Baldwin Style D Banjo Reviews
Baldwin Style D
submitted 7/23/2002
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Submitter |
Preflatwarhead (see all reviews from this person) |
Where Purchased |
Roger Sprung |
Year Purchased |
1971 |
Price Paid |
$560
historic exchange rates / currency converter
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Sound
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Very Good sound for many years both acoustically and amplified. I play Scruggs and Melodic styles, I've used pickups and, more recently, a goose neck AKG clip-on mic. Now that I've made a few much-needed changes, this banjo is superb. Very loud, very melodic, no rattles or buzzes, and the overall tone is very near pre-war Granada quality and the action of the neck is incredible. |
Sound Rating |
9 |
Setup
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I bought this banjo new in 1971, right after the Baldwin Piano Company bought out ODE Banjo Company (before OME) and have had it for over 30 years (actually, this is really an ODE/OME transition banjo) and it was, or so I thought, set up properly for all these years. Just recently however, I replaced the head with a Remo Weather King, torqued it to exactly 9 kg./cm., and replaced the bridge with a standard Snuffy Smith model. After settling in (about three days) the sound started changing and is now magnificient. Incredible overtones, rings like a bell, and pops like a firecracker in a wash tub. I had never heard it sound so good until now. |
Setup Rating |
9 |
Appearance
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Walnut throughout, gold plated, gorgeous inlay, it came with only the armrest and tailpiece engraved in a vine-leaf pattern. In 1972 I sent it to Bob Flesher at the old Liberty Banjo Company and had him engrave the tension hoop and flange, install herringbone inlay on the sides of the neck and resonator, carve the heel, resonator (side and back), and back side of the headstock. The result is one of the most beautiful (without being too ornate or flashy) instruments you will ever see. |
Appearance Rating |
10 |
Reliability
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Of course, some of the gold has tarnished, the gold on the armrest has worn, and I've had to replace several of the hooks. The wood is as solid as a rock and the neck is solid and straight. This banjo has been my sidekick for a very long time and has never failed me in over 30 years. |
Reliability Rating |
10 |
Customer Service
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N/A |
Customer Service |
not rated |
Components
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All of the parts are very heavy duty, well made, and aside from several hooks, none of the parts has ever failed. Baldwin made a VERY high quality back then. |
Components Rating |
10 |
Overall Comments
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The price I paid is about 1/6th the value of this instrument today. But, even in today's dollars, it is still an excellent buy and will easily hold its own against any of the current banjos. I expect I will hold on to it and will pass it down to my children someday. |
Overall Rating |
9 |
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