A pair of Slovakian bluegrass companies have jointly opened a new workshop space in Bratislava, the eastern European nation’s capitol.
Coall Instruments, who build a unique five string banjo using a stone tone ring, and BanjoLit, manufacturers of a number of utility and accessory items for banjo players, held a grand opening celebration last week. Of course they invited all their friends, and as expected, it turned into a jam session.
The partnership is a fitting collaboration, as Miroslav Durai, primary luthier for Coall, and Richard Cifersky of BanjoLit are good friends, and Durai already does the woodworking for several BanjoLit products. So joining forces in the same space was a natural next step.
Anyone in the area, or traveling to Bratislava, is invited to visit them at the shop, but they ask that you arrange an appointment in advance. Richard can be contacted online.
Banjo players worldwide will be fascinated by the idea of using natural stone for a tone ring instead of metal, and Richard shot this brief video playing a Coall Cardus model banjo. A quick listen shows that the instrument has a distinctive, brighter tone with notable clarity.
All of the BanjoLit products will be available from the shop, including their Dr Arm wooden armrest, BanjoLit strings, fashion jewelry, banjo picking trainer, and leather banjo straps. They can also be shipped anywhere in the world.
