Stelling Sunflower 5-String Bluegrass Banjo – Cremona Sunburst – Circa 1988-1989 – Includes Hard Case – Used Very Good
Geoff Stelling founded Stelling Banjo Works in Virginia in 1974 with a single animating conviction — that American bluegrass players deserved a banjo built to the same standard of craftsmanship and tonal excellence as the finest instruments from any tradition. The Sunflower is one of the models that built the Stelling reputation, and it has been played by Tony Trischka, Don Wayne Reno, Buddy Blackman — who played it on the Smokey and the Bandit soundtrack with Jerry Reed's band — and generations of serious bluegrass players who discovered that a Stelling plays and sounds unlike anything else at any price. Serial number 3469 places this banjo in the 1988-1989 production window — the mature Virginia era of Stelling production, after the move from California and after the introduction of the centrifugally cast tone ring and flange that became standard in late 1985. These are among the most consistently excellent instruments Stelling produced.
The Sunflower is built on a Tony Pass Old Wood Block Rim, topped with Stelling's genuine bell bronze wedge-fit tone ring — the combination that gives all Stelling banjos their characteristic explosive volume, powerful bottom end, and unsurpassed responsiveness to the touch. The AAA-grade figured curly maple neck and resonator are finished in the Cremona sunburst staining that is the Sunflower's signature look, highlighting the figure of the wood beautifully. The bound ebony fingerboard carries the elegant floral heart inlay pattern in mother-of-pearl that defines the model, with ivoroid/black/ivoroid binding running the neck and resonator. Stelling geared planetary tuners, Stelling pivoting tailpiece, one-piece wedge-fit flange, and bone nut at a 26-3/8-inch scale length complete a banjo that is as carefully engineered as it is beautifully appointed. This example has railroad spikes installed at the 7th, 9th, and 10th frets — a practical and common addition for players who work in multiple keys.
This is an adult-owned, well-cared-for, and well-played instrument with a lot of tone and soul. The action is nice and easy and it is ready to go. Some fret wear in the first position consistent with years of genuine play, a clean head, hardware in great shape with the honest patina and aging of a well-used working instrument, and the wood finish in excellent shape throughout. A serious banjo at a working player's price.
- Make: Stelling
- Model: Sunflower
- Configuration: 5-string resonator
- Serial number: 3469
- Year: Circa 1988-1989 (Virginia era)
- Country of origin: USA (Afton, VA)
- Rim: Tony Pass Old Wood Block Rim
- Tone ring: Stelling genuine bell bronze wedge-fit
- Flange: Stelling one-piece wedge-fit
- Head: 11" frosted top, clean condition
- Resonator: AAA-grade figured curly maple, Cremona sunburst, ivoroid/black/ivoroid binding
- Neck: AAA-grade figured curly maple, Cremona sunburst
- Fingerboard: Bound ebony, mother-of-pearl floral heart inlays
- Nut: Bone, 1.25"
- Scale length: 26-3/8"
- Frets: Nickel silver, wear in first position
- Railroad spikes: 7th, 9th, 10th frets
- Tailpiece: Stelling pivoting tailpiece
- Tuners: Stelling geared planetary
- Hardware: Nickel plated, good condition with honest age-related patina
- Modifications: Railroad spikes installed at 7th, 9th, 10th frets
- Condition: Used Very Good – fret wear in first position, clean head, hardware with honest aging and patina, wood finish excellent throughout
- Includes: Hard case
Ships carefully packed and insured for full value. International buyers are welcome — please contact us for a shipping quote before purchasing.
About Mill River Music
Mill River Music is an independent, human-powered music shop located in downtown Northampton, MA, run by a team of players, enthusiasts, and certified repair technicians. Every piece of used gear we sell is personally inspected, tested, and set up before it ships — we don't list it until we'd be happy to play it ourselves.
As Martin and Taylor certified techs, we hold our guitar work to a high standard, and we're committed to full transparency about the condition of everything we sell. No surprises.
When you buy from Mill River, you're supporting an independent local business that genuinely cares — about gear, about players, and about doing things right. We're here every step of the way. Reach out anytime.
