21/01/04

Dear Tom,
Just a quick note to tell you just how pleased I am with the new Tenor banjo you made for me. It is no exaggeration to tell you its sound is well beyond my expectations, and it is one of the easiest of instruments, i.e. action etc I have ever played. The tone is just perfect for that cutting, ringing sound I so enjoy in the type of jazz that I have been addicted to for much longer than I'd care to admit.Suffice to say that our trumpet player, who is not the most observant of listeners if anything lacking a vast amount of intonation, came up to me after the first gig with the instrument to comment on the beautiful tone I'd been able to achieve. And, of course, I had to admit that it was without doubt almost entirely due to your superb, fine craftsmanship.
It is an honour to possess such a fine instrument, and I feel that I will never be able to live up to its potential.......that does not of course mean that I wont be trying real hard. Needless to say the instrument speaks for itself and I am so pleased with it.
If you are ever going to come over please let me know and I'll try to meet up with you. It really would be lovely to meet you. In the meantime thank you once again for you skills and I wish you and your family a belated happy new year,
With very best wishes ,

Dr. Michael Mills