20 years. He called me up and asked if I still had my Mastertone. He said I needed a Stelling and said he would find me one. I told him I couldn't afford another banjo. Weeks later, a banjo showed up on my doorstep as a GIFT! It was a Stelling Master Flower once owned by Bill Emerson!

When I was little around 5 er 7 years old the year woulda been around 1966 67 maybe I had already had a banjo a couple years , it was but a toy banjo but it played ...made the awfullest noise you ever heard . All the family would run me out and they would say that’s the most annoying thing ever . It was a tough banjo. By any standards really . I take it everywhere I went . Maw maws on Sunday after church , or my other maw maws and paw paws . I’d accidentally leave it sometimes and it would be a long week before we go visit again . I’d drag it down to my friends house stopping here and there picking blackberries. Shoot I even left it in the rain in the back yard . That summer of 67 in Alabama it was a scorcher ..... hotter than blue blazes ..it was hot. I remember it was so hot , nothing was stirring . All the dogs done wallered a hole in the dirt under the front porch lay down in em and ah the cool cool dirt . No kids was out playing, the air was still and not even the slightest of a breeze . On any other day the weeping willow tree in our backyard was constantly moving , at least some part would be moving from a faint breeze the you couldn’t feel but you knowed it was there because the long sweeps of willow moved to let you know . Not this day Momma was in the house in the living room rocking my little sister asleep . Brother was in the bedroom asleep and she was sittin in that old rocker right in front of the window box fan tryna get baby to sleep .Course now I was meddling frustrated , bored , old banjo laying out on the front porch , hot , no one to play with and gettin hollered at constantly. I was in the kitchen and crash ... I’d done messed up and the hard pots and pans er metal pots and pans toppled over and it was loud and I knew it . Trouble again . So baby cryin , momma holler at me , spanks me , and quicker flash I was cast into the bedroom and not say one more word young man or else . Tick toc tic toc tic toc .... impatience was on me and I opened the door roamed around inside the house for about an hour , Then here it comes .Momma surprised me and hollers at me WHAT DID I TELL YOU . Standing right over top of me She said Nicodemus ( nicodemus a early on in life nick name my uncle Buster coined me to)NICODEMUS! Stop making all that racket ...and stop makin that horrible noise scratching the walls with your fingernails and all up and down the halls .STOP ALL THAT SCRATCHING ALL THE WINDOW PANE GLASS that shrieking noise and all this . It’s very annoying and I can’t tolerate it today !! ! And mother was holding the front porch screen door open NOW GET OUTSIDE and go play and find something productive to do. So i went out to the front porch and found something else that made just as annoying noise to do 😂😂

I too found the instrument of my dreams at Blaylock Music. Clyde brought Martin into the store for a showcase. The rep brought an HD28 VR to play for the show. I fell in love with it and asked Clyde if he could get me THAT guitar. I carried it home with me that night and to this day it is my pride and joy. Clyde was my teacher, my friend, and my hero. I miss Clyde terribly.

A fantastic banjo, Jim! I am retiring on my 66th birthday this Saturday and have promised myself a retirement present of a banjo. I live in England, so our choices are more limited for quality resonator banjos, but I'll try to buy something decent to go with my Martin D28. I've spent 50 years ruining good bluegrass tunes on guitar, so it's time I did so on the banjo. Thanks for being such an interesting and informative teacher. Your videos are always such a pleasure.

What a great story about how you came to have a legendary banjo at a time when I know it had to mean so much - and the fact that you continue to appreciate the spirit behind that gorgeous instrument is smile-making. I never knew how much heart and soul an instrument can have until the last few months. It's like a love affair, sort of, isn't it? I loved your duet - what gorgeous sound you made together. GREAT compilation video full of heart.

Hi Jim. I know that banjo. I shopped at Clyde's music store and took lessons from him. He showed me the banjo and played it for me. That is a special banjo! Thanks for sharing your story.

That was awesome, when you said it was Ralph Stanley's my mouth dropped😂

What a beaut!....it's just sings too. Thanks for the story and the tune. Take care, Jim!

Hi jim I loved your stelling video thanks best wishes from ireland JC

I am new to banjo this year and have fallen in love with the Stanley Brothers. This was a thrill to hear and I love that you have Ralph's banjo. THANKS

I hope you enjoyed your time with Geoff as much as I did when I had the privilege to visit them about 2+ years ago. The shop hasn't changed at all since then and Geoff is a really nice guy.

Wow, wow, wow, what a great tale Jim. I know you won't polish the 'tone' off it but imagine how good it would look if you did! That's a special instrument.

I love Stelling banjos. Years back I use to pick with a buddy of mine that played for Larry Sparks for a while. He has a Stelling Red Fox that had amazing gold hardware. It had such a powerful sound. He used that during his time with Larry. He then traded it for a Gibson ( forget the model number). We lost contact through the years and I often wonder what ever happened with that red fox.

WOW THAT'S A GREAT STORY OF YOUR BANJO. AWESOME I LOVED THE PICKING TOO.♥️♥️👍👍🤗

That was great story I love hearing history on Ralph Stanley I have had the great pleasure of seeing and talking to him and his son #2 a few times over the years they was always very personal with me on the music love my family has we will always miss Dr Ralph Stanley 👍👍👍👍👍

Great story jim 👍👍 the stelling is a mighty fine piece of art im lucky enough to have a bellflower i love it

Wow, just wow. Great folks, great playing. My home place is about an hour away from there. Thanks for the vid.

Beautiful sound 🪕🪕🪕

Fantastic to see two banjo greats together.

I am sad that Stelling banjo is closing its doors. What a great American heritage! I have been a grateful born-again Christian since age 13. I would love to buy one of those Stelling banjos with the cross inlay on the headstock. You guys are inspiring musicians playing together!

Its a good feeling knowing Mr. Stelling is down there still cranking out BANGER SOUNDING BANJOS, hoping to one-day own one myself!! :-)

Great story Jim how cool to see Jeff's place and pick with him too eh. I've worked on a good many Stellings over the years and I have to say some really good ones and at the same time some uninspiring ones, hey it happens to the best of us. I could tell by the grin on your face, yours is a good'n.

Good story. Glad to see that banjo/piece of history landed in good hands. Congrats on the 75k btw.

Beautiful work of art / craftsmanship but they always are irregardless of model but especially like the art on the tes back.

What a great story Jim Thank you for sharing.

you know how much i love stellings! wonderful banjo and what a story behind it! glad its yours, Jim!

Very cool story and entertaining jam!! Thank you.

Thanks so much for sharing that memory with us.

I bought my banjer fro a John Powers, out of Chattanooga Tennessee, it’s a old Gibson, 30 something model is what he told me

THAT was fun! Thanks for letting us tag along.

Great banjo and fun to watch at the Stelling shop.

It's pretty cool that you have one of Ralph Stanley's banjos.

Thats how things where back then 😊 nowadays you couldn’t do that for someone. That banjo is a beaut Jim 👍🏻

Nice ring to that banjo. They make some good banjos. If you got the money 💰

This video made me happy cry 😊

Loved this video. Thanks for posting

That was awesome .! Thank you

That’s definitely a awesome banjo… I don’t live far from Chattanooga in fact I work in Chattanooga… but yeah I know Blaylocks I remember going in there before he passed away.. he was in a wheelchair his last few years he had his legs amputated from diabetes… I was in there one day I was going to buy a stelling Redfox and he said just take it with you and come pay every week or month it’s up to you… his son Bryan could play almost any instrument … cool story… thanks buddy…

This is a gorgeous banjo I’ve always liked the Stelling banjos just can’t afford one 😂

thank you Jim, from France , it's very fine banjo, keep joy to play !

Over 20 years ago I visited Geoff as well and purchased a red fox. They are awesome banjos, best finish compare to other banjos at all. Warm regards from germany-

Your music is just great. I pick the banjo since 2 years now and i started because of your videos. Greetings from Germany.

Great story and video! Nice look into how instruments have a history and a "soul" of their own, and the people behind them!

Now thats Cool! Not everyone can say they have a Banjo that Dr Ralph Stanley played! Very cool story Jim! Thanks

Loved to see that special banjo and the sentiments that go with it. Thank you Jim.

Wow, that’s awesome Jim! Can’t imagine owning a banjo Ralph owned and played. I live not far from where Earl Scruggs grew up in NC. Great video sir!

Clyde was a very generous man!! Clyde taught me to play banjo when I was in high school. I had a $100 banjo I bought from Clyde and when I got to where I could outplay my banjo Clyde broke out a catalog and we picked a better banjo “Morgan Monroe cascade” . I told him when I saved up enough I would have him order it.. maybe two weeks later I showed up for my lesson and he gave me my banjo and told me to pay what I could when I could. He was the best!!

Sweet banjo! I grew up over the mountain from Afton in the Shenandoah Valley.

I really like the crosses on it

What a wonderful story Jim. I really enjoyed all of it, including your visit to the creator of your stunning instrument. Best regards all the way from Australia.

very cool travel/documentary of your banjo, it's history and of it's origin. Thank you for posting, your videos have helped motivate me to try more difficult, beginner, material

I love my stelling sunflower

It was another time. I did the thing thing with Tom's house of music in Concordia Kansas

Good to see your hand is still working Jimbo!

Wow, Ralph's Raised head Stelling. Love love love 👌👍

Gorgeous banjo! It’s almost impossible not to hold a smile during every song you play. Also just curious, is that Steve Martin on the picture board?

loved the video, great story

Fantastic video Jim! I also have a Stelling banjo moonflower model. I really love it. Thanks for sharing this video. Thank you to Mr. Stelling as well. Maybe some day I'll get to bring Moonflower to it's maker. Keep on pickin'!

Beauty, sounds awesome . I actually emailed Stepping about a job possibility and missed that window along with your drawing for a banjo. The guy who runs the CNC machine for Stepping is retiring and It's one thing I never learned to use.

It's great that you've found your soulmate banjo Jim! Sounds great and I like whole story behind. Please more videos like that. Kind regards from Czech Republic

Great story Jim, thanks for sharing.

I knew clyde blaylock, and Im good friends with Brian blaylock, I took banjo lessons from Clyde, he was a great man and so fun to around, and I baught a lot of banjos from him on payments, and he Always let me go ahead and take the banjo, with me , he will greatly be missed a true American and bluegrass pioneer,

Hi Jim Dale from valentine Nebraska awesome sounding banjo. I play a good time 2 I feel very comfortable with it

Thank you Jim for sharing.

I admire you a lot sir! Wish i could meet you in person. Cheers from Brazil.

I looked into a Stelling banjo, and to this day never held one or played one,,price was mmmph..up there..I did get a Stelling T-shirt..Congratulations on yours..It’s a Handsome instrument.

Sweet tune!

I’ve got one of those stelling I think it’s a 74 or 77 is the ones where the finish came off of it it’s a I believe it is a star flower

So cool Jim, thanks for sharing! That was a fun trip. 🤗

Wow! Ralph Stanley's banjo! That is super cool!

I have what may have been the first Starflower, and I have provenance for it. The lacquer cracked because Geoff had a bad batch of lacquer, but I did get it redone. I love it better than my Gibson.

Great story! Out of curiosity, since we didn’t have RU-vid and the great Jim Pankey in the early eighties, how did you learn to play - private lessons, a mentor, self taught?

That's cool as hell Jim. 😎

Beautiful banjo,great story, love it.