Geoff Stelling founded Stelling Banjo Works was in 1974 while he was stationed at a Naval Base in San Diego. Stelling had been playing banjo and bass in bluegrass bands since the mid-1960’s. He experimented with the mechanics of banjo construction which led to a patented design that Stelling banjos still use for today: the wedge-fitted pot assembly. The wedge-fit helps give a good fit between tone ring and flange. Stelling has also designed and patented a “pivot-pin” tailpiece for the banjo. Stelling also make mandolins.

Source: Stelling Banjo Works website (29 November 2019)