Bowlin Bowlin 1865 Banjo Reviews
Bowlin Bowlin 1865
submitted 11/27/2008
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Submitter |
tridentum (see all reviews from this person) |
Where Purchased |
From John Bowlin |
Year Purchased |
2008 |
Price Paid |
995.00 ($US) |
Sound
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Low, resonant sound. Pretty much what you'd expect from a reproduction mid-19th c. banjo. Exactly what I was looking for in this type of banjo. Sounds good when you are laying into it and sounds great played quietly. What else do you want? |
Sound Rating |
10 |
Setup
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Setup perfectly by John. I don't think he lets anything leave his shop without a perfect setup. I won't make any changes to the setup. Skin head was tighter than I thought it would be, just right not to tight but not too loose. |
Setup Rating |
10 |
Appearance
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Flawless workmanship, simple yet very attractive. The one-piece neck is a work of art and the "ebonized" rim with antiqued hardware give it a really nice look. Perfect combination of aesthetics and playability. |
Appearance Rating |
10 |
Reliability
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John makes his own hardware with the execption of the tuners. All good quality stuff. This is a solid banjo. |
Reliability Rating |
10 |
Customer Service
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John is a true gentleman; excellent communicator and very patient. There is a warranty but I don't anticipate having to use it. Another thing, when John sets a schedule you can take that to the bank. My banjo was ready on the day he said it would be finished. Few if any makers can deliver on a production schedule with that sort of accuracy. |
Customer Service |
10 |
Components
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No need to upgrade anything. Everything is hand crafted, except the tuners which have a nice antique finish to go with the look of the banjo. Grade A stuff. |
Components Rating |
10 |
Overall Comments
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If you are searching in vain for an original mid-19th c. banjo to play you can call off the search. John's Bowlin 1865 will fill the bill and be playable and reliable. Great sound, great look and reasonable price. There are a lot of great banjo makers producing early banjos - none are better than John and few can match his customer service. Basically, everything that has been said about the Bowlin is true. |
Overall Rating |
10 |
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