Stelling Virginian (2002)

Description

Stelling has become one of the best-regarded names in the resonator banjos, with a reputation for unremitting quality and premium instruments. This Virginian, from 2002, shows exactly why, with a huge, bright, complex sound and some gorgeous appointments that elevate this instrument into a piece of art in its own right. The Virginian has everything the bluegrass picker could desire out of a banjo, with stunning a stunning flamed maple neck and a Stelling Wedge Fit tone ring for a huge, classic sound with incredible presence and sustain. The rim, built by luthier Tony Pass, uses his trademark Timeless Timber sinker mahogany, culled from the bottom of the Great Lakes for an incredibly open, vintage sound right away. That adds a layer of complexity to the Virginian's sound that makes it uniquely well-suited for progressive three-finger play. Cosmetic appointments are also of premium quality, highlighted by a headstock inlay of a cardinal and a dogwood flower in dazzling mother-of-pearl. Flower inlays in mother-of-pearl and abalone grace the fingerboard, and the beautifully machined flange combines function with form to make the banjo louder as well as more visually unique.

This instrument comes to us in excellent condition, with a fresh, professional set up within the last calendar year. There are no cosmetic flaws or even any real evidence of playing wear anywhere on the rim, resonator, neck, or headstock. As it has seen some playing time and has been set up since the time of its initial purchase, we do not feel comfortable listing the condition as mint, but the condition is very impressive for a 20-year-old banjo and is not really discernible from a new instrument. Included in the price is the original hard-shell case.