...the banjo arrived last Wednesday pm at the depot in York. I picked it up Thursday morning and sailed to Ostend Belgium pm the same day. I took it with and have not put it down all weekend. I arrived back today Monday pm and have just opened my Emails. The Banjo arrived safe and well. It is all that I asked for and more besides the banjo in itself it is a work of art, and I practically like the copper with the inlays and that combination of the tone woods.

I love the head stock, from a distance the inlay in the headstock looks like a winged elf, with my love for Tolkien this is an added bonus. The colour variation in the claro walnut neck is exactly what I wanted, the walnut pot with the gold hardware sets the whole thing off. I was and am more than happy.

Then I tuned it up and played it WOW. Played soft it stops you in your tracks. Played out, the tone is amazing and each time that I put it into a different tuning my wife looses me for 2 or 3 more hours. I just can't put it down I will be giving it it's first outing with the Saggy Bottom Boys on Wednesday this week, I can't wait to see their faces. I will keep you posted. and thank you Jason it is one very special banjo.

John Yeaman

Jason,
True  to form, you have created another masterpiece in my latest banjo. The perfect mix of craftsmanship and artistry. I love the A-scale, and the combination of 12" pot and calfskin head results in a sound that is mellow and plunky, yet sustains a note. You were right about the 12" pot helping to add more bass, and projecting the sound. This really enhances playing in the stringband setting or in a jam where the sound can be overpowered. At the same time, when played alone, it can be sharp as a razor... or soft as a prayer.
Thanks again,
Jerry James

Dear Jason,
This banjo is exquisite.  From the moment I opened up the box and the new case, which was a THRILLING moment, I was struck by how much more artistry had gone into it than I could have imagined.  I love the custom tailpiece and  L-shoes, the wood combinations, the inlay, and most important, the tone--so rich and deep and clear.  The tuning pegs are exact, the weight is nice and solid but not too heavy at all, the length of the neck is perfect.  I can't keep my hands off of it--am finding more moments to play during the day and in the evening than I ever thought I had. Also, it was a pleasure working with you to design this banjo.  You always seemed to have the time to answer my questions and listen to my concerns, and had great patience throughout the whole planning process.  You always made it seem like anything was possible, and yet you also stuck to a value of simplicity and elegance, and helped in the end to arrive at what I feel is a perfect banjo for me.  At first, when I saw such a personal symbol, the hand with the altar in it, right out there on the peghead, I felt kind of shy about it and worried that it wasn't "traditional" enough.  (When I saw it in the photos).  Then, when the banjo was in my hands, I felt what a true gift it was to have such personal symbols on this instrument that I play every day and will treasure for the rest of my life.
Jason, you are doing some very unique and wonderful work, and I wish you the best as you continue this work.  I will look regularly at your website to see what other miraculous creations are coming out of June Apple Workshop, and I look forward to visiting again next time we are in Arcata. Thank you for everything!
Best,
Annette

Hello Jason!
Tardy me -- I've been meaning to write to you since well before the Old-Time Gathering and tell you how much I like my new banjo. The short version is, "I couldn't imagine being more pleased." The longer version...first, the construction and aesthetics expressed in the instrument are absolutely first-rate.  From the joinery to the finish to the inlays -- everything is as nearly perfect as a human being has any right to expect.  And I greatly respect your attention to all the little subtle details -- the things you didn't have to do, but did; for me, that's the line between competence and thoughtful artistry. And of course the most important thing by far is the SOUND, which is impeccable. What's amazing to me is how well this banjo and this setup nailed the sound we talked about in the conceptual stages -- loud, but not brassy and brilliant; suited to accompanying my voice or playing ensemble in an acoustic old-time setting and balancing, but not overpowering the other instruments. I asked for clear, ringing bass with lots of sustain, usable for pedal tones when needed.  And the instrument has that -- lovely, crystalline bass that sustains beautifully when I want it to. Trebles are pure and sweet, slightly complex; and the intonation is *great*, which is wonderful for those rare times when I play up the neck. So maybe I just got lucky and asked for the sound you always build anyway; but I rather think that the combination of woods, setup, head choice, bridge and doubtless a few other things are what make this instrument sound so good.   The mechanics of the instrument are also great -- the neck suits my hand perfectly, and I really like the oil finish.  Everything fits and everything just works; the setup is perfect.  And I am really liking the "all-wood" rim construction; I had a little concern that it would prove to be less comfortable than instruments with metal hoops but that has not proved to be the case.
So, many thanks again for the wonderful instrument -- it's turned a few heads up here already.
Cheers,
Mark

Hi Jason,
Got the banjo this afternoon....the old hen is cluckin, the chicken is definitely real, and
Sally Ann is a happy girl. Thank you so much for your artistry and getting such a rich
sound out of the wood!
I'm trying some different bridge placements, using the harmonics and fretted note
technique. Do you have any suggestions? I know if it sounds good, it is good, but
would love your input.
Thanks again,
Don

Jason,
I contacted you some time ago about the A-Scale you had on hand but instead found a fretless at the Music Emporium, since then I have picked up a used Regal. I wanted to complement you on your fine instruments, after being a player for 30 years it is nice to encounter a builder that captures the entire melodic range on an artistically beautiful instrument.
Thank you for your precision and attention to detail. Your banjos are a true pleasure.
Regards,
Jim

Jason,
.....the custom fretless from the Music Emporium arrived last week. I could not put it down, and like any finely tuned instrument the more it was played the better it sounded. The walnut banjo is more than just any instrument, its lines flow smoothly to the headstock in its brilliant simplicity. Every part functions to its greatest capacity, taking natures own to form a musical and artistic masterpiece, one to cherish for generations. Some time in the future, hopefully, I can add a blackberry blossom to my collection.
Thanks again, Regards.
Jim

Hello Jason,
The "ARCHTOP" arrived safe and sound today. It is truly a "MASTERPIECE". It is exactly like the "MORNING GLORY" and the "SUN BOLT" that I have, they all are absolutely wonderfully-built instruments. I love it, the setup is perfect, and just like the other two,
each one has it's own unique voice. The quality of the tone just blows me away, and mega-power if you want it. I continue to be impressed more and more every different setting you use these banjos in. They never let you down. Thanks again for me getting this banjo. I hope to one day meet the best banjo luthier in the "Universe". 
Really happy,
Sam

Hey Jason,
I just thought I would drop you a line and tell you how excellent my new banjo is. I am extremely happy with everything about it from the craftsmanship to the incredible sound. It has been a pleasure to play from the minute I took it out of the box. It has the most incredible sustain that almost allows you to accompany yourself, I don't know how to describe it other than that, but it has added another dimension to my playing. I will recommend your instruments to anyone I know looking for a new, one-of-a-kind banjo.
Thanks again for all your hard work and efforts, it really shows.
Jerry James

Dear Jason,
Having now had this new banjo in my hands for not quite a week I was keen to get back to you and reemphasize my feelings about the whole process. I must admit I was virtually in shock by the time it got here from worrying about it getting here intact.
Firstly, let me say what a pleasure it has been communicating with you on the project. When I decided last year to go with you I had no idea what I wanted other than a wood tonering reso banjo that would sound good for bluegrass style picking. When it came time to make the final selections of wood, engraving, detailing, etc., it came together so well, and you made the whole thing a reality with no fuss.

 I had every confidence in your workmanship, both from your website presentation, and also, more importantly, from talking to several of your other customers who were obviously ecstatic with the instruments you built them. It was something of a gamble to go to the wood tonering concept for a bluegrass model, even though I was initially inspired by having played a Deering Deluxe that was kitted out with their John Hartford tone ring. I had even less idea whether your ideas and methods would translate into the same direction of tone and sound as what I was looking for in a "Bluegrass" banjo. Your website sound bytes helped, plus did your customers I spoke to. Glowing in praise, they were nevertheless open back buyers, not  reso, but they were unanimous in the opinion that one of your reso, wood tonerimg banjos would sound great, with plenty of volume.

They were, of course 100% right and I am so glad I went ahead with you.

The photos you sent me of the finished banjo were stunning but nothing compared to the reality of what I saw when I opened that case. The inlays are perfect and they sparkle and glow. The combination of the Cocobolo fingerboard, head stock veneeer and armrest against the Santos mahogany are perfect and the combination of the Gold and chrome plating look excellent. I have inspected all over the instrument and not only would I describe your workmanship as perfect, I keep finding little finishing details in your wood work like those flutes carved under the neck by the 5th string tuner, plus by the heel, that make this instrument say,"Built by a Master". And then, take off the resonator and there is that trademark turned rod cover sheathing the rod. And you never even see under here on a resonator banjo unless you take the back off!!

The tung oil finish seems good. It certainly has a nice feel. As you know I had some doubts about this due to my background in surface coatings, but a little research into the polymerised versus raw, plus your confidence in the suitability of it was a factor in this aspect.

The cocobolo armrest is a great success, isn't it? You did very well indeed Jason, even on this detail. It has just enough mass to be sturdy, but still looks streamlined and not at all obtrusive. Plus it is very, very comfortable.

This banjo has great playability. The neck is quite generous in its dimensions yet is not "chunky." You have set it up perfectly. I replaced the strings with the lighter gauge that I am used to and it immediately felt more familiar. As I mentioned, I have mostly been playing the Nechville Meteor of late and going back to the fatter bodied acoustic is somewhat of an adjustment, but I love this Romero so much, that's not going to be a problem.

The sound is certainly something of a revelation. It has the popping, pealing sound that you would expect from a good bluegrass banjo without the tinniness that a metal toneringed banjo can sometimes impart. The quality of the woods, the fit of the componentry (and even, I believe the wood armrest) all contribute to this of course. The renaissance head sounds great, too. I have no intention of changing that.

What has surprised me the most is the volume. This banjo is loud, if need be, and I mean loud. I am not a hard picker by any means but I can crank on this banjo. We had a band practise last week and I played both the Romero and my old Jap Washburn archtop (which is a very loud banjo) as a comparison, and my fellow band members pronounced the Romero to be every bit as loud, plus, of course they liked the tone a lot better. My daughter also plays banjo and I have been able to stand back and enjoy the sound of it when she plays. Only thing is I will have trouble keeping it out of her hands!

From a players point of view the tone is interesting. Clear, exceedingly clear, with hints of overtones that are not masterclone like. Hard to describe them. The banjo sounds fantastic both up and down the neck, as well as when played hard or soft.  I especially love the sound of that low D string. Overall the sound is exquisite and should only improve as the instrument ages.
I could go on.

Jason you have done a fabulous job on this project and I am much more than satisfied. It is my priviledge to own one of your instruments, and I expect it to last a lifetime.
Kind regards,
Bryan

Hi Jason,
I just wanted to drop you a line to tell you how much I enjoy the spruce top banjo you built for me. It is a very beautiful instrument and I love the look as well as the sound of it. I have shown it to quite a few people and had some play it and they were all impressed. I really like the different sound. It can sound like a mountain dulcimer, a harp or even like the wind blowing through the trees.

It is really neat that you have the pictures on your website and I especially like the two sound tracks from my instrument. I’m glad to be able to hear what a real banjo player can do with it. I have had a couple folks that play banjo professionally try it out and they both thought it is really cool and were impressed with your woodworking talents.
Thank you again for your efforts. I am extremely happy with the instrument and very much enjoy playing it.
Jim

Jason,
I received the “Krazy Kat” banjo about a month ago now, and I wanted to wait a little while, live with the banjo a bit, before I gave you my verdict. I initially contacted you with a strange idea, to have a banjo built out of submerged wood with an inlay based on the cartoon Krazy Kat. I told you my ideas about this and you translated my ideas into wood, walrus tusk, gold, mother of pearl and a host of other materials. The end result was much, much more amazing than I could have imagined. You got the cartoons and the cartoonish nature of the banjo perfectly. The banjo is a work of art with exquisite lamination, inlays, color shape and heft. It’s the best construction I’ve seen up close, the only banjos I’ve seen photographs of that approximate this sort of workmanship are Enoch, Flesher, and Ode. But there’s a creativity here that’s really unique to you, no one else can touch it.Playibility is excellent, it has one of the two most comfortable necks I’ve ever played. It also has great balance, and due to the wooden tone ring it’s much lighter than my Deering.Now sound! I had no idea how a wood tone ring banjo would sound for bluegrass. First off I don’t think anyone would guess this was a wood tone ring banjo if I didn’t tell them. It’s loud and can be hear over the banjo killers. But it’s not a paint peeler. Nor does it sound like a prewar wanna be. The Krazy Kat has a rich sound with scads of bass and great clarity up the neck. Maybe that’s the best way to get at the sound. As opposed to a bronze tone ring banjo there are no breaks in the sound. You can play it very quietly and you get a very similar sound to playing it very loud. If you play on the 22nd fret the sound it is like a higher pitched version of playing on the 1st fret. The sound itself has a lot of different overtones but its very, very coherent – fundamentals and overtones are united together in a way that it all comes through. It’s a very “organic” sound. And it sounds great for bluegrass.As you might expect it’s extremely responsive as well, actually the most linearly responsive banjo I’ve played. I hope I’ve conveyed why I’m so impressed. It doesn’t feel like a tool it feels like a living thing, and it’s a rare craftsman and artist who can make such an extraordinary instrument.

Dear Jason,
My new Romero "Torch" just arrived in the mail from .... I'm astounded by the quality and attention to detail that is evident in this instrument. I've gone through lots of banjos and this one is a keeper. It's right up there at the top with my Ome Columbine, which says a lot I think.

When I opened the case I was impressed with the look of the banjo. You've let the wood grain speak for itself and the inlay flows with the patterns of the wood. Then I played it. The low end is bold and full, the high end is bright without being harsh, and the overall sound is a warm honey sweetness that isn't afraid to linger. The banjo is bell-like in its sustain and roundness of tone. The profile of the neck is graceful and avoids that "clubby" feel that so many open-back builders seem to be going for. This allows for speed and accuracy with triplets and chord shapes up the neck, with minimal energy expended.

I've played every current small builder's banjo available. The "Torch" is far and above anything being offered by the small builders. The finish, the neck feel, and profile, the overall playability and tone all add up to one thing: banjo perfection.

My apologies for such a gushy email. I'm not prone to these outbursts of emotion, but your banjo has inspired me to go ga-ga.
Thank you for taking such obvious pride in your work, and for providing an open-back banjo that is trying to do something a little different. In a sea of turn-of-the-century clones and mediocre copies, you've produced an instrument that takes the open-back banjo to new heights...
From a New Romero Banjo Devotee,

Jason....
I am speechless.....the instrument (that I received just hours before I left for Wintergrass:) that you made me surpasses my every expectation. The fit and finish and attention to detail are more than just impressive...they approach fanatical! The small groove under the 5th string tuner, and the delicate grooving above the heel (that I first noticed tactilely as I played, and then visually observed upon closer inspection)....the shaping and etching of the dowel, the multi-layered intricately carved peghead, and of course the amazing inlay work on the top AND bottom of the neck, heel and pot of the banjo....one might say some of these efforts represented unnecessary work hours but the class they add to the finished product is immeasurable. The grain on the fingerboard is killer...it is almost hypnotizing to look at....I could just go on and on but I think you get the idea of how much I appreciate the work you did.....Of course looks don't mean that much if the sound one is looking for is not there....Since I am a clawhammer beginner I had several excellent (and critical) musicians play this instrument at Wintergrass Jason. To a person they were very very impressed. A music shop owner in Missoula, Montana I believe who always has a shop at Wintergrass, was gushing about this instrument with regard to both the sound and workmanship. Several players also mentioned that they liked the deeper pot that you use as well. Even I can achieve a whole range of tonal colors from this instrument, from bright and loud to woody rounded notes that bring amazing warmth to more delicate songs....and I am just getting started. The sounds coming from this banjo as I listened to really skilled people play it were amazing...in the hands of my friend who plays rather hard this banjo was as loud as other banjos with metal tone rings.....and in the hands of others who played less aggressive styles it sounded as deep-bodied, sweet and pure as I could ever hope.....this provides me with even more desire to learn to play this instrument really well.....The last installment of what I owe you is in the mail with a little extra so you can relax with a few beers that I wish I could be there to buy you myself!! Thanks again Jason....I will be aggressively promoting your wares whenever I find someone interested in purchasing a fine banjo.....hopefully one day I will get to meet you and shake your hand.
Jim