ACME Professional Banjo Reviews
ACME Professional
submitted 5/1/2009
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Submitter |
steveforse (see all reviews from this person) |
Where Purchased |
eBay |
Year Purchased |
2009 |
Price Paid |
1175 ($US) (bought USED) |
Sound
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It sounds great. Bright, but not too bright, which a nice rich tone. I love it. |
Sound Rating |
10 |
Setup
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I love the setup on this banjo. The nut slopes down from the fourth to the first string to compensate for the string gauge. The frets increase in height as you go up the neck. And the frets, overall, are very low and stay out of the way. This thing was built by geniuses. |
Setup Rating |
10 |
Appearance
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This is a beautiful banjo. Mine is the University Glee model with the vine inlay. It's fantastic. Elegant, simple, beautiful. The heel is beautifully carved. The peghead is dainty and tastefully inlaid. Plain (mahogany?) marquetry surround the neck. I'm always finding new little "details" on this banjo. |
Appearance Rating |
10 |
Reliability
|
The heel had been repaired and the top of the peghead, also. No idea when that happened or why. I haven't had it long enough to judge its reliability otherwise. |
Reliability Rating |
not rated |
Customer Service
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I wish S.S. Stewart were still in business ... |
Customer Service |
not rated |
Components
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The tuning pegs are REALLY tight. They're very hard to work with. Has a nice solid no-knot tailpiece. I love the dowel stick construction. Bone nut and ebony pip, thick-slab ebony fretboard, and thin frets make this a fine banjo. |
Components Rating |
8 |
Overall Comments
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Why would you need another openback? This one is great. If you can find it. |
Overall Rating |
10 |
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ACME Professional
submitted 4/14/2003
|
Submitter |
brck (see all reviews from this person) |
Where Purchased |
Ebay - Private Party |
Year Purchased |
2003 |
Price Paid |
300 ($US) (bought USED) |
Sound
|
This is an SS Stewart banjo sold through the Sear and Roebuck catalog under the name of Acme. It was made in 1899. It has no resonator. It plays well for a 100 year old plus banjo. |
Sound Rating |
8 |
Setup
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The banjo is original with the exception of the fifth string peg and the bridge. I added nylon strings to try to give it an old timey sound. |
Setup Rating |
8 |
Appearance
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To be made in 1899, it's in great shape. This banjo is not as fancy as some Acme banjos as it doesn't have the fancy MOP scrolls. It has MOP dots. |
Appearance Rating |
8 |
Reliability
|
Well it's lasted a 100 years. |
Reliability Rating |
9 |
Customer Service
|
N/A |
Customer Service |
not rated |
Components
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All the tuners are friction and believe it or not, they don't slip. No problems. |
Components Rating |
8 |
Overall Comments
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It's not a banjo that you would want as your everyday banjo but it's kind of neat to pick it up and play soldier's joy or turkey in the straw. Also, it's a good conversation piece. I bought an 1899 Sears catalog and found it listed. It was worth my $200. |
Overall Rating |
8 |
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