Banjo Works, Ltd.
Afton, Virginia
Made of Virginia black walnut, the Bellflower boasts the natural beauty of unstained wood. A simple, yet elegant floral inlay pattern, combined with tasteful ivoroid/black/ivoroid binding on the neck and resonator make the Bellflower a delightfully appointed instrument. Wood: Black Walnut Plating: Nickel. (Please call or email for price)
By slightly modifying and adding to the Bellflower inlay pattern, and making the neck and resonator out of curly maple instead of walnut, we've created the Sunflower. The shaded, Cremona style sunburst staining on this model is very popular and highlights the quality of the wood used. Wood: Curly Maple (shaded) Plating: Nickel. (Please call or email for price)
One of Stelling's newest models, inspired by master banjoist Bill Emerson, the Red Fox outsells every other model. Although new models tend to do that, Stelling feels that this model will join the Staghorn with its universal appeal and acceptance as a classic banjo design. The fancy curly maple used in this model is enhanced by the reddish stain. The Red Fox in the peghead and the abalone maple leaves in the fingerboard help to make this a very elegant model. Wood: Curly Maple (red-stained) Plating: Nickel. (Please call or email for price)
The Golden Cross was the ninth Stelling banjo to be built, the first one to have the trademarked Stelling peghead shape, and was named for Tony Golden, who rode motorcycles with Geoff and bought the first Golden Cross. This model was also honored to be the banjo played by the late great Don Reno for the last ten years of his life, and was featured on many of his fine recordings with Bill Harrell. Originally made of walnut, the current Golden Cross features fancy curly maple with the golden sunburst stain and purfling inlaid along the neck and resonator binding. A popular option, at additional cost, is the engraved truss rod cover which features a banjo owner's name. Wood: Curly Maple (shaded) Plating: Nickel (Please call or email for price)
For those who like the popular Sunflower inlay pattern but prefer fancy walnut, peghead binding, and purfling rings in the resonator, the Master-Flower is the answer. Options at additional charge can include Standard engraving and gold plating. Wood: Figured Black Walnut Plating: Nickel. (Please call or email for price)
The Christian cross on the peghead of this model is displayed as a thankful testimony to the part that religion has played in Geoff's business and personal life. Special features of this model include: Fancy Claro walnut on the neck and resonator, exquisite engraving and gold plating on the metal parts, and an inlaid quilted maple cross surrounded by a ring of purfling on the resonator back. The same purfling is inlaid next to the ivroid binding along the sides of the neck and resonator. The Master's Cross replaces the earlier Gospel model and is available with unengraved nickel plated parts. The Master's Cross Wood: Figured Claro Walnut Plating: Nickel (Please call or email for price)
Master's Cross Deluxe
Wood: Figured Claro Walnut Plating: Gold/Spec. Eng. (Please call or email for price)
In 1975, Alan Munde introduced the Stelling banjo to an international audience by playing the second Staghorn ever made with the group Country Gazette. Since then, the Staghorn has remained one of the most desired banjos in the world and has become the trademark model of Stelling Banjo Works. The increasing rarity of the materials such as the highly figured Claro walnut used in the neck and resonator, and the colorful abalone shell out of which the inlays and trim are cut make this model one of the ultimate sound investments. (Please call or email for price)
The state of Virginia has long been associated with the banjo and its music. With so many notable banjo players claiming Virginia as their home or birthplace, and the fact that it is the home of Stelling Banjo Works, it seems appropriate to have a banjo called the Virginian. This model features the Virginia state bird, the cardinal, on the peghead, and the Virginia state flower, the dogwood blossom, on the fingerboard. The abalone shell used for the cardinals is selected for the most striking colors to reflect the natural beauty of these lovely birds. Other features include abalone trim and fancy curly maple on the neck and resonator. Wood: Curly Maple (shaded) Plating: Nickel (Please call or email for price)
Few banjo players have enjoyed the successes, achievements, and total respect of fellow musicians that follow Bill Emerson wherever he goes. Bill was certainly an influence on on Geoff's banjo playing. Being a Virginian all his life, Bill developed an affinity for this little creature that seems to be symbolic of the state. Also being fond of curly cherry wood and gold plating with a matte finish, Bill wanted a Red Fox banjo that featured both. Stelling was glad to oblige with the Bill Emerson Signature model. Bill's signature is featured in abalone at the 19th fret. Wood: Figured Cherry (stained) Plating: Matte Gold/Spec. Eng. (Please call or email for price)
In 1994, Stelling Banjo Works celebrated its 20th anniversary by building a limited number of 20th Anniversary Staghorn model banjos. These eight banjos featured unstained quilted maple, ebony binding, and heavily engraved black-chromed and gold-plated metal parts. Alan Munde received the first one of these in celebration of his 20th year with Stelling Banjo Works. The Alan Munde Signature Staghorn features the same black chrome over engraved metal parts and unstained Canadian birch to create the same striking contrast between dark metal and light wood as with the 20th Anniversary model. Alan Munde's signature in abalone replaces the Staghorn nameplate at the 17th fret. Wood: figured unstained birch Plating: black chrome/eng. (Please call or email for price)
At the request of virtuoso banjo player and noted Irish-music stylist, Tom Hanway (who has written a Mel Bay Book/CD), Geoff Stelling, with much inspiration from Tom, designed the Swallowtail, a truly Celtic banjo from stem to stern. The swallow, oak leaf, acorn, and closed knot inlays relate to the sacred Druid and Celtic traditions of the past. The neck and resonator are made of curly maple and stained with a sunburst Cremona-style finish similar to the Virginian. The Deluxe version of this model features bead-blasted and subtly engraved metal parts and chrome plating. Both the Standard and the Deluxe models feature an inlaid abalone and mother-of-pearl swallow in the center of the resonator that matches the peghead swallow inlay.The Swallow Tail Deluxe Wood: Curly Maple (shaded) Plating: Matte Chrome/Spec. Eng.
The Swallow Tail Standard Wood: Curly Maple (shaded) Plating: Nickel (Please call or email for price)
The Limited Production Stelling S-5 Mandolin
As with all Stelling instruments, only the finest materials are used in making the S-5 Mandolin. The top and back are both hand-carved to replicate the best of the famed Lloyd Loar design with a slight modification of the scroll and tail of the fingerboard. Aged Engelmann spruce is used for the top; highly figured and quartersawn curly maple is used for the sides, back, and neck. Stelling mandolins were first produced in 1979 and about 80 were completed by 1982. The last 20 of those were S-5's. They had flat fingerboards and the familiar stamped-out tailpieces that frequently lost their covers. The new S-5 features a 7 1/4 inch radiused fingerboard and gold-plated cast brass Monteleone style tailpiece that offers superior performance in sound and restringing. The scale length is 13 7/8 inches. Gold-plated Schaller 16:1 ratio gears provide smooth and accurate tuning. A professional quality rectangular case featuring the Stelling logo, an arched lid, and crushed velvet lining, is provided. S-5 Prices and Options Our S-5 Mandolin is offered in two woods: Curly maple and quilted maple. The photograph shows an example of moderately quilted maple. The usual difference in tone is that curly maple tends to be a bit brighter; quilted maple is a bit mellower. Naturally, each piece of wood is going to vary, but both species sound exceptional in the Stelling mandolin. Quilted maple is much rarer, and therefore, more expensive.
Highly Figured Curly Maple, Engelmann Spruce Top, (Please call or email for price)
Extremely Quilted Maple, when available, (Please call or email for price)
Left-handed models, add $
The LS-5 Mandolin
Partially made and assembled in the Czech Republic, finished and finally assembled in USA by Stelling Banjo Works, this is an exact replica of the Stelling S-5 made in Virginia. The peghead veneer is actually inlaid and bound in USA. The case is the same; the guarantee is the same. For all practical purposes, it is an S-5 with a different label. Satisfaction is guaranteed. A professional quality rectangular case featuring the Stelling logo, an arched lid, and crushed velvet lining, is provided. Quilted maple is available at an extra charge (Please call or email for price)
Banjo Options
Plating, Engraving and Other Options Ordered with Banjo
Archtop tonering
Radiused fingerboard
Armrest (cobalt-plated: outasts nickel 5 to 1)
Cobalt plating on all major parts
Chrome plating on all major parts
Gold plating on all parts List Price:
Standard engraving List Price:
