This is the webmaster's 1993 Robert Rock RB-2 archtop 5-string banjo. I ordered it from Mr. Rock via the telephone; I never heard from him again until the banjo came to my office via UPS and came C.O.D. I had to leave work to go home and get the checkbook. This is the loudest banjo that I have ever heard, and the heaviest at 15 pounds; I've written about it being banned at jam sessions in Bluegrass Unlimited. I replaced the bridge with a Moon bridge, installed a Schubb 5th string sliding capo, and put on a fibreskin head. This banjo does not have a truss rod going through the neck; the neck is set firm and is straight as an arrow. This was the banjo mentioned in Bluegrass Unlimited as being banned from jam sessions because it was too loud!
9 comments:
I just received a Bob Rock tenor RB-2 from my parents. They bought it at a flea market or estate sale a few years ago while they were living in Buffalo Mills, PA.
Robert Rock kept a hand written book of all the banjos he sold and to whom he made them for. Does anyone know of a copy of such?
My friend and I both had Bob Rock banjos back in the 70's. I knew Bob personally and visited him reguarly in his tiny shop in Everett PA. Both Stephen and I played in the Late Harvest Band all through the Mid-Atlantic. Unfortunity, both Rock banjos were stolen in Takoma Park around 1976. Mine was the only cedar banjo, Rock had ever made. Stephens was a blond maple...both had arch top tone rings. If anyone has ever seen these banjos, I'd be interested in knowing what you know....confidentially is a must. captbrentnelson@gmail.com
HAPPY NEW YEAR OF THE HORSE. LUCKY AM I TO OWN AN RB-3 CHERRY TENOR BANJO DATED 1981 BEAUTIFULLY MADE FOR ME BY ROBERT ROCK.
Hello! My mom is selling my grandma's Robert Rock banjo, which was made for her in 1974. It's a beautiful piece and sounds great. It also has the tell-tale anvil inlay that is Rock's signature. If you know any one who is interested in buying it, check it out on eBay. Also, if any one has any more info about this particular model I'd love to know about it. Thanks for creating this blog!
I HAVE A BOB ROCK TENOR BANJO 20 FRET , WALNUT NECK AND WALNUT RESONATOR LOVELY INSTRUMENT, IT HAS HIS STAMP INSIDE WITH 1982 YEAR MADE NO 2, I WONDER HOW MANY TENOR BANJOS DID MR ROCK PRODUCE IN HIS LIFETIME ?
I have a bob rock big chief. Don’t know much about it. Bought it from a good friend. How do I figure out year it was made and any history on it. Thanks tommy w4tds1957@aol.com
My Robert Rock banjo was built in the lat 1970's or very early in 1980. It is an open back banjo with the standard neck and inlays. I bought it sight on seen through a bluegrass music store in Catonsville, Md. They bought direct from Robert Rock. It was very inexpensive even for 1980. I've played it almost every day since I bought it. I really ought to change the strings one of these days.
Post a Comment