Baldwin Style C Banjo Reviews
Baldwin Style C
submitted 11/8/2005
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Submitter |
Unknown |
Where Purchased |
I purchased this banjo off of my great uncle. |
Year Purchased |
2002 |
Price Paid |
800 ($US) (bought USED) |
Sound
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This banjo was made in April, 1975 and it's a Baldwin-Ode Style C. This banjo has a great sound. I added a presto tailpiece and a snuffy smith 5/8 bridge and it really brought this banjo out. I also adjusted the head slightly and I'm using Earl Scruggs Gibson light gauge strings. I've used many different kinds of strings but these are by far the best Ive had. |
Sound Rating |
10 |
Setup
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The banjo wasn't really set-up when i bought it. It had a Kershner tailpiece that was on it, but it was very heavy and was a pain to change a broken string with. I added the presto tailpiece and a snuffy smith 5/8 bridge. It already had D-tuners on it and the head was tuned to a g-flat. |
Setup Rating |
8 |
Appearance
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This banjo has no flaws and is in excellent condition. The neck and resonator is walnut and the wood rim is mahogony. It has the mother of pearl inlay and has the Baldwin logo engraved in pearl at the top of the headstock with the ODE letters just below that. It has a 5-star head with nickel-plated hardware. |
Appearance Rating |
8 |
Reliability
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I've used this banjo full-time since 2002 and I couldn't be any happier with how it's held up. It is very reliable and the sound I'm very happy with. This banjo can hang with the best of the best. I've had many banjo players try to buy it from me because of the sound, how well it plays, and the fact that these are hard to find now. |
Reliability Rating |
10 |
Customer Service
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Customer Service |
not rated |
Components
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The rosewood fingerboard with the mother of pearl inlay really stands out on this banjo. The underside of the resonator was signed by Billy Grammar from the Grand Ole Opry before I bought it. |
Components Rating |
9 |
Overall Comments
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I would recommend a Baldwin Ode to anyone who has the opportunity to buy one. I love this banjo and will most likely never part with it. I've played a lot of gibson's that don't sound as good as this does. These were by far the best banjo's made during their era. |
Overall Rating |
10 |
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Baldwin Style C
submitted 10/10/2003
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Submitter |
joefpa (see all reviews from this person) |
Where Purchased |
Larkins Music Binghamton New York |
Year Purchased |
1975 |
Price Paid |
Don't Remember (bought USED)
historic exchange rates / currency converter
|
Sound
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I play Scruggs style bluegrass. This banjo (from the 67-68 period) has a mellow sound with plenty of punch and sustain. The tones are true without overtones. I receive many compliments on the sound from other players. |
Sound Rating |
10 |
Setup
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I can't remember what it was like when I bought it. I set this one up myself. I use a smaller, .656 bridge with plenty of head tension, and light guage strings. The action isn't too low. I have kept the original tailpiece, but it is a pain to change a string quickly. |
Setup Rating |
not rated |
Appearance
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The banjo is plain but attractive. Walnut with excellent finish. No custom work. It has held up well. The hardware has faded quite a bit over 25 years. |
Appearance Rating |
8 |
Reliability
|
I have played this banjo for 25 years. Onstage in bars and festivals, inside outside all over the country. It has travelled in many a trunk and van and been stored in some unlikely areas. I suppose I could have cared better for it, but it has held up very well. While travelling I wrapped it in cloth and placed it in the case. This made for a better fit and didn't allow it to move around in the case. It stays in tune easy and except for a few minor cosmetic flaws is the same as it was when I bought it. I didn't have a backup banjo for over 15 years. This was the only banjo I played and used onstage. |
Reliability Rating |
10 |
Customer Service
|
not applicable |
Customer Service |
not rated |
Components
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American made and it shows. Heavy tone ring, well fitted components that have stood the test of time. This banjo has a lot of miles on it but you would never know. I have thought about changing the bridge for many years but haven't as of today. |
Components Rating |
10 |
Overall Comments
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For the last 10 years I have been playing my Gibson RB-3 more than my Baldwin. I recently began playing the Baldwin more at home and realized why I like it so much. It sounds like no other banjo I have ever heard. It has served me very well over the years, reliable, good looking, great sound and comfortable to play. I would replace it with another (if I could find one) if anything hapened to this one. It is my favorite banjo.Thanks Kip. |
Overall Rating |
10 |
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Baldwin Style C
submitted 12/20/2002
|
Submitter |
Unknown |
Where Purchased |
Elderly Instruments |
Year Purchased |
2000 |
Price Paid |
1000 ($US) (bought USED) |
Sound
|
I like a bright, ringing banjo that cuts. Through the years with my old Style C that was handed down to me from my Dad and this backup that I recently purchased, I have received tons of comments from listeners that love the sound of these banjos. |
Sound Rating |
10 |
Setup
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I went to see Snuffy Smith after getting this banjo; he made a custom 9/16 |
Setup Rating |
8 |
Appearance
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The Style C Baldwin's are very plain with a simple hearts and flowers type inlay. This banjo was in prestine condition.....very little wear on the finish. It does have 2 small patched places on the neck, evidently where a 5th string capo was mounted on the side of the neck and then removed. |
Appearance Rating |
9 |
Reliability
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I expect the same durability from this instrument that my old hand-me-down has given. |
Reliability Rating |
10 |
Customer Service
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Customer Service |
not rated |
Components
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|
Components Rating |
not rated |
Overall Comments
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I love my Baldwins. Mine are both from the '66-'71 era when Baldwin was the only name on the headstock. I have been in the market for a Baldwin Style C for 15 years, mainly as a backup for my other one. I rest better at night knowing that I have a replacement, if something happens to one. |
Overall Rating |
10 |
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