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Jason Burns Custom Woody Banjo Reviews
Jason Burns Custom Woody
submitted 10/7/2009
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Submitter |
jazzkevin (see all reviews from this person) |
Where Purchased |
Homewood Music, Birmingham |
Year Purchased |
2009 |
Price Paid |
Don't Remember
historic exchange rates / currency converter
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Sound
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Warm, extremely expressive. This one of the most beautiful sounding instruments I have ever played, and I have played MANY string instruments over the last 42 years. great dynamics, many different tonal qualities probably only limited by the desires and skill of the player. Not too loud, but I prefer to play softly after the kids are asleep. |
Sound Rating |
10 |
Setup
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set up with nylon strings for clawhammer style. the action and set-up were perfect for me. |
Setup Rating |
9 |
Appearance
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I am new to the banjo and can't use the right terms, but this is one beautiful musical instrument. understated, not gaudy, very elegant. My banjo is very similar (or identical) to instrument listed as Burns #10 on Jason's web site- http://burnsrepair.com/Banjo%20Gallery%2010.html |
Appearance Rating |
10 |
Reliability
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Knowing Jason, I am sure that the banjo has top notch hardware. I'm ashamed to report that it mysteriously (I have 3 small children) fell off the top of a 5 foot book case and hit the hardwood floor but was completely intact - not even a scratch and still in tune! Clearly built to last. I have taken steps to make sure the banjo will never fall again! |
Reliability Rating |
10 |
Customer Service
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I live in Homewood and have dealt with Jason and Bob at Homewood Music for years. Jason has repaired, set up, etc my guitars for years and he is a wizard. Every one of my guitars that he has touched comes back sounding better than it ever did. Jason is very fair, knowledgable, great guy. I never even thought about a warranty until it was mentioned here. |
Customer Service |
10 |
Components
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No concerns. the quality is probably way too good for me. |
Components Rating |
10 |
Overall Comments
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I have played classical guitar and mandolin intently for 42 years and have also dabbled in violin/viola, and double bass. I never even thought to play banjo (well maybe once after seeing Bela Fleck...) during that time. I was in Jason's shop one time and saw one of his banjos and just fell in love. On a whim I immediately arranged for him to build me the beauty I now own. I am a novice at banjo, but I know a top notch stringed instrument when I see and play one. I own a Santa Cruz 12 fret D guitar, several Martin guitars, a Collings mandolin and an ancient and wonderful Maybell mandolin, several old violins/violas, Giambatista classical, old Gibson archtop, a Huss and Dalton 00 guitar, etc. you get the picture. I have hardly touched any of these since I got my Burns banjo 3 months ago. The only other instrument I have ever owned that I think equals it in sound quality, visual beauty, joy to play, and overall musical spirit is the Santa Cruz guitar. I highly recommend that you investigate Jason Burns Banjos! |
Overall Rating |
10 |
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Jason Burns Custom Woody
submitted 6/1/2009
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Submitter |
mrphysics55 (see all reviews from this person) |
Where Purchased |
From the Maker |
Year Purchased |
2008 |
Price Paid |
Don't Remember
historic exchange rates / currency converter
|
Sound
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First, a bit of background. This is Jason's Third Banjo and the First where he rolled the rim. I don't tell you this to make excuses for a young builder, early in his banjo building career. Quite the contrary. Jason's work already rivals that of the grizzled veteran! The sound of this banjo surpasses banjos costing twice as much. The tone is well balanced across all of the strings. There is great clarity in it's tone. It's high end is not strident and the low end is not muddy. The volume is good, and like the tone, is well matched across the strings. It is a "Woody" but with sufficient power to hold it's own against a fiddle and in large jams.
I give it a 9 because at this writing I have heard and played a more recent banjo, by Jason, that deserves a 10. It is owned by "fretlessinfortwayne" and I expect Dean will be telling you more about it in a future review. |
Sound Rating |
9 |
Setup
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Jason has nearly perfected the relationship between the fingerboard, scoop and head. He has the plane of the finger board well above the plane of the head. The scoop makes a perfect transition from the finger board to the head. The resultant action is fairly low making fretting a breeze ... yet there is ample room for my thumb to get under the strings at the scoop and over the head.
It was delivered with medium Elixir strings and an Elite, Amber Head. I have since changed the head for a medium weigh, Bill Miller calf skin. Now the tone is even richer but without any significant loss of volume. |
Setup Rating |
10 |
Appearance
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The 25 inch scale, three piece neck and 12 inch pot are black walnut, being made from the same piece of wood. The rim has a 1/2 inch thick, 2 ply construction with a cocobolo tone ring.
The finish is a natural shellac that Jason prepares himself. This satin finish matches the silky smooth feel of the wood. Further nods to comfort come in the form of a rounded Dobson heel and eased edges on finger board and rim.
The banjo has no inlay and only side, position markers. Quite simply, it is elegant in form. ... Judge for yourself ... http://www.burnsrepair.com/Banjo%20Gallery%201.html
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Appearance Rating |
10 |
Reliability
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The hardware on this banjo is standard Stew-Mac, 5-Star. Well proven and easy to replace if necessary. Jason has been using a variety of hardware on his more recent builds.
If it gets damaged, the shellac finish is extremely easy and cheap to repair. Jason keeps a ready supply on hand.
This has been my main player since I bought it last year. It has not experienced any issues needing Jason's attention. |
Reliability Rating |
10 |
Customer Service
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I'm fortunate enough to live in the town where Jason works. He is always willing and able to handle all of my repair needs. But, as stated above, this banjo has yet to need his attention.
We have not discussed any warranty. I don't think that such a discussion is warranted, as I know Jason would take care of any problems that could possibly result from his workmanship.
Friendliness is a Hallmark of everyone working in the "Homewood Music Shop". |
Customer Service |
10 |
Components
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The standout components are the wooden elements that Jason has woven into an extremely fine clawhammer banjer! As I stated above, the hardware is all Stew Mac. This was of my choosing as it's availability allowed Jason to more readily complete the project. I couldn't wait for another supplier ... I had to get my hands on that banjer! I could always upgrade the hardware later if I choose, but I don't feel the need. I'm giving a 9 here because of my choice of hardware. |
Components Rating |
9 |
Overall Comments
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Would I recommend this banjo ?! Folks I recommend that you get on Jason's list as soon as possible. It won't be long until the word gets out that there is another exceptional choice of open back banjos being made. I have seen all ten of the banjos he has produced so far. They only get better with each build. At this writing he is working on 11 and 12 ... and lucky me, I'm in line for Number 13 !! |
Overall Rating |
10 |
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