I had recently purchase the ‘COTILLION” model old time banjo from Bob Flesher.  To be frank, it is perfect.  The Cotillion is amazingly clear and deep sounding with no meshing of the notes.  It has an ebony tone ring which gives it an amazingly “bright” tone with none of the Steely Metal sound that usually accompanies the typical banjos due to them having a metal tone ring.

Thirdly it has a deeper rim that ANY banjo around.  This gives it a nice “Low” base tone with no meshing of the notes.  It has the volume; bass and clear sweet mellow tone that I have been searching for years. 

My Flesher “COTILLION” banjo is the best banjo I have owned.  The inlays are beautiful and very detailed.  I have since sold my other banjos.  My musician friends and acquaintances are envious. 

Allen Higby 

Bob...it arrived this afternoon. We tracked it through UPS and my family was at home to get it. Well, I have seen a fair number of banjos over the years and played a few, but for sure this is as perfect and beautiful as they come. Most of the more ornate banjos I've seen fall into the Vega style No. 7 inlay patterns. They are nice, but this work is amazing.  

I too like the shaded touch on the heel carving. It is just enough for it to show and but enough to distract.  

As for sound, it is amazingly loud but the quality is clear with no metal over tones. Guess the ebony tone ring makes a difference. I can see that if you tightened the head down, it would really ring on a bluegrass banjo. Makes me feel all the lore over Gibson tone rings is more cosmic than real.  

I could go on. I've spent most of my time showing it off to folks that listened to me over the past year or so. You should see their jaw drop. Makes the wait worth while. 

Dave

Bob - it is a masterpiece. I cannot thank you enough and can say this will be a keeper. There is no place to go but down. By the way, I am particularly glad to have gone with the nickel plate work. With the color in all that pearl  - gold tone would have taken away from it, for me. I wondered before opening it if not getting gold would be a mistake. It wasn't. 

Thanks Bob. I cannot imagine a more perfect instrument.  – David Emery 

Dear Bob, 

I played this banjo all day yesterday, and I am convinced it is the most responsive of any banjo I have ever owned.  I am able to do things on it that I have not been able to do before -- and I have been playing for almost 30 years.  Left hand techniques such as pull-offs are louder, easier, require less effort, and just sound more balanced.  I was somewhat skeptical of the ebony tone ring.  I just couldn't see how it could have the volume, sustain, and penetrate like metal.  But when I examine the craftsmanship of the instrument (and the rim in particular) it becomes evident that a true professional assembled it.  And the response of this instrument is a combination of quality materials, and top rate manufacture.  You just can't buy an instrument like this in stores.  This is the banjo I will be using all the time for clawhammer playing. 

John Rice
Covington, GA 

Dear Bob, 

I just want you to know how pleased I am with my new banjo.  I have been showing it to all my friends and getting people to play it for me so I can hear it from the other side of the banjo. 

Everyone who sees it admires the elegant beauty and the extremely high quality of the craftsmanship.  All who hear it or play it are struck by the rich, clear, sweet tone. 

Of the people I play music with, 3 in particular are craftsmen… one in metal work and two in wood, they all had very high praise for your craftsmanship.  Anyway, I love it!!!!.  I am far beyond being a “SATISFIED CUSTOMER”…

I feel like a pampered client.  I will send you a picture of me and my Quadrille. 

Dave Dow
E. Hardwick, Vermont 

Dear Bob,

Received the Tarantella today. I suppose you've heard every superlative in the book. So I'll keep my opinion to one word, PERFECT .
Thank You!
Dana 

Dear Bob, 

 Thank you for having the patience to build me such a fine instrument. I am impressed with every aspect of this banjo. It is better than I imagined! I can't wait to show it around. Again, thanks for putting so much of yourself into this banjo.

Dave Petersen 

Bob, 

The tone is great... the volume is fantastic... and the workmanship is incredible. Thank you so much.  

Rick Toles 

Written to a friend…

"The Flesher has become part of my physical self. Can't hardly put it down. I tweak the hide a little more snug every day and am about where it should be. Great volume. I can't imagine what one of his bluegrass banjos sounds like." 

Unknown 

Bob,

The banjo came while I was out at the market. It arrived in perfect condition. It is absolutely GORGEOUS. Forget your Tubaphones, Whyte Laydies, Reiters, Ramseys, Bacon Professionals, etc. - this is the absolute best sounding banjo I have ever heard or played. What more can I say? Except,

Thanks for Everything,

Phil 

Dear Bob: 

The quality, sound and workmanship, is everything I hoped it would be. Keep up the good work.  I am proud to own one of your banjos 

Sincerely, 

Robert Wilson  (Buckdancer)  

Hi Bob,

My banjo finally arrived Friday, and I used my spare time over the weekend getting familiar with it. It really has a very sweet voice: you seem to be on to something with the ebony tone ring. The resonance and volume are remarkable--a bit of a revelation. I find that I have gotten into the habit of striking the strings extra hard for volume. I'll have to practice lightening up. The lamination and inlay details also show a high level of craftmanship, as I knew they would.  A very nice job, Regards,

Jack 

Hi Bob:

My banjo finally arrived.  It is magnificent. I love it!! It has a decidedly different sound and feel than my two Gordons and, because of that, I feel it is equally as special.
Your craftsmanship is superb... 

Craig Evans

Dear Bob,

I just wanted to share this experience with you. Yesterday I traveled into St. Louis, about 80 miles away. While there I went to Music Folk. This store is THE place in St. Louis for anything related to acoustic music. They carry the largest selection of banjos in the area. They deal with some of the finest brands available (Gibson, Deering, Nechville, Ramsey,etc.) I brought my Grand Promenade with me because I wanted to try out an 11/16 bridge. When I opened the case the salesman was astounded. He said, "That's a gorgeous banjo! What kind is it? Where did you get it? Can I try it? Look at that engraving! Look, it' even engraved on the inside!"" He then had to show it to all the other people who worked there. He even had to take it back to the repair room to show the owner and repairman. Everyone was extremely impressed. These people are exposed to a large number of high quality new and vintage instruments so they know quality when they see it. This speaks very highly of your craftsmanship. You are truly a great artist in your field.

Just thought you might like to hear this.

Sincerely,

Gary Stogesdill 

Bob:

I just wanted to drop you a note and let you know how much I have been enjoying my banjo. It is definitely as advertised and more. It sounds as good as it looks and looks as good as it sounds. It almost plays itself. My other banjos are collecting a lot of dust these days.

Tim Scruby 

Hi Bob,

Just a quick note to say that the banjo arrived safe and sound today. Truly one of the most beautiful banjos I've seen... Lovely to look at and to listen to.... and well worth the wait.... Thanks again and God bless, Barry Mapow 

Bob,

Started playing the instrument I bought from you a few years ago after a hiatus to have my shoulder operated on. Damn, I love that banjo. Happy New Year.

MITCHELL A. WEINSTEIN, M.D.