Here are some of the more unusual instruments in my collection. I've used all of them on various projects over the years. (L to R): Banjo-uke (circa 1900)- This one was passed down through the Hoffner family, and belonged to my dad, my grand-dad, and my great great uncle. Saz (from Turkey)- This one was a gift from my good friend, Brent Holmes. Banjo-mandolin (circa 1910)- My dad got this one in Baltimore, and completely restored it. On the back of the original calf-skin head, in pencil, it said "new head put on- August, 1912") Hammered Dulcimer- I bought this great instrument in 1988, and within two weeks had played it on four master recording sessions, which paid for the instrument three times over. I still use it often, as well as my sampled version of the same instrument. Doshpuluur (from Tannu Tuva)- belongs to my Tuvan friend Kongar-ol Ondar. Mountain banjo (gut-string)- "Frailed" with bare fingers, I've used this on quite a few TV scores. It can paint a picture of Appalachia, or the battlefields of the Civil War.