Franciscan N/A Banjo Reviews
Franciscan N/A
submitted 3/7/2005
|
Submitter |
Wayne Webb (see all reviews from this person) |
Where Purchased |
Pawn Shop |
Year Purchased |
1999 |
Price Paid |
$135 ($US) (bought USED) |
Sound
|
I bought it to learn to play Scruggs style. As far as effects go, I put a rolled up towel between the head and the single truss rod. My wife could tolerate it better that way. Funny though, she says the new FB-59 Fender sounds good and I haven't had to resort to the towel. I'd like to think it's my improved playing but we'll blame it on the banjo. The sound is "tinny" . |
Sound Rating |
2 |
Setup
|
The action was fine just the way it was I think, can't remember that far back. Maybe I monkeyed with the coordinator rod a little. It still has the original head and looks like a rosewood bridge. |
Setup Rating |
5 |
Appearance
|
Kind of Plain Jane but has a beautiful wood finish and the fret inlays look OK. It was in excellent condition and still is. The head was a little worn looking but looks really worn now. A new head would work wonders. |
Appearance Rating |
7 |
Reliability
|
The hardware seems durable enough but the tuners are a whole nother matter. The 5th string tuner is almost useless but does manage to stay in tune for a little while. Play it on a gig??? HAHAHAHAHA |
Reliability Rating |
2 |
Customer Service
|
Does the company even exist? |
Customer Service |
not rated |
Components
|
The resonator, neck and peghead seem to be well made and the neck even has a truss rod. The tuners are really sad. Cheap guitar-type tuners. It has no tone ring or flange. Maybe if it did have all the above changed......nahhh. Time for a new banjo. |
Components Rating |
3 |
Overall Comments
|
Yeah...it wasn't a bad deal for the price. I learned a lot on it and will keep it around for my boys to learn on. They already play guitar, mandolin and know several banjo chords. For what it is, a beginner banjo, you cant beat it for the price I reckon. If it were stolen I would put an ad in the paper: "To whom it may concern....next time, steal a real banjo.......sucker. " |
Overall Rating |
3 |
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