I am selling an exceptional sounding and highly collectible 1984 Stelling Bellflower five-string banjo. This instrument was hand-built in the legendary workshop in Spring Valley, California during the highly sought-after California era, just before Geoff Stelling moved the workshop to Virginia. The banjo is in 100% original condition with no modifications or alterations. It has been meticulously cared for and remains exactly as it left the Stelling workshop 42 years ago, (except for "consumable parts" - (the bridge is from Tim Purcell). This musical instrument comes with the original certificate of authenticity (warranty/"birth certificate") signed and stamped by Geoff Stelling himself and with the original paper tuning manual for the Stelling banjo. This California era Banjo with 100% original parts configuration and complete documentation is extremely rare.
Serial number: 2748 (produced early 1984).
Wood: Beautiful, natural Virginia black walnut neck and resonator.
Rim: Original untreated three-ply hard rock maple rim (sourced from Stewart-MacDonald and turned by Geoff Stelling himself for the patented wedge shape).
Tone ring: Stelling's legendary bronze tone ring with wedge shape (fixed, tight, maximum resonance).
Fingerboard: Premium ebony with classic floral mother-of-pearl pattern and "BELLFLOWER" block inlay at 19th fret.
Hardware: Original Stelling tailpiece, original tuning machines and all original nickel-plated hardware in excellent condition.
Frets: Original factory frets with long life. Hooks on the 7th, 9th and 10th frets.
The combination of Virginia walnut and three-ply maple rim gives the banjo the characteristic Stelling strength, incredible clarity and a slightly warmer, more penetrating tone than all-maple models. A truly monstrous bluegrass banjo, one of a thousand and last but not least a fantastic investment.
The banjo will of course be delivered in a new hard case.
Location: Czech Republic (European Union).
