Stelling riding into the sunset

[JFDilmando]

Its a sad day when we lose such giant in the building business... Geoff created some wonderful instruments over the years... tons of greawt banjos, and his share of mandolins as well...
I have owned several of his banjos, and I never dealt with a better person...

http://www.stellingbanjo.com/

Good on him, and I wish him well

[rcc56]

Watching the sunset and packing their bags, but not on the horse quite yet . . .
They've been on the verge of retiring for awhile, but I think they're finally ready to make it a reality. So if anyone wants a new Stelling, now's the time.

Back in the 1980's, they were about the only folks who were making a decent resonator banjo.
They have continued to make fine instruments throughout.

Good luck, Geoff. You worked hard, did a great job, and deserve to relax.

[sunburst]

I hadn't heard this news. I haven't been by there in years and obviously haven't been in close communication with Geoff and Sherry. I know retirement will go well for them.
I was just looking at the chronology page after following the link to the web site. Kind of nostalgic...

[mandrian]

Hi,

Sad news for us, but retirement works out well for most.

My first good mandolin was a Stelling that was licensed to thrill (serial no. LS007). Got it on my only ever trip to Mandolin Bros around 2000 so was memorable in a lot of ways. No longer have the mandolin, but still wear the Mandolin Bros T shirt.

Regards,

[allenhopkins]

Bought my first Stelling banjo last year, a rare Longhorn from the 1990's with the "Pete Seeger" extended neck. Wanted it enough to trade in my seldom-used Gibson '50's F-5 for it.

Gig a couple times a week with the Longhorn. A fine instrument, and a tribute to the work the Stellings put into their products. They've contributed much, especially to the "bluegrass community," whatever that is.

[John Bertotti]

What's this retirement thing people talk of?

Too bad about them for the buyers but for them it is most likely well deserved.

[Pjones3]

I’ve a Stelling S5 mandolin from early 2000s signed by Geoff. Stunningly beautiful mandolin that’s plays really easily and sounds so good. Also have a dark walnut Stelling Whitestar banjo that’s incredible. Mr Stelling knows how to build them and his contribution to the music world will live on forever! Thank you sir!

[Pjones3]

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