Builder database - what builders are we missing?

[Banjo Cafe]

Like to seek out a little feedback and community crowd sourcing. Don't know how many of you have had a chance to peruse our builder database. Numbers aren't important but at 281 active builders we have apparently surprised a few folks that have contacted us that there were that many banjo builders. And we heard from a couple that weren't listed and have already added them.

We think it's likely we've missed some so if you have time to scour that resource and let us know if we've missed any we'd appreciate it. Of course there's always a few of those folks out there you hear about but can't locate on the web. We prefer some kind of presence to list someone, either a web site or Facebook page so we can check them out periodically to make sure they're still there.

Also, some folks operate out of a different name for their instruments so keeping searches brief is a good idea (ie., leave off the word banjo and you'll get better results).

We'll appreciate any input!

Oh, and if you haven't seen the Eye Candy pages, brace for it.

[BanjoBelle]

Would be great to see a luthier list also! I've got a 1970's Aria resonator that desperately needs a geared 5th string tuner and a setting up. I live in the LAX area of southern CA. Wonderful to see another banjo forum,BTW! Are you going to have a page for teachers to list also?

[Banjo Cafe]

Would be great to see a luthier list also! I've got a 1970's Aria resonator that desperately needs a geared 5th string tuner and a setting up. I live in the LAX area of southern CA. Wonderful to see another banjo forum,BTW! Are you going to have a page for teachers to list also?

No plans for a luthier/repair list or teacher list at this time, but you're right, those are great ideas. We aren't ruling anything out, really. One of the problems with lists like these are keeping track of folks, where they are, and ways to get in touch with them to see if they're still in business. That typically requires a web site. Builders are usually pretty good about having a web site or at least a Facebook presence for marketing their instruments but our experience (working with the Mandolin Cafe folks that have 21 years experience doing this) is that the repair and teaching side it becomes quite a bit more difficult to track everyone down and many of those folks don't have web sites or Facebook pages.

To give you an idea how tedious this is, we started builder the banjo builder database 15 months ago. We employ link checking software to tell us when sites go away or start redirecting to a new location or just disappear. The numbers of those that have either moved to a new site, gone to a new address and not left a forwarding, or simply vanished is pretty amazing. We make at least an update once a week continuously. Easy to find lists of builders and teachers on the web but most of them are badly outdated with lots of broken links and people that simply aren't performing those services any longer. When we committed to this we also committed to keeping our resources up to date, no broken links and with accurate information.

As an alternate, lots of folks advertise their Skype lessons or camps/workshops through the Classifieds. No reason repair people can't as well. That allows those individuals to control their own message in a more comprehensive and controlled manner (our opinion). Musicians looking for someone in their area can also place a wanted ad.

Thanks for the note. Hope you see around here!

[Annette Siegel]

Hiya BanjoBelle,

Just thought to let you know about us. We're a small local Luthier shop in So. Cal. our webpage http://livingtreemusic.com/

A FB photo album of just completed repro banjo necks -

https://www.facebook.com/LivingTreeM...type=3&theater

Usually find me on the MC forum, but first post on BC!

Best, Annette

[Roger Siminoff]

BC - Glad to see you are trying to build this kind of database; it brings back memories of one of Hub Nitchie's original goals when he created Banjo Newsletter back in the early 60's. Back then, the builder-community was small, and the means to disseminate information (through print only) was limiting.

Regarding the repair-person listing, a key problem is being able to qualify folk's abilities to remedy problems in a professional manner.

Regardless, I'm excited to see this site up and available to the banjo community.
Roger