Aria Mach I Banjo Reviews
Aria Mach I
submitted 6/24/2003
|
Submitter |
Lenwardg (see all reviews from this person) |
Where Purchased |
ebay |
Year Purchased |
2003 |
Price Paid |
281.00 ($US) (bought USED) |
Sound
|
I play mostly Scruggs and Reno styles. It isn't to good for Reno style due to a lack of brightness but for Scruggs or melodic playing it is a very tough customer. Notes are clear and sharp with a nice bell quality. Very good bottom end and well balanced tone. |
Sound Rating |
8 |
Setup
|
I had to completely disassemble and start from scratch on the setup. It went together very well. Tone ring and neck are true and the action is soft without fret buzz. Scale is good, was able to tune all neck positions to standard. Easy to work on. |
Setup Rating |
9 |
Appearance
|
Nice looking banjo. Bowtie inlays a bit bulky but were standard for the era. Nice inlay work on the head stock and back of resonator. Wood colors do not match (neck and resonator) but that's fine for this insrument. Exellent bindings on the neck and resonator, nice antique ivory appearance. |
Appearance Rating |
8 |
Reliability
|
It's a solid instrument. The tail piece is bent but I will be replacing it along with the head (fatigued) and bridge. The tuners are a bit bulky but hold the pitch just fine even with a lot of chokes. Finish is like new. I would play it without a backup even though I didn't buy it for a primary instrument. |
Reliability Rating |
9 |
Customer Service
|
I have never dealt with Aria. |
Customer Service |
not rated |
Components
|
Chrome is excellent. Only real drawback is it only has one connector rod. Overall, it is a well built axe that should last for years to come. |
Components Rating |
8 |
Overall Comments
|
For the money, it's A-1. I bought it to use as a knock around (camping, adverse conditions, etc.) but after setting it up and playing it for awhile, I don't think that is going to happen. |
Overall Rating |
8 |
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Aria Mach I
submitted 3/12/2002
|
Submitter |
Unknown |
Where Purchased |
A New York Wholesaler |
Year Purchased |
1978 |
Price Paid |
$260.00 ($US) |
Sound
|
Clean, crisp, bright sound. |
Sound Rating |
8 |
Setup
|
Installed 5 Star head and lowered action. Installed Tony Pass bridge(latest change) |
Setup Rating |
8 |
Appearance
|
Mahogany neck and resonator with rosewood fingerboard. Good workmanship on inlay with inlay on back of resonator. A very good copy of the Gibson RB 250 |
Appearance Rating |
9 |
Reliability
|
After all these years the nickel plating has worn off the armrest. Some corrosion on the lower brackets from the leather strap. |
Reliability Rating |
9 |
Customer Service
|
I have never had to deal with the company or a dealer with this banjo. |
Customer Service |
10 |
Components
|
Other than the head and the bridge all parts are original. |
Components Rating |
9 |
Overall Comments
|
Although this banjo is no longer made I would recommend it. If it were stolen I would cry. I was offered a Gibson RB 250 even trade and said no. Mine sounded better. |
Overall Rating |
9 |
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