Sound

Kind of mellow near the neck, very crisp by the bridge. Nice sustain. Haven't played enough high end banjos to say more, but lots more mid-low oomph and more listenable highs than, say, a Recording King. I like that my guitar-playing friends think it's too loud. Turnabout, finally!

Sound Rating

10

Appearance

I like instruments where the money is spent on sound. The great inlay work on the neck is just gravy, in this case! Fit and finish is beautiful.

Appearance Rating

not rated

Customer Service

Lifetime warranty. Never say never, but I can't see needing it. Have not dealt with the company.

Customer Service

not rated

Overall Comments

Scale my review by my comparison banjo: I had a Deering Basic in 1980 as my previous banjo. Guitar pegs, skinny neck, aluminum tone ring. It was fine--never more than changing strings for 10 years, but the sound on the Eagle--the chimey sustain--is just unbelievable in comparison.

Overall Rating

10

Overall Comments

I had a problem with my RK80. After reading a topic in which a problem with a similar banjo was resolved by Arthur I decided to email him and ask if he would be willing to do the same for my banjo. I was - and still consider myself to be - a beginner, and tried to explain what was wrong the best I could.

For a while I didn't hear anything and I assumed it wasn't anything Mr. Hatfield would be interested in, which I totally 100% understood.

But after a few weeks I received a very nice and pleasant email from Mr. Hatfield, explaining why he hadn't replied earlier, and invited me to send my RK80 to him, and he would take care of it. I answered that it already was taken care of satisfactorily.

So I haven't had any 'real' experience but the email he sent me was so nice, I was impressed with his kindness and the fact he had taken the time to respond to me.

If ever the occasion arises I need any help again, he'd be the first person I'd turn to.

Overall Rating

10

Overall Comments

The Little Maggie Picks have solved the problem of having the bands overlap around my cuticles which happens with every other fingerpick I have tried. Perfect for guys with slender fingers, ladies and children. The fit of these picks is great. The slightly longer blade gives me more options for customization. The German Nickel Silver gives a classic, bright sound comparable with national brand picks. Miss Judy has been great to work with and has answered all of my questions. I couldn't be happier!

Overall Rating

10

Overall Comments

Overall Rating

7

Overall Comments

An excellent bridge, everything you would expect from a Sosebee Bridge ..... woods, craftsmanship, ...everything is first rate. And Gary shipped it lightning fast!

Overall Rating

10

Sound

It is very well suited for clawhammer style playing . The sound is good although a little on the bright side with the standardsynthetic head (I prefer a skin head). Overall a very versatile instrument. Banjo sounds good whether you are playing alone or with a group.

Sound Rating

7

Appearance

It is a very nice looking banjo as it is a faithful rinterpretation of the 1903 Whyte Laydie No. 2. Materials consist of a maple neck and rim and ebony fingerboard. Inlays are very nice.

Appearance Rating

9

Customer Service

Bernunzio's was very good to deal with - John was very helpful with questions I had during my decision making process

Customer Service

10

Overall Comments

It is a great value for the money, the banjo is a good player and is built to last. Although my preference is for A scale banjos this one is easy to play and performs well

Overall Rating

9

Overall Comments

JUST GOT MY NEW BANJO MUTE IN FROM MIKE'S BANJO MUTES. THIS IS A VERY WELL MADE MUTE. IT WORKS FANTASTIC AND IT'S MADE IN AMERICA!!! WELL WORTH THE MONEY. I'VE ALREDY STARTED RECOMMENDING IT TO MY FRIENDS. THANKS FOR A GREAT PRODUCT MIKE.

Overall Rating

10

Overall Comments

Best mute I've ever had.
A friend just tried mine and ordered one straight away.
If you need a mute, this one is highly recommended.
Easy and quick to attach, well made and doesn't get in the way of the right hand.

Overall Rating

10

Overall Comments

I have a Goldstar GF100W and had a different rim put in several years ago. Ended up not really liking the sound and didn't play it much. Considered selling it but wanted to make it original again before I did. Don took it apart, ring to rim fit wasn't quite right. Fixed that, dressed the frets, new strings and head. Took less than a week and would have been less that a day had not the rim needed to be put on the lathe.
Altogether sounds like a new banjo, couldn't be happier with it and have no plans to sell it now.
I am very happy to recommend Don for any services you may need. He was very accomodating, friendly, with reasonable rates, and he won't do anything you didn't ask for without checking with you first. No suprises.
I would gladly use Don's services again should I ever need them.

Overall Rating

10

Overall Comments

Russel has written great tabs for both volumes of "The Bluegrass Album" recorded by Crowe back around the 80's with some of the all time great musicians. Those albums were some of the best and Russll has captured them in tab beautifully. A great value, and can be bought at the website listed above.

Overall Rating

10

Overall Comments

BIAB is really good. I spent about 100 thru Janet Davis for the 2011 software that came with the so-called bluegrass pak. Then I spend a little more to get additional bluegrass tracks - they call them 11 and 33 I think. Anyhow, the people at PG Music are very supportive through their tech support toll free line, and the book with the software is very detailed. Newer software versions may vary slightly from the book however, which is where PG comes into play with support over the phone. It's a somewhat complicated program to get started but the fundamentals of using it can be quickly learned. PG website will also have updates for whatever version you buy so pay attention or ask them about that if you buy it. The additional tracks for bluegrass were worth the money. They are large downloads so be patient and get on high speed internet connection for these if you buy.

Great feedback on how you sound with a little accompaniment, and I find it to be a glorified metronome helping me with timing and consistency of speed throughout a song. It takes a little experimenting with each song to determine which "style" you want for a particular song, but you'll catch on to that as you learn BIAB. Scott Vestal played the banjo backup tracks in the added tracks for bluegrass and is excellent. I think that was tracks 33. I would buy it again. No buyer remorse. Not sure about promotional pricing anywhere but shopping around is always advisable, right? You may not do any better than Janet Davis, while her shipping rates continue to annoy me. Example: Let's say you buy three quality bridges and get up around $100. Their shipping rates are based solely on dollars so they would want around $15 or something like that. You know how bridges are mailed in their little plastic cases - 3 in a padded envelope probably costs them around $1.50 to get it out the door. Rip. But they are a good company other than that IMO. I like Elderly Instruments policy of free shipping for orders over $49. But I don't know if they sell BIAB. Check it out.

Overall Rating

9

Overall Comments

This mute is a must! I just received my Mike's mute in the mail this morning (extremely fast shipping) The mute is well made and absolutely perfect in it's design, simplicity and ease of installation. I am just a month into learning and play for a couple of hours a day. I found myself not playing as hard or fast due to the fact that I did not want to drive everybody in the house nuts when I hit a clunker...not to mention ringing my own ears. I installed it in just seconds and wow what a difference. I can't wait until this afternoon practice session!

Highly recommend this product!

Overall Rating

10

Sound

Well considering i like bright sound which the R97 has from the get go, I couldn't be happier. No buzzing and tone is in the right place for my liking.

Sound Rating

10

Appearance

it is a very beautiful banjo love the wood finish is great, love the flamed wood on resonator, the inlay on this banjo is beautiful as well i looked at other banjos like the R99 but i like the inlays to be a little less gaudy, and the engraving on the hoop, arm rest, along with it being gold hardware it really catches the eye. Now there is some small signs of a tarnish effect on the gold, I assume its oxidation with the metal under the plated gold, makes it look antique to the finish. I will give it a 9 just for the slight tarnish on a few parts of the hardware

Appearance Rating

9

Customer Service

I delt with Mike Halloran, He was very helpful with any questions i had, very friendly, and even shipped it to me faster than i expected, according to the recording king website it has a limited lifetime warrenty which i hope i do not have to use but ya never know maybe they will replace the L brackets with longer ones so i don't have to use the shims

Customer Service

10

Overall Comments

overall i am very pleased with this banjo it has the looks and the sound, volume, and reliability, who could ask for anything more, well maybe a gibson RB-4 someday but this will do just great until that day. seriously the only reason i'm giving it a 9 overall is just from the gold tarnish and the shims needed but those are small problems compared to the big picture.

Overall Rating

9

Sound

It is risky to purchase a banjo sight unseen--and unheard---but i heard wonderful, informal reviews of Bill Van Horn's Blackfork [B&P] banjos. The sound is exactly what i wanted, full with deep bass and rounded treble. The 12" pot has a real presence in a jam.
I appreciate the ! and 3/8" at the nut , widening to about 2" at the heel.

Sound Rating

10

Appearance

Beautifully finished and eye catching. Mesquite with "Texas ebony" fretboard [cherry also available). Pot is satin black, stunningly setting off the neck and brass hardware. Indianhead penny in the headstock. Classy look with pearl star at 5th fret and pear dots 3,7,10, and 12. S-shaped scoop and bone nut.

Appearance Rating

10

Customer Service

Van Horn is easy to deal with, friendly, and makes terrific banjos that are clearly a wonderful value

Customer Service

10

Overall Comments

Bill Van Horn has thus far flown under the radar but, as noted above, he makes fine instruments. There is no risk as he permits a week's trial with the banjo. Few, i'm sure, would return one.

Overall Rating

10

Overall Comments

This bridge is extremely well made with a nice ebony "cap" with the "g" string compensated. I had an issue with some buzzing on my new Goodtime Classic scooped neck banjo. I exchanged emails with Tim and he quickly and kindly recommended to me a size .656 custom bridge for my banjo. I chose the "piano" maple cut bridge with the ebony cap. My banjo neck now tracks perfectly, no buzzing whatsoever and I have noticed increased sustain in clarity of notes and volume. Tim treated me with good ole "North Carolina" hospitality, and his service was prompt and professional...I personally recommend his fine bridges to anyone!

Overall Rating

10

Sound

Sounds like a sweet mahogany banjo not to loud just the right volume. Crystal clear notes up and down the neck. The low d string gives a nice vibration across the whole instrument.

Sound Rating

9

Appearance

Awesome looking banjo, I love the inlays on the fingerboard and headstock. The wood has very pretty grain. I love the smell of a new banjo, smells like a wood shop with a hint of carpenters glue.

Appearance Rating

10

Customer Service

Lifetime warranty, Musicians friend was the cheapest on price and shipping. Was expecting the banjo to be way out of adjustment but all I had to do was lower the action about .032 at the 12th fret. The bridge was spot on perfect.

Customer Service

10

Overall Comments

Im completely satisfied with my purchase. Dont expect to buy another banjo unless I can get my kids interested in playing music.

Overall Rating

10

Sound

I really like this banjo, I bought it on a whim as something to knock around. I wasnt expecting much sound wise, but have been really surprised with the sound i can squeeze from it. It has a really nice "pop" sound to it, but can be really sweet and delecate too.

Sound Rating

9

Appearance

The banjo looks like a cool old time banjo, and even better the Maple in the neck actually has figure. About a quarter of the neck, between the third fret and the seventh is tiger stripe (WOW, go figure). I really like the color, and the satin finish, BUT, i really could have done without hokey painted on star "inlay" , and "Gold Tone" on the peg head (nothing a black magic marker didnt fix).

Appearance Rating

9

Customer Service

Have not dealt with them

Customer Service

not rated

Overall Comments

Overall, this banjo for the price is a great buy. I actually think the American made banjo that looks like a toy, would probably be a better investment, but for people like me, that need a fingerboard, and stain. I feel that you cant go wrong with one of these banjos, sound and playability wise.

Overall Rating

9

Overall Comments

I want to add one more to the list of people here that think highly of Mike's Banjo Mute.
When searching for a mute I wanted one that was well made, durable, would significantly decrease the sound level, not totally distort the sound or buzz, and be affordable. Well, I am happy to say that Mike's scored on all of those.
I am able to learn the banjo now without disturbing anyone and without having to close myself off in a room away from everyone.
The mute is easy to put on and take off. You don't need to tighten it much so I don't think the durability of the nylon screws, as someone else had mentioned, will be an issue.

Overall Rating

10

Overall Comments

The best practice mute I've ever used. Works great on all my banjo's and it's terrific for apartment practicing. Highly recommended.
John Gill

Overall Rating

10

Sound

Banjo sounds nice and crisp for a beginner level banjo, although since I am new to this, take it for what it's worth. It was purchased for me as a Birthday gift so I didn't get to pick it out myself so don't know how good it will be for bluegrass/scruggs style, but we'll find out.

Sound Rating

8

Appearance

Other than the issues I had with the resonator the banjo looks fantastic and plays very well.

Appearance Rating

8

Customer Service

I sent banjo hut an email, however I was told that the loose hardware could have happened in shipping. I didn't push the issue as I did not know the extent of the problem with the banjo at the time. The banjo was under warranty (I think) but like I said I didn't know that I would have to be gluing things to fix it at the time so I can't say whether they would have replaced the banjo or not. Also as it was a gift I didn't have any of the paperwork etc and I don't know how long the warranty is.

Customer Service

5

Overall Comments

Even with the issues I had I would certainly recommend this banjo as a great way to get started for a reasonable price. I have really enjoyed learning to play and I haven't found anything that annoys me about the banjo or has hampered my progress...

Overall Rating

9