The First Quality Music Blog

We’ve just received one of the last remaining Sullivan Prototypes of the Vintage 35. This banjo has the Sullivan old growth wood rim, the Vintage 35 tonering, the standard V35 inlay pattern in a very dark Brazilian rosewood fingerboard. This is a mahogany version of the V35, the resonator has concentric rings. An excellent banjo, priced to move at $2999.00

As we continue cleaning out our Showroom and Warehouse for new products, we’ve decided to expand our Spring Cleaning sale! We still can’t advertise many of our prices due to vendor agreements, but you can find a list of the instruments we are featuring by clicking here – Give us a call at 1-800-635-2021 and we’d be happy to give you a quote!

We’re proud to welcome another owner to the Sullivan Banjo family! Chris Hogue of Bargersville, IN picked up his Sullivan Vintage-35 banjo today in our retail showroom. This particular V-35 is a Mahogany model and is one of the first in the series we’ve produced.

To learn more about the Sullivan Vintage-35 Banjo, give us a call at (800) 635-2021 and be sure to check out the Sullivan Vintage-35 Story here.

Every now and then, we receive a “letter of endorsement” from a Sullivan owner that overwhelms our hearts with joy, and affirms the sense of pride and enjoyment we get in making our own line of high-quality banjos. We’d like to share this one from Mark, serving our Country in Kabul Afghanistan, with you.

Greetings from Kabul Afghanistan!

Just to let you know that Bluegrass is alive and well on the other side of the world – and in the midst of the Taliban! I am getting great service from my Sullivan banjo. It has been across the globe three times all in baggage compartments of foreign airlines. It went with me to Kuwait (2008)(in 140 degree heat!), crossed by air over the Persian gulf, over Iran and down to Kabul (10,000 feet). Then it survived the unload by Afghani handlers and its still going strong! In fact tonight we were just finishing a rehearsal and whooooooosh! BANG! “Hit the Bunkers!” We had a rocket attack. So you can say my Sullivan has been baptized by hostile fire.

I have enclosed some shots from performances we’ve done here in Kabul (church and on New Years) (note all the Mongol soldiers we had there celebrating with us). We (Four Horsemen) have been invited by the MWR department (Morale Welfare and Recreation) to provide two more performances in February here on post and across town. Note the hat I’m wearing in the shots.

Best wishes!
-Mark

Mark asked us to let everyone know that if they just happen to be in town, they are having an open jam every Monday night in downtown Kabul. In Mark’s own words: “Second floor Ciano’s building, Camp Eggers, downtown Kabul right across the street from Karzai’s house“.

Thanks for the note, Mark, and we’re glad you are enjoying your Sullivan Banjo!

Good friend and Customer Steve Richards was in last week checking out our Sullivan Banjo lineup, while speaking with him his Daughter In Law Chloe Richards came up in conversation as one heck of a banjo player. Today Chloe and her Husband Josh stopped back by with Steve to test drive the Sullivan Banjo prototypes. “Wow” Chloe sure can play. Her husband Josh is also one fine musician and a member of the Bluegrass Group “Blue River Bluegrass” which won the 2008 SPBGMA Band Championship. We sure enjoyed their visit and some really good Bluegrass music. I hope you’ll enjoy also!!

Just wanted to let everyone know that Corey and I will be traveling to MerleFest again this year. Our booth in the Sponsor’s tent will be open during all show hours on Thursday April 23rd through Saturday April 25th.  As in years past, we’ll be working with some great folks from Martin Guitars, Gibson Acoustic Guitars, D’Addario Strings, Fishman Acoustic Amplification, TKL/Cedar Creek Cases, GHS Strings, and Eastman Mandolins.  We’ll have incredible deals you won’t want to miss!

 

At the show, we are unveiling a new line of affordable, Kentucky-made Sullivan banjos that you will definitely want to check out.  Our one-of-a-kind “Old Growth” Gibson mandolin will also be in the booth and available for your inspection.

 

Stop by and get a First Quality catalog, pick a tune or two or just say Hello!