Hi folks.  I'm new to classic banjo.  Had the good fortune of running across a Clifford Essex "The Professional" during an interview with Rafe Stefanini.  I'm in the process of ordering the appropriate strings, and then wish to try some classic old tunes.  

Excited to see where this can go.  Here's a link to some pics of my Essex.  

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Hi Craig, 

wait a minute, are you saying, (in your banjo hangout  post to which the link leads) that you bought your CE Professional from Rafe? That's a four way coincidence!  I facilitated the sale of that banjo to Rafe. Forum member Skip Sail, in Australia, was looking for a buyer for the banjo. I knew from a visit to a mutual friend in Victoria that Rafe was enamored of this model of banjo so I told Skip and Rafe ended up with the banjo. And now it's yours? And you and I were corresponding by email about a different subject just this morning. Small old world, isn't it?   You may find that the Professional is better as an old time banjo than a classic banjo and perhaps better with steel strings. Some classic players have found this model Not-Quite-Right for their purposes. But with the right bridge and strings it might work out great.

Wow! Yes, a VERY small world! Rate was delighted with the banjo (and told me so)... but he also has his eye on something else. We conducted business in short order and I ended up with the Essex (unexpectedly).  :)  Now I'm attempting to figure out just what I have.  

Some BHO folks have filled me in on the background and encouraged me to try non-metal strings... although in playing it with the steel strings, I've found it a fine accompaniment for signing and Charlie Poole-type playing.  It's pretty raucous, actually! And BIG!  :)

The raucous factor is what some classic players have not liked about the Professional. I thought that the one specimen I played in Australia (not yours) was fantastic with steel strings and played clawhammer style. It was powerful but not chaotic sounding. Anyway, congratulations. 

Craig Evans said:

Wow! Yes, a VERY small world! Rate was delighted with the banjo (and told me so)... but he also has his eye on something else. We conducted business in short order and I ended up with the Essex (unexpectedly).  :)  Now I'm attempting to figure out just what I have.  

Some BHO folks have filled me in on the background and encouraged me to try non-metal strings... although in playing it with the steel strings, I've found it a fine accompaniment for signing and Charlie Poole-type playing.  It's pretty raucous, actually! And BIG!  :)

"Powerful but not chaotic" is a good characterization!  I'll go with that, too!  :)

Hmmm, I learned and played a CE Professional in the 1970's and found it perfect for Classic Style.

Who is that handsome guy with hair? I hear you ask  ;-)

Played with a simple Morley maple bridge, calf skin vellum and heavy gauge nylon strings it felt and sounded great.

Don't take my word for it here is William J Ball knocking out a great tune

(I do notice that the bridge has an ebony cap so that my have dulled some of the Professional power???)

Stick with it for Classic Style, but I would suggest not tightening the vellum to absolutely bursting.. slightly less tight gives a better sound on mine.

Hi Craig, if you are playing them then they become new again.  I try to think of them as continuous pieces--not "old tunes."  

The music will be new and fresh to you (as it is to me).

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