About a month ago a friend of my Dad's passed away. He was my Dad's longtime banjo teacher and friend. His widow called my Dad and said that the family wanted to give my Dad one of his banjos, with the stipulation that it he never sell it - only that he play it for as long as he is able, and then pass it along to someone (me) who will then play it, and do the same thing. This banjo is ridiculous- it's a Richelieu Golden Eagle - an absolutely gorgeous instrument. (see the pics below).
Here's the problem. My Dad is pretty ill himself. He's got lung cancer and only has about a year left - hopefully longer, but you never know. He's torn about accepting the banjo (they haven't given it to him yet) because he's afraid he won't be able to play it long enough to accept it in good conscience. He'd pass it along to me, but I'm only a casual player, but I'd definitely play it for as long as I'm able and pass it along to someone to keep the tradition alive.
What do you all think? Should he/we accept it?
