Testimonial Statements

 

About Round Peak Banjos

-"Kevin Fore has immersed himself in the Round Peak STYLE of old-time music and his banjos and music are 100% proof of this. The fretless gold fleck Formica banjo that Kevin has built for me contains the sound and material sensibilities of a Kyle Creed style banjo. It is very exciting to see a banjo player and banjo maker that truly understands the tradition down to the most minute detail. It is hard to separate Kevin's banjo making and playing, and to me this is what adds the sincere richness that his banjos embody."

Jeff Menzies, Ontario, Canada

-"The fretless 'Fred Cockerham' banjo that Kevin Fore made for me looks as great as it plays. And equally important it sounds just as great. And that’s not only my opinion but also those of two great banjo players, Kirk Stuphin, who kindly introduced me to Kevin, and Jeremy Stephens, both of whom test played it. I call it the 'Fred Cockerham' because it is constructed exactly the way Kyle Creed made Fred’s banjo at least 44 years ago. Kyle took an old rim and fashioned a neck that featured a slotted headstock with four tuning pegs and a gold-flecked white Formica fingerboard.

I got an old Supertone rim from Jim Lloyd and took it to Kirk who cleaned it up…no small task. In the meantime, Kevin, using an old piece of walnut, shaped the neck, and used a piece of white, gold-flecked Formica for the fingerboard as well as to top surface of the headstock. Kevin bought new brackets and tailpiece and made a classic wood truss rod. Lastly he set the banjo up so that the strings weren’t close to the fingerboard, as were the strings on Fred’s, but still played easily. Bottom line: it is a really nice looking banjo that gives just the sound I wanted."

Charlie Faurot, Midlothian, Virginia, October 2008

-"Your banjo sounds like a full concert."

John Flory, Olympia, Washington, proud owner/player of Round Peak Banjo #0016FL, December 2008

-"Since I received my Kevin Fore banjo in August 2008, my other banjos are feeling neglected. For playability, volume, and the all-important rich tone that I look for in banjos, my Fore has quickly become my favorite five string."

Dale Morris, Wolfe Bros. String Band, Elk Creek, Virginia, November 2008

-"My banjos handbuilt by Kevin Fore are very special. To me, they are not just great sounding, eye-catching instruments, but embodiment of the Round 
Peak Music tradition - pure, no frills and powerful. His straightforward approach to the Kyle Creed legacy is prominent and it takes his spirit.
Ownership of Kevin's Round Peak Banjo means respect to Old-Time Music".
 
Jeffrey Yamada, Tokyo, Japan, March 2010
Fred Cockerham style ( 2008),  Checkerboard style (2009)


    

-Back in the 70’s Kyle Creed built me a great fretless banjo; local walnut, Dobson style headstock, copper on the fingerboard…(“slides better than brass neighbor…”) Somehow I traded it back to Kyle and immediately regretted it. It’s been more than thirty years and I still think about that banjo.

Kevin mentioned a similar Kyle Creed fretless a year or so ago and really opened that old wound. I can’t complain. He more than made up for it by building me one almost identical. In fact, I might be getting old, but I believe my Kevin Fore fretless sounds at least as good as the one Kyle built for me. Believe me, I won’t be trading my Kevin Fore banjo.

Kevin’s banjo really filled a deep hole for me. It’s not only made and sounds like my Creed but Kevin’s shop reminds me of Kyle’s; the size, the Shopsmith and most importantly, the approach and attitude. Kevin even keeps one pant leg tuck it to his boot…just like Kyle.

Tom Mylet

-It’s been just over a year since I bought my first Round Peak banjo – no buyer’s remorse here!  What can I say?  You’ve masterfully crafted an instrument that will stand the test of time.  Your passion for banjo building along with your seasoned understanding of the art form from a player’s perspective is a winning combination.  Of all my banjos, yours is my favorite – a real keeper.  The materials and construction are top notch, the tone is full-bodied and warm, it responds well, has a great punch and, to top it all off, it’s a real beauty.  I can’t help but think I own a piece of history in the making.  What’s not to like?  I can honestly say I’d recommend your banjos without reservation to anyone.

Sincerely,

Tom Minsel