Originally posted by Bill Mullins:
I recently bought a box of
Banjo All-Stars trading cards.
They are sold on Etsy, in packs and boxes. My box, as guaranteed, contained a complete set (30 base cards plus 12 limited (gold foil highlights on reverse)) cards. The artwork, as seen on the link, is gorgeous. Each card is based on a painting done just for the set. I can't imagine that the guy producing these is making any real money off them, but he is already planning Series II.
Collation was fine. I received a set consisting of 1 of each (base and limited) card, plus a stack of dupes. The manufacturer threw 2 additional packs and two banjo picks into the box, so now I have to learn to pick a banjo.
The cards seem to be for real aficionados -- of the 42 pickers pictured, I only recognized 3 names (Ralph Stanley, Earl Scruggs, and Sonny Osborne). I'm not a huge banjo/bluegrass fan, but am somewhat knowledgeable about it and have been to a few shows and festivals. But after looking up some of these artists on youtube, there are some very good banjo players represented.
It looks like Series II may be somewhat more recognizable. Customers have nominated Steve Martin, Bela Fleck, Stringbean Akeman, Grandpa Jones, John Hartford, John McEuen, Roy Clark, Buck Trent, Roni Stoneman, and Uncle Dave Macon. Still at large, though, are Abigail Washburn, Eric Weissberg, Paul Stookey, Pete Seeger (well, he was a communist, so he's not missed), and Jerry Van Dyke.
This is certainly a niche set. But it is well done, and I'm glad to add it to my collection. Recommended.