I worked in a music store for 25 years. We were proud to a dealer for Wildwood Banjos. We didn't sell a lot of them, but those who were fortunate to get one were extremely happy with their choice, Thanks Mark.
About thirty years ago new neighbors invited me to something called a PICKING PARTY.. There were groups in the living room playing, in the den were people picking . This was music I had not heard before. On the back porch another group that was fantastic, and the group was called The Pinney Creek Weasels. The banjo picker said his name was Rick Abrams. The sound of that banjo bit me, because thirty years later I'm still in love. That banjo was one of the early Wildwoods. It has a brass tone ring, not the tubaphone. Rick and this banjo did take First Place at Galax. Rick Abrams passed away in 1994 and thanks to his lovely wife I have That Wildwood Banjo.+
Good to hear that Mark didn't just give his banjo to a famous person. Even if he had, there would be no guarantee that it would be played on stage regularly. Well done for sticking to your principals.
I make banjos and i've also turned down giving my instruments away for free to well known guys, i know that feeling of working hard, scraping by and trying to support a family, i feel he made the correct decision.
First of all, kudos to Neil for a fine interview. As a banjo player of some experience, I found it a bit surprising to learn that there was someone seriously interested in the banjo who had NOT heard of Wildwood banjos, even someone in the UK. Glad you found your Wildwood, Neil. I think one of the reasons Mark has been successful is that from the beginning he produced a high quality banjo and, in particular, was very responsive to the inquiries of potential customers. My own inquiry to him in, I think, 1975, resulted in a friendly handwritten letter from Mark that outlined his approach to building banjos. I'd guess that my experience was typical. Enjoy your retirement, Mark. You'll be missed.
I wish I had asked Mark why he had not (maybe could not?) sell on the brand and his designs to some hotshot young wannabe banjo maker. You’d have thought there was real value there.
as a teenager in Europe my dream banjo was Wildwood , now at 54 I have two high end Stellings , Staghorn and Virginian , two Gibsons ESS and Flint Hill Special , and Wildwood Soloist Custom , love them all, but the one I would never ever sell, is my Wildwood , it’s going to be with me until the end …
Hi Neil Thought I’d share a quick story with you. Yesterday morning I saw this video for the first time. I live in Bend and found your video very interesting. So later that day I stopped into a local music store in Bend, and earlier in the day an older gentleman had come in to sale or consign about 3 different banjos. They were all sitting on the floor in cases. I asked if I could take a look. First one I opened was a Wildwood banjo. I left my phone # saying call me that I’m interested in the banjo. I’m thinking this was meant to be.
The thing Mark didn't mention was that, along with Doc Watson playing all those great paying gigs, he could have paid Mark for the instrument and then written off the instrument as a business expense. It would have cost Doc pennies on the dollar. His loss, hugely! I used to live in Arcata, and as an instrument builder, visited Mark's shop and talked with him a little bit. Not only were his instruments cosmetically flawless, they also demonstrated how much of an innovator he was and nowhere is that more obvious than in the design of his banjo's "pots." Built up in stacked wedges utilizing the keystone effect, they would undoubtably get stronger and less likely to deform the higher the banjo head tension was tightened to. Simple yet brilliant, the very best kind of engineering. Anyone lucky enough to have one of his banjos should figure out who they are going to bequeath it to because it's going to last for generations.
My first job was making banjos (started 1980) and we built the pots/rims from 3mm heat bent maple laminated in a jig - could've used those things for train wheels.
I gained a lot of respect for Mark Platin from this interview, and unfortunately lost a lot for Doc Watson. I have always regretted that I did not go up to Arcata to hit Mark up for a job when the dulcimer factory I work at shut down in the '70s.
I absolutely loved the part where just because your famous or well known you expect people to hand you things and kids your ass and his guy walked away with his instruments.
God has a plan for everyone's life.The "Lucky Breaks" was God"s plan for him all along. I applaud him for following through with his journey. Also, great interview and questions to make you think about the things that make someones life unique.
Super cool! I wish I had a Wildwood banjo. I think Elderly used to carry them? Or, maybe just used? Maybe one will end up here someday? I know musicians who are sponsored by a certain builder or manufacturer, and most musicians aren't super rich (though Doc made good money). I won't say who, but a very famous mandolin/guitar player wanted a Mandocelo from my friend, who is a luthier, and wanted it free ... in exchange for the use of his name. My friend makes maybe 12 instruments a year at the most, and a 12k mandocelo is quite a dent in the yearly sales, if given away. I think they worked out a deal of sorts, but it is hard enough for most builders to make a fair living, and giving away a really nice instrument can hurt. On the other hand, if someone is rich, it is fantastic to give a nice instrument to someone who plays great and needs it, but can't afford it, but that isn't the point of the comment.
I was gifted a Wildwood and don’t even play banjo. Any advice on how to fairly appraise it and get it into the hands of someone who can really appreciate it? Thanks for this wonderful interview; I’m no picker but I certainly appreciate honest craftsmanship.
Hi Edward. I know from personal experience that these banjos, listed on eBay, CAN find their way into the hands of somebody who will really appreciate them! As a buyer, I benefited greatly from the fact that the seller of the banjo I bought did not trouble to put up that many good photographs (but I could see that they were an honest trader, so I bid… and of course there was not much competition). As a seller… you should put up a lot of pictures, and make sure they’re in focus! Good luck.
Thanks for posting this--it's great to learn so much more about Mark Platin. Maybe a dozen years ago, I saw a neighborhood, semi-pro player with a Wildwood at our Saturday farmer's market, and later, heard the story about Art Rosenbaum and John ("on the spot"!) Burke. I'd been without a banjo for about 15 years, after some burglars took it, and those things got me thinking about playing again. Drove a few hours one Saturday to a shop that carried them, and spent the morning playing a Wildwood, some Stellings and a Deering, and later ordered the Wildwood Heirloom (openback) from Turtle Hill (Maryland), which did a great setup. The value for the price was untouchable. Been playing it for about 10 years now, mostly clawhammer, but some up-picking and Scruggs-style. Since starting (1970), I've played a number of pre-war Fairbanks, SS Stewarts, a Weymann, Gibsons and some beautiful Japanese banjos, here and there (and still do whenever there's a chance!), but the Wildwood Heirloom is my favorite to date. The bass end is unmatched, the treble is bell-like, with steel or nylgut strings alike, and the fingerboard and neck are very, very playable. Stuffed with a towel or piece of foam, it sounds prettier than any banjo (imho) in old-time styles, but take the "muffler" out, and the volume is incredible, the sustain beautiful. Its build is rock-solid. Mine has the clear finish, but the figure in the neck's maple just pops. Lately, I favor nylgut, with a no-knot bridge, and mainly down-pick, but an easy adjustment or two gives it a loud and clear bluegrass voice. Thanks, Mark! Keep playing and enjoy retirement.
Thanks for making this, Neil. I’ve always been curious about the maker of the Troubadour he sold to me sixteen years ago, which he kindly customized with a chrome armrest because I’m allergic to nickel. It’s my favorite banjo. Now my curiosity is thoroughly satisfied and delighted by his story.
very nice banjo indeed...
I worked in a music store for 25 years. We were proud to a dealer for Wildwood Banjos. We didn't sell a lot of them, but those who were fortunate to get one were extremely happy with their choice, Thanks Mark.
Nice to hear that, Bob. I’m not surprised.
I have owned a Wildwood Banjo for 25 years. Still the best made and sounding instrument I've ever had.
Good to know! Which style?
About thirty years ago new neighbors invited me to something called a PICKING PARTY.. There were groups in the living room playing, in the den were people picking . This was music I had not heard before. On the back porch another group that was fantastic, and the group was called The Pinney Creek Weasels. The banjo picker said his name was Rick Abrams. The sound of that banjo bit me, because thirty years later I'm still in love. That banjo was one of the early Wildwoods. It has a brass tone ring, not the tubaphone. Rick and this banjo did take First Place at Galax. Rick Abrams passed away in 1994 and thanks to his lovely wife I have That Wildwood Banjo.+
Nice! And touching too. Times change, inevitably. Keep safe! I’m sitting in my garden right now and a banjo is round my neck.
Good to hear that Mark didn't just give his banjo to a famous person. Even if he had, there would be no guarantee that it would be played on stage regularly. Well done for sticking to your principals.
Principles.
I make banjos and i've also turned down giving my instruments away for free to well known guys, i know that feeling of working hard, scraping by and trying to support a family, i feel he made the correct decision.
First of all, kudos to Neil for a fine interview. As a banjo player of some experience, I found it a bit surprising to learn that there was someone seriously interested in the banjo who had NOT heard of Wildwood banjos, even someone in the UK. Glad you found your Wildwood, Neil. I think one of the reasons Mark has been successful is that from the beginning he produced a high quality banjo and, in particular, was very responsive to the inquiries of potential customers. My own inquiry to him in, I think, 1975, resulted in a friendly handwritten letter from Mark that outlined his approach to building banjos. I'd guess that my experience was typical. Enjoy your retirement, Mark. You'll be missed.
I wish I had asked Mark why he had not (maybe could not?) sell on the brand and his designs to some hotshot young wannabe banjo maker. You’d have thought there was real value there.
as a teenager in Europe my dream banjo was Wildwood , now at 54 I have two high end Stellings , Staghorn and Virginian , two Gibsons ESS and Flint Hill Special , and Wildwood Soloist Custom , love them all, but the one I would never ever sell, is my Wildwood , it’s going to be with me until the end …
Hi Neil
Thought I’d share a quick story with you. Yesterday morning I saw this video for the first time. I live in Bend and found your video very interesting. So later that day I stopped into a local music store in Bend, and earlier in the day an older gentleman had come in to sale or consign about 3 different banjos. They were all sitting on the floor in cases. I asked if I could take a look. First one I opened was a Wildwood banjo. I left my phone # saying call me that I’m interested in the banjo. I’m thinking this was meant to be.
I own and play a Wildwood banjo that I purchased from the 12th Fret in Ontario. A joy to play and see hanging around every day. Thank you Mark Platin!
A quality man making quality instruments his way. RESPECT.
Yep!
Well that was very interesting...Would have liked to hear a banjo....
This is a beautiful story. I have a Kent 5-string banjo I bought in 1970 for $350. Love it and will be my Grandson's when I move on to God's country.
I have a Wildwood Heirloom I bought second-hand almost twenty years ago. I like the Tubaphone sound.
Great interview. Thanks!
Excellent, excellent interview-
Thanks William. I was so glad that I’d made the journey to find Mark!
I play the banjo: Enjoyed the interview. Knew of Wildwood banjos and those two instruction books. Banjo is a smallish world.
Good interviewer god interviewee, well done.
The thing Mark didn't mention was that, along with Doc Watson playing all those great paying gigs, he could have paid Mark for the instrument and then written off the instrument as a business expense. It would have cost Doc pennies on the dollar. His loss, hugely! I used to live in Arcata, and as an instrument builder, visited Mark's shop and talked with him a little bit. Not only were his instruments cosmetically flawless, they also demonstrated how much of an innovator he was and nowhere is that more obvious than in the design of his banjo's "pots." Built up in stacked wedges utilizing the keystone effect, they would undoubtably get stronger and less likely to deform the higher the banjo head tension was tightened to. Simple yet brilliant, the very best kind of engineering. Anyone lucky enough to have one of his banjos should figure out who they are going to bequeath it to because it's going to last for generations.
That’s quite an insight, Will!
I wonder if I can in due course bequeath mine to my two sons on a timeshare basis somehow 🤔
My first job was making banjos (started 1980) and we built the pots/rims from 3mm heat bent maple laminated in a jig - could've used those things for train wheels.
I gained a lot of respect for Mark Platin from this interview, and unfortunately lost a lot for Doc Watson. I have always regretted that I did not go up to Arcata to hit Mark up for a job when the dulcimer factory I work at shut down in the '70s.
I hugely enjoyed meeting Mark. The Wildwood Balladeer I have is definitely my top banjo too.
I absolutely loved the part where just because your famous or well known you expect people to hand you things and kids your ass and his guy walked away with his instruments.
God has a plan for everyone's life.The "Lucky Breaks" was God"s plan for him all along. I applaud him for following through with his journey. Also, great interview and questions to make you think about the things that make someones life unique.
Thank you!
Super cool! I wish I had a Wildwood banjo. I think Elderly used to carry them? Or, maybe just used? Maybe one will end up here someday? I know musicians who are sponsored by a certain builder or manufacturer, and most musicians aren't super rich (though Doc made good money). I won't say who, but a very famous mandolin/guitar player wanted a Mandocelo from my friend, who is a luthier, and wanted it free ... in exchange for the use of his name. My friend makes maybe 12 instruments a year at the most, and a 12k mandocelo is quite a dent in the yearly sales, if given away. I think they worked out a deal of sorts, but it is hard enough for most builders to make a fair living, and giving away a really nice instrument can hurt. On the other hand, if someone is rich, it is fantastic to give a nice instrument to someone who plays great and needs it, but can't afford it, but that isn't the point of the comment.
Great...:)
Thanks!
I was gifted a Wildwood and don’t even play banjo. Any advice on how to fairly appraise it and get it into the hands of someone who can really appreciate it? Thanks for this wonderful interview; I’m no picker but I certainly appreciate honest craftsmanship.
Hi Edward. I know from personal experience that these banjos, listed on eBay, CAN find their way into the hands of somebody who will really appreciate them! As a buyer, I benefited greatly from the fact that the seller of the banjo I bought did not trouble to put up that many good photographs (but I could see that they were an honest trader, so I bid… and of course there was not much competition). As a seller… you should put up a lot of pictures, and make sure they’re in focus! Good luck.
Thanks for posting this--it's great to learn so much more about Mark Platin. Maybe a dozen years ago, I saw a neighborhood, semi-pro player with a Wildwood at our Saturday farmer's market, and later, heard the story about Art Rosenbaum and John ("on the spot"!) Burke. I'd been without a banjo for about 15 years, after some burglars took it, and those things got me thinking about playing again. Drove a few hours one Saturday to a shop that carried them, and spent the morning playing a Wildwood, some Stellings and a Deering, and later ordered the Wildwood Heirloom (openback) from Turtle Hill (Maryland), which did a great setup. The value for the price was untouchable. Been playing it for about 10 years now, mostly clawhammer, but some up-picking and Scruggs-style. Since starting (1970), I've played a number of pre-war Fairbanks, SS Stewarts, a Weymann, Gibsons and some beautiful Japanese banjos, here and there (and still do whenever there's a chance!), but the Wildwood Heirloom is my favorite to date. The bass end is unmatched, the treble is bell-like, with steel or nylgut strings alike, and the fingerboard and neck are very, very playable. Stuffed with a towel or piece of foam, it sounds prettier than any banjo (imho) in old-time styles, but take the "muffler" out, and the volume is incredible, the sustain beautiful. Its build is rock-solid. Mine has the clear finish, but the figure in the neck's maple just pops. Lately, I favor nylgut, with a no-knot bridge, and mainly down-pick, but an easy adjustment or two gives it a loud and clear bluegrass voice. Thanks, Mark! Keep playing and enjoy retirement.
EricFlatpick Lovely feedback, thank you. Interesting read!
Price pls
priceless…
Yes quite right -
I flat-out don't buy the Doc Watson story.
I have to agree with you. Sounds like a load of bull
He don't look like a bloke though!
Stupid comment
13 min. talking without óne single note ...
I know! This is definitely a significant drawback!
Thanks for making this, Neil. I’ve always been curious about the maker of the Troubadour he sold to me sixteen years ago, which he kindly customized with a chrome armrest because I’m allergic to nickel. It’s my favorite banjo. Now my curiosity is thoroughly satisfied and delighted by his story.
It was literally a pleasure