Sound

A variety of voices. You really had to "dial in" the tone that you wanted. With a loose head it sounded "plunky" (I imagine an Amber Elite head would really make it sound good this way) and with a tight head the sound was piercing. With a tighter head the sound was piercing. It really had a bark and a pop but it wasn't overly loud and powerful. Not mellow exactly either.

Cut through a mic and recorded like a dream. No unpleasant overtones whatsoever. When you hit it you got just what you needed. Barley needed to play it to make a sound. Very even up and down the neck. This banjo was also good for clawhammer believe it or not. Very versatile and pleasing banjo. Crisp and clear.

Sound Rating

8

Appearance

Fit and finish was spectacular. Beautiful traditional inlays. The stain was done to perfection. However in this price range I would expect some fancier binding, perhaps even of abalone. The fit and finish and traditional appearance are good enough keep it from being a seven instead of an eight. Mine had the older black "flange" (not really a flange) which was different and not what some people prefer. They now make them to look like a regular flange. It looked pretty good to me though.

Appearance Rating

8

Customer Service

Just call Tom and he will bend over backwards.

Customer Service

10

Overall Comments

This is one I'd still like to have in the stable. With it's tuning capability, reliability, versatility, construction, and sound it would be a great performing banjo.
IMHO the fact that the rim is more shallow than other banjos and the fact that the neck does not contact the rim sacrificies the volume of this banjo. To me those are two of the strongest components in a banjos sound. Overall still a great banjo as the price reflects.

Overall Rating

8

Sound

I love it the sound was better than I expected. My instructor said that it has
Got the brightest and best sound that he has heard come from a banjo and he's
Been teaching 40 years. I considered buying a 7 or 8 thousand $ banjo. I'm so
Happy with ob 250 arch top. Thanks go to Mr Ross!

Sound Rating

10

Appearance

Fine wood mother of pearl inlay just a perfect instrument

Appearance Rating

10

Customer Service

Lifetime warranty to me and 5 years to the person I sell it to, but it's not for sale

Customer Service

10

Overall Comments

Try a arch top banjo and I think gold tone has the best for the
Money. And do check out mr Ross Nickerson he has the best banjo lessons!

Overall Rating

10

Sound

Great, bright traditional sound. Plenty of volume.

Sound Rating

9

Appearance

It's gorgeous!

Appearance Rating

10

Customer Service

Really a nice transaction. Quick answers to questions, and quick processing and shipping.

Customer Service

10

Overall Comments

My first open-back. Don't think I could have made a better choice.

Overall Rating

10

Sound

This banjo has a very nice tone to it. It has a walnut resonator so it is not too bright nor is it to mellow. It definitely has a warm tone but will cut through a jam. I use mine with a mojohound contact mic with a Gold Tone ABS pre-amp plugged in to a PA system. Works real nice for the most part, no problems with the banjo in that regard. Pickup system can be a little finicky sometimes.

Sound Rating

9

Appearance

Beautiful banjo. Gold hardware and warm tone of the wood look great together. Inlay and headstock work are beautiful as well.

Appearance Rating

9

Customer Service

NA

Customer Service

not rated

Overall Comments

Great banjo, sounds great, looks great. People are always surprised that is says Fender on the headstock.

Overall Rating

9

Sound

Awesome sound great 4 string bass

Sound Rating

10

Appearance

Beautiful vine inlay superb craftsmanship!

Appearance Rating

10

Customer Service

Customer Service

not rated

Overall Comments

great banjo in every respect it is very heavy

Overall Rating

10

Sound

This is my first banjo and I actually like it alot. Since purchasing it I've played a few other banjos including a Sagmoen, an Enoch Tradesman and a Vega. Does it sound as nice as a high dollar banjo? Actually, it sounds pretty damn good! Seems like what GT was going for was a kind of neutral/generic old-time sound. The Enoch is very "earthy", the Sagmoen with a Dobson ring was very bright, and the CC-OT is somewhere in between. And I think that's the point, really. It's an inexpensive, mass produced, generic (but very good quality) old-time instrument designed for learning frailing and old time music, while being neither extremely bright nor extremely earthy. The neutral sound gives a newbie like me a starting point to decide what sounds I like and don't like for my next upgrade. Or if you are happy with a neutral sound, that's fine too! The only thing I've changed is the strings to a set of brass wound GHS's. I'm very happy with it.

Sound Rating

9

Appearance

It's not a bad looking banjo! The veneer on the rim is nice, but the seem is a bit ugly and poorly executed. The neck is stained dark with black paint faded in from the headstock and heel and a nice matte finish that I like. My only major complaint is that the "Gold Tone" lettering and the star on the head stock are decals, not inlaid. It's obvious and very cheap looking. The star isn't even symmetric. Other than that, I really like it aesthetically. I tend to be partial to a dark finish though :).

Appearance Rating

8

Customer Service

I have never dealt with Gold Tone about this instrument, but will soon about the crummy tension hooks!

Customer Service

not rated

Overall Comments

I think the CC-OT is great! Just don't expect a $1000 instrument for $400 and you'll be happy too. It serves it's purpose as a generic-oldtime-sounding instrument well and gives new players a great starting point without being extremely one way or the other as far as sound is concerned. It's a decent quality instrument that doesn't break the bank, and even looks great! It's got some negatives, sure, but waay waay more positives. I would recommend one to anybody just starting out and not wanting to spend too much money.

Here's a mp3 I made on my CC-OT so you can hear how it sounds! (keep in mind I'm just learning, lol)
http://www.banjohangout.org/myhangout/music.asp?id=87251#

Overall Rating

9

Sound

Been playing now for 4 months and had a Beginning Fender banjo. I traded it in for the Morgan Monroe Rocky Top. This is a GREAT beginning banjo! I can't stop playing it. The sound and the action is SO MUCH better than the Fender. It's really a pleasure to play. Hammers and Pull offs are much clearer. Dynamics on the banjo are also much better. You can play soft but it had the ability to be very loud and rich.

Sound Rating

8

Appearance

Great . Reddish rich type wood.

Appearance Rating

9

Customer Service

haven't dealt with CS.

Customer Service

not rated

Overall Comments

Overall Rating

9

Sound

This jewel is perfect. The sound is strong, clear. The tone is rich and loud with out any buzzing.

Sound Rating

10

Appearance

The banjo is mahogany with a high gloss finish. Has engraved inlays and Ebony finger board with mother of pearl diamond shaped inlays
I did not find any imperfections.

Appearance Rating

9

Customer Service

The warranty is lifetime, material & workmanship

Customer Service

10

Overall Comments

Overall Rating

9

Sound

Walked into Z's in Charleston, Illinois and noticed that the G had the same solid hardware and weight for $299 as the Pro for a $800 and I am shocked at how nice it sounds even compared to the $700-$800 models of other brands. Bought it right there, never been unhappy with it. Incredible buy. It sounded SO good I began to wonder if the price was wrong and as I searched online I saw that its price everywhere was 299 lbs. English and I think it was so new the store didn't convert to dollars ??? Can't explain otherwise. Almost up there with my old mainstay Epiphone elephant.

Sound Rating

8

Appearance

Nice inlay, dark finish

Appearance Rating

8

Customer Service

N.A.

Customer Service

not rated

Overall Comments

Felt Like I stole it at $299.

Overall Rating

8

Sound

This instrument is set up with a goat-skin head, thin, deep shell (1/4" by 3" deep, 11" dia), walnut neck with 24.75 scale, no-knot tailpiece. The sound is really nice- a bit of punch, but smooth and defined. Perfectly set up for clawhammer. Mid range sound is very strong and focused - if tuned up to A or double-D, it really starts to ring with a clear voice. It's quite a bit more balanced than my 1927 electric (which is very bright, whyte-laydie tonering and goat skin head), and less tubby than my tradesman (12" with a dobson ring and vellum head). It's very loud and can bark when asked- stuffing the head quiets it way down with very little change of tone - it gets a bit sweeter with a light rag between the dowel and head, but I change it up periodically. This banjo has much more cluck than my other instruments - perhaps the shorter scale helps with this?

Sound Rating

10

Appearance

absolutely gorgeous wood for the neck - Nate picked a walnut neck with an eye for the figure. Pot is painted with milk paint and buffed, which is a good look. Hardware is all aged brass, with the exception of the black-knobbed gotoh tuners. I asked for a mottled goatskin, and the character on this one is fantastic. fingerboard is good slab of ebony, with brass side-position inlays. Headstock overlay is dark walnut., with a dobson paddle shape. Pictures can be seen at http://www.calkinsbanjos.com/banjo-gallery.html There are the occasional file mark, etc., that comes with hand made items - not a big deal for me. It's really a looker.

Appearance Rating

10

Customer Service

Nate is easygoing and easy to work with - he makes suggestions based on what he's done/ knows will work, but seems like he's willing to try new options as well.

Customer Service

10

Overall Comments

great banjo to play, and I'm still exploring the nuances of this one

Overall Rating

10

Sound

This banjo has a phenomenal tone for a 6 string banjo. I use XL electric guitar string and modify the tuning to ggdgbd, with a drone g string like a 5string and an added bass g string. In this way I can finger pick and strum or flat pick. The tone, both picked and strummed is great. It is full and rich.

Sound Rating

9

Appearance

This is an older version with split diamond inlays. The wood, fretboard, etc. Are very nicely done. It is a VERY nice looking banjo.

Appearance Rating

10

Customer Service

I have owned other Deering banjos and have dealt with the Deering company on a few occasions. They are easy to contact and know how to treat a customer.

Customer Service

10

Overall Comments

I bought this banjo as an impulse buy. I was considering a 4 string plectrum when I found this used 6 string for only a couple hundred more that the 4 string. The quality was evident and I loved the sound. I am very pleased with this purchase. Since I already have a 5 string banjo, I use this mostly for plectrum flat picking and strumming. I don't like the sound of these banjos in eadgbe tuning like a guitar, but setup as I have it, it's a real winner!

Overall Rating

9

Sound

Excellent, it is very responsive and loud. It can be played as aggressive or softly as you like and will suit both styles. Sound is complex clear and bright.

Sound Rating

10

Appearance

Lovely looking banjo which will last a life time. Straight grain maple is perfect. I bought the RS 33 with a slight distressed look. It really adds character to the banjo yet still looks completely new if that makes sense.

Appearance Rating

10

Customer Service

I bought directly from Ron Stewart. Before buying he posted me a sound clip of him playing my banjo. If I was 5% as good as he, I'd be a happy man! Ron was helpful and professional. I was obviously worried about shipping a banjo of that quality to the UK but he put my mind at ease and it paid off :) The customer service I encountered could not be better in my opinion

Customer Service

10

Overall Comments

If you want a professional instrument and want to experience how customer service should be....look no further. This is all the banjo you will ever need. Thanks to both Warren and Ron for their help.

Overall Rating

10

Sound

I play mostly Scruggs style and prefer the sound and feel of an old openback. Live, I use a custom coil pickup from Magnon Sounds, a few pedals, and a Roland amp. So I tuned it up and on the first run was pleasantly surprised for a smaller body it produces a very big sound! Great sustain too! Warm and toasty lows, bright shining highs, nice balanced tone from top to bottom. Great twang at the low frets and only gets better up the neck! This banjo can produce a very colorful sound and could be used for all styles of playing.

Sound Rating

10

Appearance

Hardware is age/style appropriate. colors of metal match the wood. Inlay work is beautiful. Everything is symmetrical. A very well designed and finished Banjo. Pictures on the website are great, but in person it's a real stunner!

Appearance Rating

10

Customer Service

Carl Arcand was very easy to do business with! I haven't had to use any customer services, but I'm confident he would help guide you through any questions or concerns you could think of. Shipping was Fast, tracking number was provided same day. Packaged 100% safe and secure! Postal Clerk said "I'm not sure what it is, but I'm pretty sure it's bullet proof!"

Customer Service

10

Overall Comments

I wanted to do this review 1 year later to give a different perspective, well past the point of 'New Banjo Thrill' So I've had a chance to settle down and lay in some real pickin' and I'm very happy to say It's an Absolutely Outstanding Instrument!
Clearly built with the understanding that banjo players, really more than other musicians are a rather complex bunch, but It's out of necessity that we are so specific and dedicated to our sound. I'm glad to see this amount of respect shown to the instrument, and the player.
That alone says more about the artist who built it than I ever could.
I liked this banjo so much when I first played it,
after a solid year tried and true, I Absolutely Love It!

Thanks Again Carl!
(Sorry I forgot to tell you I was going to wait a year for the review.)

Overall Rating

10

Sound

Bright sound; fairly loud.
Good response on hammer-ons.
Excellent sustain.

Sound Rating

8

Appearance

Pretty banjo.
Wood work decent.
Threaded pieces a little rough.
Close look at inlay reveals less than expert work.

Appearance Rating

8

Customer Service

Customer Service

not rated

Overall Comments

The DX-4 is a considerable step up from the Epiphone MB200 I started with in terms of sound.
However, I was expecting a little better in manufacturing from the top end banjo of MM. Overall, I enjoy the sound and playability, but it took a fair bit of tweaking to get it that way.
Those without the inkling and skills to modify a bit, or a competent shop to set it up, should look elsewhere. Expect some work.
That said, the banjo is very easy on the ears and has decent punch. I expect to play it a good while and may not ever need an upgrade.

Overall Rating

7

Sound

Love the sound. I got an A scale (just because,lol). Nice plunky sound in all tunings I have tried. I got the banjo delivered with Nylgut strings. Cannot seem to put this one down.

Sound Rating

10

Appearance

I was looking for an older looking banjo; hence, the boucher neck. I had Eric put small position dots on the neck.I am new to fretless; this helped alot. I know this is not "historically correct", but it helps me fret strings properly. Wood is maple for neck and rim.

Appearance Rating

10

Customer Service

Eric is great to work with; very responsive. You tell him what you want. He then sends pictures; if you like it, he sends the banjo to you. He only asks for payment if you like it.

Customer Service

10

Overall Comments

If you are looking for a tackhead banjo I would put Eric at the top of the list.

Overall Rating

10

Sound

The sound of this banjo suits me perfectly. You can be real gentle with it and get a nice warm sound and then you can dig into it and get that driving bluegrass sound as well. I'm still discovering the variety of sounds as I've only had it 3 days!
For someone like me that plays a little bit softer than most, and like a warm mellow tone most of the time, this banjo is perfect.
The bass response is unbelievable! It makes my whole chest vibrate when i play the 4th string. No doubt I'll play with the setup over time, but to be honest the sounds perfect so I wont be changing much.

Sound Rating

10

Appearance

This is one of the best looking banjos that Ive ever seen. The inlay is all abalone along with the neck and resonator bindings. I got the option for having concentric rings on the resonator aswell. The inlay work is second to none. Absolutely tremendous.
I also got the optional extra of having a radiused fingerboard and I must say that it fits my hand perfectly. From the second I picked it up, I knew that this was special.

Appearance Rating

10

Customer Service

Eagle music are awesome. I was the for about 3 hours playing about 5 or 6 banjos. They were very attentive. They even made me 3 cups of tea while I was there. Made me feel very comfortable while I was there. Definitely recommend!

Customer Service

10

Overall Comments

I would definitely recommend this banjo to anyone! I havent played any of the other Pruchas to compare this to but if the rest are anything like this, they are truly master instruments!

Overall Rating

10

Sound

It has that deep, warm gourd tone. Amazing volume for its size.

Sound Rating

9

Appearance

Jeff recommended some of his home grown Jamaican mahogany, I opted for a clear satin finish without a stain and I'm very glad I did. The wood is very striking.

The shape of the neck is very clean, you can tell that it's free drawn. It has an organic quality about it. The headstock is plain and quirky - a sort of tennis ball shape, I love it.

Appearance Rating

9

Customer Service

Jeff and I exchanged about 20 emails, he answered all my questions swiftly. I gave him the specifications like scale length and nut width and he delivered.

Customer Service

10

Overall Comments

This was an impulse buy for me but man, am I glad that I did get one. The other 5 string and tenor will be collecting dust the next few months..

I'm keeping this in "double C" 7 steps down and will probably order another one for open G/Sawmill, later this year.

Cheers Jeff!

Overall Rating

10

Sound

It is a beginner banjo but according to those who are not beginners, it sounds great. It has tremendous sustain and a lot more pop than you'd expect from a lightweight. I suspect I got a particularly good one as I have played others elsewhere and not been as impressed. Sometimes you just get lucky!

Sound Rating

10

Appearance

I am not particularly excited about the blonde finish as I prefer the darker stains but it is starting to grow on me. It could not be more basic. The finish has no flaws that I can see.

Appearance Rating

8

Customer Service

I haven't had a need.

Customer Service

10

Overall Comments

I love it. I'm going to keep it. I will probably upgrade at some point but I keep hearing from those who would know to save my money for a major step up as anything less than three or for times the price won't be worth it. OK!

Overall Rating

10

Sound

the sound is equal to any of the custom banjo makers banjos that I have owned in the past, ect, rich and taylor, goldstar,

Sound Rating

8

Appearance

the banjo presents itself well, when you pick it up, you can feel the quality and it has a matte finish, which I love, the neck is very fast, and it notes clean, clear and true, the response is fantastic!

Appearance Rating

8

Customer Service

I know the reputation of recording king, they are great, I cant say the same for guitar center

Customer Service

1

Overall Comments

I quit trying to keep count of all the banjos ive ownd since 1974, I am way over 100. and this rk 35, especially for the price, is the most impressive new banjo, I have ever encounterd, I like it better than the upper models, I wish I had a dozen of them, good job greg rich, and thanks to john boulding for getting me hooked on it,

Overall Rating

9

Sound

I'm new to the banjo, so the subtleties of a banjos tone is a bit foreign. But I've been a musician for years outside the instrument, an judging on that, the thing sounds incredible. Bright, Full, Loud, Twangy. Awesome!!!

Sound Rating

10

Appearance

It doesn't have anything elaborate on it. It's very shiny and clean. I wouldn't call it plain, but minimal.

Appearance Rating

10

Customer Service

Haven't had to deal with any warranty issues, but I've emailed Recording King a couple times with basic questions. I got fast and helpful responses each time.

Customer Service

10

Overall Comments

Get one!!!

Overall Rating

10