Brand: Stelling
Instrument Categories: Banjos, SOLD
This Stelling Golden Cross Open Back banjo was originally a resonator model but was converted to open-back by Geoff Stelling. As with other Golden Cross banjos, the neck and rim are Maple, with Ebony for the fingerboard; inlays and the truss rod cover are Mother of Pearl. This is a very attractive instrument!
Geoff Stelling has been building highest quality banjos in Afton, Virginia since 1974, and last year announced that he will be closing his shop at the end of 2022. Their shop is winding down and no longer accepts new repair work.
Built during 1997, this Stelling Golden Cross Open Back banjo is in great condition, with only light wear. It is unclear when the conversion was performed, but it involved replacing the original resonator flange with a new open-back flange with engraving that matches the tension hoop and arm-rest. Fret wear is very light, and the most visible indications of use are the worn gold plating on the engraved arm-rest, and a small stain on the head from the player’s fingers.
The original Stelling hard shell case is included.
Here’s the builder on the Stelling Golden Cross banjo:
“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 Originally made of walnut, the current Golden Cross features fancy curly maple with the golden sunburst stain and purfling inlaid along the neck and resonator binding.
All models feature the Tony Pass 600TS Old Wood Rim and a deluxe TKL emerald green crushed velvet plush lined case.”
- Model: Golden Cross Conversion
- Year: 1997
- Finish Sunburst
- Class: Used
- Serial Number: 4606 OW, built during 1997 in Afton, Virginia
- Country of Origin: USA
- Condition: Very Good
- Date Posted: 11/05/2022
- This instrument has been sold
- Consignment Item
- Including original Hard case
- Instrument Weight: 6.952lbs 3.16kg
- Scale Length: 26.25in 666.75mm
- Nut Width: 1.252in 31.80mm
