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Bowlin Fretless Banjo 1865 Model Banjo Reviews
Bowlin Fretless Banjo 1865 Model
submitted 5/3/2010
|
Submitter |
pernicketylad (see all reviews from this person) |
Where Purchased |
Used |
Year Purchased |
2010 |
Price Paid |
1250 ($US) (bought USED) |
Sound
|
This banjo is well suited to most of the clawhammer repertoire as far as I can tell. Probably more suited to some tunes than others (like most fretless instruments I suspect). To say the tone is rich and full is an understatement. This is the most resonant instrument I've ever come across. It is responsive in the extreme....it literally talks back. The 4th string in particular just growls......it's got a life all of its own. You can physically feel sound when you play this banjo. An unreserved 10. |
Sound Rating |
10 |
Setup
|
I bought the banjo used. The skin head seemed a bit loose so I tightened it a little. It was marked clearly for the bridge position. The action is very high but appropriate.....good for playing over the neck. |
Setup Rating |
10 |
Appearance
|
Beautiful. It has a simple elegance. The whole thing looks like a Civil War artefact. The head is nicely stained and the hardware is beautifully aged. The rim has a beautiful black satin hand-rubbed finish.I love the shape of the shoes and the nuts. They look so functional yet elegant.....like the whole banjo really. One minor quibble. Another reviewer mentioned it too. The machine head buttons would be real nice in ebony. Would tie in nicely with the ebony tailpiece too. |
Appearance Rating |
9 |
Reliability
|
Everything seems solid. If looked after properly it should far outlive me and a few more owners. The finish seems to be wearing slightly on the edge of the neck. There is no fingerboard as such (in keeping with the 1860s) and I'd say it's more to do with the edge being exposed than anything else. |
Reliability Rating |
9 |
Customer Service
|
An absolute 10 here. I bought this banjo used. However, I was in contact with John numerous times by e-mail and, although he had nothing to gain from helping me, he was helpful in the extreme, answering all my questions patiently and promptly. A complete gentleman, a master craftsman who wants anyone in possession of an 1865 model to get the most out of it. |
Customer Service |
10 |
Components
|
All good. Tailpiece and bridge are beautiful and effective. As mentioned already the hardware is beautifully antiquated and sturdy as could be. The Grover Champion Friction Tuners were hard to get used to but they're fine. |
Components Rating |
10 |
Overall Comments
|
I've had this banjo four days and I've found it hard to do anything else. John Bowlin has created something beautiful and functional in sound and in terms of aesthetics. I'm going to get many hours of joy out of this one. |
Overall Rating |
10 |
|
Bowlin Fretless Banjo 1865 Model
submitted 4/13/2008
|
Submitter |
maryzcox (see all reviews from this person) |
Where Purchased |
John Bowlin |
Year Purchased |
2008 |
Price Paid |
795.00 ($US) |
Sound
|
Big booming sound with gut strings, skin head--very robust and fun to play. |
Sound Rating |
10 |
Setup
|
Sounded wonderful right out of the box. John marked where to put the bridge very well --easy set up. |
Setup Rating |
10 |
Appearance
|
Lovely with elegant dark wood, dark fingerboard, hardware is antiqued.
Looks like a vintage 19th century banjo, but with new parts and construction that make it so easy to play. I particularly love it that the fingerboard is glossy. |
Appearance Rating |
10 |
Reliability
|
Everything quality. In fact, I plan to take it in June on a tour from Tallahassee to Pasadena to Albuquerque to Brasstown, then back to Tally again. This is the first minstrel type of banjo that I have felt comfortable with on the road in changing climates. I took it festival camping last weekend and it played quite well around the campfire at night.
In fact, the folks camped next door who we didn't know, came over the next morning and said "What was that big banjo you were playing last night? My husband and I think that is the most beautiful banjo we have ever heard. " |
Reliability Rating |
10 |
Customer Service
|
I love John Bowlin. He is such a gentlemen and I enjoyed every communication with him. :)
I hope there will be John Bowlin Society gatherings in the future--I would love to meet him and his lovely wife in the future. (She is a wonderful quilter) |
Customer Service |
10 |
Components
|
I love the little period tuning wrench he slipped into the case. I'm really tempted to wear it as a necklace. :) Also, the bridge is heavy duty and carved like a heart. The whole banjo is very elegant with a romantic, yet boisterous personality. |
Components Rating |
10 |
Overall Comments
|
Sure--this banjo was a wonderful value.
I'd cry if someone stole it. Please don't steal it because it would not fit your hand or play nicely at all for you. It was made especially for me and would not sound as good for anyone else. Also, my sons would hunt you down and take it away from you and they may even use violence--so it's best to not even think about taking my banjo. |
Overall Rating |
10 |
|
Bowlin Fretless Banjo 1865 Model
submitted 9/17/2007
|
Submitter |
Kole (see all reviews from this person) |
Where Purchased |
Bowlin Banjos |
Year Purchased |
2007 |
Price Paid |
Don't Remember
historic exchange rates / currency converter
|
Sound
|
This banjo suits my style of music perfectly. I play songs from the pre-civil war era thru the turn of the century. I also play Roundpeak style banjo quite often. I dont use any amps or sound equipment . The Model 1865 has a very rich, full sound on its own. I was very suprised when I played the first couple of notes and knew right away this banjo was a keeper. This banjo has no problem being heard over a fiddle. It can also be very soft and melodic depending on the strike of the strings. The sound of this banjo is unmatched compared to other minstrel type banjos I've owned in the past. Its really a beautiful sounding instrument. |
Sound Rating |
10 |
Setup
|
The banjo was set-up perfectly right out of the box. All that had to be done was to bring it into tune. The action was right on the mark for a banjo of this era. There is no scoop neccessary for those who like to play above the pot. The action is set high enough. The banjo excels very nicely above the pot. No set-up changes were neccessary . The 24 in. scale length makes the 1865 extremley playable. The notes are very accessible due to the shorter scale. They seem to fly right off the fingerboard with ease. It really is a fun banjo to play. |
Setup Rating |
10 |
Appearance
|
The Bowlin Model 1865 banjo is a real beauty to look at. The dark brown maple neck has a nice satin finish. It feels very smooth. The 12' black maple pot is equally beautiful and blends very nicely with the neck. Banjo makers were not inlaying in the mid-1800's. John doesnt use them so the banjo is historically accurate. This was important to me because I am heavily involved with music reenactments. The banjo was flawless and package for shipping better than anything I've ever seen. |
Appearance Rating |
10 |
Reliability
|
The hardware is of A-one top quality. I believe its all made by Bowlin Banjo works. Its also antiqued for historical accuracy. The work is of top quality. Nothing tacky. The Grover Champion tuners are also taken apart an antiqued. The hardware will easily last 150 years. I believe the finish on the hardware will just get better with age. I am 100% confident of its reliability. I would absolutly use this instrument on a gig without a backup. Its a very solid and stout banjo. I dont think you can hurt it. |
Reliability Rating |
10 |
Customer Service
|
John Bowlin is a perfect gentleman and his main goal, other than offering a great banjo , is customer satisfaction. Really the whole experience was quite rewarding. John spells it out for you in simple terms exactly what the process is. He makes one banjo, one at a time. This is how he maintains his high quality end.(IMO). John is very easy to talk to. I was very comfortable right from the first phone call. Still am. I'm not sure about a warranty. I know if something was to go wrong, John would take care of it immediately. He doesnt really advertise, so customer service is of the utmost importance. |
Customer Service |
10 |
Components
|
I really enjoy the hand made hardware. The shoes and brackets combined with the tension hoop always catch my eye. The antique look is attractive. Also, the ebony tailpiece is pretty cool. No upgrades needed. Everything is very well made. |
Components Rating |
10 |
Overall Comments
|
I would reccomend this banjo to anyone that plays old-time music clawhammer style. It is very versatile. This banjo is worth alot more than what I paid for it. If it was stolen, I would be very upset. I would order a new one right away and then hunt the SOB who stole mine. I think my favorite feature of this banjo is the versatility. For instance, you can play up the neck and the tone will get deep. You can really get that "cluck" thing going on. Adjuste the hand down toward the pot a little and the banjo gets a little softer and mellower. It can handle a driving rhythm quite well. Compared to other banjos. Its one of the best I've ever played. |
Overall Rating |
10 |
|
Bowlin Fretless Banjo 1865 Model
submitted 5/24/2007
|
Submitter |
J-Walk (see all reviews from this person) |
Where Purchased |
From John |
Year Purchased |
2007 |
Price Paid |
795 ($US) |
Sound
|
I REALLY like the sound of this banjo. When you play it, you not only hear it, but you feel it. It's certainly loud enough, but it can also be played quietly. |
Sound Rating |
10 |
Setup
|
No problems at all. I removed it from the box, installed the bridge, and tuned it up. I felt at home immediately. I've played other fretless banjos, but none has been as easy to play as this one. My left hand just falls right in place. |
Setup Rating |
10 |
Appearance
|
This banjo is about as plain as they come, but it's beautiful and flawless. The skin head is almost pure white. I guess I would have preferred a bit more color variation, but that's a minor nitpick. |
Appearance Rating |
10 |
Reliability
|
I'm certain that this banjo will outlive me. And probably the first generation of my ancestors. |
Reliability Rating |
10 |
Customer Service
|
John's a great guy to work with. He kept in continual touch via email, and sent photos when it was finished. There was a slight delay in the delivery because he got sick. He apologized profusely, which was completely unnecessary. |
Customer Service |
10 |
Components
|
As far as I can tell, this banjo is made from quality materials by a master craftsman. |
Components Rating |
10 |
Overall Comments
|
John informed me that he raised the price to $995 -- which is still a bargain in my book. He said he puts about 80 hours into each banjo. After you deduct the materials cost, he's working for just over minimum wage.
The only problem with this instrument is that my other banjos are going to feel neglected. |
Overall Rating |
10 |
|
Bowlin Fretless Banjo 1865 Model
submitted 3/26/2007
|
Submitter |
B.Goodman (see all reviews from this person) |
Where Purchased |
John Bowlin |
Year Purchased |
2006 |
Price Paid |
695 ($US) |
Sound
|
The banjo has a rich soulful bass, the low notes can be felt and are a form of sound therapy for me. The mids and highs are crystyal clear. This Banjo has a sound of its own and non other compare. |
Sound Rating |
10 |
Setup
|
The set up was perfect, with only tweeking of the Nylgut strings to compensate for stretching in and the natural skin head as it adjusted to it's new invironment. |
Setup Rating |
10 |
Appearance
|
This is a brand spankin new 150 year old lookin very playable banjo. Mr. Bowlin's attention to detail is impeccable. |
Appearance Rating |
10 |
Reliability
|
Everything about this banjo says it will live to serve many generations of players |
Reliability Rating |
10 |
Customer Service
|
John Bowlin is a man who is concerned about his banjo meeting the needs and expectations of the purchaser, Look up Customer Service and Satisfaction in a dictionary and you may see John's picture. |
Customer Service |
10 |
Components
|
Every component on this banjo is well thought out and designed to work in concert with every other component. There are no weak links or short cuts. Great components put together by a great craftsman equal a great banjo. |
Components Rating |
10 |
Overall Comments
|
I would recomment this banjo even if I had paid considerably more than I did and if I ever have to replace it I will pay what ever the going price would be at the time. I absolutely love this banjo and my wire string has been left hanging on the wall wishing it got even half of the playing time |
Overall Rating |
10 |
|
Bowlin Fretless Banjo 1865 Model
submitted 3/22/2007
|
Submitter |
DamonBourne (see all reviews from this person) |
Where Purchased |
direct from Mr. Bowlin |
Year Purchased |
2006 |
Price Paid |
Don't Remember
historic exchange rates / currency converter
|
Sound
|
I play clawhammer style and draw my repertoire from old time fiddle music. The sound is warm and deep and suits the music I play quite nicely. |
Sound Rating |
10 |
Setup
|
I've owned some old instruments in the past and have found them to be too finnicky for my taste. I don't like fighting bad intonation and worn out tuning machines. This instrument looks 150 years old but was set up well and is very easy to adjust. I was concerned that the gut strings would be difficult to deal with, but they are very stable in the alternating humid/dry environment of Wisconsin. The skin head is definitely affected by the humidity, but with a few turns of the head clamp nuts, it's quite easy to find the sweet spot.
The action is high on this instrument and the strings are very thick, but coming from a guitar background before switching over to banjo, these things don't bother me.
I'll give the setup a 9, only because of the nature of the instrument's head and strings, not because of lack of care and thoughtfulness of the builder. |
Setup Rating |
9 |
Appearance
|
The instrument is beautiful. It looks 150 years old in all respects, but does not behave that way at all in terms of ease of use and adjustment. The rim is Black, the neck is plain, solid maple, and the metal work is made to look like it's really old. The brass bits are blackened, then ground down a little to look like natural wear. It's really astonishing.
See pictures of the banjo with close-ups on my profile page. |
Appearance Rating |
10 |
Reliability
|
The hardware is top notch. I've played this banjo at many gigs and have not had a backup. Or even back up set of strings. I've got the original set of gut strings on it and they still sound great. Only one string is fraying a little bit. This is after over a year of use and a lot of playing.
I think this banjo is going to last a very long time. I feel like I'm just borrowing it for a while until I can't play any longer. Then some other person will get to play it for 50 years or so before they pass it on again. |
Reliability Rating |
10 |
Customer Service
|
Mr. Bowlin bent over backwards to make sure I was happy with the instrument. Great guy who is truly concerned with my happiness with his instrument. These instruments are clearly his babies. |
Customer Service |
10 |
Components
|
|
Components Rating |
not rated |
Overall Comments
|
If you are looking for a fretless banjo, I would absolutely recommend this model. If it were stolen, I'd order another immediately.
I love the spotty looking head with some goat hairs left on it. And I love the reaction I get when I tell people that it's only a year old! |
Overall Rating |
10 |
|
Bowlin Fretless Banjo 1865 Model
submitted 3/6/2007
|
Submitter |
scottee (see all reviews from this person) |
Where Purchased |
Bowlin Banjoworks |
Year Purchased |
2007 |
Price Paid |
695.00 ($US) |
Sound
|
The sound is deep and punchy with good note separation and clarity throughout it's range. It is capable of a percussive thump that you feel in your chest when driven hard, and an almost "classical" sweetness when played with a lighter touch. This is the most acoustically resonant instrument I have ever played. |
Sound Rating |
10 |
Setup
|
I had the banjo shipped, so all that was needed when it arrived was to set up the bridge within the pencil lines John had indicated on the head and tune it up. Being a fretless, the action is designed to be higher than one might be accustomed to on a steel string fretted, but I find it very easy and comfortable to play. The wider string spacing may take some getting used to for some. It is a generous 2" between the 1st and 5th strings where the fingerboard meets the rim. |
Setup Rating |
10 |
Appearance
|
As the name indicates, the Model 1865 Fretless is made to have the look of a 150 year old banjo. I believe John makes all the parts besides the the tuners and rim. All the metal parts are given a special patina and some distressing to give the look of age. The mottled natural skin head really completes the picture. The rim is "ebonized" (stained black). The one piece neck/ fingerboard is an amazing piece of workmanship. It's made of hard rock maple, stained a beautiful reddish brown with the finish hand rubbed to a satin luster. Wide, with a chunky "Dobson" style heel, this neck feels very organic and is a joy to hold. |
Appearance Rating |
10 |
Reliability
|
This banjo is very well made. The neck to rim join is very tight and the overall fit and finish is excellent. The instrument has a very solid feel while being surprisingly light in weight. It has mechanical friction tuners that need a little adjusting occasionally to keep from either slipping or turing too tightly. Fortunately, this is an easy matter of turning one screw on the top of the button. |
Reliability Rating |
10 |
Customer Service
|
John Bowlin is very professional and friendly to deal with. He is easily accessible by phone or email, and never failed to respond quickly to any inquiry. He kept me informed as my banjo neared completion. Each financial transaction from down payment to final payment and shipping was smooth. The banjo comes with a warrenty against any defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the original purchaser. |
Customer Service |
10 |
Components
|
Everything works together as intended and designed by the maker. A solid instrument with a vintage look and feel. |
Components Rating |
10 |
Overall Comments
|
I can wholeheartedly recommend buying a banjo from John Bowlin. His love of the banjo and care and attention to detail is evident in this instrument. His price is ridiculously low considering how much you get for the money. This is obviously a labor of love for him, because by all rights he should be charging twice as much. I suggest ordering your own as soon as possible before he comes to his senses. |
Overall Rating |
10 |
|
Bowlin Fretless Banjo 1865 Model
submitted 3/5/2007
|
Submitter |
Tackhead (see all reviews from this person) |
Where Purchased |
From the maker, John Bowlin |
Year Purchased |
February 2007 |
Price Paid |
$795 ($US) |
Sound
|
The instrument produces a deep, rich sound in the lower notes and clear, bright notes in the upper range. |
Sound Rating |
10 |
Setup
|
The setup was spot-on. The banjo ships with the bridge laid flat, but JB marked the head, so I had a starting point. The head and nylgut strings stretched a bit, but John includes a rim wrench to deal with this issue. I had to take some slack out of the strings to get rid of excessive tuner wrap, but I consider this normal with this type of string. Not a plug for nylguts, but the stretching hasn't been nearly as extreme as some posters to the forum have indicated. A good choice of strings, although I will try gut at some point. So to summarize, the stretching has been normal, and given the humidity in Tallahassee, the head has stabilized nicely and after two iterations, it hasn't required any further tightening. |
Setup Rating |
10 |
Appearance
|
Excellent without qualification. Black pot, medium brown finish on the neck, antiqued hardware, translucent head, and John stains the strings slightly. This instrument is simply lovely. |
Appearance Rating |
10 |
Reliability
|
The hardware is bullet proof--period. Brass stretcher band with steel hooks--all antiqued. The Grover tuners look like they'll last forever. |
Reliability Rating |
10 |
Customer Service
|
John Bowlin is the most conscientious artisan I've ever dealt with (and that includes two other custom instrument makers). He sent me the instrument as promised--to the day, even though I encouraged him to take whatever time he needed--and this was over the Christmas and New Year's holiday. I have complete confidence that he'll take care of anything that might arise. |
Customer Service |
10 |
Components
|
The translucent skin head is just what I requested. All of the metal parts are handmade and of outstanding quality. The finish on the neck is impeccable. And the brass wrench that John fabricates is really cool. He even strings it on a leather thong. As an after-market addition, the only feature I could conceive of adding is ebony tuning knobs on the Grover friction tuners (and this is a purely esthetic quirk of mine, and has nothing to do with function), but I don't think they're available anywhere. |
Components Rating |
10 |
Overall Comments
|
I received my JB '65 at the beginning of February after a five-month wait, and I've been playing it almost exclusively for about four weeks now. I would put this 'jo up against instruments costing twice as much--no exaggeration. If stolen, lost, or strayed, I would send JB a full-amount check immediately for a replacement. I love the sound of this instrument, and I say this owning and playing a tackhead and a Boucher from Wunderlich, so I have a basis for comparison here. As RD points out in his review, virtually all of the tunes I can play on other instruments have transferred nicely to the JB, taking on a special character on this instrument. |
Overall Rating |
10 |
|
Bowlin Fretless Banjo 1865 Model
submitted 10/10/2006
|
Submitter |
SJD (see all reviews from this person) |
Where Purchased |
From the maker John Bowlin |
Year Purchased |
2006 |
Price Paid |
695 ($US) |
Sound
|
Everything I hoped for, great bass in several low tunings. 1st string clear sweet ring @ 9th and 10th position. Instr. has a huge dynamic range and a lot of sublety. |
Sound Rating |
10 |
Setup
|
Well thought out and well executed. The scale length/ string guage is briliant. It has a natural playability. |
Setup Rating |
10 |
Appearance
|
Nicely designed, good proportion,weight and balance. You can tell the maker put a great deal of effort in this banjo. |
Appearance Rating |
10 |
Reliability
|
This is a instr. that will last a lifetime. It is now my only banjo. |
Reliability Rating |
10 |
Customer Service
|
I cannot imagine a better ordering or buying experience. I have given Mr. Bowlin a 10 because I don't see a 12. |
Customer Service |
10 |
Components
|
Everything is handmade by the maker and is appopriate for a high quality 19th century banjo. |
Components Rating |
10 |
Overall Comments
|
Highly recomend. The banjo is worth more than the asking price. If I were to lose it I would order another. I love the instr. I have been playing a Fairbanks, fretless ,Curtis Electric. gut strung. I far prefer the Bowlin. |
Overall Rating |
10 |
|
Bowlin Fretless Banjo 1865 Model
submitted 12/14/2005
|
Submitter |
R. D. Lunceford (see all reviews from this person) |
Where Purchased |
Bowlin BanjoWorks |
Year Purchased |
2004 |
Price Paid |
$650 ($US) |
Sound
|
The Bowlin Fretless Banjo possesses a full, rich, and dark sound yet has a surprising amount of resonance. When played softly, the timbre could best be compared to a renaissance lute. When played with more vigor, the effect is percussive with just the right amount of sustain, and compares favorably to the best minstrel banjo reproductions being made today. Even so, it should be made clear that The Bowlin Fretless was designed with the clawhammer player in mind. It is typical of instruments of the mid to late-1860's in design- the exact period when the clawhammer style was evolving from the minstrel stroke style.
This banjo faithfully reproduces the sound of the earliest wood-rim banjos dating as far back as the 1830's. Especially when tuned to the pitch prescribed by Tom Briggs in his 1855 tutor, the Bowlin Fretless Banjo's sound is absolutely addictive.
|
Sound Rating |
10 |
Setup
|
As received from the maker, this banjo was well set-up and has needed no adjustments over the 1-1/2 years I have owned it. The action is such that the instrument is very playable, and the bridge placement is conducive to producing the optimum tone the banjo is capable of.
|
Setup Rating |
10 |
Appearance
|
If you have ever wanted a banjo that looks and sounds as if it were 150 years old, the Bowlin Fretless is it. Every detail of the banjo is the result of meticulous craftsmanship and the product of John Bowlin's extensive knowledge of 19th century banjo manufacture and design. The Bowlin Fretless, while unique, combines all of the best features of mid-19th century banjos. The end result is an instrument that looks as if it could be the centerpiece of an early banjo collection- John's intuitive sense of style and proportion have produced a simple yet elegant banjo that is characteristic of the post-Civil War period.
|
Appearance Rating |
10 |
Reliability
|
In spite of the fact that the Bowlin Fretless is fitted with a natural skin head and gut strings, it is surprisingly stable. These days it is my main performance banjo, and I never hesitate to take it anywhere or play it under any of a variety conditions. |
Reliability Rating |
10 |
Customer Service
|
John Bowlin is enthusiastic, friendly, knowlegeable, and a pleaure to do business with. John considers customer satisfaction to be an integral element of his reputation as a banjo-maker, and strives to give each customer a quality instrument. |
Customer Service |
10 |
Components
|
All components are hand-crafted and of exceptional quality.
The finish is hand-rubbed and of high quality.
The banjo features:
12" dia. x 3" deep rim
24" scale length
Handmade tailpiece and bridge
Natural skin head
High quality gut strings
Handmade antiqued hardware (brackets, nuts, tension hoop)
Mechanical friction tuners |
Components Rating |
10 |
Overall Comments
|
The Bowlin Fretless is a wonderful banjo of the type that the first generation of clawhammer banjo players used. It is designed primarily with the modern old-time banjo player in mind. The 24" scale makes it comfortable to play as opposed to some minstrel banjos which feature historically correct yet unwieldy scale lengths of up to 28" or 29". The Bowlin Fretless Banjo's 24" scale is actually correct for banjos of the post-Civil War era.
It took me a very short time to become accustomed to the banjo after having played a conventional fretted banjo for years. In short order I was able to transfer 95% of my existing repertoire to the Bowlin Fretless.
My goal was to reproduce the sound of the first generation of clawhammer players, and the Bowlin fretless makes this possible. In addition to the standard old-time repertoire, the banjo is also well suited to the minstrel repertoire.
The fact that The Bowlin is fretless makes many nuances available that are not so on a fretted instrument. For my purposes it is the ultimate solo instrument. I was so taken with the music I could make on the Bowlin Fretless that I released a CD using it exclusively, entitled: "Cotton Blossom: 19th Century Banjo Tunes, Clawhammer Style" by R.D. Lunceford, available from Elderly Instruments. www.elderly.com
For Info: Contact Bowlin BanjoWorks at: old5@msn.com |
Overall Rating |
10 |
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