The Mahogany Cimarron

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Bishline Owners

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*Bishline Banjo Owners Only* This is a great place to network with other owners of Rob's superb craftmanship!

110 Members, Created 6/28/2011 -

Administrators: sgtmoodyman (owner)

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From Ron C on 4/25/2013 12:11:30 PM

Hi, Folks,

The mahogany Cimarron showed up at my door on Wednesday, 24 April. It looked rather lonely, so I brought it into the house, removed it from the box and case, and applied some TLC.

After being shipped from Tulsa to Golden, CO, it was still almost in tune!

There is this discussion of the almost magical "sound" that almost every banjo player seems to seek, at least those who dream of the old Gibson Scruggsonian sound. I have had a Gibson Earl Scruggs Standard and various other fine banjos over the years. This Bishline Cimarron issued closer to that sound than the other banjos I have owned or played, and this was right out of the box!

Neck playability is outstanding, as well.

I am used to a slightly higher action. Has anyone put on a taller bridge? What is the bridge that comes with the Bishline (Brand?)?

For those of you who have the satin finish on the neck and resonator - what do you use to keep it fresh and clean? I am afraid to use any of the banjo and guitar care materials made for the glossy finishes.

I have a drum dial. What reading seems to be the best for the Bishline banjos?

Thanks and Best Regards,

Ron

4 Comments
	gharrison says: 4/25/2013 12:39:08 PM Hi Ron, Sounds like you're quite pleased with your new banjo! I've heard that a lot of people use something called "True Oil" on the bare necks (like yours) in order to protect the wood. The drum dial setting really is a matter of personal preference. I don't know that there is any one "best" setting. A looser tension will give you a darker sound, a tighter tension will give you a brighter sound. I like the sound of banjos that don't have the head tightened down too much. I believe that Rob Bishline makes his own banjo bridges. Yours probably came with a 5/8. I'd recommend ordering a .656 or (if you want more space) an 11/16 bridge from Tim Purcell. Tim makes the finest banjo bridges on the market today, and they arrive at your door very quickly after you call him and place your order. Happy Pickin' Greg Harrison
	Joe the banjo guy says: 4/25/2013 1:56:10 PM Hey there. I've been messing around with my Midnight Moon's action and bridge too. I JUST asked Rob about the bridge he uses. He does make his own most of the time, and it is set up for a 5/8 bridge. That said, a 5/8 bridge is too low for my midnight moon, because Rob puts almost no neck relief in the banjo. I use an 11/16 bridge. I may add neck relief via the truss rod and try a 5/8 bridge at some point soon. I keep mine at a 91 on the drum dial and use pretty heavy strings.
	Joe the banjo guy says: 4/25/2013 1:57:07 PM caveat: the Midnight Moon is all maple, not mahogany like yours.
	Ron C says: 4/25/2013 2:01:14 PM Thank you for the information, folks! I really do feel like a kid at Christmas time. The Cimarron sounds so good that I am going to make changes slowly and carefully. Rob Bishline just made some recommendations to me, as well. I teach some classes at night for the university I work. I would love to dismiss class early and go play the new banjo, but these young people pay money to have me there edumacating them. If I am not too tired when I get home at 9 pm tonight, I will play! Ron
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