Stelling Banjo Comparison - Bellflower, Sunflower, Masterflower

Thought I'd throw a short little video together just for grins comparing three different Stellings. One is wearing an original 3 Ply Cooperman rim, one is wearing its original Pass Rim and one is wearing a Pass rim upgrade. I've always leaned towards the Pass rims but now I'm not so sure. 🤔
They are all setup similarly (head tuned to around an A, light guage strings, Aztec 2.4 Bridges, tailpiece set with light pressure).

[@namasaki1]

Best pot design ever! Combine that with the superb craftsmanship and I don't think you can find a better banjo at any price.

[@GlindaQuadling]

That Masterflower is to die for. Love your comparisons!

[@peterreno4203]

They're all fantastic sounding banjos.

[@EldoNorte]

The Pass Rims sound warmer to me, whereas the Cooperman Rim comes across as more piercing. Definitely a matter of taste. Stelling Banjos are great. Would like to have them with wood tone rings, too.

[@Wootangtw]

All 3 sounds awesome.. but the last one sounds best

[@markcassidy4232]

Hey Joe: Awesome pick'n. ( B-careful with those fingers!) Joe, I have a 1981 Bellflower. Besides the rims being different, Geoff was using Ebonol Fretboards until late 1983. I compared both necks with Ebonol and ebony fretboard on the same banjo. The Ebonol had way better sustain. I could really feel the notes vibrating through the neck despite having not changed out anything except the necks. Stellings are excellent banjos I can personally attest to that. Thanks for the video. GREAT JOB!

[@banjopete]

Ebonol, got a Whitestar and a Bellflower both Ebonol boards and I love them, something you discover after many years is they don’t burrow out like wooden fret boards and refretting is a breeze, no chip outs at all.

[@donlewis8171]

1997 bellflower with Cooperman 3 ply for the WIN

[@banjoez]

It's for sale if anyone is looking. It is a sweet banjo.

[@brentnearhood8874]

Thanks! Joe 🎶🪕🪕🪕

[@ryantrahan4942]

Hey Joe they all sound great. I liked the sunflower best. I have a 1999 moonflower that would fit in the collection nicely. It could be for sale. Great pickin friend!

[@williamwoods4120]

The 1997 Bellflower Cooperman rimmed banjo sounded brighter IMHO

[@marshallritter2161]

Masterflower 😊

[@kensymons9116]

Was there a rim made by Okie Adams?