Sent: Monday, November 22, 2010
To: Jeffrey P. Kramer
Subject: Kait-Bug Banjo,
PineyWoods (Knaves Run OldTime Special)

Jeff,  It has been exactly a week since my Piney Woods banjo “Kaiti-Bug” was delivered. Since then, I have missed meals, let all my chores go undone, stopped watching television entirely, stayed up way too late every night, and been late to work more than once. I just cannot put it down. 

It is a very beautiful, well made instrument, and unlike any other banjo I have ever played. The shape, size, weight, and balance, all add up to making it a complete pleasure to play.

It stays put without any need to "hold on" to it, so that my left hand is free to dance lightly on the stings, and my right arm remains totally relaxed and loose like it needs to be.

The responsiveness of this banjo is absolutely incredible. It has an extremely nice action, an expansive tonal range, and it notes clear as a bell.

The design of the neck, and the great care put into the execution of that design, makes this banjo an exceptional instrument, especially for anyone interested in playing one of the OT down picking styles.

I am happy, and proud, to own this excellent banjo. It is a pleasure to look at, and a complete thrill to play. My only regret is I didn’t order one of these a lot sooner.

Many thanks,

A.C.
Chattanooga, TN
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Sent: Sunday, November 14, 2010 
Subject: Winnie Mae, PineyWoods EKlectric

HI Jeff, 

Am writing this letter because, even thought I'm a bit late, I wanted to commend you on the banjo you built for me. Have been playing it for awhile & I like it more all the time. When you made it for me I was mainly into Clawhammer, which it did a  phenomenal job in producing the Old Time sound I wanted. Quality of tone was great to my ear, sound projected well for me etc. It did the all around job I wanted. The quality of workmanship has been excellent. Has not had a problem with anything, hardware, inlay detail or anything, all has been excellent. 

Since having it for a few years now I have no complaints, it is still doing what I wanted, plus a bit extra. I have now gotten into 2 finger up picking in the Old Time stuff & the banjo is performing excellently, sound/tone quality, projection etc. is just great. It holds it's own with Bluegrass Banjos also.

Jeff, I want to thank you very much for this banjo project. I can't say enough well about it. If anybody is looking for a banjo that can do the job in many directions I would highly recommend this model, from a quality & performance standpoint, plus cosmetically , as it is a real beauty. 

Thanks again Jeff, Regards, Ron, Arizona

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Sent: Wednesday, November 03, 2010

Subject: Gunner Gill, Knaves Run Deluxe

 

Hi Jeff, Just to let you know I have Gunner Gill set up and I couldn't be happier. She's a real gem what a sound and so forgiving she has the lonesome sound that I have been searching for. The finish is fabulous and the inlay is a perfect Yorkshire rose, everybody that has seen and tried her has been impressed. Thanks Jeff for all the hours that you have labored on this banjo, they must have been many and they are appreciated, expect another order soon.

 

Thanks for the best banjo in Yorkshire, England.

 

Michael

 

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Sent: Sunday, October 17, 2010

Subject: PineyWoods  

 

Jeff,  Your banjo arrived yesterday afternoon at my neighbor's and I pretty much ran over when they called. They were impressed at its beauty and complimentary of its sound and maybe my playing some.   As I thought, Hainsey is outstanding!!!!  This one's definitely not coming back.

 

The tone quality is powerful, rich and the notes linger long after I stop playing. I have played a number of vintage and contemporary banjos and in my opinion yours sounds the best. The tone is just richer, a bit deeper, plunky without sounding muffled, probably the best open back banjo available.

 

My wife was amazed at how beautiful it looks, and I am, too. It looks like a piece of very fine furniture. I really like the look of the neck with the old coal scrip coin, the star and trillium. The back of the neck with the two red lines and running up the length are an interesting detail, too.  It's the best looking, best playing banjo I've ever seen.

 

Thank you so much for making it for me.   I'm a very happy man.   Best regards to you and your family.

 

Jake (Bethedsa, Maryland)

 

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Sent: Thursday, June 24, 2010

Subject: Knaves Run EKlectric Deluxe

 

Hey Jeff, I want to tell you how much I am loving my Cloverlick Knaves Run banjo.  Feel free to pass this along to anybody wondering whether to buy one of your banjos, or put it on your website. This banjo is simply top of the line.  It is unsurpassed in tone, playability, craftsmanship, and beauty.  I have played a lot of banjos over the last 35 years, and yours are simply the very best when it comes to playing Diller-style clawhammer.  My #KR-DX-003 "Whippoorwill" has exceeded expectations on all counts.  I took it with me down to Dwight's banjo retreat this past May, followed by the Vandalia Gathering weekend in Charleston.  Let me tell you, mine was the best looking and best sounding banjo around (including Dwight's)!  I was like a proud new papa, and everyone who laid eyes on it commented on the beauty and workmanship.  It is a work of art, and the best tool for the job.  Thanks again.  You should charge more. Hope to see you sometime soon,

 

Will (Alberta,Canada)

 

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Sent: June 23, 2010

Subject: PineyWoods EKlectric

 

Thanks very very much for the banjo. I have been enjoying it a lot, you did a real fine job on it. Now I am back home. Each time I take it up, I am impressed by the sound, weight and feel of this banjo. The camp at Dwight's went real well too. Then we went to the festivl in Glenville, another treat.

 

Bob (NewFoundland, Canada)

 

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Recieved February 21, 2008

 

Just wanted to let you know once again how pleased I am with Angeline. She is every bit as fine a banjo as I could ever hope to own in my lifetime. She is so responsive to my every touch. She makes me much more of a banjo player then I really am. Words cannot express what a fine product you produce.  Any one who does not have the priveledge to own a Clover Lick banjo, falls far short of what they could have owned.

 

Please feel free to share my comments with any potential customers.

 

Shine (Florida)

 

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Recieved February 7, 2008

 

I have owned my Foxville (named “Lil’ Moses”) for about ten weeks, and I can say that this is a very fine banjo in terms of its workmanship, appearance and playability. I missed playing, and I was banjoless until I won the Foxville in Jeff’s annual drawing the end of November 2007. So, now I am trying to relearn clawhammer banjo with my new Foxville. This banjo is first class in every regard. The fit, the finish, inlays, tuners, wood used are absolutely perfect!! I could not be more pleased with this instrument! My Foxville is also very playable. The action and fingerboard make it very easy to play. It is also very forgiving, which is helpful for someone like me who is relearning claw banjo.

 

In terms of sound, I tend to prefer plunky to bright and brassy. In order to get this sound with my Chanterelle, I had to spend a lot of time fiddling with rags of various thicknesses and locations under the head of the instrument. This is not the case with the Foxville. The banjo came with a small piece of sheepskin wedged between the dowell stick and the head. I haven’t moved it or changed it. The sound of the Foxville has been phenomenal right out of the box. The 1 st and 2 nd strings are very responsive without being bright or brassy. The sound of the 3 rd and 4 th strings is wonderful but a little difficult to describe. They have a great plunky tone with just enough sustain. Exactly the sound I like. The 5 th string, like the 1 st and 2 nd strings, is responsive without being bright or brassy. The wonderful tone of the strings combines with just enough overall sustain to make this a banjo that is very enjoyable and satisfying to play.

 

Although I am just a beginner, the Foxville is not a beginner’s banjo. A friend stopped over a couple of weeks ago to check out my new banjo. He is an exceptional clawhammer banjo player and teacher. He also owns many, many clawhammer banjos. He played my Foxville for quite a while and was very impressed with the instrument. He was particularly impressed with the workmanship and the playability of the instrument. His assessment is significant because of his playing experience and ability to compare the Foxville to his many other instruments.

 

I would highly recommend the Foxville to anyone who is looking for an instrument of exceptional workmanship, appearance, tone and playability. If you have questions about my Foxville, please feel free to email at t_stuckert@yahoo.com

 

Tom, Ohio

 

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Recieved March 31, 2007

 

Hi Jeff,

 

Just wanted you to know Ol Baldy is VERY pleased with Ol Baldy. Great tone and the very best neck I've ever played on. The frets are perfect and slides are without any hitches(not common in banjos or guitars). Again, thank you. Well worth the wait.

 

Jerry

 

(Comment from Jeff Kramer) I take great strides to get the frets in there like that. They are completely fit and cut prior to putting them in. Thay way, you can be assured they won’t stick out. It takes longer … but, better. I forgot to take a finished picture - the one on the right was a progress picture.

 

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Recieved June 26, 2006

 

Hi Jeff!

 

I just wanted to let you know that I have nominated you for "Matchmaker of the Year" for hooking me up with "Jennifer Rose." After several years of slow progress, my banjo playing has taken a leap forward! The first time I picked her up, playing became much less of a struggle and more like dancing with an experienced partner. I swear that banjo seems to play herself at times! The wider neck has taken the frustration out of learning chords, and I find myself "practicing" a lot longer. The sound is incredible. Everyone keeps telling me how much better I am playing these days. Thankfully Jennifer Rose is very modest and lets me take ALL the credit. Thanks again for your wonderful work.

 

Sincerely,

 

Chuck

 

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Recieved, June 26, 2006

 

Jeff,

 

I sent with the pictures I thought a very detailed message about how wonderful it was to play. When I use Fred’s computer I often lose messages so I think yours went by the way of lost messages.

 

Anyway what I wanted to tell you is that I can now play without pain. It has given me a new lease on the banjo because before it was just too hard for me because of my arthritis, . I now practice everyday and literally have a difficult time not picking it up. It is almost always in tune. It is fabulous. I cannot remark like your other folks did on all the fine points of playing it because I am truly a novice. However, the ease in playing that comes with this banjo, I hope will someday make me a good player, Thank you again for your extraordinary workmanship, your attention to detail, your professionalism and your good nature. It was an absolute pleasure to work with you and I hope I will get to meet you.

 

Carolyn

 

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Recieved March 25, 2006

 

Jeff,

 

"Genevieve" is the best sounding banjo I own - period. I have about 10 banjos right now and although each one of them is notable in its own right, your most recent masterpiece blows them away in terms of the sound quality. When looking at potential new banjo acquisitions, I value the following characteristics the most, listed in descending order of importance: a luthier that deeply cares about their work and is willing to work on a collaborative basis on custom projects, fabulous sound, superb build and the highest quality materials. You scored 100% on each count, Jeff. The combination of the Tony Pass Lost Timber Rim and CloverLick EKlectric tone ring arrangement make this banjo positively PROJECT with a capital "P." I might choose a more plunky banjo after a hard day’s work to relax, but if I want half a chance at being heard in a jam, fiddle combo or dance situation your CloverLick banjo would be the unquestionable favorite. I wish that I could adequately convey to prospective purchasers the high level of attention that you give your customers. If they knew, your backlog would be about five years long. In my case, you sent several neck cross sections so that I could pick the best width and profile for my big hands, you e-mailed inlay photos and other details for my consideration, kept me apprised of progress throughout the duration of the project, and made it clear that your heart was consumed with making this the best instrument you possibly could. The cherry-on-top was that when you delivered the banjo you included a plethora of little goodies and extras that blew me away. You’re the best, Jeff. Keep up the superb work.

 

Tom

 

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Recieved February 1, 2006

 

Dear Jeff,

 

I'm not one for articulate descriptions, all I can say is that I really like my banjo named "Pickin 'n Fishin", because it plays easy, sounds awesome, and looks great. As I tell my friends and family, there is no banjo in the universe that looks like mine. And when I showed it to a long time fishing buddy, he said you can't play that because it is a work of art. I still can't imagine how you got the pole, line, and fish in the fingerboard.

 

Your passion and artistry for creating a handcrafted clawhammer banjo is extraordinary and the quality is evident in all aspects. The tonal clarity just blew me away as I started working through my repertoire. In the modal tuning I was especially struck by the clarity and tone of the "lonesome sound" and while playing a flat out no holds barred festival tune it "it kicked like a mule" (to borrow a description I heard from a friendly poet friend).

 

Again, thank you, thank you, and thank you.

 

(Comment from Jeff Kramer) - All custom inlays are unique to the banjo built. I will not make another neck exactly like this for anyone else. Part of what I am trying to do is make every banjo an extension of the person buying it. With the way you can choose your woods, sizes, rim options, hardware, etc., no two CloverLicks are ever exactly alike. And, Joe DOES NOT put his worms in a Folger's Coffee Can!

 

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Recieved January 19, 2006

 

WOW ! , Jeff,

 

She arrived today...... beautiful...... you know we call all submarines 'She'. And what a great sound. Man you made a real banjo shot in the arm to get me to playing and practicing more. Had sort of backed off here lately. Love the work you did on her..... everything. Haven't read all the manual yet (the pics were a real work of art) was wondering what type of head did you use?

 

Man oh man, really appreciate your gifts of DD Video's, Strings, Pick Slick, Super Spice Banjar-Piker, Fingerboard oil, Wood and Metal polish and of course your Yew Pine Mix.

 

What else can I say. The sound is fabulous, the strings are just the right hight with the nut and bridge you used. Perfect action for me. It is the heaviest banjo I have ever held, including those you had at Dwights. You sure make it hard for wheelchair toting..... just kidding. I know, that's where all the sound comes from. Your finger board is extremely comfortable. Got to hand it to you, Jeff, your work is beautiful and exact. Checked your bridge position out with my tuner and ever fret is exact, especially the 5th and 12th. And your 'North Star', 'Big Dipper' and other inlay.... Beautiful!

 

I love her..... Glenn

 

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Recieved July 9, 2005

 

Jeff-

Just wanted to let you know that Jenny stirred up quite a buzz at Uncle Dave Macon Days and Smithville Jamboree and I was able to hand out a several business cards for you. Other builders and long-time old time musicians were very impressed by her and her beautiful sound. She and I received many compliments. Although, I've still got a lot to learn (playing) to get her to her maximum potential. Here are a few photos of my competition on stage with an old time friend, Rob and one of me and my 2 yr old Caroline during an old time jam session in one of the old cabins at Cannonsburg Village.

 

Jim and Jennie

 

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Recieved June 25, 2005

 

Hi Jeff,

 

My new banjo "Sugar Babe" is really sweet. It's amazing how more articulate I can be in playing and how much less of a touch it takes to get the sound I want. I absolutely love the ability to do such contrasting dynamics; whether its just going from pianissimo to fortissimo or from a ringing sustain on a hammer-on to a short staccato pull off. I tend to want a bit more drama in my music and this new instrument has given me all the tools to make it happen.

 

I love the Keith Tuners you put on, they are quicker to tune and stay in tune much longer than any I've ever had. The arched neck is really something I wanted and this actually has already improved my playing as well. I am so impressed with this arched neck and bridge. The technical details are so articulate everywhere on this banjo but I have to mention a few more details like the shaping on the frets and the polished finish to them. The fact they are ever so slightly set in eliminates the possibility of any fret/string problems. I love it!!!

 

I can't forget to mention the 'Tony Pass Lost Timber' pot and the 'special recipe' EKlectric tone ring. These two pieces are of course the main structure of this whole instrument and I can see and hear from comparing it to my other banjos, the sound is so dramatically different -- so much better, clear, crisper, and with as much sustain as I want. And then there's the Kershner tail piece, it's the best, but on top of that you put that clover leather piece in there to eliminate possibility of unwanted buzzing or contrasting vibrations from the desired vibrations of the strings. I also have to agree on the size of the larger head you put on the banjo, gives more for the vibration of the strings to resonate too. I thought my 'other' old time banjo was the best being made until I heard one of the CLOVERLICK’s and I'm thrilled to say my new ‘Sugar Babe’ makes my other banjos sound weak in comparison.

 

I have to mention the look of it all; the uniqueness of the African zebrawood, Brazilian Rosewood, curly maple and babinga makes it so unbelievably cool looking. I love the way they shine as well from you hand rubbed finish. It's hard to believe there's not a layer of lacquer on that wood with that shine.

 

I know it was pulling all the stops out for this banjo but this one has it all. I sincerely hope someone gets to read my review because you really do make the best banjos out there. Thank you for all your hard work and the great care you take in crafting such fine instruments. If any of your potential customers want to get in touch with me for as a reference, feel free to give them my e-mail.

 

Thanks,

 

Mary

 

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Recieved April 08, 2005

 

Hey, Jeff.

 

Sylvia's a beauty. People comment on her looks and voice. I went to a local dealer to have my Ome priced and took Sylvia along. He couldn't put her down. Same held true when I went over to an old timer's to jam a bit. He loved her. Really, she is FAR more banjo than I will ever need. I checked out your website and saw that you've sold 27 or 28 banjos -- that's pretty good interest. Glad to see Sylvia on display, too...

 

David

 

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