ZEPP Country Music, Inc.

P.O. Box 306
4 East Third St.
Wendell, NC 27591-0306
Local: 919-365-5189 or Call Toll Free within USA: 866-365-5189

ZEPP Country Music is proud to have been the first to offer Chuck Lee banjos by the Chuck Lee Banjo Company, Inc. of Ovilla, Texas. Chuck makes a high quality, exquisitely detailed line of banjos, as you can see below!

Use this pull-down list to find more information about some of Chuck's models that pass through here:

Rose Hill

This model has a gorgeous Madagascar rosewood peg head overlay as well as a scooped, rosewood fingerboard. It has no inlay in its rosewood fingerboard, but don't worry; it does have MOP side markers inlaid on the edge of fingerboard, so you won't get lost! It's fitted

The 25.5-inch scale neck of the Rose Hill is made of handsome laminated woods: the one in stock is gorgeous cherry. It has a Dobson heel for a traditional look and feel.

The 2-ply maple shell has an integral, shaped tone rim, which, along with its Renaissance head and No-Knot tailpiece, gives this model a great sound

Click here to hear a Rose Hill. .

The Rose Hill Vintage is $1870 and $1925 for 11- and 12-inch pots, respectively.
The Rose Hill Original is $1912 and $1967 for 11- and 12-inch pots, respectively.
Hardshell cases for either size are, of course, available.
Out of Stock: This model has a gorgeous Madagascar rosewood peg head overlay as well as a scooped, rosewood fingerboard. It has no inlay in its rosewood fingerboard, but don't worry; it does have MOP side markers inlaid on the edge of fingerboard, so you won't get lost! It's fitted; The 25.5-inch scale neck of the Rose Hill is made of handsome laminated woods: the one in stock is gorgeous cherry. It has a Dobson heel for a traditional look and feel.; The 2-ply maple shell has an integral, shaped tone rim, which, along with its Renaissance head and No-Knot tailpiece, gives this model a great sound; Click here to hear a Rose Hill. .; The Rose Hill Vintage is $1870 and $1925 for 11- and 12-inch pots, respectively.
The Rose Hill Original is $1912 and $1967 for 11- and 12-inch pots, respectively.
Hardshell cases for either size are, of course, available.
Out of Stock

Lone Star Deluxe
The Lone Star Deluxe is Chuck's "work horse" banjo. It has the all the fit and finish of the other models. It's like the horse that a cowboy "really" rides, the one he chooses when it's time to get the job completed. It has clean peghead lines, a Dobson style heel and a frailing scoop. Like the others it has a laminated neck with colored veneers running up each side of the center strip, for strength, and under the peghead and fingerboard. It has a 25.5" scale, a double action truss-rod and a Scalloped Bone nut. Striped ebony fingerboard and peghead overlay. There arwe no inlays on the fingerboard but one Lone Star on the peghead. It has a wooden tone rim on a 11" or 12," two-ply rim, and Waverly brand planetary tuning pegs.

While it does not have fingerboard inlays, it does have side marker dots. It is set up with a overtone-reducing no-knot tailpiece and a Renaissance Head to give a great old-time sound. Click here to hear no. 033. You can pick this one up from the corner and call it "Ol' Faithful"!

Lone Star Deluxe Vintage 12-inch
A simple, but killer banjo!
Click on thumbnail or link for more information

Click here to hear Lone Star Deluxe no. 033.
See and hear a Lone Star Deluxe Vintage played (3MB .wmv)
The Lone Star Deluxe Vintage is $1870 and $1925 for 11- and 12-inch pots, respectively.
The Lone Star Deluxe Vintage is $1870 and $1925 for 11- and 12-inch pots, respectively.
Hardshell cases for either size are, of course, available.

Deep Hollow Fretless

The Deep Hollow was introduced to Chuck Lee's line in July of 2005. It was originally intended for introduction at the Appalachian String Band Music Festival (a.k.a."Clifftop"), but Chuck couldn't make it, and sent me the first two banjos instead.

This fretless model has a 12-inch, 2-ply maple pot with a wooden tone rim. In lieu of frets in its striped ebony fingerboard, it has a brass overlay covering the fingerboard to roughly where the 9th fret would be. Chuck has done a different scoop for this model, so that its curve matches the north end of the overlay...very slick, and now his standard "Texas" scoop shape!

The neck of the example in stock is walnut laminated for strength and aesthetic appeal, and features a "Dobson" heel. The peghead has a beautiful overlay with no inlay, and, as is the fingerboard, it's underlain with dyed woods; its Waverly brand planetary tuners have ebony buttons.

Its bracket shoes and tension hoop are of non-plated brass, while its brackets and nuts are nickel-plated. It is set up with a Renaissance head and a No-Knot tailpiece for that deep, old-timey sound.
The Deep Hollow comes standard with Nylgut strings, which you can hear with this link.

The Deep Hollow Original is Out of Stock

Deep Hollow Vintage 12 Fretless

The Deep Hollow was introduced to Chuck Lee's line in July of 2005. It was originally intended for introduction at the Appalachian String Band Music Festival (a.k.a."Clifftop"). Since that time, Chuck has added his "Vintage " series of banjos,and the Deep Hollow is no exception.

This gorgeous fretless has a cherry neck mated to a dark-stained 2-ply maple pot. The cherry neck has handsome grain and has a "Dobson-shaped" heel, but the true beauty of this instruemnt is in its scooped, striped ebony fingerboard and its simple, yet striking peghead overlay. The first 5 "frets" are covered with a brass plate, which has a gentle curve up to the 7th fret area, matching the curve of the scoop.

The tuners, including the 5th string peg, are Pegheds brand 4:1 planetary tuners that look like wood, violin-style friction pegs, but offer the smooth gearing and precise tuning of the best planetary pegs.
The pot is a 2-ply maple design with an integral wooden tone rim, which, with its Renaissance head, No-Knot tailpiece, and Nylgut brand synthetic "gut" strings adds up to a deep, old-timey sound.
Hear a Deep Hollow with Nylgut strings.

The Deep Hollow Vintage shown is Sold. See and hear this banjo played (3MB .wmv)

The Deep Hollow Vintage is $1925 and $1980 for 11- and 12-inch pots, respectively.
The Deep Hollow Original is $1967 and $2022 for 11- and 12-inch pots, respectively.
Hardshell cases for either size are, of course, available.

Ovilla

Chuck conceived this model after examining an old Dobson banjo. It has has a scooped, ebony fingerboard and peghead overlay. Shooting star inlay at the 5th fret, as well as MOP side markers inlaid on the edge of fingerboard. The Dobson peghead has Chuck's "Girl Sitting on the Moon" inlay.

Its neck is made of handsome, laminated woods, with dyed alternating pieces clearly visible. It has a Dobson heel for a traditional look and feel, and a 25.5-inch scale.

The 12" 2-ply maple pot has a shaped wooden tone rim, and has been stained black, and the maple has taken the stain differentially, making it very hadsome shades of grey and black. It is set up with a Renaissance head and No-Knot tailpiece, to give a great old-time sound. Click here to hear no. 035.

Here is an Ovilla having a predominantly cherry neck, and 4, Waverly brand planetary tuners. The 12" pot is dyed black. It has Chuck's oversized "Lady in the Moon" inlay in its ebony headstock overlay.

"Vintage" Ovilla
New in 2007! Chuck introduced alternate versions of some of his banjos which he refers to as "Vintage." What makes these instruments different is more traditional inlay, simpler design, and the use of Pegheds brand 4;1 planetary tuners that look like simple friction pegs!

This is an cherry banjo having a natural color and a new-for-Chuck catalyzed varnish finish. Its beautiful cherry neck has a scooped, striped ebony fingerboard. In the "Vintage" design, this banjo has a very nicely done "moon and stars" inlay in its peghead, which is just super cool. The instrument is fitted with Pegheds brand planetary(!) tuners, including a planetary 5th string tuner.

The 12-inch pot is made of 2-ply maple with a wooden tone rim, and has a handsome, dark dye to contrast with the light, cherry neck. comes set up with a Renaissance head and No-Knot tailpiece for a great old-time sound.

The Vintage banjo shown is on Hold.

The Ovilla Vintage is $2110 and $2165 for 11- and 12-inch pots, respectively.
The Ovilla Original is $2277 and $2332 for 11- and 12-inch pots, respectively.
Hardshell cases for either size are, of course, available.

Prairieville
This banjo has a 12-inch maple pot with a rolled brass tonering..

It has a multiple-laminated, maple neck, with the woods selected for figure.
The peghead has Chuck Lee's take on the classic "Flowerpot" with a woman holding a pot as part of the inlay. In addition, there are flowers inlaid at the 5th fret and 12th frets.

The banjo is set up with a Renaissance head and a No-Knot tailpiece and has great sound! Here's an MP3 sound clip of a Prairieville.
Temporarily out of stock.

"Vintage" Prairieville
New in 2007! Chuck has introduced alternate versions of some of his banjos which he refers to as "Vintage." What makes these instruments different is more traditional inlay, simpler design, and the use of Pegheds brand 4;1 planetary tuners that look like simple friction pegs!

The Vintage Prairieville in stock is a maple instrument with a three piece neck. The scooped, ebony fingerboard has Chuck's offset dot inlays. The peghead has a unique vine & flower abalone inlay, and has Pegheads brand planetary geared 4:1 anodized aluminum tuners that look just like ebony, violin-style tuning pegs--really sharp!

The 12-inch pot is made of maple, and has a rolled brass tone ring. It's set up with a Renaissance head and No-Knot tailpiece for a really deep, plunky old-time sound.

The Prairieville Vintage is $2230 and $2285 for 11- and 12-inch pots, respectively. The banjo shown is Now in Stock.
The Prairieville Original is $2397 and $2452 for 11- and 12-inch pots, respectively.
Hardshell cases for either size are, of course, available.

"Vintage" Cottonwood 11
New in March of 2008, the Cottonwood figured here is Chuck's first.

This one is a walnut banjo, featuring highly figured and flamed walnut! The scooped, ebony fingerboard has Chuck's offset inlays as well as side marker dots. The peghead has a fleur de lis inlaid, and being one of Chuck's "Vintage" series, it has Pegheds brand planetary geared tuners that masquerade as fiddle pegs!

The 11-inch pot features a Dobson style tone ring, and the rim itself is made of figured walnut.

The instrument is set up with a No-Knot tailpiece and a Renaissance head. The Dobson tone ring gives this banjo a really strong mid-range, while the bass has little sustain, and really balances well. I really like the sound! See and hear this banjo played (5.4MB .wmv), or just hear the MP3.

Cottonwood Vintage 12-inch
Great mellow OT banjo!
Click on link or on thumbnail for more information

The Cottonwood Vintage is $2450 and $2505 for 11- and 12-inch pots, respectively.
The 11-inch model banjo shown--Chuck's first of this model--is Sold. Hardshell cases for either size are, of course, available.

Glen Rose
The 11" Glen Rose most recently in stock has a laminated, figured maple neck with colored veneers running up each side of the center strip, under the peghead and fingerboard. It comes with a standard style heel, Chuck's unique frailing scoop, a 25.5" scale, a double action truss-rod and Chuck's distinctive, scalloped bone nut. It has an angel with a horn inlaid in its ebony peghead overlay.

It has a Electric (aka Whyte Laydie) tone ring in its 11" two-ply rim. It has Waverly brand planetary tuning pegs with ivoroid buttons and a planetary 5th string tuner, as well.

It comes with a Renaissance head and No-Knot tailpiece, and sounds just great! Hear a Glen Rose set up this way. .

Glen Rose Vintage 12-inch
Cherry neck and 12-inch cherry pot with Electric tone ring. Now in Stock.
Click on link or on thumbnail for more information

The Glen Rose Vintage is $2475 and $2530 for 11- and 12-inch pots, respectively.
The Glen Rose Original is $2642 and $2697 for 11- and 12-inch pots, respectively.

Chalk Mountain:

The Chalk Mountain peghead has an air of Royalty. This banjo likely gives away that Chuck's favorite trilogy is the Lord of the Rings. It has a laminated neck with colored veneers running up each side of the center strip, under the peghead, fingerboard and heel cap. It comes with a standard shaped heel, a 25.5" scale, a double action truss-rod and a Scalloped Bone nut. Ebony fingerboard and peghead overlay. This model comes with a 3" tall pot with an ebony tone ring and rim cap. It comes in 11" or 12" two-ply rim 1/2" thick. 5-star tuning pegs, Pearl side dots, no-knot tailpiece and a Renaissance Head.

The most recent 12-inch, walnut Chalk Mountain is Sold. This particular banjo has a predominantly walnut neck, which is very attractively balanced with its maple laminations. Its striped ebony fingerboard is scooped, of course. This one, No. 272, has a especially nice wizard inlay in its ebony peghead overlay. That 2 ply, 12-inch pot with its ebony tone ring is made of highly flamed maple, not just the outside, but also the inside lamination and the rim cap.

Chalk Mountain "Vintage"
New in 2007! Chuck has introduced alternate versions of some of his banjos which he refers to as "Vintage." What makes these instruments different is more traditional inlay, simpler design, and the use of Pegheds brand 4;1 planetary tuners that look like simple friction pegs!

This banjo has a three-piece cherry neck with a gorgeous finish. The striped ebony fingerboard still has Chuck's signature offset dot inlays, and his "Texas" scoop. The ebony overlain peghead has a new albalone inlay. This particular instrument features planetary geared 4:1 anodized aluminum tuners that look just like ebony, violin-style tuning pegs--really sharp! Even the 5th string peg is one of these most cool planetary geared tuners!

This Chalk Mountain Vintage 12 has a 2 ply, 12-inch maple pot with a purple heart tone ring. set up with a Renaissance head and No-Knot tailpiece for a really deep, plunky old-time sound.

Now in Stock. See and hear this banjo played (6MB .wmv)

The Chalk Mountain Vintage is $2600 and $2655 for 11- and 12-inch pots, respectively.
The Chalk Mountain Original is $2767 and $2822 for 11- and 12-inch pots, respectively.
Hardshell cases for either size are, of course, available.

Marble Falls
The Marble Falls starts with a very old peghead style. The peghead has a Lady standing on a marble out cropping with a large pot pouring water into a pool. It has a laminated neck with colored veneers running up each side of the center strip, under the peghead, fingerboard and heel cap. It comes with a Dobson shaped heel, a 25.5" scale, a double action truss-rod and a Scalloped Bone nut. Ebony fingerboard and peghead overlay. This model comes with a Tuba-phone tone ring on an 11" or 12" two-ply rim 1/2" thick. 5-star tuning pegs, Pearl side dots, no-knot tailpiece and a Renaissance Head.
And, while sold:

s/n 196 had an 12-inch rim to match its figured neck. The ebony fingerboard has offset dot inlays in addition to side marker dots. The tone ring is non-plated brass. Here is a photo of this particular banjo's headstock.
The 12" pot makes this a louder and more powerful instrument! Use this link to hear this particular banjo. Sold.

The Marble Falls Vintage is $2725 and $2780 for 11- and 12-inch pots, respectively.
The Marble Falls Original is $2892 and $2947 for 11- and 12-inch pots, respectively.
Hardshell cases for either size are, of course, available.

Chautauqua:
The Chautauqua has a striking peghead. The inlay is an Angel standing in a cloud. The fingerboard has a Star sitting in a gold cloud at the 5th fret. Stars for the other position markers. It has a laminated neck with colored veneers running up each side of the center strip, under the peghead, fingerboard and heel cap. It comes with a standard shaped heel, a 25.5" scale, a double action truss-rod and a Scalloped Bone nut. There's an ebony fingerboard and peghead overlay. It comes with a Silver Bell style tone ring straight from JLS in Texas. It sits on an 11" two-ply rim 1/2" thick. The tuners are Five-star pegs, it has Pearl side dots, a no-knot tailpiece and a Renaissance Head.

Chautauqua Vintage 11
Chuck has introduced alternate versions of some of his banjos which he refers to as "Vintage." What makes these instruments different is more traditional inlay, simpler design, and the use of Pegheds brand 4;1 planetary tuners that look like simple friction pegs!

This "vintage" series instrument from Chuck is predominantly cherry, and has a standard heel shape. Its striped ebony fingerboard has Chuck's signature offset abalone dot makers, as well as side marker dots. The inlay in the peghead is unique and very attractive, and as part of Chuck's "Vintage" line, the banjo is fitted with Pegheds brand 4:1 planetary tuners that superficially look to be wooden friction pegs, including the 5th string tuner.

The 11-inch, cherry rim has a "Silver Bell" tone ring, and has been set up with a Renaissance head and a Chuck Lee overtone-supressing No-Knot tailpiece. See and hear this banjo played (7MB .wmv).

Click here to hear another Chautauqua.

Chautauqua Vintage 11-inch Now in Stock.

Click on link or on thumbnail for more information

The Chautauqua Vintage is $2850, and is only available in 11-inch configuration.
The Chautauqua Original is $3017, and is only available in 11-inch configuration.
A hardshell case is, of course, available.

Ovilla/Cottonwood Custom 12-inch
Great midrange from this banjo!
Click on link or on thumbnail for more information

Custom 12-inch Ovilla:

This unique banjo is technically a "Custom Ovilla," but I think of it as the "Red, White, and Blue"! The pot is...um... clearly blue-dyed maple, while its predominantly natural curly birch neck has decidedly red, white, and blue laminations.

Its scooped, striped ebony fingerboard has only side-marker dots, while its ebony overlain peghead nas a very nifty abalone and MOP star, and a set of Waverly brand planetary tuners.

Its 12-inch, two-ply pot is of figured maple, with an integral wooden tone rim. It's set up with a Renaissance head and a No-Knot bridge for a great old-time sound.

A one-off, sorta patriotic banjo, including a "bump" hardshell case. Sold

Custom 11" partially fretted w. Rolled Brass Tone Ring :

Want that slippy-slidey fretless sound with the clarity of higher notes? This is the banjo for you. It has a brass plate from the nut up to the 5th fret's position. The plate extends up a bit beyond where the 5th fret would be so that that 5th fret position can be played "fretless" but there's still room to fret the 6th when needed. The rest of the fingerboard has been fretted as usual, all the way up to the scoop in the Morado fingerboard.

The neck is predominantly walnut There is no inlay in the peghead, which is fitted with Waverly brand planetary tuners.

Its 11-inch, two-ply pot is of figured maple, and it has a substantial, rolled brass tone ring.
A beautiful, unique piece: $2230 A hardshell case is, of course, available.

Custom Fretless:

This is a one-off piece Chuck created in early 2006. It has a 12-inch wooden tone rim made with special, flamed maple.

It has a Dobson heel on its dyed-woods, laminated neck of predominantly oak., and Chuck has added a lady-playing-banjo inlay just above his Texas scoop on this instrument.

The peghead is simple, with an ebony overlay, and on the back it has Waverly brand planetary tuners.

It's set up with a Renaissance head, No-Knot tailpiece and Nylgut brand strings; it's ready to play in your string band! Hear this banjo.

This unique banjo is Sold, but the next one below, is not!

We have a second custom fretless in stock now. This is very similar to the above-described banjo, except:

Its 12" maple pot has a rolled brass tone ring installed.
It also has slight cosmetic differences--the inlaid lady has a different color dress, and the 12" pot on this one is dyed black.
The addition of a tone ring raises its price slightly, so this unique banjo is $2270!: The Lone Star Deluxe is Chuck's "work horse" banjo. It has the all the fit and finish of the other models. It's like the horse that a cowboy "really" rides, the one he chooses when it's time to get the job completed. It has clean peghead lines, a Dobson style heel and a frailing scoop. Like the others it has a laminated neck with colored veneers running up each side of the center strip, for strength, and under the peghead and fingerboard. It has a 25.5" scale, a double action truss-rod and a Scalloped Bone nut. Striped ebony fingerboard and peghead overlay. There arwe no inlays on the fingerboard but one Lone Star on the peghead. It has a wooden tone rim on a 11" or 12," two-ply rim, and Waverly brand planetary tuning pegs.; While it does not have fingerboard inlays, it does have side marker dots. It is set up with a overtone-reducing no-knot tailpiece and a Renaissance Head to give a great old-time sound. Click here to hear no. 033. You can pick this one up from the corner and call it "Ol' Faithful"!

Lone Star Deluxe Vintage 12-inch
A simple, but killer banjo!
Click on thumbnail or link for more information

Click here to hear Lone Star Deluxe no. 033.
See and hear a Lone Star Deluxe Vintage played (3MB .wmv)
The Lone Star Deluxe Vintage is $1870 and $1925 for 11- and 12-inch pots, respectively.
The Lone Star Deluxe Vintage is $1870 and $1925 for 11- and 12-inch pots, respectively.
Hardshell cases for either size are, of course, available.

Deep Hollow Fretless

The Deep Hollow was introduced to Chuck Lee's line in July of 2005. It was originally intended for introduction at the Appalachian String Band Music Festival (a.k.a."Clifftop"), but Chuck couldn't make it, and sent me the first two banjos instead.

This fretless model has a 12-inch, 2-ply maple pot with a wooden tone rim. In lieu of frets in its striped ebony fingerboard, it has a brass overlay covering the fingerboard to roughly where the 9th fret would be. Chuck has done a different scoop for this model, so that its curve matches the north end of the overlay...very slick, and now his standard "Texas" scoop shape!

The neck of the example in stock is walnut laminated for strength and aesthetic appeal, and features a "Dobson" heel. The peghead has a beautiful overlay with no inlay, and, as is the fingerboard, it's underlain with dyed woods; its Waverly brand planetary tuners have ebony buttons.

Its bracket shoes and tension hoop are of non-plated brass, while its brackets and nuts are nickel-plated. It is set up with a Renaissance head and a No-Knot tailpiece for that deep, old-timey sound.
The Deep Hollow comes standard with Nylgut strings, which you can hear with this link.

The Deep Hollow Original is Out of Stock

Deep Hollow Vintage 12 Fretless

The Deep Hollow was introduced to Chuck Lee's line in July of 2005. It was originally intended for introduction at the Appalachian String Band Music Festival (a.k.a."Clifftop"). Since that time, Chuck has added his "Vintage " series of banjos,and the Deep Hollow is no exception.

This gorgeous fretless has a cherry neck mated to a dark-stained 2-ply maple pot. The cherry neck has handsome grain and has a "Dobson-shaped" heel, but the true beauty of this instruemnt is in its scooped, striped ebony fingerboard and its simple, yet striking peghead overlay. The first 5 "frets" are covered with a brass plate, which has a gentle curve up to the 7th fret area, matching the curve of the scoop.

The tuners, including the 5th string peg, are Pegheds brand 4:1 planetary tuners that look like wood, violin-style friction pegs, but offer the smooth gearing and precise tuning of the best planetary pegs.
The pot is a 2-ply maple design with an integral wooden tone rim, which, with its Renaissance head, No-Knot tailpiece, and Nylgut brand synthetic "gut" strings adds up to a deep, old-timey sound.
Hear a Deep Hollow with Nylgut strings.

The Deep Hollow Vintage shown is Sold. See and hear this banjo played (3MB .wmv)

The Deep Hollow Vintage is $1925 and $1980 for 11- and 12-inch pots, respectively.
The Deep Hollow Original is $1967 and $2022 for 11- and 12-inch pots, respectively.
Hardshell cases for either size are, of course, available.

Ovilla

Chuck conceived this model after examining an old Dobson banjo. It has has a scooped, ebony fingerboard and peghead overlay. Shooting star inlay at the 5th fret, as well as MOP side markers inlaid on the edge of fingerboard. The Dobson peghead has Chuck's "Girl Sitting on the Moon" inlay.

Its neck is made of handsome, laminated woods, with dyed alternating pieces clearly visible. It has a Dobson heel for a traditional look and feel, and a 25.5-inch scale.

The 12" 2-ply maple pot has a shaped wooden tone rim, and has been stained black, and the maple has taken the stain differentially, making it very hadsome shades of grey and black. It is set up with a Renaissance head and No-Knot tailpiece, to give a great old-time sound. Click here to hear no. 035.

Here is an Ovilla having a predominantly cherry neck, and 4, Waverly brand planetary tuners. The 12" pot is dyed black. It has Chuck's oversized "Lady in the Moon" inlay in its ebony headstock overlay.

"Vintage" Ovilla
New in 2007! Chuck introduced alternate versions of some of his banjos which he refers to as "Vintage." What makes these instruments different is more traditional inlay, simpler design, and the use of Pegheds brand 4;1 planetary tuners that look like simple friction pegs!

This is an cherry banjo having a natural color and a new-for-Chuck catalyzed varnish finish. Its beautiful cherry neck has a scooped, striped ebony fingerboard. In the "Vintage" design, this banjo has a very nicely done "moon and stars" inlay in its peghead, which is just super cool. The instrument is fitted with Pegheds brand planetary(!) tuners, including a planetary 5th string tuner.

The 12-inch pot is made of 2-ply maple with a wooden tone rim, and has a handsome, dark dye to contrast with the light, cherry neck. comes set up with a Renaissance head and No-Knot tailpiece for a great old-time sound.

The Vintage banjo shown is on Hold.

The Ovilla Vintage is $2110 and $2165 for 11- and 12-inch pots, respectively.
The Ovilla Original is $2277 and $2332 for 11- and 12-inch pots, respectively.
Hardshell cases for either size are, of course, available.

Prairieville
This banjo has a 12-inch maple pot with a rolled brass tonering..

It has a multiple-laminated, maple neck, with the woods selected for figure.
The peghead has Chuck Lee's take on the classic "Flowerpot" with a woman holding a pot as part of the inlay. In addition, there are flowers inlaid at the 5th fret and 12th frets.

The banjo is set up with a Renaissance head and a No-Knot tailpiece and has great sound! Here's an MP3 sound clip of a Prairieville.
Temporarily out of stock.

"Vintage" Prairieville
New in 2007! Chuck has introduced alternate versions of some of his banjos which he refers to as "Vintage." What makes these instruments different is more traditional inlay, simpler design, and the use of Pegheds brand 4;1 planetary tuners that look like simple friction pegs!

The Vintage Prairieville in stock is a maple instrument with a three piece neck. The scooped, ebony fingerboard has Chuck's offset dot inlays. The peghead has a unique vine & flower abalone inlay, and has Pegheads brand planetary geared 4:1 anodized aluminum tuners that look just like ebony, violin-style tuning pegs--really sharp!

The 12-inch pot is made of maple, and has a rolled brass tone ring. It's set up with a Renaissance head and No-Knot tailpiece for a really deep, plunky old-time sound.

The Prairieville Vintage is $2230 and $2285 for 11- and 12-inch pots, respectively. The banjo shown is Now in Stock.
The Prairieville Original is $2397 and $2452 for 11- and 12-inch pots, respectively.
Hardshell cases for either size are, of course, available.

"Vintage" Cottonwood 11
New in March of 2008, the Cottonwood figured here is Chuck's first.

This one is a walnut banjo, featuring highly figured and flamed walnut! The scooped, ebony fingerboard has Chuck's offset inlays as well as side marker dots. The peghead has a fleur de lis inlaid, and being one of Chuck's "Vintage" series, it has Pegheds brand planetary geared tuners that masquerade as fiddle pegs!

The 11-inch pot features a Dobson style tone ring, and the rim itself is made of figured walnut.

The instrument is set up with a No-Knot tailpiece and a Renaissance head. The Dobson tone ring gives this banjo a really strong mid-range, while the bass has little sustain, and really balances well. I really like the sound! See and hear this banjo played (5.4MB .wmv), or just hear the MP3.

Cottonwood Vintage 12-inch
Great mellow OT banjo!
Click on link or on thumbnail for more information

The Cottonwood Vintage is $2450 and $2505 for 11- and 12-inch pots, respectively.
The 11-inch model banjo shown--Chuck's first of this model--is Sold. Hardshell cases for either size are, of course, available.

Glen Rose
The 11" Glen Rose most recently in stock has a laminated, figured maple neck with colored veneers running up each side of the center strip, under the peghead and fingerboard. It comes with a standard style heel, Chuck's unique frailing scoop, a 25.5" scale, a double action truss-rod and Chuck's distinctive, scalloped bone nut. It has an angel with a horn inlaid in its ebony peghead overlay.

It has a Electric (aka Whyte Laydie) tone ring in its 11" two-ply rim. It has Waverly brand planetary tuning pegs with ivoroid buttons and a planetary 5th string tuner, as well.

It comes with a Renaissance head and No-Knot tailpiece, and sounds just great! Hear a Glen Rose set up this way. .

Glen Rose Vintage 12-inch
Cherry neck and 12-inch cherry pot with Electric tone ring. Now in Stock.
Click on link or on thumbnail for more information

The Glen Rose Vintage is $2475 and $2530 for 11- and 12-inch pots, respectively.
The Glen Rose Original is $2642 and $2697 for 11- and 12-inch pots, respectively.

Chalk Mountain:

The Chalk Mountain peghead has an air of Royalty. This banjo likely gives away that Chuck's favorite trilogy is the Lord of the Rings. It has a laminated neck with colored veneers running up each side of the center strip, under the peghead, fingerboard and heel cap. It comes with a standard shaped heel, a 25.5" scale, a double action truss-rod and a Scalloped Bone nut. Ebony fingerboard and peghead overlay. This model comes with a 3" tall pot with an ebony tone ring and rim cap. It comes in 11" or 12" two-ply rim 1/2" thick. 5-star tuning pegs, Pearl side dots, no-knot tailpiece and a Renaissance Head.

The most recent 12-inch, walnut Chalk Mountain is Sold. This particular banjo has a predominantly walnut neck, which is very attractively balanced with its maple laminations. Its striped ebony fingerboard is scooped, of course. This one, No. 272, has a especially nice wizard inlay in its ebony peghead overlay. That 2 ply, 12-inch pot with its ebony tone ring is made of highly flamed maple, not just the outside, but also the inside lamination and the rim cap.

Chalk Mountain "Vintage"
New in 2007! Chuck has introduced alternate versions of some of his banjos which he refers to as "Vintage." What makes these instruments different is more traditional inlay, simpler design, and the use of Pegheds brand 4;1 planetary tuners that look like simple friction pegs!

This banjo has a three-piece cherry neck with a gorgeous finish. The striped ebony fingerboard still has Chuck's signature offset dot inlays, and his "Texas" scoop. The ebony overlain peghead has a new albalone inlay. This particular instrument features planetary geared 4:1 anodized aluminum tuners that look just like ebony, violin-style tuning pegs--really sharp! Even the 5th string peg is one of these most cool planetary geared tuners!

This Chalk Mountain Vintage 12 has a 2 ply, 12-inch maple pot with a purple heart tone ring. set up with a Renaissance head and No-Knot tailpiece for a really deep, plunky old-time sound.

Now in Stock. See and hear this banjo played (6MB .wmv)

The Chalk Mountain Vintage is $2600 and $2655 for 11- and 12-inch pots, respectively.
The Chalk Mountain Original is $2767 and $2822 for 11- and 12-inch pots, respectively.
Hardshell cases for either size are, of course, available.

Marble Falls
The Marble Falls starts with a very old peghead style. The peghead has a Lady standing on a marble out cropping with a large pot pouring water into a pool. It has a laminated neck with colored veneers running up each side of the center strip, under the peghead, fingerboard and heel cap. It comes with a Dobson shaped heel, a 25.5" scale, a double action truss-rod and a Scalloped Bone nut. Ebony fingerboard and peghead overlay. This model comes with a Tuba-phone tone ring on an 11" or 12" two-ply rim 1/2" thick. 5-star tuning pegs, Pearl side dots, no-knot tailpiece and a Renaissance Head.
And, while sold:

s/n 196 had an 12-inch rim to match its figured neck. The ebony fingerboard has offset dot inlays in addition to side marker dots. The tone ring is non-plated brass. Here is a photo of this particular banjo's headstock.
The 12" pot makes this a louder and more powerful instrument! Use this link to hear this particular banjo. Sold.

The Marble Falls Vintage is $2725 and $2780 for 11- and 12-inch pots, respectively.
The Marble Falls Original is $2892 and $2947 for 11- and 12-inch pots, respectively.
Hardshell cases for either size are, of course, available.

Chautauqua:
The Chautauqua has a striking peghead. The inlay is an Angel standing in a cloud. The fingerboard has a Star sitting in a gold cloud at the 5th fret. Stars for the other position markers. It has a laminated neck with colored veneers running up each side of the center strip, under the peghead, fingerboard and heel cap. It comes with a standard shaped heel, a 25.5" scale, a double action truss-rod and a Scalloped Bone nut. There's an ebony fingerboard and peghead overlay. It comes with a Silver Bell style tone ring straight from JLS in Texas. It sits on an 11" two-ply rim 1/2" thick. The tuners are Five-star pegs, it has Pearl side dots, a no-knot tailpiece and a Renaissance Head.

Chautauqua Vintage 11
Chuck has introduced alternate versions of some of his banjos which he refers to as "Vintage." What makes these instruments different is more traditional inlay, simpler design, and the use of Pegheds brand 4;1 planetary tuners that look like simple friction pegs!

This "vintage" series instrument from Chuck is predominantly cherry, and has a standard heel shape. Its striped ebony fingerboard has Chuck's signature offset abalone dot makers, as well as side marker dots. The inlay in the peghead is unique and very attractive, and as part of Chuck's "Vintage" line, the banjo is fitted with Pegheds brand 4:1 planetary tuners that superficially look to be wooden friction pegs, including the 5th string tuner.

The 11-inch, cherry rim has a "Silver Bell" tone ring, and has been set up with a Renaissance head and a Chuck Lee overtone-supressing No-Knot tailpiece. See and hear this banjo played (7MB .wmv).

Click here to hear another Chautauqua.

Chautauqua Vintage 11-inch Now in Stock.

Click on link or on thumbnail for more information

The Chautauqua Vintage is $2850, and is only available in 11-inch configuration.
The Chautauqua Original is $3017, and is only available in 11-inch configuration.
A hardshell case is, of course, available.

Ovilla/Cottonwood Custom 12-inch
Great midrange from this banjo!
Click on link or on thumbnail for more information

Custom 12-inch Ovilla:

This unique banjo is technically a "Custom Ovilla," but I think of it as the "Red, White, and Blue"! The pot is...um... clearly blue-dyed maple, while its predominantly natural curly birch neck has decidedly red, white, and blue laminations.

Its scooped, striped ebony fingerboard has only side-marker dots, while its ebony overlain peghead nas a very nifty abalone and MOP star, and a set of Waverly brand planetary tuners.

Its 12-inch, two-ply pot is of figured maple, with an integral wooden tone rim. It's set up with a Renaissance head and a No-Knot bridge for a great old-time sound.

A one-off, sorta patriotic banjo, including a "bump" hardshell case. Sold

Custom 11" partially fretted w. Rolled Brass Tone Ring :

Want that slippy-slidey fretless sound with the clarity of higher notes? This is the banjo for you. It has a brass plate from the nut up to the 5th fret's position. The plate extends up a bit beyond where the 5th fret would be so that that 5th fret position can be played "fretless" but there's still room to fret the 6th when needed. The rest of the fingerboard has been fretted as usual, all the way up to the scoop in the Morado fingerboard.

The neck is predominantly walnut There is no inlay in the peghead, which is fitted with Waverly brand planetary tuners.

Its 11-inch, two-ply pot is of figured maple, and it has a substantial, rolled brass tone ring.
A beautiful, unique piece: $2230 A hardshell case is, of course, available.

Custom Fretless:

This is a one-off piece Chuck created in early 2006. It has a 12-inch wooden tone rim made with special, flamed maple.

It has a Dobson heel on its dyed-woods, laminated neck of predominantly oak., and Chuck has added a lady-playing-banjo inlay just above his Texas scoop on this instrument.

The peghead is simple, with an ebony overlay, and on the back it has Waverly brand planetary tuners.

It's set up with a Renaissance head, No-Knot tailpiece and Nylgut brand strings; it's ready to play in your string band! Hear this banjo.

This unique banjo is Sold, but the next one below, is not!

We have a second custom fretless in stock now. This is very similar to the above-described banjo, except:

Its 12" maple pot has a rolled brass tone ring installed.
It also has slight cosmetic differences--the inlaid lady has a different color dress, and the 12" pot on this one is dyed black.
The addition of a tone ring raises its price slightly, so this unique banjo is $2270!

ZEPP Country Music, Inc.

P.O. Box 306 4 East Third St. Wendell, NC 27591-0306 Local: 919-365-5189 or Call Toll Free within USA: 866-365-5189

P.O. Box 306
4 East Third St.
Wendell, NC 27591-0306
Local: 919-365-5189 or Call Toll Free within USA: 866-365-5189