Stelling Master Flower 1993

Exc Condition / #3997
Figured Walnut
3-ply Maple Rim

Previously owned by Bill Emerson, this 1992 Stelling Master Flower banjo #3977 is in fine shape. The reportage says Bill Emerson used it in some recordings. It has a Bill Emerson truss rod cover. No fret wear and only light button marks on back of resonator. Back of neck is in great shape with no dings or lacquer potholes. Some oxidation of the nickel-plated parts.

Stellings get high marks for their banjo design and manufacture. The necks are especially notable in that they feel ergonomically “correct” for many banjo players. This neck has a “just right” profile, transitioning between a D to a U, toward the nut. The peghead is also in great shape and is fully bound with cream binding. Nice array of pearl inlays – like hearts, diamonds, “antlers” with Stelling logo inlaid in pearl at top. Solid pearl truss-rod cover with Bill Emerson engraved in it. Bone nut. Flat Ebony fingerboard with Geoff Stelling’s version of Hearts & Flowers pearl inlay. Master Flower engraved into 15th fret pearl block.
Tuners are: Two nickel Stelling(Waverly), geared pegs at 1st & 4th and two Keith D-Tuners at 2nd & 3rd. Multiple iv/blk/iv bindings around fingerboard.
Ivoroid heel cap with black accent line.

The pot is based on a 3-ply Maple wood rim with Stelling’s no-hole Flat Head tone ring fitted to it. All hardware appears to be original Stelling nickel hardware.
The Resonator has especially interesting wood grain that shows fiddleback flame figure. Bound top and back with multi ply ivoroid with black accent lines. Two wood marquetry concentric circles in back of the resonator.

This Stelling Master Flower is set-up well and has very good tone.