All Gibson Reviews at the Banjo Hangout

Support this Site:

More Hangout Sites:

Gibson Reviews

Gibson RB3 Don Reno submitted 11/18/2009
Submitter	tklassen (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Private
Year Purchased	2002
Price Paid	2500 (Canada) (bought USED) historic exchange rates / currency converter
Sound	Even volume across the strings, full sound. Play it acoustic or plugged in with a fisher rare earth pickup, pre-amp, and a Marshall acoustic amp. Classic banjo tone. This is not a loud banjo.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	I use a 5 star unfrosted head, moon bridge, and Price tail piece. The head is medium tight, just tight enough that there is no sag under the bridge. I use a drum wrench to make sure it is even tension at all hooks. The action is set to low about 3/16 above the 12th fret. The tail piece is level with the head about 1/8 off the head surface. Installed rr spikes at 7, 9, and 10 frets. I use light strings. Everything stays in place and does not require further adjusting.
Setup Rating	10
Appearance	Flying eagle inlay, RB3 head stock inlay, classic Gibson banjo.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	The banjo stays in tune, does not require constant re-tuning, when using a capo. Looks as good as when I first purchased.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	Not applicable
Customer Service	not rated
Components	This banjo has waverly tuners and only replaced the presto tailpiece.
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	It is a keeper, and have no desire for another banjo.
Overall Rating	10

Gibson RB-3 Standard submitted 11/5/2009
Submitter	Brian (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Private Party
Year Purchased	2009
Price Paid	1549 ($US) (bought USED)
Sound	This banjo was made in May of 1993. It is my second, high quality mahogany banjo. It sounds a lot like the Hatfield I used to have. It is bright and hollow with a very nice growl. One you've owned a banjo in each of the 3 main woods, you can really tell what each has to offer. I think mahogany is the best all around sounding banjo. This one sounds incredible!
Sound Rating	9
Setup	The set up was fine. I tore it apart and made a slight adjustment to the tone ring fit. The neck fit is perfect and the banjo notes true up the neck.
Setup Rating	8
Appearance	This banjo has been played A LOT!! It has a massive belt buckle rash on the back side of the resonator. The neck has had some filler applied to gouges on several frets. I'm going to mark the appearance low but it is actually one of the reasons that I love this banjo. It's got a lot of character!
Appearance Rating	6
Reliability	Hardware is standard Gibson. High quality with no worries. The binding has yellowed. The headstock inlays have also yellowed.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	N/A
Customer Service	not rated
Components	All parts are great! It has a maple rim with Kulesh ring. The neck is impressive given the obvious amount of play time it's had.
Components Rating	9
Overall Comments	As I said, this banjo reminds me of a Hatfield Buck Creek that I once had. It has a great open and bright sound with lots of sparkle. I love the inlay pattern which I think is called standard. It's a 1993 which is from the coveted Greg Rich era. Is it all hype? Not from what I can see! Try one, you'll like it!!
Overall Rating	9

Gibson RB-250 submitted 9/5/2009
Submitter	MrSkeptical (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Internet(E-Bay)
Year Purchased	2009
Price Paid	1,400 ($US) (bought USED)
Sound	Great sound. Loud! and the notes ring all the way up the neck. I was surprised the banjo sounded as good as it did.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	I bought the banjo used. The head was old and I replaced it with a frosted Gibson head. I made it tight and the sound that resonates from this instrument is unbelievable. It sounds almost as good as my Granada. The tones from the Granada are more mellow, but not by much. The bridge that came with this 1991 model was a S.Smith bridge. I'm not sure what brand of strings they are, but they are light strings.
Setup Rating	10
Appearance	Very nice inlays. Not as fancy as my Granada or Gold Sparkle, but nice nonetheless. The inlays on this banjo are the ones as seen on the current RB 250 sold in stores. Nice wood finish. There was grime all around the flange and tension hoop and armrest which I cleaned to a nice finish. Not a bright silver look, but clean. The instrument took me 5 hours to change the head, replace the old strings, and clean. Five hours well invested.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	The hardware has remained in great shape since 1991.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	I have never had to deal with Gibson.
Customer Service	not rated
Components	The instrument overall stands out and is beautiful. It isn't as flashy as some banjos, but the sound makes all of the dfference in the world. This banjo is pretty darn nice for the money I invested. This banjo sounds great when jamming and is loud!
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	I played my friend's RB--250 which was a 1970's model and it didn't sound that good to me. I don't know if it was the way he had it set up or what the problem was. The tone was weak and muted and the instrument was not loud. My 1991 model is a whole different story and plays like a 5K dollar instrument. I would highly recommend to any player seeking a great banjo in the 1,500 dollar range to go online and find a RB-250. These are great banjos for the price. I own and have played many other brands of banjo and only the Huber and Pruchca sound as good as this banjo in my opinion. And those banjos cost thousands more. For the money, this Rb 250 takes the cake!
Overall Rating	10

Gibson Earl Scrugg Standard submitted 8/19/2009
Submitter	jakebramblett1 (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	My mom and dad bought it 4 me
Year Purchased	2009
Price Paid	2500 ($US) (bought USED)
Sound	i use black diamond medium gauge strings and they do it justice its a fine banjo and me personally dnt have ne flaws with it.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	The banjo is very easy 2 play it already had rr spikes in the a and b positions.
Setup Rating	9
Appearance	the nickle hardware is faded sum but it dnt effect playability.and it is a curled maple neck and back of the pot.
Appearance Rating	8
Reliability	it is perfect in the hardware.
Reliability Rating	7
Customer Service	the man i bought it from was very helpful
Customer Service	10
Components	1930's reissue tone ring in it.installed d tuners and rr spikes.
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	i absolutely luv this instrument and i would come 2 tears if nethang happend 2 it.
Overall Rating	10

Gibson Earl Scrugg Standard submitted 7/18/2009
Submitter	Bizdoc (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	private individual purchase
Year Purchased	2009
Price Paid	Don't Remember (bought USED) historic exchange rates / currency converter
Sound	I was looking for the low lows that I had been hearing and this did not dissapoint me. It has the lows that are so wonderful and all tones are excellent. I love the sound and looks of this banjo. The only dislike is that weight of the banjo, it is HEAVY, and I had to get another lesser expensive, and less heavy banjo for every day use. However this is a great banjo.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	Banjo setup was easy as it came with a head signed by Earl Scruggs, so I changed it to a new Remo head, I was able to change the head, replace the bridge, change strings and still have an excellent sound.
Setup Rating	10
Appearance	this is an absolutely beautiful banjo with highly flammed resonator and neck, with a high gloss finish. The high gloss nickle finish is very complementary.
Appearance Rating	not rated
Reliability	Banjo would hold up well with daily playing, only the nickle plating on the arm rest seems to be at risk of tarnish, which is to be expected on this finish. I keep mine poliched.
Reliability Rating	9
Customer Service
Customer Service	not rated
Components
Components Rating	not rated
Overall Comments	I love this banjo, it is absolutely beautiful, and it is a real cannon. I have a hard time keeping it quiet enough to play around the house without the whole family hearing no matter what I do to silence it. The tone is fabulous. This is the banjo I want for a lifetime.,
Overall Rating	10

Gibson TB100 conversion submitted 6/30/2009
Submitter	george craciun (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Kernersville, N.C.
Year Purchased	2007
Price Paid	1500 ($US) (bought USED)
Sound	This 1966 conversion (to 5 strings) banjo has a rich full but very audible sound. I play an unconventional lead finger 3 finger picking style and find this instrument to be just about everything I could ever want in a banjo.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	The banjo was well set up by its previous owner when I purchassed it. I fell in love with it as soon as I played it. The banjo has the keith D tuners, which I find little use for, but retain. The instrument also came with RR spikes placed at the 6th and 8th frets, which are very handy. I recently increased the volume of the sound chamber by installing 1/4" nylon spacers on the resinator screws. That increased to sound and sustain somewhat. I also replaced the metal arm rest with a Nechville wooden rest which looks nicer and is imminently more practical and comfortable in our humid sweaty Florida conditions.
Setup Rating	10
Appearance	The banjo is in good shape with only a few very minor dings and two very tiny holes along the topside of the neck, where I assume a sliding capo was once mounted. The finish is decent and a few of the the diamond shaped inlays on the neck have faded.
Appearance Rating	7
Reliability	Finish, setup, functionality, and reliability are spot on. I would not hesitate taking this instrument to any gig or jam occasion.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	I have never had occasion to contact the company, nor have I had any need for luthier services with this instrument.
Customer Service	not rated
Components	All of the componants and parts of this banjo are top quality. The tail piece and tuners are good quality, and very little retuning is required either during or after a jam or after sitting for a week or 2 without being played.
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	I would recommend this banjo to anyone wanting a really great sounding, reliable, and easy playing instrument. I don't know if I paid too much or too little for this instrument, but I love it, and to me, even twice that price is not excessive. I have 4 other banjos, Deering Sierra which I use mainly for practice, an Ozark which I use as a theoretical backup instrument, an inexpensive Rogue which is a bush and travel instrument, and a nameless old clunker my grandchildren can mess with. The Gibson TB100 conversion is far and above any banjo I have ever owned or played. I consider it a lifetime keeper.
Overall Rating	9

Gibson RB-75 Crowe Model submitted 6/21/2009
Submitter	banjosmrgriswold (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Purchased from banjo dealer
Year Purchased	2009
Price Paid	Don't Remember (bought USED) historic exchange rates / currency converter
Sound	The sound is loud,crisp and rings with a little sustain. It came with a 5/8'ths inch Snuffy Smith bridge which I like and even though it was made in 2003,it had never been played. It is as new as any banjo I've ever seen.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	Banjos are rarely set up to play the way I like them.I always have to tune the head to A and adjust the intonation of the bridge and most banjos have the action higher than I prefer. But those things are easy to do and this banjo was easy to dial in.
Setup Rating	8
Appearance	This banjo had not been played much. It didn't have spikes or a capo for the fifth string. I did have to use Never-Dull to clean up the nickel but the tarnish cleaned up like new.The mahogany wood is beautiful and it is typical of gibson quality.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	I believe this banjo will last a lifetime if properly taken care of.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	These banjos come new with a lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.
Customer Service	10
Components	This model has the Crowe tone ring and it is exactly like his RB-75. No expense was spared.J.D. would'nt endorse it otherwise.
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	I would recommend this banjo to anyone who could get one. Gibson is not making the Crowe RB-75 anymore. I've owned about 15 banjos in 30 years of playing and this is going to be the family heirloom. Buy a gibson. Not a copy. You will never be disappointed.
Overall Rating	10

Gibson J.D. Crowe RB-75 submitted 5/6/2009
Submitter	mastertone250 (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Grhun Guitars
Year Purchased	2009
Price Paid	2500 ($US) (bought USED)
Sound	It has that nice pop,but with lots of bottom end
Sound Rating	10
Setup	Head was a little to tight, so i loosend it up to a G# and it brought it ALIVE!
Setup Rating	8
Appearance	Wonderful Flying Eagle Inlay in a Rosewood Board. Signature Truss Rod Cover
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	75 tone Ring and hardware is tarneshed,but i like it that way
Reliability Rating	8
Customer Service	Wonderful people and easy to work with
Customer Service	10
Components	Keith D Tuners, Presto TailPeice and Snuffy Smith Style III 11/16th's Bridge
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	This is an awsome banjo and wouldnt trade it from the world, The banjo market is closed for me for a long time to come!
Overall Rating	10

Gibson RB-250 submitted 3/27/2009
Submitter	swoody1 (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Opplemans Pawn Shop
Year Purchased	1978
Price Paid	800.00 ($US)
Sound	The RB250 is a 1977 bought new in 1978. The guy who ran Opplemans was a friend of mine and had a friend of his who owned a large music shop in NY. He got this friend to find the banjo for me. You had to be careful during the 70"s buying a Gibson. The banjo sounds great. Mellow where it needs to be and crisp where it needs to be. It is one of the best sounding RB250 banjos I have ever heard. Rich/full sound, loud and bright when it needs to be.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	I have tweeked the setup over the years. It had a good set up when I bought it in 1978. Since then, I have added a 11/16 timeless timber bridge with a neck adjustment, replaced the clamshell tail piece with a presto and replaced four tuners. I have had some of the frets replaced and a new nut put on. The action is excellent and it is very easy to play.
Setup Rating	not rated
Appearance	It is in excellent condition. It has a mahogny neck and resonator which are in mint condition, two piece flange, ebony fingerboard and the standard enlay. I had an extra enlay added below the gibson block just to be different and in case it was stolen it would be easier to identify if someone scratched off the serial number. The tone ring has a small amount of pitting but looks good overall. The workmanship when I first bought the banjo was excedllent.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	It will last another 100 years and is very dependable.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	The few times I have called Gibson they have been very helpful.
Customer Service	10
Components	All components are outstanding, no cheap parts.
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	You can't buy one now for $800.00. I love the banjo and would not sell it. A friend of mine bought a used Blackjack that is a good sounding banjo. He was at my house two weeks ago and played all thre of my banjos. He offered to trade me the Blackjack even-up for the RB250 and he was very serious. He has wanted this banjo for years.
Overall Rating	10

Gibson Earl Scruggs Special submitted 3/22/2009
Submitter	Plunkey (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Charlie Cushman via Gruhn
Year Purchased	2008
Price Paid	10K ($US) (bought USED)
Sound	Sounds like a banjo to me, although I have not played in 25 years. My last banjo was an ODE 6500 which I liked very much.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	This banjo was shipped without the neck on it. It took a while to get around to getting it set up. A little more tweaking and it will be just fine.
Setup Rating	1
Appearance	One of the best looking banjos I ever saw, and easily one of the fanciest Mastertones ever made. I'm not looking to replace it, ever.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	Should last a few generations, although I won't put many miles on it.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	NA
Customer Service	not rated
Components	The abalone is nice, and I like the hearts and flowers, so everything was great about the inlay. All in all, it will do perfectly.
Components Rating	not rated
Overall Comments	I always thought this was a great looking banjo, and eventually it will sound as good as it looks - just need to get all the aspects working together. I'm in no hurry, and it sounds great already anyway. If you like a fancy banjo, this certainly is that. My guess is that it doesn't sound too different from anything else - an RB-250 to a Grenada - about the same if you set it up the way you want it to sound. If it was stolen, I would be mightily pissed off and collect the insurance, and try to find another, but it isn't likely I'd find one. Love it, and why not! I'm not too picky about the sound of banjos, as I feel like they can be changed to get pretty damn close to whatever it is you want to hear. I like the sound of this one, and of most Mastertones, and I like some other banjos too. It's all good!
Overall Rating	10

Gibson TB3 Ball Bearing 1925 submitted 2/8/2009
Submitter	fergaloh (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	John Bernunzio
Year Purchased	2009
Price Paid	Not saying ($US) (bought USED)
Sound	I play Irish style and i've always particularly likes the sound of Gibsons. The Ball Bearing tone ring gives it a nice woody tone but still plenty of punch for Irish tunes. And is clear all the way up the fretboard and really rings out. It has a very American sound to it which i adore and prefer but may not be to everyones taste. Very warm and melodic.10 from me but thats because i've got a banjo that sounds the way i want.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	I can't fault it. It arrived exactly as descirbed. The only change i made was a new head and changed the bridge but overall great. Its a shortscale too, 21'' 18 frets but it doesn't suffer from any of the woes i've heard about short scales. No lack of tension in the g string, no dull clunky sound, intonation problems? Mabye a bit out but only my tuner can detect it and its far from significant. It sounds wonderfully alive and resonant. Another 10 because all the difficult stuff was done to perfection and all i had to do was tweak it to suit my needs. It plays like a dream.
Setup Rating	10
Appearance	A few scratches here and there but nothing a well loved and played banjo won't get from 1925 to now. As i said the staff at Bernunzio were upfront about any dings or scratches. It has a look of quality, and has aged well. I love the look of it. Its not the prettiest in the world, but i wanted a gibson and i've got one so.......for me ten, for any one else, irrelavent!!
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	Over the years the finish has worn on on spot on the neck and around the inside of the resonator. During prolonged playing resulting in moisture on the hands the stain does rub on to the hand from that spot on the neck, but nothing to be upset about. Its very solid construction wise and all the original parts have lasted this long so i'm sure i'll have no terminal problems with it.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	John Bernunzio has a worldwide reputation for being top notch. For me nothing was left to chance, all the staff i dealt with were more than helpful. 10 all the way.
Customer Service	10
Components	Apart from obvious ageing and corrosion here and there every thing is fine. The only replacement part was one bolt that holds on the resonator and that was only because it was lost. Nothing stands out too much over any thing else i'm just amazed at how durable all the original parts are. 10 becuse they've lasted 84 years and are still fully functional.
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	I can't recommend the banjo for every one because its personal choice. It ticks all the boxes for me with no exceptions. If it was stolen i'd be gutted becuse i've found 'my' banjo, and i'd do all in my power to get it back, including a murderous rampage!! I love it but and i don't think i'll get tired of it because out of all the top line banjos new and old i've tried none has brought a smile to my face, or gave me the same rewarding feeling from playing it, as this one has. from me 10, from anyone else, who cares, i'm happy, nothing else matters.
Overall Rating	10

Gibson Granada (Flying Eagle) submitted 1/26/2009
Submitter	MrSkeptical (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Used
Year Purchased	2007
Price Paid	3,500 ($US) (bought USED)
Sound	The sound is full and fat. The tone quality is deep and rich and I am completely surprised at how nice the banjo sounds. I have played many popular and expensive banjos and none have come close to the sound of the 1991 Gibson Granada that I own. In my lifetime, I told myself I would never pay the money I paid for this instument. I knew there was no way the sound of a banjo was worth $3,500. I was wrong. The sound of my 1991 Gibson Granada is worth more than what I paid. I truely never thought I would say that, but it's true. The sound keeps you playing longer than what you'd normally play. I literally can't put the instrument down( not until my fingers are too tired to play on).
Sound Rating	10
Setup	I bought the banjo used and it was set up by a professional. I took the pickup off the instument to have the cleanest sound I could muster. The head was a clear head and I was never big on clear heads. But the beauty of the instument stands out and so I play the banjo with the clear head.
Setup Rating	10
Appearance	Just like someone else said in a different review, you can almost find yourself starring at the instument instead of playing it because of its beauty. Of course, playing it is better. The gold has the right kind of look for stage performance. My inlays on the head and the binding on the neck and resonator have been antiqued and are yellowish/gold instead of white. The inlays on the fretboard are the normal perloid color. The clear head allows for viewing of the coordinator rods and the tone ring.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	The gold plating is soft and does wear with time. The gold plating on the armrest has faded some in one area. The rest of the instrument has not faded in color.
Reliability Rating	9
Customer Service	I bought the banjo used with no warranty. I have never had to deal with Gibson.
Customer Service	not rated
Components	Most Gibson owners I know upgrade the bridge and use the brand of strings that best suit them when setting up their banjo. Salespersons from different instrument companies that sell Gibson banjos have told me the bridges should be upgraded with the new Granadas. My Granada is 18 years old and it is in excellent condition. The previous owner took great care of this instrument as I do. I believe this has much to do with why these instuments last so long and look so good.
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	I love this banjo. I own four other banjos that I seldom play any more. I would buy another Granada banjo with the Flying Eagle Inlays if mine was stolen. It is difficult for most of us to lay out the thousands of dollars required to own one of these instruments. I've heard some none Gibson owners say "you're just paying for the name". I believed that saying until I owned my own Granada and now I know that saying is not true for me. It was worth the risk I took to spend thousands on a instrument that I wasn't sure would be worth it. Good luck with your purchase. My Granada receives a "10" score overall.
Overall Rating	10

Gibson Earl Scruggs Standard submitted 1/24/2009
Submitter	kevin0461 (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	First Quality Music
Year Purchased	2009
Price Paid	Don't Remember historic exchange rates / currency converter
Sound	Crisp, clear and loud... AWESOME!!
Sound Rating	10
Setup	With the exception of a little tuning, it was perfect right out of the box.
Setup Rating	10
Appearance	Absolutley a beautiful banjo!! You can tell the difference in quality from other popular brands (I won't go into that). Let's just say that it's true that everyone else is trying to replicate Gibson in every way. There is a reason for that. This is just a testament to that fact.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	Best quality I've seen or heard. Mechanically it is sound!!
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	FQM is an awesome dealership. Specifically, let's just say that they honor the military and cater to them like no other dealership. I would do business with Jeff and Eric and recommend them to everyone especially to veterans.
Customer Service	10
Components	It could have a better tailpiece... to be honest, I did upgrade to the Fults 34 Parallel and it made a great sounding banjo even better. Otherwise, nothing is cheap on this banjo. I was awe struck when I opened the case. That being said, the case could be upgrade to something better quality. The Deering deluxe cases are much better. The curly maple wood in the neck and resonator are absolutely beautiful. The nickel plating is of a much better quality than the Deering Sierra (my previous banjo).
Components Rating	9
Overall Comments	I love this banjo!! The price was incredible (too incredible to even list, so I intentionally left that off of this review). If it was stolen, I would get anothe. My favorite feature is the curly maple wood and finish. The inlays are also very nice. My previous banjo was a Deerin Sierra and I can't even attempt to compare the two. The quality, from the nickel plating, to the tuners, to the finish work, to the setup and everything else in this banjo is far better. I am a Gibson fan for life. I will own no other.
Overall Rating	10

Gibson RB-250 submitted 1/17/2009
Submitter	PaulKirby (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	BHO classifieds
Year Purchased	2007
Price Paid	1700? ($US) (bought USED)
Sound	Great mahagony sound, very versatile. I have it set up pretty heavy now with medium strings, and it's a very clear bell-like sound. Loud banjo.
Sound Rating	9
Setup	I bought it used from Frailin on the BHO, and the set-up was fine. I've changed it some, and the set up keeps evolving as I get to know the banjo better, but the set up it came with was very good.
Setup Rating	9
Appearance	I love the 250 inlay, and while not very flashy, it fits my taste perfectly. There was very light normal wear.
Appearance Rating	9
Reliability	I've had the banjo for about 9 months now, and I've played it pretty hard, and it's a real workhorse. No worries.
Reliability Rating	9
Customer Service	n/a
Customer Service	not rated
Components	Components are good. No complaints.
Components Rating	8
Overall Comments	When I bought this banjo, I didn't really understand the difference between the different kinds of woods that banjos are made with, and I went through a short period of having wished I'd bought a maple banjo instead, but now I'm totally sold on mahagony. I really love this banjo: the sound is suitably throaty, it's versatile, loud; the look suits me, I love the fingerboard inlay. I haven't played many other higher end banjos, but I always feel happy to pick mine up again.
Overall Rating	9

Gibson RB-350 submitted 1/8/2009
Submitter	Pitts (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Gruhn Guitars(Nashville, TN)
Year Purchased	2008
Price Paid	2500 ($US) (bought USED)
Sound	I LOVE the sound of this banjo! It's very bright without being tinny, and powerful, but I can calm it down pretty easily if I want to. Being an old-time player playing a resonator banjo, I really like the tone the two-piece flange gives. I found that one-pieces were just a little too tinny.
Sound Rating	9
Setup	It was setup by Charlie Cushman when I bought it. I put a no-knot tailpiece and a Fiberskyn head on it, cranked down really tight.
Setup Rating	9
Appearance	I love the inlays on this banjo. Not too fancy, not too plain. The fiddle shaped peghead is also a must for me when buying a Gibson. I also really dig the eagle inlay on the back of the resonator. One of the inlays was a little high, though.
Appearance Rating	9
Reliability	This banjo is 33 years old and shows no signs of wear and tear. All the hardware is very sturdy and I think the only things I'll ever need to replace are the strings and the head(eventually).
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	Never dealt with Gibson, but I cannot adequately tell you how great the guys at Gruhn were. They treated me like a serious player, even though I'm a kid. After talking with Calvin for about 5 minutes, he knew exactly the sound I was looking for, and after trying about four banjos, we found exactly what I wanted. Once I Purchased the banjo, they put railroad spikes on it(for free) while I went out and ate lunch. They also threw in a free T-shirt.
Customer Service	10
Components	The tuning pegs are very smooth, but tight, and I love the big buttons. All of the components are very solid.
Components Rating	9
Overall Comments	I would absolutely recommend this banjo for the price I payed, but I wouldn't object if they wanted to sell it for less:-) If this banjo was stolen, I'd go out and buy an older RB-250. I don't think I'll ever find another one of these again. It is just as good as any banjo I've ever played, and I've played some primo banjos in my day. While it may not suit everyone, I love the sound it gives out.
Overall Rating	9

Gibson Granada (Flying Eagle) submitted 12/17/2008
Submitter	gibsonbanjo96 (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Pawn Shop
Year Purchased	2008
Price Paid	3,000 ($US) (bought USED)
Sound	This banjo is what you want in bluegrass music. It's got the mellow tone to play hard driving bluegrass. / The best set up is when you've got stings that you like such as in my case J.D. Crowe lights, and a Scorpion bridge.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	The set up was decent/ but I set it up to really kick. / the action was way off when bought. / Bridge, Strap.
Setup Rating	9
Appearance	This banjo is shocking in detail it's got a great Maple back and beautiful Flying Eagle pearl inlay, With the beautiful Gold Plating on all other parts.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	The hardware is in great condition and will last a long time. / I depend on this banjo. / this banjo does not need a backup. becuase it beats all the rest.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	Great service and made a friendship over such a great insturment.
Customer Service	10
Components	Everything is in Supreme condition and looks very professional.
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	This banjo should be played by all Famous Musicians becuase it shows what bluegrass should be. It has a mellow tone that is different from the rest. / I love this banjo. / Best feature is the tone. / If this banjo was stolen I would give up playing. / This banjo beats all that I've played...
Overall Rating	10

Gibson RB-250 submitted 11/11/2008
Submitter	damir (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	craigslist 1979 RB250
Year Purchased	2008
Price Paid	1500 ($US) (bought USED)
Sound	great bluegrass tone, loud and clear
Sound Rating	9
Setup	like new, have not been plaid
Setup Rating	9
Appearance	simple, RB 250 look, nothing fancy but still professional look..I`m not worried about the look, I like to hear the tone ...
Appearance Rating	9
Reliability	it is built like a tank, looks like it will last forever....
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	don`t know, never dealt with the company
Customer Service	not rated
Components	no cheap parts here, simple does not mean cheap, parts are solid and of high quality
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	I would recommend this instrument to anyone, it is fully funkcional professional banjo, you can use on your gig at the Bean Blossome...:) ..I love tha banjo, the best banjo for the money, not sure if you can get much better tone (different maybe but not better) with $10 000 banjos.....I like it better than the Stelling Red Fox I had....
Overall Rating	9

Gibson RB-3 Wreath submitted 10/11/2008
Submitter	joefpa (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Denver, CO
Year Purchased	1989
Price Paid	$1100 plus iida 5 st ($US)
Sound	It took about 10 years for the sound to come around. Now it sounds great. Plenty of punch deep and rich, high tones come through.
Sound Rating	9
Setup	The banjo was not set up well when I got it. I use a 11/16" bridge and medium strings on this banjo, with moderate head tension.
Setup Rating	9
Appearance	This is a great looking banjo.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	It has held up very well.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	NA
Customer Service	not rated
Components	Top of the line. Wouldn't change a thing except the bridge.
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	I would recommend this banjo. It is attractive, easy to play and sounds great. What else is there? I would replace this banjo if needed.
Overall Rating	10

Gibson Custom Shop RB-3 Wreath Top Tension submitted 10/8/2008
Submitter	twentyINCHwheel (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Mandolin Bros
Year Purchased	2008
Price Paid	2800 ($US) (bought USED)
Sound	The sound and tone of this banjo is amazing. This banjo was a custom order banjo, found used on the Mandolin Bros. website. An all-maple Top Tension setup is a recipe for very bright sound, but this banjo's sound is very balanced. The tone is fantastic - better than comparable mahogany or walnut TT's that I've played. It does tend more to the bright side than warm, and it's VERY loud. The thing I love most about this banjo is its responsiveness. On most banjos, I can sound harmonics at the 12th, 7th, 5th frets, and usually at the fourth harmonic position just behind the 4th fret. On this RB-3 TT, I can clearly and loudly sound all those harmonics, as well as the fifth and sixth position harmonics. The playing dynamics are amazing.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	When I got it, I was actually quite surprised at the setup (or lack thereof). The bridge (Snuffy Smith 3) was on backwards, the action was a bit low, two of the tuners were loose, and the head was rather loose. Fortunately, these were all easy things to correct. I popped off the resonator, adjusted the coordinator rods, and raised the action slightly. I then got a screwdriver and tightened the tuners. Next, I turned the bridge around. The only slightly difficult part was tightening the head. The banjo didn't come with a bracket wrench, and I previously didn't know the Top Tension bracket wrench was different than a normal one. A kind BHO member told me that I should obtain a #11 clock winding key, as they were the same thing. Luckily, a nearby clock repair shop carried such a wrench, and I was then easily able to tighten the head. Once I got the banjo set up correctly, it played and sounded amazing. Overall, I was a bit disappointed by the setup when I recieved it, but all corrections were easy and quick.
Setup Rating	6
Appearance	This is exactly what I had imagined as a dream banjo. Someone else had the same idea: a Top Tension setup with more traditional (good) looks. It has all looks and appointments that one would expect on an RB-3 Wreath, with all the TT hardware. Since this was used (and with an amazing price), I could deal with the slight wear on the armrest, and a few red small red marks on the binding. These red marks were on both sides of the neck binding around the 19th fret. In all, small (almost unnoticeable) flaws on an an amazing banjo.
Appearance Rating	not rated
Reliability	For buying an 8-year-old banjo, it'd be hard to tell this from something that would have been hanging in a music shop for a while. And not just any music shop - somewhere like Elderly, Gruhn, or Mandolin Bros. (which is where it came from). There aren't any parts on this that are showing any signs of abuse or even wear. I'd definitely use this at a gig with no backup.
Reliability Rating	9
Customer Service	Got it used from Mandolin Bros. I've never had a problem with them, and got a great deal on the banjo. Their customer service is commendable! Thanks to Rachel in customer service, as well as Stan!
Customer Service	10
Components	It's a Top Tension - obviously, the standout components. This banjo is RB-3-styled with the Top Tension assembly, but I was pleasantly surprised by the TT-style amber tuner buttons. Other than that, it's Gibson Custom Shop workmanship - no complaints here! It doesn't need anything that it doesn't already have.
Components Rating	9
Overall Comments	"Would you recommend this banjo, for the price you paid?" Are you kidding me??? YES!!! I wish I could... it's too bad this was a special order. "What would you do if this banjo was stolen?" That'd make it 'the one that got away'. I'd be sad. Whomever stole it should hope I never found them! ;) "Do you love it, hate it--what's your favorite feature?" LOVE it... is tone a feature? How about volume? "Questions you wish you'd asked before buying it?" ...none. "Comparisons to other banjos you've played?" The day after I got this (which is after I got it set up properly), I took it to a jam session. There were other banjo players there, and banjos present included my Vega V.I.P., a Stelling Crusader, a Nechville Galaxy Meteor, a Wildwood Soloist (also amazing), and a pre-war Gibson RB-3. This banjo sounded as good as any other present, and was definitely the loudest (in fact, most people commented on that!). Overall: this is now unquestionably my main banjo! I suppose it could be a little fancier, but who cares when it sounds this good. If it had cost twice as much, my comments would scarcely be different. I'm completely happy with this banjo.
Overall Rating	9

Gibson Earl Scruggs Golden Deluxe submitted 10/6/2008
Submitter	MitchellB (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Janet Davis Music
Year Purchased	1998
Price Paid	Don't Remember historic exchange rates / currency converter
Sound	It sounds great. I am very happy with it. Crisp with a deep crack.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	Janet Davis set it up before she shipped it to me with D tuners, RR spikes and a SS bridge. I have noticed that I have to keep the head a little on the loose side to bring out the best tone.
Setup Rating	10
Appearance	It looks great. The only flaws were a tiny finish spot by the nut and some sunken lacquer on the rim inside.
Appearance Rating	9
Reliability	The gold on the armrest has worn off some, but everything else is holding up real fine
Reliability Rating	9
Customer Service	Very helpful each time I have contacted them.
Customer Service	9
Components	I have never been a fan of gold plating, but I can’t arguer that tone that the parts help create. Cleaning has been required more than with a chrome plated or nickel banjo. I replaced the Presto Tailpiece, as I do not like that style. I replace the trust rod cover with an abalone cover purely for looks. Other than those, it is still original.
Components Rating	9
Overall Comments	It is a great looking and sounding banjo and my only complaint is I worry about it too much when I take it out somewhere to play. If it were stolen, I’d have to get another Gibson banjo to replace it. Many thanks to Janet Davis for all her advice and recommendations helping me choose this banjo.
Overall Rating	10

Gibson RB-250 submitted 10/6/2008
Submitter	eagleeye67 (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Friend
Year Purchased	2008
Price Paid	under 3 grand (bought USED) historic exchange rates / currency converter
Sound	Very crisp and loud. it played just like i knew it would for a 1957 Bowtie.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	it was set up very good.......
Setup Rating	10
Appearance	looks great very nice.....
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	it has lasted 51 years and i believe it will last another 51.....
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	yes very good service....
Customer Service	10
Components	very good parts will last
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	i would recommend this banjo to anyone. is worth every dollar i paid....if it were stolen i would hunt the person to the end of time.....i love it...the bowties are awsome......alot better than the banjos i've played.....
Overall Rating	10

Gibson Earl Scruggs Standard 96' submitted 8/6/2008
Submitter	gibsonbanjo96 (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Ebay
Year Purchased	2006
Price Paid	(bought USED) historic exchange rates / currency converter
Sound	This banjo suits my music style through Hard Driving Bluegrass... The best set up is J.D. Crowe Light's strings and a Scorpion Bridge with action play. Rich, Full, And Loud. This banjo plays great from the lowest notes to the highest. Like a Granada or PreWar Gibson.
Sound Rating	9
Setup	This Banjo when bought had a horrible setup. I got Tom McKinney and Jack Dilling to help me get it set up. It Took about 3hrs to set up to a beast. I would recommend Scorpion Brideges They let you play with Strength and don't move around to get out of tune.
Setup Rating	3
Appearance	This Banjo Is and Absolute Beauty with Tigers Maple Wood on the back and on the neck. The only thing negative is the banjo rim is getting a stained dirty.
Appearance Rating	9
Reliability	The hardware will last forever. The finish is great everywhere it will last becuase it has been taken great care of. The Arm Rest has a lot of wear on it and I'm allergic to Nickle Plating. But it's all good. I really can depend on this Banjo to Go perform or out play many banjo's at a Jam.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service
Customer Service	not rated
Components	All the Parts are all orginal. And Look great. The Standout notce is the Brightness of the head and Neck of the Banjo through the Pearl inlay pattern.
Components Rating	9
Overall Comments	I would recommend this Banjo to a Pro Becuase I've had many Great Bluegrass Muscians want to by This Banjo Off of me. "May'be becuase of the set up." I would lose my Mind if this banjo was stolen Becuase it would Retail Double as what I paid for it. I would have had no Questions to the Dealer. I've played Hubers, Granada's PreWar's master Model Custom banjo's all that Cost 5,000 to 20,000 dollar. All are Great But i love my banjo. :)
Overall Rating	10

Gibson 1926 TB3 conversion submitted 8/5/2008
Submitter	banjervol (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	private owner
Year Purchased	1976
Price Paid	Don't Remember (bought USED) historic exchange rates / currency converter
Sound	I've played them all, this banjo has "the" sound. Anyone who plays a good old Gibson knows what I'm talking about. No mush in this sound. Solid, clear, rich. The harder you play the more solid it responds. A hoss.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	I set this banjo up. It was an original ball bearing archtop. Plugged all the spring holes, turned the rim (to round it) and custom fit a Steve Ryan tone ring to the rim. It hasn't been off since 1977. Al Jamison (Cincy Oh) made the neck.
Setup Rating	10
Appearance	Mahogany of course. Tube & flange in good condition.
Appearance Rating	7
Reliability	Built to last
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	n/a
Customer Service	not rated
Components	Custom (my own specs) flat head (no holes) Ryan tone ring Jamison neck All original hardware except tailpiece & keys
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	Just for playing & sound, I have only played one banjo since 1963 that I would rather play and that was an original RB75. The only way to honestly evaluate an instrument is by comparison and I've put it up against a lot of banjos. Recently I'd been playing a Huber for about 3 weeks, picked my old RB3 back up and though the Huber is a fine banjo, it can't come close. I'm not an "old Gibson" or nothing kind of a guy, it's just the best.
Overall Rating	10

Gibson J.D. Crowe RB-75 submitted 7/20/2008
Submitter	dorse (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Individual
Year Purchased	(2002 Model) 2008
Price Paid	2400 ($US) (bought USED)
Sound	Rich, full sound, with a small amount of brightness, and great crack.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	This banjo had mostly sat in its case since it was made. I had to do a complete set up on it, i.e adjust neck pitch and adjust truss rod. I changed the original Remo USA head to a Snuffy Smith because the Remo was very lightly frosted.
Setup Rating	6
Appearance	Absoultely handsome banjo. Perfect in every way--not one scratch.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	I expect this instrument to be around for many generations to come.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	I'm not the original owner so the warranty does not apply to me. I've never tried to send it in for repair.
Customer Service	not rated
Components	This banjo sat around in its case for most of its life. The tuners turned very hard and rough because of this. However, after an application of 3 in 1 Oil, and almost constant use, they've loosened right up and are working as they should be.
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	This banjo seems to weigh less than other Gibson models that I've played. The neck is smaller and feels better than other Gibson models. It has the tone that one would associate with J.D. Crowe. I'm very happy with this banjo and hope to get a lifetime of use from it. I got an incredible deal on this banjo. These are hard to find and to get one in mint condition is unheard of. I prefer the standard looks of the RB-75 over the too flashy Blackjack. (If you can't afford a Gibson, a Gold Star is almost as good in quality and if it's setup right will sound just as good.)
Overall Rating	10

Gibson RB-250 submitted 7/2/2008
Submitter	wbalsam1 (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	from a friend
Year Purchased	2005
Price Paid	under 3 grand ($US) (bought USED)
Sound	This is a 1959 RB 250 that pops with the finest banjos anywhere. Dry and crisp. Clear all the way up and back. Intonation right on the money.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	Banjo was set up by my banjo pickin' friend. I changed the bridge, that's all. This is the old sound that is so sought after. My old "flyswatter head flattop RB 250 rocks.
Setup Rating	10
Appearance	A few character marks on it, but nothing too noticeable. But who cares, anyway. The banjo is almost a half-century old. It is #7 of only 20 RB 250's made in the year 1959. Check out the Gibson shipping stats to verify.
Appearance Rating	9
Reliability	Hardware is great. All original. I've been gigging without a back up all along.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	I haven't had to deal with Gibson, ever. But I'll bet they stand behind their product just fine. I'll score 9 on a hunch.
Customer Service	9
Components	Nothing cheap on this.
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	This banjo is worth a lot of money. Way more than I paid. If it is stolen, I'll feel terrible. I would not be able to replace something this beautiful sounding. I've picked all over the eastern seaboard and every one agrees, this banjo rocks.
Overall Rating	10

Gibson RB-3 Standard submitted 6/11/2008
Submitter	BanjoBobb (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Another person
Year Purchased	2008
Price Paid	Don't Remember (bought USED) historic exchange rates / currency converter
Sound	This banjo is a 1990 RB-3 from the Greg Rich era. It is certain everything it is supposed to be. I has the dry, but warm sound of a Gibson. I haven't found any dislikes so far. The banjo is in exceptionally good shape to be 18 years old.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	For the most part the banjo was ready to go. I did have to tighten up the head a little. I have ordered a snuffy smith bridge to replace the one that came on it, personal preference. Other than these things, the banjo is ready to go
Setup Rating	9
Appearance	The banjo has a couple of dings on the resonator, but not through the finish. The resonator had been crack in shipment by the USPS to the seller, but the USPS paid to have gibson repair it. All in all, the finish is very good.
Appearance Rating	9
Reliability	Yes to reliability. It, as I stated earlier is in great shape for its age.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	According to the seller, the Gibson warranty folks were great to work with.
Customer Service	10
Components	It is quality made. No cheap parts noted.
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	This is a great banjo. If it ever has to be replaced, I will replace it with another Gibson, not necessary an RB-3 but something similar.
Overall Rating	10

Gibson Granada (Flying Eagle) submitted 5/15/2008
Submitter	claudiacc (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Janet Davis Music
Year Purchased	2007
Price Paid	Don't Remember historic exchange rates / currency converter
Sound
Sound Rating	10
Setup
Setup Rating	10
Appearance
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service
Customer Service	10
Components
Components Rating	9
Overall Comments	This is a special banjo
Overall Rating	10

Gibson RB-250 submitted 4/25/2008
Submitter	mybote (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Private party
Year Purchased	2008
Price Paid	1500. ($US) (bought USED)
Sound	Bluegrass. Fills all my needs and expectations.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	The banjo was already set up and included Keith tuners. very smooth action.
Setup Rating	9
Appearance	This is a 1970. Some chips out of the binding, dings, inlay is all intact,etc. Been played ALOT. But neck, frets and hardware are still in great shape.
Appearance Rating	5
Reliability	Hardware is very durable and will last many more years. Finish has wear marks but is durable. I would gig with this banjo without a backup.
Reliability Rating	9
Customer Service	never dealt with the company
Customer Service	not rated
Components	outstanding componants are keith tuners. No weak or cheap parts.
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	Very happy to recommend this banjo. If this was stolen, I would get another.
Overall Rating	10

Gibson Flathead RB-3 submitted 3/9/2008
Submitter	alabamapicker (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	gruhn's
Year Purchased	1993
Price Paid	1695.00 ($US)
Sound	I play mostly sgruggs with a little melodic thrown in. This is a great banjo. The intonation is the most perfect of any I have ever played. It sounds just like it should sound! It has a rich sound, at the same time it is bright and as loud as you want it to be.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	All I had to do was tighten the head and set the bridge. I did put a Hot Spot Bridge on years ago. I have not touched the coordinator rods or monkeyed with the neck. It Was set up perfectly and is still perfect almost 18 years later.
Setup Rating	10
Appearance	It is a wreath inlay RB-3. It is reddish stained mahogany as it came from the factory. The only flaws are some rough raised grains on the back of the resonator that were there when I bought it. The inlay work is excellent and beautiful.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	The hardware is fine. I did have to replace the presto tailpiece because the old one cracked at the bend. The finish may have thinned a bit, but not much (only on the side of the resonator). I would depend on this banjo anytime, anywhere. If I was a pro, I would use it exclusively.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	I have the original warranty, but I have had no need for a repair. I have dealt with Gibson on another instrument, and they were friendly and professional.
Customer Service	10
Components	No weak parts, with posible exception of the tailpiece. This banjo sounds as good as any I have ever heard. Folks that have seen and heard it think is is an old banjo.
Components Rating	not rated
Overall Comments	I would recommend this banjo without reservation. If it was stolen I would wither up and mourn for it. I LOVE IT! THe sound is awesome and cannot be put into words. It is easy to play and stays in tune. I have other banjos but this one is the best of them.
Overall Rating	10

Gibson RB-3 Standard submitted 1/13/2008
Submitter	banjoboy95 (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Janet Davis Music
Year Purchased	1993
Price Paid	Don't Remember historic exchange rates / currency converter
Sound	I love the ringy tone it has. But some banjo players set it up to where it has a warm tone.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	Good as new when my dad first bought it.
Setup Rating	10
Appearance	I love the look. It has classic RB-3 styling.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	I would rely on this banjo a lot. If my dad still had it, it would be the only banjo I would ever play.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service
Customer Service	not rated
Components	There weren't any parts to be upgraded.
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	This is my favorite banjo of all time. To me it was like one of my banjos, even though it was mainly my dad's. I used it on every recording session I ever did. Unfortuantely my dad sold it. When I first found out he sold it I was really mad. I still get a little angry when I think about it.
Overall Rating	10

Gibson RB-250 submitted 12/21/2007
Submitter	cockneybanjo (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	private sale
Year Purchased	2007
Price Paid	800 (£) (bought USED) historic exchange rates / currency converter
Sound	just what I wanted. Dry, strong sound with lots of clarity, mellow when played gently
Sound Rating	9
Setup	good set-up. Came from an experienced player and I haven't changed anything
Setup Rating	9
Appearance	general all-over patina from a well-used instrument. No rust or corrosion on metal parts. Chrome showing signs of years of polishing.. just a nice mellowed look Some 'buckle rash' on the resonator, but, well, that happens, it's not the instrument's faoult
Appearance Rating	8
Reliability	hardware obviously has lasted and looks like it will go on doing so for a long time to come
Reliability Rating	8
Customer Service	not relevant here
Customer Service	not rated
Components	good solid quality feel, no knocks, squeaks or buzzes anywhere
Components Rating	9
Overall Comments	fair price for a solid second-hand banjo, from a quality maker ,which has been well looked after over a fairly long life. I'm really pleased with it. It has that Gibson 'pop' and what more can you ask? My teacher is a Deering man, and he is happy with it. It's far ahead of my previous 'starter' and 'intermediate' banjos, as I would expect; it's very different to my Gold Tone Whyte Ladye so the comparison isn't valid If it was stolen I'd be pretty unhappy!!!!
Overall Rating	9

Gibson RB-4 submitted 12/12/2007
Submitter	KyletheGreat (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Ciderville Music
Year Purchased	2007
Price Paid	3600 ($US)
Sound	Took a while to get the banjo sounding like I wanted it to, but hey...that's always the case with new banjos! Now the banjo is popping and cracking! It has a great deep and rich tone like that of Sonny Osborne's old RB-4. I love it!
Sound Rating	9
Setup	The banjo needed a new head ( I used a five star), a cleaning, a new bridge, strings, and some slight setup in order to get the proper action and sound out of it. The setup changes were easy and quick. Now the setup is wonderful and just the way I like my banjos to play.
Setup Rating	10
Appearance	The banjo is beautiful. The burled walnut resonator is among the most beautiful I have seen. The Flying Eagle inlay pattern is also a very wonderful thing to look at. The banjo looks really great.
Appearance Rating	9
Reliability	The banjo should last. Gibson has a pretty high reputation, therefore, they have standards they should meet. I believe it will last a long time
Reliability Rating	9
Customer Service	The folks at Ciderville Music are great! I enjoyed the jamming and the free meal! This has been my favorite music store bar none located in Powell, TN. Keep up the good work guys!
Customer Service	10
Components	The parts are what is expected from any gibson banjo. Typical Mastertone parts are used
Components Rating	9
Overall Comments	I would recommend this banjo. The Gibson RB-4 has always been one of my favorites...this is the reason I had to break down and get one! I love it!
Overall Rating	10

Gibson RB-3 Standard submitted 11/21/2007
Submitter	leon (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Frailers (Runcorn, UK)
Year Purchased	2005
Price Paid	1250 (£) (bought USED) historic exchange rates / currency converter
Sound	I have owned this banjo for 2 and a half years now, since I first started playing. I feel I am getting to know it well, and consistently pulling a good enough tone out of it to review it fairly. This is a 1991 'Greg Rich era' Gibson and it lives up to the hype. It has that Gibson sound - what more can I say? It's a very responsive instrument. The only gripe at the moment is I think it could ring a little more up the neck, but that's probably due to the dodgy bridge which I'm soon replacing. It also has a 5-star head installed as opposed to the standard Remo. Considering the price/sound quality ratio I give this an 8. I will never need another banjo. I'm not saying it sounds like a pre-war (I've never played one anyway) but neither did it cost $40,000 or whatever. New Gibsons may not be as much of a good deal because they're so expensive and there are cheaper alternatives out there which still sound very good. Some argue Gibsons ain't what they used to be during the 'Greg Rich era' either. I think they sound awesome, but each to their own.
Sound Rating	8
Setup	Just needed a couple of small lost parts (resonator thumbscrew and string cover on tailpiece). Also removed a shim the previous owner had put in-between the neck and pot to lower the action. Some fret wear also. This is obviously because my banjo was bought used so this info only applies to mine! Apart from that I haven't really touched the set-up because it sounds great as it is.
Setup Rating	7
Appearance	Classic look - not too flashy, not too plain. Though this particular banjo is well used and it looks like it's been through some tough times; there are plenty of knocks and chips, but no real damage. I kinda like it that way. It's a workhorse.
Appearance Rating	7
Reliability	Fine quality banjo and it's already lasted for more than 15 years with only a couple of small pieces of hardware getting lost (probably due to previous owner).
Reliability Rating	9
Customer Service	Great store - check it out if you're buying in the UK. www.frailers.com
Customer Service	8
Components	Pro quality parts.
Components Rating	9
Overall Comments	Good deal, great banjo.
Overall Rating	8

Gibson RB-250 submitted 11/14/2007
Submitter	CoolSpring (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Guitar Center
Year Purchased	2007
Price Paid	Don't Remember historic exchange rates / currency converter
Sound	Great tone and volume. Nice and crisp with a nice pop on the high end but plenty of punch on the low end. It always has plenty of power when I want it but I can also back off and not have any trouble trying not to stand out if the situation calls for it.
Sound Rating	9
Setup	It was set up perfectly when I purchased it, of course I picked it up at the store so there was no shipping involved. There are a lot of nice people working there to.
Setup Rating	10
Appearance	It is a beatiful instrument, the wood has a very nice grain and a great finish to it. The inlay is really nice too. It is very detailed and has a very nice design. It isn't simple looking but at the same time it isn't to flashy, it falls somewhere in the middle. Very nice looking.
Appearance Rating	9
Reliability	I think the hardware will last longer than my lifetime and as long as it is taken care of will still look very good for years to come. I have been playing it for a while now and the only wear at all is on the armrest but I see that on all instruments. I would rather it look a little played anyways. I wouldn't be afraid for anyone to see me playing it, and so far it seems to be very reliable.
Reliability Rating	9
Customer Service	I haven't had any dealings with Gibson.
Customer Service	not rated
Components	It is just a very nice classic looking design there really isn't any one thing that jumps out at me.
Components Rating	8
Overall Comments	If it was stolen I would cry! I absolutely love it, it is definetely an instrument that a person could have for a lifetime.
Overall Rating	9

Gibson RB-250 submitted 10/28/2007
Submitter	CherryLog_BanjoBelly (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Valdosta, Georgia(Private Owner)
Year Purchased	2007
Price Paid	1000 ($US) (bought USED)
Sound	The sound of this banjo is absolutely amazing. I have always wanted a banjo with the old Gibson sound that everyone loves and now I have one. Many Gibson people look down at the 250 but I feel that it is a great banjo. It really allows me to pick it hard and fast with a clear tone and alot of volume. Mine will overpower most banjos I play with. Thats not always good, but it is good to know that I can do it if I want to.
Sound Rating	9
Setup	This banjo has never been really set up. I reciently had a guy at Blue Ridge Music in Asheville, NC set the bridge in place, but that is the only thing I have had done to it. I am pround to say that this banjo could sound better, but it is still amazing with the unprofessional set up job it has now.
Setup Rating	8
Appearance	My Gibson has the classic appearance that I absolutely love. It does not have a bunch of extra stuff that is really unneeded. I love how it looks like a working banjo and not a banjo that you hang on the wall of something. Dont get me wrong, it is beautiful, but it is classic and precise at the same time. I just love the "playable" look of the 250's.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	As long as I live, I will never need another banjo to play. And I hope that is long time considering I am only 21. I can take it out of the case, tune it up and go to town for as long as I care to go. The sound is very reliable and true each time I play it. I sometimes have to travel with it and it will always sound great after a long trip in the car or something. I would not be affraid to drive for a whole day with it in the trunk and then get it out to play a show. Very reliable.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	I have never had the need for any customer service from anyone. but I must say that now that I have a Gibson, I get treated alot better at most music stores.
Customer Service	10
Components	There is not a cheap part on this banjo. All of the parts on this banjo are top quality and very professional. I someday hope to experiment with different bridges and tailpieces but it does not need either of the two right now. I would just like to see how different configurations sound with this banjo.
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	This is a great banjo. I would probably pay ten times what I paid for it if I just knew it would have this sound that came with it. I know it is a bottom line Gibson, But I really feel that it can compete with the big boys. I have played both Scruggs Models, the JD Crowe Model, and most of the other Gibson banjos and I still feel that my 250 can handle its own. I dont think there is a banjo that I would honestly trade this one for. It has the really popping sound that I love and it sounds like an old banjo. That is something that you cannot find in newer Gibsons, and for that reason I would never trade "up" to a "better" Gibson. I would recomend this banjo to anyone and everyone but especially those banjo pickers that want a professional banjo without paying a million dollars. I could make a living playing this banjo(If I could play it that well) and so could anyone else that wanted to.
Overall Rating	10

Gibson RB-250 submitted 10/15/2007
Submitter	Kevin B (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Real Guitars
Year Purchased	2007
Price Paid	2,000 ($US)
Sound	Good flathead sound. I didn't understand what everyone meant in describing a Gibson sound as "dry" until I got this banjo. Good projection, tone and volumn
Sound Rating	9
Setup	I didn't like the 5/8" Grover bridge. Within a month I put a .656 Snuffey Smith bridge on it. The action is now more to my taste. The Presto tailpeice was at almost the maximum height. Now the bottom of it is about 1/32 off the tension hoop, the tension tabs are about 1/4" off the head. This seems much better tonally. I also switched to a .016 3rd string because it suits my attack better.
Setup Rating	8
Appearance	I love the classic look of the reddish mahogony, retro type style 3 inlay and nickle plating. The ebony board is beautiful and one of the things that drew me to the RB 250. I consider ebony more durable than rosewood. The workmanship and detail is great!
Appearance Rating	9
Reliability	Everything seems solid and should last a lifetime with proper care.
Reliability Rating	9
Customer Service	Real Guitar has been great. Haven't needed to contact Gibson.
Customer Service	10
Components	The RB 250 has the same pot assembly as the best Gibsons, (3 ply maple rim, quality hardware, selected woods), I like it all. I was slow to warm up to the Presto Tailpeice but have come to love the sound.
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	I think this is all the banjo I will ever need. I never thought I would be able to get a banjo of such high quality, beauty, and tone for a bargain like this. I would recommend the RB 250 without hesitation and I've been playing five string banjo since 1976.
Overall Rating	9

Gibson J. D. Crowe Black Jack submitted 10/8/2007
Submitter	jdmatthew (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Maverick's Fine Banjos
Year Purchased	2007
Price Paid	3400 ($US) (bought USED)
Sound	This banjo has a great dry hollow bluegrassy sound. I think it sounds pretty close to some good pre-wars I've heard. To me the best in the Gibson line. It's not extremely loud, but it is precise, has pop, and excellent note separation.
Sound Rating	9
Setup	Banjo was set up well. I changed the Snuffy bridge to a KatEyz, but mainly to get Crowe spacing. Head tension was a little high for the sound I was looking for, so I lowered it some. Action was just right. Maverick had set this one up himself, I don't know how it cam from the factory. He did well with it.
Setup Rating	9
Appearance	Nothing fancy on this one--concentric rings on the resonator, muddy mahogany wood. It's more for sound than looks. Has the usual Gibson gummy finish that you have to polish about twice a week.
Appearance Rating	5
Reliability	I've replaced the tuners with Keiths all around (excluding 5th). They were a little sticky and had some slop in them, rather surprising for a banjo less than a year old. The rest of the hardware is excellent.
Reliability Rating	7
Customer Service	No warranty on a used banjo. I'm sure Gibson would laugh at me if I tried to ask them for help. I wouldn't even bother.
Customer Service	5
Components	The tone ring in this one is excellent. The banjo is lighter than average. The neck is a different kind of semi-V, a little thick for my tastes but I've gotten used to it. As I said, the tuners were not satisfactory, although they're not cheap ones. The gold finish is quite outstanding.
Components Rating	7
Overall Comments	I bought it for the sound. It has some drawbacks, but it is probably as close to pre-war as you'll get on a newer instrument. Has all the usual Gibson fit and finish problems, but I figured it would going in. I have to say it isn't as easy to play as my Stelling, but it has that dry bark I was looking for. Monster tone makes it worthwhile.
Overall Rating	8

Gibson RB-250 submitted 9/24/2007
Submitter	ac5aa (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Heart of Texas Music (Austin)
Year Purchased	2007
Price Paid	historic exchange rates / currency converter
Sound	As a returning bluegrass player, I decided I'd jump right to the sound I've always liked instead of buying inexpensive, wishing I had better, and upgrading several times. I lucked out finding a new/old stock 2004 RB-250 at a local shop after trying banjos most of the day going shop to shop. This one blew me away when he brought it out. Sounded just like I remembered Earl's banjo sounding on all those recordings I'd listened to for years.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	Setup, as delivered, was a little buzzy, but then the shop owner had played with it a bit, and I think he sells mostly electric guitars. So, I can't tell if he set it up or it was that way from the factory. Adding a slight bit of neck relief solved the problem, and it has played great since. A few months ago I took it to FQMS for setup check and to have HO railroad ties installed for the 5th string - thanks to Tim (?) for the help and instruction. Outstanding folk at FQMS.
Setup Rating	9
Appearance	Sparse but tasteful inlays, very nice looking mahogany on both the neck and the resonator are all easy on the eyes. Nickel plate is fine, although it's a bear if you want to keep it shiny. I don't bother.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	So far, so good, but then I've only had it for eight months.
Reliability Rating	9
Customer Service	Twice I've tried to contact Gibson about incidental topics, and both times I was given the impression that they really don't care about their banjo customers. My dealer had a very low opinion of them after he was treated badly by them (but he had a lot of class in telling me that if GIbson didn't handle something I needed to bring it back to him and he'd see it got taken care of. So Gibson zero, Heart of Texas Music = 10!
Customer Service	not rated
Components	I'm not competent to answer this question. The tuners seem to work fine, have no backlash, and are smooth. Everything seems to fit together well, and, as noted above, sounds great, so I guess it's all good.
Components Rating	9
Overall Comments	While the prices on banjos seem to be a lot higher than I had expected (you can buy some extremely nice guitars in this price range), I'm very happy with the quality delivered and the sound that it provides. I love it, and would track down the thief if it were stolen. Compared to the other banjos I tried out the day I found it, this one was head and shoulders above them. I've been very pleased with this instrument.
Overall Rating	10

Gibson Earl Scruggs Signature '49 Classic submitted 9/12/2007
Submitter	wannabepicker (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	First Quality Music
Year Purchased	2007
Price Paid	2999 ($US)
Sound	This banjo has a crisp and LOUD bluegrass sound to it. I'd heard and had a chance to touch several banjos -- including those that were supposed to be "as good as a Gibson" but this banjo tops them all. Once I put a real bridge on it and played it a bit, it just got better sounding. I still have yet to hear another banjo that I think sounds better.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	I love the higher action setup by FQMS. I changed the bridge (see below) and have made no other changes.
Setup Rating	10
Appearance	Not everyone likes bowties but I think they're pretty cool. Banjo fit and finish is beautiful, makes you want to play it every chance you get.
Appearance Rating	9
Reliability	You can see and feel the quality of this instrument. I'll never be able to play up to its capabilities.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	First Quality can count on my loyal business. Jim Ball had several conversations with me about the banjo and made sure I was happy.
Customer Service	10
Components	The head is a nice Remo and I like the strings. My only criticism is to Gibson for putting a $5 bridge on this fine instrument. A $20 Snuffy Smith woke it up. The bridge that came on it make it sound like it was wrapped in towels. I'm editing this review due to having had the banjo for awhile now and it sounds better every week ... now using a Kat Eyz bridge.
Components Rating	8
Overall Comments	This was really more banjo than I could afford, but I do not regret the purchase at all. It has made me want to play more and is very easy to play and satisfying when you get something right. I'd buy it again, and at that price is a pretty cheap Gibson. It blows away everything I've ever had a chance to play. If it was stolen I'd cry and use the insurance to get another Gibson as close to it as I can find.
Overall Rating	10

Gibson RB-250 submitted 8/29/2007
Submitter	tmzelle (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	off the hangout
Year Purchased	2007
Price Paid	Don't Remember (bought USED) historic exchange rates / currency converter
Sound	this banjo suits my 3-finger style perfectly. It's a 2002 with a gibson stamped kulesh ring which gives it that pleasant gibson "knock" I was going for. This banjo sings like a bird, with lots extra power to spare.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	the action was a little higher than what I was used to. also, I have always prefered light guage strings, and this jo came strung with either medium or large guage strings. However, it sounds so great, I will gladly get used to the high action, and maybe even stick with heavier strings.
Setup Rating	10
Appearance	the mahogany and the inlays on this banjo are flawless. this banjo has a very rich redish tint to to finish, which I really like a lot. The RB250 inlay pattern is timeless. not to plain and not to gaudy, just perfect. The person I got this used gibson from must have either never played it or took really good care of it, because I could not find a defect if I tried.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	This banjo will absolutly outlive me, and I'm 24. I would absolutly gig this banjo without a backup. the tuners are butter smooth, and hold in tune very well. I would have do something really stupid to do any serious harm to this banjo, it is a tank!
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	second hand gibson, so no warrenty. I don't forsee any problems with this axe.
Customer Service	10
Components	all components are of high quality. I doubt I'll ever change a thing on this banjo.
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	I would wholeheartedly recommend this banjo. being a struggling college student, I spent the last four years picking on a 80's hohner. As you can imagine, stepping up to this gibson was a big change. The man I bought this this banjo from, got it at the gibson showroom at the factory in Nashville, and handpicked it's sound over a number of RB3's and RB4's. He did a good job, because I finally have the sound which I have been dreaming about for years.
Overall Rating	10

Gibson Earl Scruggs Standard submitted 8/4/2007
Submitter	banjotef (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Used
Year Purchased	2007
Price Paid	2500 ($US) (bought USED)
Sound	Fits Scruggs style well, of course, but also very clear on celtic and melodic styles. Great smooth tone and sustain. Intonation very true all the way up and down the neck. It keeps great sound and tone with a capo. The best feature is the separation of notes, has that little "tick' you hear with each strike of the string that the pros get. The volume allows you to play quieter without becoming muffled, and allows expression of the phrase. Perfect fifth intervals, such as the first and third strings, sound razor sharp! Also very sharp and penetrating when striking the first and fifth. Good growl on the fourth, and great pop and snap with pull-offs and hammer-ons!
Sound Rating	10
Setup	It had a little fret wear, was actually made in 2000. Also had a buzz on the third string on second and third frets. Took it to FQMS and they put a little bow in the neck, filed a few frets and adjusted the coordinator rods. It plays like a grand piano now! Flawless! I would like the strings a little lower, though.
Setup Rating	10
Appearance	Nice select curly maple on the neck and resonator, nice dark to medium red/brown color. The nickel polished out real well. The most striking feature is the colors in the mother-of-pearl hearts and flowers on the neck. The ebony fingerboard gives it a nice formal look, also is a great contrast to the inlays. Double-cut peghead gives it that great classic Gibson look. Has Earl's signature on the label inside the rim. The curly/flame figure on the resonator with the finish makes the grain look a mile deep!
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	The tuning pegs work great, also came with factory Keith D-tuners, but the third string tuner is missing the black knob. Trying to get in touch with Bill Keith to get a replacement. The D-tuners work best when the screws are finger-tight.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	The folks at FQMS were top-notch, as always! Very reasonable rate for the setup work, also bought a new strap and tuner while I was there.
Customer Service	10
Components	I really like the satin type finish on the nickel, as opposed to high gloss on a chrome finish. Tuning knobs look great, wonderful color on the neck and peghead inlays.
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	Got a great price on the banjo, the seller and I were both very agreeable. If this banjo was ever stolen, the guy better hope I never find him.
Overall Rating	10

Gibson RB Deluxe submitted 7/30/2007
Submitter	oagige (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Gibson Showcase
Year Purchased	2005
Price Paid	1995 ($US)
Sound	This is the RB with a full tone ring (maple neck and resonator) that Gibson started producing in 2005. Generally, this banjo lacks the richness of the RB4 or Granada but has a good "crack" to it after much experimentation with set-up. I think it has a better crack than a RB3. It has a fuller bottom end when tuned down to open D. With the REMO head, the bottom end in G tuning is definitely lacking richness.
Sound Rating	7
Setup	It appears to me that at the Gibson Showcase they just hang the banjos on the wall after manufacturing them. It was ABSOLUTELY NOT set up at the time of purchase, but it was the best sounding of the 5 RB Deluxes that i played and I picked from at the Showcase. All 5 of the RB's I tried out had small but very tall frets that were very uncomfortable to play! About 4 hours with a fret file took care of that problem. The Grover bridge had the string grooves improperly cut, and that REALLY killed the tone when this banjo was new. After filing out the grooves the tone improved a lot. This banjo responds well to typical set-up changes and sounds best with a VERY TIGHT 5-STAR head and a Scorpion Purple Ebony bridge.
Setup Rating	5
Appearance	As much as I think Gibson does not care about setting up their new banjos, I will say that the finish work is all top-notch. All inlay and finish work is worth the Gibson reputation! Just a ebony fingerboard with diamond inlays and the "flower pot" inaly on the peghead. Very tasteflly done.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	Definite Gibson quality on the hardware (except for the uncomfjortable frets) and the finish is excellent and beautiful. The nickel plating seems to be as beautiful and durable as any I have ever seen on any Gibson. I would definitely carry this on a trip as my only banjo, and expect it to last a lifetime with no problems.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	Lifetime warranty. I have done all of the set up work on this myself and will never send it back to the factory as I have heard from too many different individuals that it takes many months to get a banjo back from gibson after it is sent in for a repair.
Customer Service	not rated
Components	The frets from the factory are very uncomfortabe to play on - very tall and sharp edges. But, maybe that is one factor in this banjo being less expensive than any other new Gibson. Also, I honestly believe that Gibson does not put in the time fitting all of the parts together on this banjo like they do on the higher end banjos, as that is about the only reason I can come up with causing the lack of tone compared to a standard Scruggs, since this is supposed to be the same rim, tone ring and neck as used on a standard Scruggs. At some point in the future I plan on having a master luthier take the ring off the rim and refit them and the neck and I anticipate this thing sounding every bit as good as the standard Scruggs model. My component rating of 10 may seem inconsistent with what I just said, but the components are all top notch.
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	I would definitely recommend this for the price I paid even though new Gibsons are definitely overpriced, based on the prices of competing banjos, BUT, I still like the tone of any Gibson over any other banjo (Huber excepted, but they have the wrong name on them, and I still have not heard a Huber with the "crack" of a Gibson), especially as they age. The price I paid seemed a little bit high, especially since you can get a Gold Tone that sounds better, AS THEY BOTH COME FROM THE MANUFACTURER, for quite a bit less money. After some care and time spent in setting it up, this banjo is sounding better than the Gold Tone, and is really beginning to sound like a MASTERTONE, which it is NOT. At first I was disappointed, but now I really enjoy playing it. It's best feature seems to be the way it responds to basic setup procedures. It is also very comforatble to play AFTER FILING DOWN THE MILE HIGH FRETS! It plays as good as ANY banjo I have played in my 32 years of playing, and I expect it to only sound better as time goes by.
Overall Rating	8

Gibson J. D. Crowe Black Jack submitted 7/22/2007
Submitter	Bob Murphy (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Boulevard Music
Year Purchased	2007
Price Paid	3500 ($US)
Sound	The Blackjack has a great, traditional bluegrass sound. I'm not sure that I can add any insight into what has already been written about this model, only to say that if you have the opportunity, play one and judge for yourself.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	If this banjo didn't have the sound I was looking for, there is no way I would have bought it. The head tension was perfect, and the frets were properly dressed, but the L brackets were installed improperly and had to be replaced. The resonator was actually loose, and Gibson shipped it out that way! Shame on them. There were also several scratches in the gold finish, as well as places on the fingerboard that were scratched or had excess glue. The store where I purchased it is a new Gibson dealer, which is why I think I got such a good price on it, and the expert luthier Larry Brown, who works there, was able to fix the set up. By the way, this instrument was shipped from Nashville several days before I played it, so the problems noted were not due to having been sitting on the wall for a while.
Setup Rating	2
Appearance	As previously mentioned, several scratches on the gold finish are evident, as well as on the rosewood fingerboard, however you have to look hard to see them. My experience with Gibson products had been excellent before this. That being said, I really do like to gold finish juxtaposed with the mahagony wood. The finish on the neck and resonator is excellent.
Appearance Rating	7
Reliability	I expect this banjo to last a lifetime.
Reliability Rating	9
Customer Service	I have dealt with Gibson regarding other instruments, and have found them very reliable. I emailed Big Joe (who I have read is no longer there) with questions regarding maintaing the gold finish, and he responded very promptly.
Customer Service	9
Components	I suppose the standout component in this banjo is the Crowe tone ring. I will not be changing anything on it. I was very happy with the Snuffy bridge as well.
Components Rating	9
Overall Comments	As previously mentioned, I would hightly recommend trying this banjo, as the traditional bluegrass sound is there, but I would NOT buy one sight unseen. It has become my favorite instrument, and would absolutely replace it with another one if lost or stolen.
Overall Rating	8

Gibson 1991 RB 1 Reissue submitted 7/7/2007
Submitter	obxpix (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Individual
Year Purchased	2006
Price Paid	Don't Remember (bought USED) historic exchange rates / currency converter
Sound	Fantasitc...bright maple sound with a good growl on the 4th string....Just like and better than the ESS...
Sound Rating	9
Setup	I had FQMS cut the rim for a 1999 Kulesh ring from an ESS...Snuffy Smith head, Elite Z bridge, standard Presto Tailpiece...head tuned between G# and A....action fairly low...
Setup Rating	8
Appearance	Beautiful...curly maple neck with great figuring and flame...sunburst resonator...Bats and Gulls are unique and different...I love them..
Appearance Rating	9
Reliability	All quality Mastertone style components...
Reliability Rating	not rated
Customer Service	n/a
Customer Service	not rated
Components	Keith Tuners (all 4 installed)...work superbly....Mastertone block installed on the neck...original Mastertone sticker signed by Earl put on the rim...
Components Rating	9
Overall Comments	Fantastic banjo...I hope to keep it and never part with it!
Overall Rating	9

Gibson RB-250 submitted 7/1/2007
Submitter	newm (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Guitar Center South Dakota
Year Purchased	2007
Price Paid	$1400.00 ($US) (bought USED)
Sound	Great bluegrass sound, I play it into a Sennheiser mic. It produces a rich ,powerful and bright sound. This banjo is a huge improvement over previous instruments I have owned.
Sound Rating	9
Setup	The banjo came pretty well setup ( it's a 2003) but I had to tweak the bridge to get the intonation just right. Since I have only had the banjo for a couple of weeks I haven;t really done much with it.
Setup Rating	9
Appearance	These new RB250s are nice looking banjos despite the simplicity of the inlay. This one came stock except for a Snuffy Smith bridge which I think was an extra. The "dead bats and birds" inlay is a classic. The Gibson plant did a nice job of building this banjo, the inlay is clean and well fitted and the tone ring seats well on the rim.
Appearance Rating	9
Reliability	The nickel plating will probably be more duarble than the gold I have on my Morgan Monroe. The finish is low lustre but is well applied. I have already used this banjo for a gig without a backup and all was well.
Reliability Rating	9
Customer Service	Only dealing I have had with Gibson were regarding a baseball cap and that was handled courteously.
Customer Service	9
Components	The tone ring is remarkable but the tuners seem a little dodgy. Thanks to the previous owner for the Snuffy Smith bridge and the great National fingerpicks you left in the case.
Components Rating	9
Overall Comments	I think I got a great deal on this near new banjo (with Gibson case) I really love this instrument.
Overall Rating	9

Gibson Granada (Flying Eagle) submitted 6/21/2007
Submitter	BvilleDon (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Janet Davis Music
Year Purchased	2007
Price Paid	Don't Remember historic exchange rates / currency converter
Sound	Full bottom end without being tubby. This thing is a rocket up the neck! Bright with no tinniness. This banjo can really sing sweetly or tear you up! I went to JDMC and tried many different banjos and brands. I was wanting to get off as cheaply as possible. But after trying many other banjos , I knew I had my banjo as soon as I heard this one! It is more multidimensional than many clones; it can be as sweet or as piercing as you want!
Sound Rating	10
Setup	JDMC does a great job on their set ups. There were some things i didn't get done, but it had been a l;ong trip, I have trouble communicating when I am so tired (since my stroke), they were busy that day and would have practically had to read my mind. A very good set up overall.
Setup Rating	9
Appearance	This is a maple monster and is a wonderful instrument to behold. The gold is nice, but would not have paid for gold, if I could have gotten the sound I was after from anything else. Overall the visual aspect of the banjo is stunning. The FE can be a little over the top, but I just think of it as "bug splat" or "frog splat" and it brings it back down to the real world for me.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	One year plus, and the gold plating is holding up very well. No reliability issues with any of the parts!
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	JDMC is helpful in every way--before, during and after the sale The 10 rating is for her. I have not had to deal with Gibson
Customer Service	10
Components	All components top flight.
Components Rating	9
Overall Comments	I WOULD DEFINITELY GET ANOTHER ONE IF SOMETHING HAPPENED TO THIS ONE! i ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! I love the SOUND and the PLAYABILITY.
Overall Rating	10

Gibson RB-250 submitted 6/21/2007
Submitter	handy13 (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Venemon Music, Virginia
Year Purchased	1976
Price Paid	1100 ($US)
Sound	Recently replaced the tone ring with a Huber tone ring. Seemed to be a significant improvement! It was not bad in its original state but the Huber ring made it better.
Sound Rating	9
Setup	Action was fine. I have occasionally made adjustments. I noticed that when I eased the banjo into the resonator while it was ringing, the last 1/4 inch or so seemed to deaden the sound. I built some small wooden blocks that keep the resonator spaced about 1/4 inch from its original position. Helped a lot. This banjo absolutely stays in tune. Almost never have to adjust tuning while playing. (And yes, I have a good ear. Nearly as good as a tuner...) Adjusting the head tension is critical of course. See my web page: http://www.astroshow.com/banjo/banjohead.html
Setup Rating	9
Appearance	Three of the inlays were cracked when I bought it. Half of one is now missing. I need to get them replaced... However I bought it anyway because it had better sound than other RB-250s in the shop where I bought it. My skin is acid so the nickle finish on the arm rest was eaten through after a year or so playing outside in Virginia where the temperature was 85 and the humidity was 95! Have always been happy with this banjo though. Have been playing it for over 30 years now...
Appearance Rating	9
Reliability	After 30 years of play, the varnish on part of the neck is a little thin. Maybe worn away in places on the back side. Absolutely dependable banjo. I've never brought a backup banjo to a gig.
Reliability Rating	9
Customer Service	Never had occasion to need any service.
Customer Service	not rated
Components	Pretty solid all around.
Components Rating	9
Overall Comments	Highly recommend this banjo. Price was good for the high quality of this banjo. If somebody stole it, I would consider purchase of a Colt 45... :-) Absolutely love this banjo. Only thing I didn't know about when I bought it was "fingerboard relief" It didn't have any. Didn't get any buzzing but when I had it refretted, "fingerboard relief" was added. (When I bought it, I thought that an absolutely straight neck was what I should be looking for. Not so...)
Overall Rating	9

Gibson Granada submitted 6/19/2007
Submitter	Bill Schupe (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Banjo Hangout
Year Purchased	2007
Price Paid	Don't Remember (bought USED) historic exchange rates / currency converter
Sound	Great
Sound Rating	9
Setup
Setup Rating	not rated
Appearance
Appearance Rating	9
Reliability
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service
Customer Service	not rated
Components
Components Rating	not rated
Overall Comments
Overall Rating	not rated

Gibson RB-75 J.D. Crowe submitted 6/11/2007
Submitter	ronald trotta (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	First Quality
Year Purchased	2007
Price Paid	3295 ($US)
Sound	Great low end with plenty of clarity.Up the neck nice poping tone with that typical Gibson crack.
Sound Rating	not rated
Setup	Setup was O.K. but I did tighten the head ever so slightly and also raised the action a hair.
Setup Rating	10
Appearance	No Flaws of any kind finish is perfect as it should be on a high end instrument.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	If it lasts as long as some of the other Gibsons I own I probably wont be around and it will still be makin music somewhere
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	First Quality was great to deal with and I dont see any warranty issues that need to be addressed
Customer Service	not rated
Components	No service was necessary however I know Gibson will stand behind their product.
Components Rating	not rated
Overall Comments	Great sound for the money spent.I would purchase another.My favorite features are the sound the neck inlay and neck shape.
Overall Rating	10

Gibson RB-250 submitted 5/25/2007
Submitter	Bobw (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Guitar Centar
Year Purchased	2005
Price Paid	1600 ($US)
Sound	Excellent traditional bluegrass sound. Fast response, lots of volume but not at all brassy . Very crisp and clean.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	This banjo was missing two tuners and three strings. It was clearence priced. It had fallen and they had to order a new resonator. It sat in the back room for 6 months. I checked it out in the store and found all parts to be intact. Too good a price to pass up. Got full manufacturer's warranty.
Setup Rating	1
Appearance	It had one small ding on the back of the peg head from the fall. The finish and the red/mahogony stain are beautiful. The workmanship on the inlay is outstanding. A joy to look at.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	Built like a brick outhouse. It will last forever.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	My one phone call to Gibson was handled very professionaly.
Customer Service	10
Components	Not a big fan of the Presto tailpiece. I like more adjustability but it does it's job. The rest of the Components are top of the line.
Components Rating	9
Overall Comments	I would highly recomend the Gibson RB 250 to anyone looking to make that major purchase. You can't ask for more in a banjo.
Overall Rating	10

Gibson Earl Scruggs Standard submitted 5/10/2007
Submitter	JRicejt (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Janet Davis
Year Purchased	2001
Price Paid	Don't Remember historic exchange rates / currency converter
Sound	My experience with this banjo seems to be different than what most others have reported. I was dissapointed with the tone and volume when I got it new. I changed everything changeable - head, bridge, strings, tailpiece. Nothing helped. The sound was tubby and the volume was poor. Tone just wasn't there. The banjo stayed on the bus and I used it for a spare/backup only.
Sound Rating	5
Setup	Set up was fine when I got it, but I changed it all trying to improve it. As a last chance for this thing, I bought one of Huber's tone rings. The Gibson ring was on the rim way too tight. I sanded the rim for a smooth fit, installed the Huber tone ring with a 5 star head, Grover 5/8 bridge and a 35 year old Gibson Clamshell tailpiece. The change was incredible. The banjo came to life - loud, good lows, balanced highs, great tone. I tweaked the rods and got the neck angle right where I wanted it.
Setup Rating	8
Appearance	No flaws at all anywhere. The presto style tailpiece began to bend (thats why I replaced it with a sturdier old clamshell. The arm rest bracket cracked but Gibson sent me a new one to replace it. The figure on the maple neck is beautiful.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	The finish on the wood (neck and resonator) is in good shape. Although I take care to wipe it down, several years of summer festivals have taken their toll on the nickel plating. Its dull almost everywhere. I no longer use this banjo for a backup - it is my main instrument now. It replaced my old 29 TB3 conversion arch top. The hardware is excellent except for the tailpiece and armrest problem I mentioned.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	Janet Davis is great to work with and Gibson customer service has been excellent since the instrument in under warranty.
Customer Service	10
Components	I think the Gibson tone ring is a slug. The rim fit was too tight but I think the combination Huber ring and the sanded rim for a slightly looser fit on the rim was the right combination. It has a flathead roar now. I dont have issues with anything other than the armrest and Presto tailpiece.
Components Rating	6
Overall Comments	These are excellent banjos - some sound good right out of the box. Mine didn't but I fixed it and now I have an instrument I will put up against any flathead. If it were stolen, I'd buy another, put a Huber tone ring on it and go from there.
Overall Rating	9

Gibson J. D. Crowe Black Jack submitted 5/6/2007
Submitter	jbluemel (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	The Gibson Showcase
Year Purchased	2005
Price Paid	5000 ($US)
Sound	I went to Nashville looking for a new banjo. I played everything I could find. I went to Huber, I went to Gruhn, I went everywhere but I just coulnd't put this banjo down. It's the best sounding banjo I've played and that includes prewars. The tone and volume are consistent up and down the whole neck. The fidelity is amazing!
Sound Rating	9
Setup	The banjo was set up by Charlie Cushman at the factory. 'Nuf said.
Setup Rating	7
Appearance	I just love the way this banjo looks with the copper flash. It also has a really cool neck. I had them put a speed neck on it. It was the first Blackjack from the factory with a speed neck. What a difference!! I think people either love them or hate them. I think it's cool! It has a great looking neck.
Appearance Rating	8
Reliability	I bought the banjo new so I don't know about long-term reliability. The finish seems as good as any Gibson I've seen. It took about a year and a half for it to settle down and hold a tuning. It's great now.
Reliability Rating	7
Customer Service	The guys down at Gibson were very helpful. I was able to sit down with the guy who built my banjo and talk with him about what I wanted. They had to go back and put the speed neck on it. That took a little time so I was without it for about a month. Bummer!
Customer Service	7
Components	Since this banjo is basically an RB-75, you will notice that the hardware is lighter in weight. I think that's what makes this banjo so responsive. I'm not crazy about the tailpiece. That hinged cover is kind of a pain. It buzzed when it touched the strings so I put a piece of felt under it and now it's fine.
Components Rating	7
Overall Comments	I definitely recommend this banjo. As a new model, it takes some time for it to settle down. I think it's worth every penny I paid. If it were stolen? I'd cry. I've never played anything better. I talked with JD Crow at Supergrass 2006 and told him how happy I was with it and he signed my resonator for me. That's kinda cool!
Overall Rating	8

Gibson Earl Scruggs Signature '49 Classic submitted 4/30/2007
Submitter	flake (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Private Sale
Year Purchased	2005
Price Paid	2500 ($US) (bought USED)
Sound	I have always preferred the typical Gibson tone, and got what I pretty much expected. Being maple, it was extremely bright, but had a good bass and a nice, "sweet", almost "syrupy" midrange. Loud, but not the loudest banjo I have ever heard. Has good sustain. With the correct right hand, it can go from cutting to an almost Crowe sounding banjo.
Sound Rating	9
Setup	The head on this banjo was way too tight when I got it. The action was a little low for me, but no buzzes. Arthur Hatfield told me it's as good a heel cut and fit as he's seen. The ring fit was good in fair humidity, but a little tight when it got higher. It also seemed to have an almost "tone bell" cut to the rim from the factory, so a couple of 1000ths were removed to allow proper seating of the ring. This opened everything up full bore, and turned it into a real mic-cutter....tone is consistent and pure now. Went to a higher bridge (.656) without a heel refit necessary and use Black Diamond Lights and Keith Tuners on 2 & 3. Stock Presto set "about" 3/8" off the head, not contacting the hoop. Rods set at neutral.
Setup Rating	8
Appearance	This banjo is a 1991, made in October, the tenth in the series. It was made under Greg Rich's supervision, and even though I received it years after it left the factory, it had been in the hands of a collector. Thus it was in mint condition. It was flawless: choice of woods, fit, finish---nothing on the banjo had been handled by chance. It almost appeared as if it had been hand-walked through the shop. You couldn't have followed them around, procedure by procedure, and had them assemble it any more carefully. The label is hand signed both by Earl and Greg Rich.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	The hardware is excellent. The flange had developed a slight smiley towards the neck end, due to the high tension the head was under before I acquired the banjo. The finish is completely intact through two years of playing, one year in all kinds of weather at gigs indoors and out. First four frets have been replaced, with some noticeable wear to about 40% of the remaining frets. One tuner slipped once. I tightened the screw. I think I carried a backup one time.
Reliability Rating	9
Customer Service	Not Applicable
Customer Service	not rated
Components	The neck on this banjo is perfect. Whoever made it had magic fingers! Binding, inlay...the whole thing just sings! And the neck/heel cut was perfect. Whoever was supplying Gibson with their "Gibson" stamped Prestos wasn't making the most convincing tailpieces in the world.....my stock one is in a box, replaced by a heavier model from First Quality. A little disappointed in the flange going smiley, but it's a one-piece, and as I said, the banjo was under much too much tension when I got it.
Components Rating	9
Overall Comments	Recommend it for $2500? Yep....for $5000, too. If it was stolen, I would go looking for serial numbers 1 through 9, and pray that one of them was as well taken care of as this one. Yeah, I love it. It's not your typical H&Fs or FE banjo. Nor is it your typical Bow Tie. It really does approximate what Earl's banjo looked like for many years. And you don't see that many. McCoury played one for a while, though, I believe. I don't know if this was Greg Rich's idea or not, but if it was, it's one of the better ones he's had, as far as I'm concerned........mk
Overall Rating	9

Gibson RB-3 Standard submitted 4/26/2007
Submitter	Tomcat (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Strains of Music Waynesville NC
Year Purchased	2000
Price Paid	2100.oo ($US)
Sound	This was a great banjo. Had a very bright sound. Didn't have as much gut on the low end as the RB4 , but was dynomite up the neck.
Sound Rating	7
Setup	The banjo wasn't setup when it came so Marc Pruett done the setup on this one. I'm lucky to know Marc, because he can tweak a banjo like Carroll Shelby can an engine. He said this banjo actually noted truer up the neck than the Frank Neat custom that he's been playing for almost 30 years.
Setup Rating	10
Appearance	Looked great. The only thing was it didn't have the ring on the back of the resonator. I don't know if the factory ran short that day and just grabbed a 250 resonator off the shelf or what,but it sure didn't hurt the way it preformed.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	It was like any other Gibson I've owned. BACKUP!? We don't need no steenk'n backup!
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	N/A
Customer Service	not rated
Components	The flap on the tailpiece wants to rattle from time to time, but that seems to be common with this peice. No big deal.
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	Loved this banjo but it was just one of the many steps in the Gibson upgrade ladder that I'm trying to climbe to Granada greatness. HA!
Overall Rating	8

Gibson RB-250 submitted 4/25/2007
Submitter	Tomcat (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Hudbone
Year Purchased	1990
Price Paid	600.00 ($US) (bought USED)
Sound	This banjo was loaded with that classic Gibson pop. The banjo had been neglected by whoever Hudbone had bought it from but with very little tweaking it really came alive.
Sound Rating	8
Setup	The set up was pretty good when I got it. Hudbone had been working with it some and had it dialed in to suit him.
Setup Rating	8
Appearance	Like I said a previous owner had neglected it pretty much. Some scratches. Just had that been played to death look.
Appearance Rating	4
Reliability	The Gibson RB250 would out last a cockroache in a nuceliar war. Wether you are a beginner or experienced picker yu can't go wrong with the 250.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	Never had to deal with'm
Customer Service	not rated
Components	Everything top notch!
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	Great banjo at affordable price. If I was getting ready to upgrade from a middle of the road type banjo and didn't want to morgage my home,this is the banjo I'd check out first.
Overall Rating	10

Gibson RB-4 submitted 2/26/2007
Submitter	Tomcat (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Strains of music Waynesville NC
Year Purchased	2004
Price Paid	3100.00 ($US)
Sound	I love the sound of this banjo. It has a very guttsy stong tone with that distinctive gibson pop
Sound Rating	8
Setup	The banjo was pretty raw when it came. The action was perfect but the rest was a mess .I took the banjo to Marc pruett (formally of Ricky Scaggs and Kentucky Thunder) for the setup, we changed the Remo head for a 5star and tweaked it dangerously tight.This was befor the Snuffy Smith Generatin 3 bridge so I modified the bridge to what now matches the Gen3. Also Keith Dtuners
Setup Rating	10
Appearance	Beautiful banjo ,unreal walnut grain with flying eagle inlay flawless detail.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	It's the only banjo I have now with no worrys of dependability at all.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	The banjo was slow in coming due to a paper work era I was told.Ihave owned three different Gibsons 1965 RB250, 2000RB3,and theRB4 and never had to deal with customer service.
Customer Service	not rated
Components	I would like to see a better tail peice
Components Rating	8
Overall Comments	I highly recommend this banjo it's as good a banjo as you would ever need. I've played many others and are very impressed with Hubers and other banjos but not enough to merit a trade As this discontinued modle disapears from the stores I beleive in time it will become a much sought after banjo.
Overall Rating	8

Gibson J.D. Crowe RB-75 submitted 2/25/2007
Submitter	Majorbanjo (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	JDMC
Year Purchased	2002
Price Paid	2900 ($US)
Sound	Sounded great. It was a little tight and green at first, but with about 6 months of playing really opened up into a fine banjo..from video recording it sounds as good as any new banjo I've owned.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	Set up was good..the gibson frets were a little bigger than I was used to and had I kept the banjo any longer I would have had the frets dressed to tone them down a little, but the action was great in any position.
Setup Rating	9
Appearance	Perfect. Flying eagle inlay is one of my favorites and this was executed flawlessly..the concentric rings on the reso were perfect there were no finish flaws..the banjo was very well put together.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	Great...I had it for two years with no problems...
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	not evaluated.
Customer Service	10
Components	great
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	I don't know why folks give gibson a hard time..this was as fine a new banjo as I've owned.....I sold it to buy a Huber and sometimes wish I had it back....
Overall Rating	10

Gibson Gibson 30's Style 11 submitted 2/25/2007
Submitter	Majorbanjo (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Traded a Huber for It
Year Purchased	2004
Price Paid	Don't Remember historic exchange rates / currency converter
Sound	This banjo sounds better than any other banjo I've ever heard. I traded a Huber Kalamazoo for it and I wouldn't take $10,000 for this thing.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	Perfect the neck is an early 90's neat neck made out of walnut that it plays like a dream. The ring is a Huber triple gold and this thing is a Monster...
Setup Rating	10
Appearance	A lot of wear nice patina...arm wrest has the brass showing through it and it's just a gem....love it...best part is the smell...nothing smells like an old banjo....
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service
Customer Service	10
Components	Old and beautiful...lasted over 70 years...I'm sure they'll outlast me....The frank neat neck is a dream...
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	The best banjo hands down I own...if were stolen I'd go crazy buying and converting 11's or 1's until I found one that would match it...I've since aquired another style 11 that's almost as good as this one and certainly better than any new banjo I've ever played...these things are the bargain of the century in banjos...I'm just glad everyone doesn't know about them.....keep buying new banjos folks.....you'll never know what you're missing.....
Overall Rating	10

Gibson 60's RB-100 submitted 2/25/2007
Submitter	Majorbanjo (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Guitar and Banjo Shop Beaumont Texas
Year Purchased	2002
Price Paid	900 ($US)
Sound	This banjo is all original...meaning it still has it's brass tone hoop and has not been cut for a flathead tone ring. The banjo sounds so sweet the way it is I have no reason to mess with it...this is one great sounding banjo with plenty of volume. I've had folks here me play it and claim they had no idea that it didn't have a tone ring. I'm going to keep it this way.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	It's got light strings a grover bridge and a clear 5 star head just like it did when I bought it...I haven't changed a thing and in my opinion it doesn't need changing...there is significant fret wear from heavy playing but it still frets great....a previous owner has added a second coordinator rod and a sliding 5th string capo
Setup Rating	10
Appearance	looks great..understated with the sunburst resonator fly swatter peghead with dots inlay but I think it's beautiful
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	It's still working fine....must be reliable..40 something years old now...
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	not evaluated.
Customer Service	not rated
Components	great..still work...I even borrowed a tuner from the peghead when one went out in one of my newer banjos.....they all still work fine...
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	Great...Great....inexpensive banjo....you get a lot of banjo for the money with these old RB-100s....it sounds so great rigt now I cannot imagine how good it would sound with a full flathead tone ring...If it were stolen i'd get another one....I see them all the time...they're going for $1,000 or better now and I'm sure they'll continue to rise...
Overall Rating	10

Gibson Earl Scruggs Flint Hill Special submitted 2/15/2007
Submitter	TMarshall1 (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	FQMS
Year Purchased	2006
Price Paid	Don't Remember historic exchange rates / currency converter
Sound	Bright, crisp, LOUD (in a good way).
Sound Rating	8
Setup	Head was a tad loose, but I think they may ship them that way on purpose. Tailpiece was loose, a 2 minute fix.
Setup Rating	5
Appearance	Appearance Is AWESOME! what beautiful figured maple neck and resonator. It is almost 3-D in appearance. Just hold it under a bright light and move it slightly, it is gorgeous. Gold plating and hand engraving - super.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	Appears top notch. Almost too nice to take out "jamming".
Reliability Rating	8
Customer Service	N/A. FQMS are all "top notch" however.
Customer Service	not rated
Components	The only thing I would recommend would be a Snuffy bridge (or your favorite). It really enhanced the brightness.
Components Rating	7
Overall Comments	I received this banjo as a Christmas present from my wife. Do I love it? You Bet! Would I have bought it for myself? Probably not - just too darned nice for a rookie like me.
Overall Rating	9

Gibson Earl Scruggs Standard submitted 1/3/2007
Submitter	Toso (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Janet Davis Music
Year Purchased	2006
Price Paid	$3695 ($US)
Sound	I am learning about this banjo every day as it is my first quality banjo. The only thing I can say is that when this banjo is played along side other banjos, the sound just blows the other away. IT is deep and yet can be bright as well. The tone is very melodic and will crack when you want it too! I think it will only get better with age as it settles in.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	I spoke with Janet Davis and told her how I wanted the banjo set up. It arrived just perfect. My expert playing friends thought so as well.
Setup Rating	10
Appearance	Gorgeous! Beautiful fit and finisn. Wood is very pretty. THe neck and fret finish is excellent as well. No faults at all. It is a beautiful instrument all around.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	Seems perfect. Time will tell. I suspect, like all Gibson products that I own, this will not be a problem.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	No experience with Gibson as far as service because none ever needed. However, Janet Davis was excellent! She spent several days on the phone with me helping me to choose just the right instrument. I was nervous buying an instrument sight unseen over the internet. She was great and the instrument is perfect.
Customer Service	10
Components	No complaints. I really like the fretboard inlayand the neck binding.
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	Love it!. I would recommend it and I would buy it again to replace it.
Overall Rating	10

Gibson RB-250 submitted 12/22/2006
Submitter	banjo_sam (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	The Mandolin Shop
Year Purchased	2006
Price Paid	2022.00 ($US)
Sound	Great for traditional bluegrass
Sound Rating	9
Setup	Setup fair. It came with cheap fivestar tuners and the action was a bit high
Setup Rating	5
Appearance	Beautifuly Simple/
Appearance Rating	9
Reliability	Poor tuners, but other than that seems very reliable.
Reliability Rating	7
Customer Service	Never had to deal with Gibson
Customer Service	not rated
Components	Again, tuners need upgraded. WOnderful crisp clear sound.
Components Rating	7
Overall Comments	This is a very good entry level profesional grade banjo that I am very proud of.
Overall Rating	9

Gibson Retro 4 submitted 11/5/2006
Submitter	Mike Casey (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Fuller's Vintage Guitar
Year Purchased	2006
Price Paid	4900.00 ($US)
Sound	The banjo has a very bright tone in the treble range and the bass is full and rich, not pinched or mushy sounding. It has a definate walnut tone quality with the expected snap to the notes.
Sound Rating	9
Setup	The setup was perfect. Of course the head tension did need touching up as new heads will, but everything else was on the mark. I have the head tuned to an A or just shy of it. The action was 7/64" as advertised and there are no rattles or buzzes. The neck is fit so the third string tracks down the center of the neck (below the 5th fret) which I like to see in a banjo.
Setup Rating	10
Appearance	This is one fine looking banjo. The fiddle peghead shape and the Mastertone inlay below Gibson is really a great touch. The pehead finish is antiqued to give it a really beautiful effect. The binding is antiqued as well and it adds a great matchup to the walnut finish. The finish is flawless inside and out. The resonator has two concentric rings, but they are not the wood purfling style. The walnut in the resonator is figured but not what I would call burl walnut. It looks really nice with the antiqued concentric rings. The neck wood is really nice and mine has a some figure to the wood up by the fifth fret. The Chrome metal plating is very very flashy. It is well done and really stands out on the walnut. I think just about anyone would say this is a fine looking banjo.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	I'd owned the banjo 4 days and played it at one of our regular jobs on a Friday night. It was exceptional sounding over our PA and I was very happy with the way it stayed put. I didn't have any tuning problems as sometimes happens with new banjos. The banjo was absolutely perfect with and without the capo. There are no dead spots.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	The standard Gibson warranty applies.
Customer Service	10
Components	The neck on this banjo is absolutely perfect. It has the smaller fret wire and they are perfectly fit and shaped to play comfortably with the low action. The neck has a very comfortable feel to it and it feels a little smaller though I haven't actually compared it to my other banjos to be sure. Regardless, the neck is as good as any neck I've ever played. The neck to rim fit as mentioned above is superior. Whoever did it took care to get it right which I appreciate very much. The tone ring is what I believe to be the now standard Gibson issue as are the flange, stretcher band and Presto tailpiece. I did not take it apart to verify this, but it sounds much like it. The chrome plating is really well done and it really has that blue luster you expect from a good chrome plating job.
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	This is one fine new Gibson banjo and one I think Gibson will sell out of the 40 unit run pretty quickly. This is how a new banjo should be in every way: woods, fit, finish, sound and playabilty. In a word, it is a classy banjo and it sounds as good as it looks.
Overall Rating	10

Gibson 1927 TB-3 Arch Top conversion submitted 11/4/2006
Submitter	fireshark254 (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Gruins
Year Purchased	2006
Price Paid	5000.00 ($US) (bought USED)
Sound	Sounds great. It sounds like Ralph Stanleys banjo. A little weak on the low tones...but boy does it ring!! Not suited for playing lightly. Playing hard really drives out the sound from this arch top.
Sound Rating	8
Setup	Was set up when I got it. Banjo was reworked and set up by Robin Smith before I purchased it.
Setup Rating	10
Appearance	Looks just as a 80 year old Mastertone should. Has a little fade on finish. No cracks or dents.
Appearance Rating	9
Reliability	Works good. I use it everytime our group plays. I treat it like a fragile piece of china.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	My buddy Charlie Cushman hooked me up with this banjo. Charlie is the ONLY person I will allow to work on my banjos. A good friend and always there when I need him.
Customer Service	10
Components	100% original with exception of 5th string neck. I have the original TB-3 neck.
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	This banjo is priceless and rare. 1927 Arch Tops are hard to come by. This banjo is never left unattended. The best pre-war I have played. Probably the last mastertone I will buy.
Overall Rating	10

Gibson J. D. Crowe Black Jack submitted 10/30/2006
Submitter	banjo007 (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Banjo Hangout
Year Purchased	2006
Price Paid	3200 historic exchange rates / currency converter
Sound	Dry sweet sound. Powerful 4th string. My guitar player described it as the "perfect sound"
Sound Rating	10
Setup	Excellent. I changed the bridge but not because of the sound , I just wanted to hear how it sounded with another kind. This banjo was setup by janet davis
Setup Rating	9
Appearance	The pictures on Janet Davis doesn't do it justice. The gold plating is supposed to give it a vintage look and IT DOES. The banjo looks OLD. AWSOME LOOK
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	I'm worried about the gold plating lasting but only time will tell
Reliability Rating	8
Customer Service	???
Customer Service	not rated
Components
Components Rating	not rated
Overall Comments	If stolen I would replace with another
Overall Rating	10

Gibson Earl Scruggs Standard submitted 10/24/2006
Submitter	dtuner5 (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Brook Mays
Year Purchased	1997
Price Paid	3200 ($US)
Sound	This banjo has always had a bright and deep tone, if that makes sense. It wasn't as clear past the 15th fret as I would like, but a Charlie Cushman setup has made a world of difference. I didn't know it could sound this good.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	I added 2 spikes and d tuners since I bought it. I'm on my third bridge. The last bridge change was made by Charlie. The string height was what I wanted from the start. It's always been easy to play. Neck is comfortable.
Setup Rating	7
Appearance	Maple neck and resonator. Beautiful banjo.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	No reliability issues. I trust it.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	Never had any warranty issues. Never took it back to Gibson for anything. Don't know about the warranty length.
Customer Service	8
Components	Standard bridge was not great. I hear they are using better bridges from the factory now. Tuners are excellent. No other issues
Components Rating	8
Overall Comments	In 2006 I would recommend other banjos for the money. I have it insured for it's actual value and if stolen I would buy another brand before a new ESS. I do love it. I bought it because of Earl Scruggs and the Gibson name. There are so many more quality banjos being made now. I got a good one but I wouldn't buy a new Gibson now.
Overall Rating	9

Gibson RB-250 submitted 10/3/2006
Submitter	Banjokid22 (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Private Owner
Year Purchased	2005
Price Paid	Don't Remember (bought USED) historic exchange rates / currency converter
Sound	I like Mahogany but like Maple better. Its got a good bright sound to it! Very good for bluegrass!!
Sound Rating	9
Setup	Very badly set up!! It buzzed all the way up the neck. After I fixed it, it still was high.
Setup Rating	5
Appearance	Very good appearance! It did have some rust on it.
Appearance Rating	8
Reliability	All put together pretty good. I like it.
Reliability Rating	9
Customer Service	-------------?
Customer Service	5
Components	Not the best parts, but as I said it was put together good.
Components Rating	7
Overall Comments	I would advise it.
Overall Rating	8

Gibson Reno 4 submitted 5/15/2006
Submitter	Kelpie (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	from a friend
Year Purchased	2004
Price Paid	600 ($US) (bought USED)
Sound	ITs got a great solid bassy sound, just like i like. The sound keeps getting better and better every time i take it to get set up and every time i pick it up to play.
Sound Rating	9
Setup	no, it was is very poor shape when i got it. The action was unplayably high, someone had spilled beer on the head, all of the pegs stuck, and hte fifth string tuner was falling out of the neck every time i changed strings.
Setup Rating	4
Appearance	Its gorgeous. Finest in gibson craftmanship.
Appearance Rating	8
Reliability	It doesn't stay in tune that well, but the hardware is all in good shape now. I have no backup, so it is the instrument i play for gigs.
Reliability Rating	7
Customer Service	n/a
Customer Service	not rated
Components	The tonering has a great sound to it. The neck has a really easy feel. The inlays on the neck are gorgeous. All if the tuners had been replaced so i am not sure the state of the original tuning hardware.
Components Rating	7
Overall Comments	I love this banjo. I have only played one that i preferred in playability and sound and that was a 2500 dollar instrument. Obviously i got a killer deal on this banjo ($600) but i think this is an instrument that will last me many years.
Overall Rating	10

Gibson Earl Scruggs Standard submitted 4/13/2006
Submitter	Kenny Noble (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Fifth String Berkely California
Year Purchased	2006
Price Paid	3240 ($US)
Sound	Has a good sound once I tweeked it for several weeks. This is my first quality banjo, so I knew very little about set up. I only knew it did not ring like it should. I took the advice from other reviews and purchased a Straightline tailpiec, and a Snuffy Smith Bridge. Also, purchased a drum tuner and torque wrench, because I had no banjo playing friends and had no reference or advice about tightening the head. I took the advice from Janet Davis about the settting for the drum tuner which worked out the same for the torque wrench. (tightened to #12). Still not pleased I purched a banjo setup book from First Quality Music. The sound improved tremendously when I did two additonal things. First I ordered another Snuffy Smith at five-eighths height which made the string angle over the bridge toward the tailpiece at about 13 degree. Second, I loosened discovered a small gap between the neck heal and the head ring (hoop) I loosened the rods and slipped four peices of Post-it note in the gap and tightened the rods. Now I am very pleased with the sound. It rings very well and the intonation seems to be perfect.
Sound Rating	9
Setup	When I received the instrument the head tension bolts were finger loose. When I ordered it I asked about paying extra to get a proper set up but the clerk did not seem to understand what I meant. Even so, in all fairness, the price was fair for the instruments condition.
Setup Rating	1
Appearance	The best thing about this instrument is the neck binding and fret polishing. I have a couple quality guitars in the same price range (Taylor and Gretch) and the fret detail on this banjo is equal to the Taylor and much better than the Gretch. The weakest link in this instrument is the tuners. I plan on researching and purchasing tuners with a higher gear ratio. Sometimes they tuners are not sensitive enough. The neck grain is nice, the resonator back seems to be a different color stain than the resonator sides, but it is okay.
Appearance Rating	9
Reliability	The armrest needs a better system for tightening. The one bolt does not seem to get it tight enough to prevent it from slipping and rattling. I have already stripped one armrest bolt and ordered another. Perhaps I am just too picky. The tailpiece was definetly very "wimpy" but I changed it to a priceline and like it very much.
Reliability Rating	9
Customer Service	This was a new banjo, so I believe I will be satisfied with the warranty. The banjo has set in the store for over two years and has a few minor dings, but still the price reflects the conditon.
Customer Service	10
Components	Tailpiece for sure. Perhaps the tuning pegs could be improved. But overall it is a quality instrument.
Components Rating	9
Overall Comments	I like it very much, and have no desire to get another one. I believe that quality control is often reflected in appear--not sound alone. That is, if the instrument have visible defects, it probably is second rate in sound also. I hope to keep this the rest of my life, and I hope to live a long time.
Overall Rating	10

Gibson J. D. Crowe Black Jack submitted 3/11/2006
Submitter	banjoman0254 (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Janet Davis Music
Year Purchased	2004
Price Paid	5500 ($US)
Sound	One of the best sounding new banjos that I've ever heard. It had the pre-war tone right out of the box. It has a rich tone, but still cracks and is very responsive when needed.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	I had to set it up a little when I got it, but it still sounded incredible right out of the box. I switched to a Huber head and a Huber bridge. The Huber head gives it more of the growl that I look for in a banjo. I had to slightly lower the neck to improve the intonation.
Setup Rating	9
Appearance	To me, the satin gold is the most beautiful color of hardware on any banjo. Also, the yellowish color of the binding makes the banjo look older and more beautiful than any other new banjo.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	I believe that all the parts will last and hold up through many years of playing.
Reliability Rating	9
Customer Service	I've never had any problems with Janet.
Customer Service	9
Components	Everything about the banjo stands out because of its vintage appearance and tone.
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	I would recommend the Black Jack over any other new Gibson model. It would take an actual 1930's RB-75 for me to switch over.
Overall Rating	10

Gibson RB-250 submitted 2/28/2006
Submitter	existential_banjo (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Seymour, Indiana
Year Purchased	1973
Price Paid	$400 ($US) (bought USED)
Sound	The sound was dull and uninteresting. I didn't like it much and was glad to move on to a better instrument.
Sound Rating	3
Setup	Set up was OK, but I don't remember much detail. I tried to adjust the bridge a bit. It also had the 1st generation D-tuners that required 2 extra holes drilled into the head. I took those off. They were a nuisance.
Setup Rating	6
Appearance	This was a bare bones RB 250, bow- tie inlay, rectangular peg head Gibson banjo. It had a Cremona brown sunburst finish and a chip on the lacquer near the G-string tuner of the peg-head. I rememer a double inlay binding on the resonator. The chromed parts looked good.
Appearance Rating	7
Reliability	At least it was a durable instrument and never broke down. The tuners worked well. The 5th string tuner was not geared.
Reliability Rating	8
Customer Service	I bought it used, so there was no warranty. I didn't have much money, so I never had an experienced or skilled person try to bring it to life. Ignore the "5" rating, as there was no experience with the factory.
Customer Service	5
Components	Nothing stands out. It was entirely forgettable.
Components Rating	2
Overall Comments	Actually, the instrument was stolen. I received enough for my home-owner's insurance policy to replace it with a Fender Artist model that allegedly was played by Mike Lilly of Mike lilly and Wendy Miller fame. As noted above, it was a forgetable instrument, my first try for a quality instrument. I would have been interesting to hear it after a professional set up.
Overall Rating	2

Gibson Earl Scruggs Standard submitted 12/31/2005
Submitter	jdmatthew (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Private Individual
Year Purchased	2005
Price Paid	2800 ($US) (bought USED)
Sound	Loud, bright, tons of sustain. Notes are not as distinct as I like, but I solved the problem with a new bridge. Good bluegrass sound, sounds like a Gibson.
Sound Rating	8
Setup	Setup was good. I put on a new bridge and Fults tailpiece and it improved immediately. It was easy to make the changes. Head was correctly tensioned and bridge correctly placed. Neck was correctly adjusted.
Setup Rating	8
Appearance	It looks great. Hearts and flowers inlay, no flaws. Beautiful flamed maple. Very easy on the eyes. There is a gap between one side of the resonator and the neck that surprised me on a banjo of this price, but it doesn't effect the sound.
Appearance Rating	7
Reliability	Everything is solid and well made. I am disappointed with the finish, it gets gummy quite easily and I've found it reacts with the rubber padding on my tripod stand. It looks really good, but I have to polish it often to keep the neck slick for easy play.
Reliability Rating	6
Customer Service	Haven't dealt with them. Bought used so there is no warranty.
Customer Service	not rated
Components	The tuners are solid and excellent. The Presto tailpiece is adequate but I upgraded. The Grover bridge was too heavy to get the full tone from this banjo and I replaced it. The fretwire seems larger than those of my other banjos and I don't like it as well. Frets were somewhat rough, but none were high.
Components Rating	7
Overall Comments	For this price, it was a good deal. I couldn't have afforded a new one. If it was stolen I probably would buy another maple banjo, not necessarily this model. It is extremely easy to play, string action is good. I got what I though I'd get so I can't complain.
Overall Rating	8

Gibson RB-3 Standard submitted 12/15/2005
Submitter	Unknown
Where Purchased	Individual
Year Purchased	2003
Price Paid	Don't Remember historic exchange rates / currency converter
Sound	See customer service section below.
Sound Rating	not rated
Setup	See customer service section below.
Setup Rating	not rated
Appearance	See customer service section below.
Appearance Rating	not rated
Reliability	See customer service section below.
Reliability Rating	not rated
Customer Service	I invoked the warranty for my RB3 for tuners not seating properly and some glue left on the fretboard near the Mastertone block. Dropped the instrument off at Opry Mills after getting a return authorization number over the phone. The folks at Gibson were very friendly and most important of all, they fixed everything that needed fixing and gave me a free factory setup as well (I did not expect this!). The banjo was shipped to my house within two weeks of me delivering it to them.
Customer Service	9
Components	See customer service section above.
Components Rating	not rated
Overall Comments	See customer service section above.
Overall Rating	not rated

Gibson RB-3 Standard submitted 11/25/2005
Submitter	Unknown
Where Purchased	Individual
Year Purchased	2003
Price Paid	Don't Remember historic exchange rates / currency converter
Sound	Addendum to previous review in the "Gibson" section. See "components" section below.
Sound Rating	not rated
Setup	Addendum to previous review in the "Gibson" section. See "components" section below.
Setup Rating	not rated
Appearance	Addendum to previous review in the "Gibson" section. See "components" section below.
Appearance Rating	not rated
Reliability	Addendum to previous review in the "Gibson" section. See "components" section below.
Reliability Rating	not rated
Customer Service	Addendum to previous review in the "Gibson" section. See "components" section below.
Customer Service	not rated
Components	Just discovered at string change time that the 1st and 4th tuners were loose and wobbling. After tightening them I noticed that they dug into the finish on the peghead on the nut side of the shaft. After closer examination it is apparent that the holes for these two tuners are drilled such that the tuners must mount partially on the curved surface of the handstop. When tightened, the shafts are NOT perpendicular to the peghead top surface. Time to see if Gibson will honor their warranty with a repair or replacement.
Components Rating	not rated
Overall Comments	Addendum to previous review in the "Gibson" section. See "components" section below.
Overall Rating	not rated

Gibson 1934 Gibson TB-1 Conversion submitted 11/5/2005
Submitter	Tom Rutledge (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	From previous owner
Year Purchased	2005
Price Paid	3700.00 ($US) (bought USED)
Sound	This banjo is a very clean '34 TB-1. I had Robin Smith build a mahogany neck in hearts & flowers and match the stain. He did an expert job fitting the neck to the pot. It had a TN 20 tonering in it from it's previous owner, though the label is uncut. The mahogany neck with the TN-20 ring is a cool combination. It has a very powerful 4th string but has a sweeter, less strident quality than the same ring in a maple banjo. The response from the 5th fret to the 17th fret is great. It has plenty of power in the open position as well. These old rims really have something special in them. This is my first pre-war Gibson and I can start to see the attraction. I have played quite a few in the past, but this is the first one I have "lived" with. I suspect almost any tonering would sound good in this old rim with a good set-up.
Sound Rating	9
Setup	Robin set the banjo up just as I asked him to....with a medium action. The head was at about a G#. I pulled it up to an "almost A" to see how it would sound and as I have noticed in the past, it brought out the power of the 4th string with this kind of ring. The fret work is great as is the neck profile. I had Robin match the profile of one of my favorite necks.
Setup Rating	10
Appearance	Robin did a fine job matching the neck to the reso color and the inlays and finish quality is fine. He matched the yellowed binding as well.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	Well the hardware on this old banjo is all original (except it has a 30's Presto tailpeice)...so it has lasted since 1934. I expect it to last another 70 years. ;-)
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	Not applicable
Customer Service	not rated
Components	I would definately upgrade the tailpeice from the original. If you can find an old presto and have it punched it works great. The original tuning machines on these TB-1's were of poor quality, so I got a modern replica set that is more relieable. The previous owner had a TN-20 in it...it sounds great.
Components Rating	8
Overall Comments	I would highly recommend that you consider getting one of these older conversions. They are affordable and they produce a wonderful banjo.
Overall Rating	10

Gibson RB-3 Standard submitted 11/5/2005
Submitter	Unknown
Where Purchased	Individual
Year Purchased	2003
Price Paid	2350 ($US)
Sound	Excellent bottom end, volume is adequate but not extremely loud. Sounds the best with head at an F or just a little higher, which makes for a slightly lower action with a 5/8" bridge. My 1972 RB250 sounded better overall, but it had less on the bottom end and sounded best with a 5-Star head, in fact, I could not get several Weatherking heads to even fit the 250. The RB3 still sounds a little green, almost like the sound is buried somewhere deep in the banjo. Maybe in a few years.....
Sound Rating	8
Setup	Setup well. Action a little low since the head was a little on the loose side. After playing with the setup, the banjo sounds the best to me with the head tightened to an "F" or a little higher.
Setup Rating	9
Appearance	Finish in excellent condition. Glue left on fretboard on two frets near the "Mastertone" block. Resonator does not appear perfectly "round" to match the flange. Inlays obviously machine cut like they grew in the wood on the tree.
Appearance Rating	9
Reliability	Hardware excellent, finish seems fine except some flaking on the rim. The banjo is very reliable and easy to play.
Reliability Rating	8
Customer Service	Gibson lifetime warranty was still in effect so I filled out the card and sent it in. There was no verification from the factory that the warranty was ever recorded, but I feel certain the Gibson would cover any problems that the banjo might have, especially if I appear in person to make a claim like I have in the past. Greg Rich invited me back to observe the repair in progress (several years ago.)
Customer Service	9
Components	V2 tuners are excellent. Presto comes standard with the banjo. I noticed that the casting of the Kulesh tonering was not complete as some metal is missing from the tone ring, but not enough to make a difference in the sound. It looks like someone used a centerpunch on the slanted surface of the tone ring or something was dropped on it at the factory. RK with crown logo on the bottom of the tone ring, Gibson logo on the top.
Components Rating	7
Overall Comments	Being a Gibson you pay top dollar. If the banjo were stolen I would collect the cash and buy a cheaper banjo.
Overall Rating	8

Gibson RB-250 submitted 9/22/2005
Submitter	Unknown
Where Purchased	Jack's Music, Conway, AR
Year Purchased	2005
Price Paid	2000 ($US)
Sound	This is a more traditional Bluegrass sound than the other banjos I own. It has a nice fat bottom end but cuts through nicely. I really like the "snap" that it has.
Sound Rating	9
Setup	The banjo was a total screw-up when I found it. The poor boy at the music store had fiddled with it so much that it sounded like a $250.00 Indonesian banjo. There were $600.00 Alvarezes and Gold Tones that sounded better. I talked the owner (who has known me a while) into letting me take it home at set it up properly. After a couple of hours, this became an awesome banjo and I had to buy it.
Setup Rating	9
Appearance	Nothing fancy. Understated. I was a little disapointed that the finish wasn't richer looking (glossy). It looked like it could have used a few more coats. I guess I was used to the depth of finish on the Deerings. But then, I rationalized it by telling myself, "it's good for the sound." The inlays, although simple, are VERY nicely laid in with no filler. I was impressed with that. I have grown to really like it's simplicity.
Appearance Rating	8
Reliability	It looks like the workhorse it has been for the past forty years. The Gibson Mastertone RB-250 is proven.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	No dealings with Gibson, yet.
Customer Service	not rated
Components	I really like the feel of the tuners and I like the looks of the rim. I think the rim is a big part of that traditional sound. All of the hardware is top of the line. I hate tailpiece covers. They rattle and annoy me an I generally get rid of them. This one, however, has a stiffer hinge and it stays put...I'm leaving it on for now.
Components Rating	9
Overall Comments	If I could have just one banjo for around two thousand dollars, this would be the one. It's kinda nice to look "traditional" when you show up at a jam, too. I really like this banjo.
Overall Rating	9

Gibson 1990 RB-3 Reno Custom submitted 8/26/2005
Submitter	TB-2 (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Poky's Music
Year Purchased	2005
Price Paid	2200 ($US) (bought USED)
Sound	Great sound! Very loud! Very nice pop up the neck. Kulesh tone ring sounds fine.
Sound Rating	9
Setup	Bought used. Changed head to Remo high crown top-frosted, bridge to Snuffy Smith I, 11/16". Set Presto all the way down touching the tension hoop and the head fairly tight. Plays and sounds fine. Came with spikes at 7,8,9,10 & 12.
Setup Rating	7
Appearance	Very nice mahogany and finish. My favorite inlay combination, leaves and bows peghead with flying eagle fingerboard. The rosewood fingerboard has some figure to it. Beautifully made Greg Rich-era instrument.
Appearance Rating	9
Reliability	Still seems to be in good shape after 15 years. Some minor dings and wear to the plating. The fifth string tuner is a little worn.
Reliability Rating	9
Customer Service	Stover Mayhew at Poky's Music was a pleasure to deal with. I got a great sounding and playing banjo at a fair price. Gibson's guarantee was only for five years at the time this was made, now long expired.
Customer Service	9
Components	Very nice components, nice wood. Tone ring matched to rim.
Components Rating	9
Overall Comments	I played one of these at McCabe's back when they were new and have always wished I bought it. Anyone looking for a quality banjo should consider a Gibson from this era. I feel like I got a great instrument at an affordable price, and one that will likely hold its value. I'm really happy with it.
Overall Rating	9

Gibson RB-3 Standard submitted 7/11/2005
Submitter	Unknown
Where Purchased	France
Year Purchased	2005
Price Paid	€€€€€ (Euros) historic exchange rates / currency converter
Sound	Sound is very clean, very warm and round. It has THE sound I was looking for. It's neat from nut to up-the neck, very powerful.
Sound Rating	9
Setup	The set-up was not really perfect. I had to tighten the head and dimish the action. Put a new lower Bridge.
Setup Rating	7
Appearance	It appears as beautiful as any other Gibson banjos. I like the odor very much, very pleasant; The Tsandard Inlays are good enough to make it a good looking banjo. Just one thing there was some tarnished metal parts. they'll clean very well with semichrome or stuff like that
Appearance Rating	9
Reliability	Looks solid. I'll use it at every jam session I'll be. I keep my imported banjo for travels and rough condition of living.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	I purchsed it in France. And everyone (except me) knows about the differece between Gibson Lifetime Warranty on an instrument purchsed in the US and one purchased in an other country. Still don't know where to send the papers. I emailed Gibson Europe twice now and no reply. So untill now customer service is not available for my banjo, even if Big Joe was very nice.
Customer Service	2
Components
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	I recommand the RB3, for sound quality first. That's one of the best banjos I've played.
Overall Rating	10

Gibson J.D. Crowe RB-75 submitted 6/19/2005
Submitter	Unknown
Where Purchased	Morrell Music Kingsport Tn
Year Purchased	1999
Price Paid	2400.00 ($US)
Sound	When I found this one I knew it had a little something special despite the inferior setup. Notes were surprisingly clean up the neck with a nice bottom end to boot!
Sound Rating	8
Setup	Definately needed attention when I bought it. Basically all I had to do was lower string action a bit, tighten the head and replace the bridge with one of Snuffy's style 2 bridges at the time. I recently changed to the style 3 bridge which made a world of difference as far as "punch" goes
Setup Rating	3
Appearance	Mahogany finish was pleasing to my eyes. Nothing to complain about in that department!
Appearance Rating	9
Reliability	I switched from my older Granada to the "75" after I got it where I wanted it. With a minimum of care this should last a person a lifetime! Use it all the time without a backup!
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service
Customer Service	not rated
Components	Nothing abnormal at all.. Setup just not to my standard at first which is not all all out of reason
Components Rating	8
Overall Comments	This one is real close to my"perfect" instrument..The one everybody dreams about. Stacks up well compared to most all II have owned and played.
Overall Rating	9

Gibson J.D. Crowe RB-75 submitted 6/13/2005
Submitter	jpwatts (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Private Seller
Year Purchased	2005
Price Paid	2000 ($US) (bought USED)
Sound	This is a great sounding banjo. Excellent low end and rings like a bell all the way up the neck
Sound Rating	9
Setup	Banjo needed a bridge so I put an Emerson Vintage Tone on it - great sound
Setup Rating	9
Appearance	Nice mahogony, Flying Eagle inlay, as usual great Gibson eye appeal
Appearance Rating	9
Reliability	Banjo is solid and fit is great - Will last a lifetime
Reliability Rating	9
Customer Service	N/A
Customer Service	not rated
Components	I may put a Fults tailpiece on it to see if the sound can be enhanced a bit and of course the Emerson bridge.
Components Rating	9
Overall Comments	The only banjo I've played and liked more is a 1935 RB-3. I will play this Banjo for a very long time.
Overall Rating	9

Gibson Mastertone RB-800 submitted 5/29/2005
Submitter	Unknown
Where Purchased	Personal sale from a friend
Year Purchased	2005
Price Paid	1800 ($US) (bought USED)
Sound	Nice full sound but not comparable to my Silver Bell. Put in Fishman pick up to do chord melody with. Helped a lot but i need the one with the pre-amp built in, instead of an external one.
Sound Rating	9
Setup	Action set great, only thing I did was add a pickup, and a Farquar bridge. THAT (the bridge I mean) made all the difference in the world.
Setup Rating	10
Appearance	Well the resonator is all hand carved into an American Eagle holding arrows with wings spread. Everywhere there is space it's carved very well and always complemented on the looks. The model ( I was told) is an 850, and as such it's all gold plated, and in fantastic shape.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	I clean the hardware everytime I change strings and the only thing that show's any loss of gold plating is the pick keeper. But that's not origional equipment. Everything else looks like it just came out of the factory.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	Gibson is the worse at telling you about anything made before yesterday or the day before. I got NO history on this and NO help from them at all.. What a shame for a company that made some of the best guitars, mandolins, and banjos to become so uncaring..
Customer Service	2
Components	Everything on this banjo stands out. Except. as stated above, the pick keeper,
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	Would I recoment this, yes. If it was stolen, I'd feel bad but not as bad as if my Silver Bell Montana was ripped. Favorite feature is the two compensator rods thru the pot. Easier to hang a pick up on. I guess I shouldn't compare it to my Montana Special as they were built totally different. One by man one by computer. The Silver bell sings like an angel the Gibson plays in tune with nice tone all the way to the pot.
Overall Rating	8

Gibson Earl Scruggs Standard submitted 5/20/2005
Submitter	Unknown
Where Purchased	Fretted Instrument Workshop
Year Purchased	2005
Price Paid	2,795.00 ($US) (bought USED)
Sound	The sound and tone of this banjo is excellent! It has great projection and rings like a bell up the neck. I could sincerely hear the difference in sound as compared to the higher end competition from other banjo makers.
Sound Rating	8
Setup	The setup was fine. The owner, Tony knows banjos.
Setup Rating	10
Appearance	This is another aspect that truly justifies spending a bit more for a Gibson. I sold a beautiful Gibson Les Paul Artisan in order to help purchase this banjo. In both cases the woods used, as well as the "Hearts and Flowers" inlays and the staining and finishing of the instruments is worth the money spent.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	All aspects of this instrument prove to be of great quality and dependability.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	I've dealt with Gibson regarding a question I had about a neck reset that needed to be done on a ES-175. They were very quick, helpul and friendly.
Customer Service	10
Components	Components that stand out on the Earl Scruggs Standard are the headstock inlays, the "Hearts and Flowers" inlays, the tone ring, and the beauty of the resonator. There are no cheap parts such as the tuners or tailpiece that would need to be upgraded.
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	I would recommend this banjo for the price paid! They look great, they sound great and Gibsons have a strong tendency to appreciate in value quite a bit like my Les Paul Artisan did. I sincerely would have purchased a Deering Golden Era or a similar quality instrument built by another company. When I compared all the essential components that go into this sort of investment the Gibson Earl Scruggs Standard came out on top.
Overall Rating	10

Gibson RB-3 Standard submitted 12/23/2004
Submitter	kris_rasnake (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Morrell Music, Bristol,TN
Year Purchased	1999
Price Paid	2,000 ($US)
Sound	Excellent tone and volume, powerful from nut to 22th. I have done a lot of work to get this banjo to the point it is at though.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	Remo head tuned to G or G#, depending on how often I keep the setup work done. 3/4 snuffy smith bridge, I had the neck cut this height. I also had a bone nut cut to the height I like for this banjo.
Setup Rating	10
Appearance	Very nice appearance. Nothing special about the looks of this banjo othen than a personalized pearl truss rod cover.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	This has been the only banjo I've played since I purchased it, but once again I've changed a lot on the banjo since it was purchased.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	I haven't had any contact with the store i purchased the banjo from or from Gibson. Clancy Mullins, from Boone's Creek TN, does all my banjo work and i highly recommend his work and his custom banjos.
Customer Service	10
Components	When purchased the banjo came with standard tuners, a 5/8 grover bridge for which the neck was cut for at the factory, and the standard gibson/ kulosh (spelling??) tone ring. I have installed a set of keith/scruggs tuners, had the neck recut to support the bigger 3/4 bridge, and had a huber tone ring installed. The huber ring luckly fit perfect to the rim as was. So with that all said, I feel like this banjo will hold it's own. I must alos say the factory frets sucked, they didn't even make it threw one festival season before i had to replace them.
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	When I purchased the banjo, it was sitting in the store with a big sign on it that said, "Gibson RB-250 $1,998.00." I immediately knew it was a RB-3 from the appearance. Although I wasn't impressed with the sound it had at the store, the potential was there. I had the store owner print me a reciept for the banjo that day so if they happened to figure out they had priced it wrong I would still be able to get it at the cheaper price. After making the chances I wanted to the banjo, I think it is one of the best banjo I've ever played. I don't want anyone to think i'm dogging the Gibson parts, they are top quality material, but they were just not what I was looking for in the tone department. I love this banjo!
Overall Rating	10

Gibson N/A submitted 11/23/2004
Submitter	Unknown
Where Purchased	private party
Year Purchased	2004
Price Paid	800 ($US) (bought USED)
Sound	The sound is terrific. The tone and sustain are excellent.This does not have the volume of my Nechville, but it sure beats the heck out of the Gold Tone 5 String I sent back!
Sound Rating	10
Setup	This intrument was 10 years old when I bought it, however, after adding new strings, it sounds great. It has the orginal frets with no visable wear , so I think the original owner, who sold it to me, was accurate in stating it has little use. Hence, from what I can tell it was set up very well, and time has not hurt the sound.
Setup Rating	10
Appearance	This is a cool instrument visually , you can veiw one exactly like it at: http://www.gibson.com/products/dobro/1996/5-string/ this is a standard model, they were also available in mahogany. THis unit is ok looking, but it is not a fine piece of work like some intruments. People thus far have decribed it as "cute" and "cool".It just was not made that way when new. THe resonator cover is really cool with it's stars and moon design. some of the chrome is flaking off if it and I thing that is from a manufaturing shortcoming.
Appearance Rating	8
Reliability	It appears to me there is less to go wrong with this than a traditional 5 string banjo.
Reliability Rating	9
Customer Service	I did email Gibson about a replacement cover. and ask them about string guages. They said they did not have parts as the unit was no longer in production. they gave me a contact to maybe have one made. ( I would have it replated first) they did not answer my question about the string guages.
Customer Service	7
Components	It is so light that it tends to feel frail to me, but I think it is well made. Nice quality tuners.
Components Rating	9
Overall Comments	This does not play or sound like a traditional 5 string banjo. I like the sound of it very much. I would recomend one of these over a Gold Tone to anyone who can find one. They are well worth at least twice the money in my mind. If this was stolen I would be very sad as I do not think finding another one would be very easy. My favorite feature is the sound. very pretty. It is an easy player too. Even easier than my Deering Goodtime. I am used to a Nechville with a radiused neck and a slightly wider string spacing, but this thing is very easy to play. low action. ( the nut was lower to allow for easy fretting, but it is still high enough for a bottle neck slide) If you want to play something different, try one of these out if you can find one in a used intstrument shop. I wish someone would make a quality 5 string dobro again.
Overall Rating	10

Gibson RB-3 Wreath submitted 11/2/2004
Submitter	Tom Rutledge (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Curtis McPeake
Year Purchased	2004
Price Paid	2200.00 ($US) (bought USED)
Sound	This is a banjo from Gibson's Greg Rich era. It was built in 1989. It sounds really good. I don't think it was played much, so I am waiting to see how it will be when played in....but I really like the sound. After I bought it, I compared it to a late-30's flathead RB-75 and I was surprised how well it sounded. The owner of the pre-war said he thought that it gave his banjo a run for it's money...well I don't know about that :-) It sounds pretty fine, though.
Sound Rating	9
Setup	Set-up was great...I believe Curtis did a little tweaking to it.
Setup Rating	10
Appearance	Banjo looks great...near mint
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	This banjo is 15 years old...and it is doing great...I expect it to hold up very well over the next 20 years.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	I bought this from Curtis McPeake...I trust his service after the sale. :-)
Customer Service	10
Components	I love the neck profile...slightly different than current Gibsons.
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	Yes, I would recommend any of the Gibsons from this era ('88-'94)
Overall Rating	10

Gibson J.D. Crowe RB-75 submitted 11/2/2004
Submitter	Stevespickn (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Mountain View Music
Year Purchased	2004
Price Paid	xxxx ($US)
Sound	The sound is what I was looking for. It has great tone, a dry big note, with enough volume that the notes do not over ride each other.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	I am used to standard spacing of the bridge, so I changed to a Sosbee bridge from the Crowe soacing. I had to tighten the screws in the tuners. I did go with medium strings, 10-12-14-22.
Setup Rating	10
Appearance	I love the old look. I think that is one thing that sets it apart from other Gibsons, also other brands.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	I have never had any failures with Gibson products, do not expect any this time.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	Not used any yet.
Customer Service	9
Components	It has to be the Crowe Tone Ring.
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	I have insurance on it. I'd get another ASAP.
Overall Rating	10

Gibson Earl Scruggs Standard submitted 10/20/2004
Submitter	picker3 (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Curtis McPeake/ 1984 Model
Year Purchased	2004
Price Paid	2200 ($US) (bought USED)
Sound	Perfect Scruggs sound. Deep bass with great sustain and true Scruggs sound up the neck. Rings like a bell on all 22 frets.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	Action was low and did not need adjusting.Changed to Scruggs light ga. strings and standard 5/8" Snuffy Smith bridge.This was all the changes needed.
Setup Rating	9
Appearance	Had to clean hardware but Finish was excellent without nicks or damage. Fingerboard has slight wear on the 2nd fret of the 3rd string but nothing to worry about being that Ebony has a long wear life and it does not affect play.
Appearance Rating	9
Reliability	All high quailty parts,should last without any failures. I have owned a '77 Gibson RB250 for a number of years and it was hard to part with due to the quailty construction and sound .
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	Have not needed
Customer Service	not rated
Components	Presto Tailpiece seems light but all Gibsons use them so they must be tried and true.
Components Rating	9
Overall Comments	A very high quailty instrument that will last for years and has outstanding sound and playability
Overall Rating	10

Gibson J.D. Crowe RB-75 submitted 9/1/2004
Submitter	machinist (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Fullers Vintage, Houston, TX
Year Purchased	2004
Price Paid	A Lot ($US)
Sound	This thing cracks with that deep tubby sound, very loud.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	Action is a little high but that is no problem. everything else is the way i like it.
Setup Rating	10
Appearance	It is a very nice looking banjo, I like the looks of the scruggs better but the sound of this thing had me.
Appearance Rating	8
Reliability	don't know yet
Reliability Rating	not rated
Customer Service	Perfect, with Fullers. Have not had to talk to gibso
Customer Service	10
Components	Class A
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	I can't say enough about the sound of this banjo. I am a new player and it was hard to pay this much for a banjo but its worth it. I would do it again.
Overall Rating	not rated

Gibson Earl Scruggs Signature '49 Classic submitted 8/21/2004
Submitter	helichuck (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Bought it from an individual
Year Purchased	2004
Price Paid	2700 ($US) (bought USED)
Sound	This Banjo sounds great. IT has a stock kulesh tone ring in it, and it really cracks. I has a nice deep tone. My wife came in tonite and said she could not believe how nice it sounded!! I recently visited Earl Scruggs, and he said it sounded "real good" That's enuf for me!
Sound Rating	10
Setup	The banjo was set up nice when I got it, but I went to my teacher and we loosened the head just a bit and raised the tailpice a little( it was resting on the head) Both resulted in a nicer deeper tone.
Setup Rating	7
Appearance	Like new, beautiful Curly Maple neck and resonator. Bow tie inlays on the rosewood finger board. Also has spikes at the 7th and 9th frets. The Label is signed by Earl Scruggs
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	It is nickel plated stock Gibson, I suppose it will tarnish eventually.
Reliability Rating	8
Customer Service
Customer Service	not rated
Components	The Curly Maple neck and resonator really match nicely! The Banjo also has a Snuffy Smith bridge
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	I would highly recommend a banjo like this to anyone. I thought I was going to have to whip my teacher to get it back. HA
Overall Rating	10

Gibson RB-4 submitted 8/11/2004
Submitter	Yohan014 (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Italmelodie
Year Purchased	2004
Price Paid	5240$ (can) historic exchange rates / currency converter
Sound	Each banjo is 'unique', and this one have really his own personnality! I never heard a banjo sound like this!! This banjo have a very special sound, rich with a lot of bass . A wonderful sound that i like a lot!!Perfect for any style of music.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	The setup was good. The action is low, but i will get use to it. I simply had to tune the banjo.
Setup Rating	10
Appearance	This banjo in walnut is wonderful. The flying eagle inlay is great. No flaws anywhere.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	My new RB-4 seams very well built!! The finish, the tuning pegs, and all the other parts seams reliable. This banjo will last!! I think i can depend on it.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	I never contact Gibson, but i think they offer a good warranty.
Customer Service	9
Components	My new RB-4 is a banjo with a walnut neck and a burled walnut resonator, he have a rosewood fingerboard and the Flying pattern inlaid in mother of pearl. My Gibson banjo is nickel plated. All the pieces are quality pieces, there is no weak or cheap parts.
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	I recommand this banjo without hesitation. This musical instrument was well worth the $ i paid. This RB-4 have a 'Unique' sound and i love it a lot!!! The sound and the action of this banjo are very different compare to my Washburn B-16 (A maple banjo). The sound of my Washburn was more bright and the action was more high compare to my RB-4. I love the Washburn, but the RB-4 is my favorite........
Overall Rating	10

Gibson Granada submitted 8/10/2004
Submitter	ManyaManya (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Gibson Showcase
Year Purchased	2002
Price Paid	Don't Remember historic exchange rates / currency converter
Sound	Excellent, classic Granada. Check carefully before buying a Gibon (or any banjo) because I've played several new Granadas that are not up to speed. I did decide to use a Price tailpiece to remove some overtones, but the overtones did fade over time and returned to the original.
Sound Rating	8
Setup	Set up at the Showcase in Nashville - very nice - great guys!
Setup Rating	10
Appearance	Perfect - the Flying Eagle looked great, as did the gold.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	Looked good to me.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	The folks at Gibson are fantastic! Very responsive.
Customer Service	10
Components	Very nice all around.
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	Excellent banjo, if you're looking for a real showpiece. I purchased a Huber and sold this banjo. I don't have any regrets. I would certainly concider another Granada at another time, great instruments.
Overall Rating	9

Gibson J. D. Crowe Black Jack submitted 7/25/2004
Submitter	raypicks5 (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Fret Mill Music, Roanoke, VA
Year Purchased	2004
Price Paid	3250.00 ($US)
Sound	Wonderful dry/hollow sound much like J.D.'s RB-75, all the way from the open 4th string to the 22nd fret on the 1st string.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	The action was a little too high for me personally even though it had a Snuffy Smith 5/8" Crowe spacing bridge. After 2 weeks though, I'm getting used to the action. BTW, I found that a Gary Sosebee "submerged wood" bridge sounds best on this banjo. I had to tighten the head a little as would be expected on a new banjo from the factory. Also, I think the height of the strings at the nut is a little high, but got used to that in a few days.
Setup Rating	8
Appearance	Fantastic. The satin gold finish on this banjo makes this new banjo look like an old prewar banjo. The fretboard inlays are truly fantastic and unique. The finish on the mahogany neck and resonator is also fantastic.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	Only time will tell. Will have to wait and see.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	Have bought from Fret Mill Music before and have been satisfied.
Customer Service	10
Components	Other than the planet tuners being a little on the loose side, everything else seems to be just fine.
Components Rating	9
Overall Comments	Banjo arrived with pearliod tuning buttons instead of ivoriod tuning bottons as shown on Gibson and other websites. I contacted Gibson and they sent me the ivoriod buttons. Also, the banjo arrived with the plain oval Gibson decal instead of the Gibson old style "Warranty etc." decal except instead of Kalamazoo, Nashville. I'm still working with Gibson on this. I think Gibson has a real winner with this banjo. I love it.
Overall Rating	9

Gibson Gibson TB11 submitted 6/28/2004
Submitter	banjoplyr. (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Friend
Year Purchased	2004
Price Paid	Don't Remember (bought USED) historic exchange rates / currency converter
Sound	Had Arthur Hatfield make a Hearts and flowers 5string neck and install huber tonering.Arthur set banjo up .Banjo is a power house of a banjo.Banjo has a deep rich full sound,very good volume,loud,just the sound i was hunting for ,and excellant bluegrass banjo.I rate sound a10
Sound Rating	not rated
Setup	Arthur set-up banjo and installed new neck,rosewood finger board with hearts and flowers inlay,double cut peghead,Hatfield Comp.Bridge,Set-up was very professional.10
Setup Rating	not rated
Appearance	finish on neck was flawless,outstanding work,very best wood,excellent hardware.
Appearance Rating	not rated
Reliability	The workman ship on this banjo is excellent,
Reliability Rating	not rated
Customer Service	I known that Arthur will stand behind his work if any problems should ocurr.
Customer Service	not rated
Components	The Huber tonering is a very good tone ring,Hardware is very good.no cheap parts on this banjo.
Components Rating	not rated
Overall Comments	Would i recommend this banjo for the price i paid? Yes.If you ever get a chance to buy a Gibson Tb11 or any pre-war Gibson and have the conversion to 5 string made go for it the sound is outstanding.
Overall Rating	not rated

Gibson Deluxe RB-5 Archtop submitted 6/9/2004
Submitter	Mike Casey (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Fuller's Vintage Guitar, Houston
Year Purchased	2004
Price Paid	Don't Remember historic exchange rates / currency converter
Sound	This is a new banjo and has not been played in yet, but it is a very strong banjo. It has that distinctive Gibson two piece flanged, 40 hole archtop sound. I played it over the PA at a recent festival and it was very much a presence. A veteran banjo picker who knows I usually play a flathead asked me after the show when I'd switched to a archtop. He was not listening where he could see the stage during our show.
Sound Rating	9
Setup	The banjo setup from the factory was excellent. All that was needed was a tweak to the head tension. New heads tend to loose some tension during transit.
Setup Rating	8
Appearance	This is perhaps the best looking banjo Gibson makes. The superior grade woods, the bindings and the gold plating and engraving all combine on this banjo to make this a special banjo. Even the inside of the rim is bound with the wood purfling. It is a striking banjo in every sense of the word
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	This banjo is so well made it is totally reliable. The metal parts are engraved beautifully and they are of the highest quality. The finish and gold plating are beautiful to behold and are well done. The inlays are tight with little if any filler that I can detect. It is a very solid, well made banjo.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	Haven't had to use it. Don't know.
Customer Service	not rated
Components	The metal parts, the woods, the bindings, the finish and the workmanship are all superior. I do not believe any shop anywhere could do a better job. This is an outstanding banjo.
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	This is a reissue of the historical and famous RB-5 Deluxe archtop from the late 20's. It is only available from Fuller's Vintage Guitar in Houston, Texas. If you like the archtop sound and great workmanship you might consider such a banjo. It is a one fine banjo from headstock to tailpiece. And the neck plays like a dream.
Overall Rating	10

Gibson J.D. Crowe RB-75 submitted 5/3/2004
Submitter	Mike Casey (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	fuller'svintageguitar.com
Year Purchased	2004
Price Paid	3500 ($US)
Sound	I played two of these banjos before I selected the one I wanted. Both were very good and the selection process was hard. The sound is more like an old Gibson than a new Gibson. It has that certain dry, crack often associated with the pre-war banjos. It is a loud banjo but it has a sweetness to the tone that keeps it from being harsh. It is full, rich and loud. My experience with Gibson's goes back to 1970 and during that time I've owned and played both pre-war (archtops) and later model flatheads.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	The factory setup suffered some in the transit from Nashville to the springtime temperatures and humidity in Houston. I had to tighten the head (several times), reset the neck relief and dress two frets that were causing slight buzzes. Overall the setup was good from the factory. The usual weathering in of the banjo was normal and it has now setteled in and continues to improve.
Setup Rating	9
Appearance	This is a new look for Gibson from their old style inlay pattern to the burnished copper flashed gold plating. The style 6 tonering, the Granada armrest and the tailpiece are engraved. The plating is not the usual bright shiney type, but more subdued. It looks as though it was brushed on. I think the old style copper flashed plating process adds to the look and the tone of the banjo. The biggest impact feature to me is the
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	This is a Gibson Mastertone. It is reliable, stable and I'd play it without a backup banjo anytime.
Reliability Rating
Customer Service	I have not had to use the standard Gibson warranty.
Customer Service	not rated
Components	This is an excellent banjo featuring what I think is the best tonering Gibson offers, the J.D. Crowe. The copper flashed gold plating on a mahogany banjo is new for Gibson and I think should have been done as a regular production banjo long ago.
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	This is a fine banjo from A to Z. If you're looking for a great looking and sounding Gibson banjo, an old sounding banjo, I'd recommend you give this model serious consideration.
Overall Rating	10

Gibson 1925 Style "3" submitted 4/12/2004
Submitter	banjostan (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	hangout member 2004 earl scruggs banjo
Year Purchased	2007
Price Paid	(bought USED) historic exchange rates / currency converter
Sound	I play like scrugg's and bill emerson and jd.crowe and carl jackson. i also like the full sound. I like it all the way down the neck.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	i went home to visit my parent's in tennessee and on my way home i decider to stop by kyle smith's house i decided to let him set my banjo up and he done an exlecent job on it would not think twice about letting him do it again.
Setup Rating	10
Appearance	the banjo is in real nice shape has 1 tiny nick in the finish hardly noticable i would rate the banjo at a 9 and3/4 it is a beautiful instirment.
Appearance Rating	9
Reliability	To me i think this banjo will last me the rest of my life, i do not think i would need a backup.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	I bought this banjo from a hangout member, and the transaction was very pleasent.
Customer Service	10
Components	the banjo is real nice and pleasent to look at the would on this banjo is super nice.
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	this banjo is as good as what is being built today.... but being a banjo player alway's looking for a great banjo.
Overall Rating	10

Gibson J.D. Crowe RB-75 submitted 4/3/2004
Submitter	Unknown
Where Purchased	Sam Ash
Year Purchased	2004
Price Paid	Don't Remember historic exchange rates / currency converter
Sound	The RB-75 is everything it is supposed to be with a rich-full sound that makes this Banjo hard to beat.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	I immediately took my banjo to a professional for his opinion and to set up for me. There was some minor work, including the nut, bridge and installing minature H2 railroad ties to capo the 5th string. He was very impressed with this banjo and charged me $40.00. He said
Setup Rating
Appearance	Mahogany Wood, Beautiful inlays, Nad very nice finish, I went over this banjo with a Magnifying glass...There were no flaws
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	This banjo will last you a lifetime, you will never need to buy another
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	I bought it with a 45 day money back 100 % guarnateed satisfaction and it has a lifetime warranty to the original owner frpm Gibson
Customer Service	10
Components	Wouldn't replace a thing
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	If something happen to my banjo there is no question I would go but another just like it
Overall Rating	10

Gibson Granada submitted 3/27/2004
Submitter	Greg Earnest (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Music Mart, Smyrna, GA (out of business)
Year Purchased	1990
Price Paid	2580 ($US)
Sound	It has a great Granada sound. . . it's responsive, crisp and warm. I have the head tension relatively tight right now, so has a good bright sound similar to Scruggs in the fifties.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	The setup was excellent when I got it. I have experimented with it off and on over the years, and since 2001 it has had a nickel McPeake ring in it.
Setup Rating	9
Appearance	Beautiful. . . a (mostly) faithful reproduction of the Granada of the thirties with sunburst curly maple resonator, gold plating and engraving, and rosewood fingerboard with flying eagle inlays.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	Very reliable. I finally had the first ten frets replaced last year. The finish and gold plating have held up very well. I have not babied this banjo and the gold is just starting to show noticeable wear on the armrest. This has been my main banjo for most of the last 14 years.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	Never had any contact with Gibson.
Customer Service	not rated
Components	All the components are first rate.
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	I have heard quite a bit of variation in Granadas over the past 15 years. This is a good one that has served me well for a long time.
Overall Rating	9

Gibson RB-4 submitted 3/25/2004
Submitter	BRECKLEY (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	First Quality Music
Year Purchased	2004
Price Paid	3200.00 ($US)
Sound	I played several Banjos in their Showroom, I was looking for a Earl edition, but when I heard this RB-4 I was SOLD!!! It has an awesome crisp clean sound. The neck is so smooth and fast, fantastic!!!!!
Sound Rating	9
Setup	I had them install my spikes and I was worried about the results, it was perfect!!!!!! I wish I could remember his name, he was great. The RB-4 was set up perfectly, I took it to my instructor and he said
Setup Rating	10
Appearance	Walnut res. with rosewood fingerboard!!!!! Chrome is beautiful and I try to keep it wiped down!!!!!! NO flaws!!!!
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	I feel that I could depend on it without a backup!!!!!!!
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	I dealt with First Quality Instruments out of Louisvlle Ky. JC was an awesome help met in person and took alot of time with me and let me play several different banjos
Customer Service	10
Components	The only thing I would replace is the tailpiece that holds the strings down on the hide it looks aliitle cheezy, but I havent had any problems with it at all
Components Rating	9
Overall Comments	I've had three Banjos before this RB4, its by far the best I've owned!!! If it were stolen I buy another one for sure..... I love it the sound is incredible and its beautiful
Overall Rating	10

Gibson RB-250 submitted 3/19/2004
Submitter	Unknown
Where Purchased	little Mountain Shop
Year Purchased	2004
Price Paid	1849.00 ($US)
Sound	AWESOME..AWESOME..And Heck Yeah Awesome!! Straight out the box from factory- perfect tone and sound- no buzzing- crisp clear defined sound, Amplifies so great I scare myself sometimes, if you like to be able to have that punch and whale, then this one is for you, I went from a basic one to this amplified jet motor, hehehe, I love it. Have a few friends have top line Gibsons, 5-12k price range, this one sounds as good as theirs!!!
Sound Rating	9
Setup	Bridge was wrapped in tissue, all I did was take wrap off and stand the bridge up, believe it or not 2 out of the 5 strings were in tune still!! Im having a new bridge put on and spikes as we speak. But the neck angle and all were right on the money, even when my Luthier checked with the calipers, good quality work, well worth the investment. Just an Awesome piece of work
Setup Rating	7
Appearance	Great look, nice color, don't see the need to pay an extra $1000.00 for the RB-3, is inlay that important? Wasnt to me. I looked at the Deerings I had heard so much about, they are nice, but so plain Jane, The appearance of the RB 250 is nice, not too showy and not to plain, just right for good music pickin!! And IM dang glad too
Appearance Rating	8
Reliability	Absolutly Beautiful!! Totally Gibson, like buying a cadillac!!
Reliability Rating	8
Customer Service	No problems here, have heard nasty rumors, than goodness I didnt but this from Folk of the Wood, I got burned really bad by them, thats why I went local rather than mail order. But this local shop told me hed guarantee it for a year, as well as the manufacturers warranty!! Cant beat that
Customer Service	8
Components	Every thing is so nice, chrome clean as new, wood shined, just awesome...can you tell Im happy? hehehe
Components Rating	8
Overall Comments	I moved up from a JB Player i had played for a year, WOW, like jumping from a 62 Volkswagon to a New 2004 Lexus. I had fears of the high cost, but as most will tell you, I swallowed hard, tightened the belt, and its well worth it to me. My children will fight over this when IM gone!! Man I love it, there is no comparison for a Gibson, Deering is fine if you like Plain Jane, I wanted the Legend so I got it. DO NOT SHOP at FOLK OF THE WOOD!!! If wondering why, email me, I got burned bad by them, for over $700.00!!!
Overall Rating	10

Gibson RB submitted 3/17/2004
Submitter	Heavy D (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Music Folk
Year Purchased	2004
Price Paid	1100 ($US) (bought USED)
Sound	This banjo has a bright sound with a decent mid range and very little bottom end. It is definitely an intermediate instrument and doesnt quite match up to a Mastertone. It resonates well and has a good punch though. It also holds tune pretty darn good!
Sound Rating	7
Setup	This banjo was definitely owned by someone who took their playing seriously. It has a modified Grover bridge and tailpiece. Its action is fairly high. and its frets are even a little worn. This banjo has been played a lot. There was a brand new stock setup RB on the wall too, and it didnt compare to this one in playability.
Setup Rating	9
Appearance	The body is a maple flame with a natural finish, no stain, just laquer. There is no rust on any of the hardware. The tuners are planetary and the head is flat. The neck is straight as an arrow and the fretboard is clean. There is only a basic dot inlay so its not a fancy looking thing, but overall its pretty and clean.
Appearance Rating	8
Reliability	The hardware is sturdy nickel. It is clean and quality Gibson hardware, the exact same as a basic Mastertone would have. The tuners are also great and sensitive too. The tailpiece is a custom job and it looks great. I have no fears for this banjo's dependability.
Reliability Rating	8
Customer Service	The banjo doesnt carry a warranty with Gibson unless you are the original owner (to the best of my knowledge) but the store I bought it from will take care of any repairs or modifications if necessary.
Customer Service	8
Components	The RB is clean and decent. Its only downfall is the fact that it lacks a tone ring. Instead, Gibson ships it with a tone hoop. It just a wannabe tone ring with no real size or weight. Its still cut for a tone ring, but the hoop just fills the upper section right below the head. Im thinking of upgrading it with a Huber.
Components Rating	9
Overall Comments	This banjo is great for the money. The fact that it says Gibson on the headstock makes it hold its resale value as long as its well cared for, and I will probably upgrade it with a Huber tone ring. If this banjo was stolen I would cry, then call the local pawnshops. (I actually got a stolen guitar back the very day it was stolen like this!) My favorite is the custom tailpiece and the fat frets. It totally blows away the banjos that i played in its price range, including Gold Tones and Deering's
Overall Rating	8

Gibson TB-150 conversion submitted 3/16/2004
Submitter	Matthiew (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	italy
Year Purchased	2004
Price Paid	2500 ($US)
Sound	Excellent sound that every love from a banjo! great tone up the neck!
Sound Rating	10
Setup	Excellent setup by Silvio Ferretti.
Setup Rating	10
Appearance	Look great! mahogany neck with wreith fingerboard.
Appearance Rating	9
Reliability	...
Reliability Rating	9
Customer Service	Banjo conversion made by Silvio Ferretti (scorpion bridge www.scorpionmusic.com ) ... excellent service.
Customer Service	10
Components	This vintage banjo is in excellent condition. Scorpion bridge and JD Crowe tonering make an incredible sound for me. All part are very good.
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	Finally i've got the sound i'm looking for. Excellent bluegrass banjo with particular sound ( JD Crowe tonering ).
Overall Rating	10

Gibson RB-250 submitted 3/16/2004
Submitter	Jimmy B (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Janet Davis Music Company
Year Purchased	2004
Price Paid	2,100 ($US)
Sound	Very bright, typical Gibson sound.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	Jim at Janet Davis did an excellent job. I paid a couple of hundred extra for a set of Keith D tuners, well worth the extra money.
Setup Rating	10
Appearance	No flaws. Excellent wood to metal finish.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	It's a Gibson for gawd sakes--need I say more?
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	Robby was great in getting my order out to me.
Customer Service	10
Components	Naw. The tail piece is a Presto, but so what. The instrument sounds tremendous just the way it is.
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	You betcha. I've played Gold Tones and Deerings before, ain't nothin' like a Gibson!!!
Overall Rating	10

Gibson Earl Scruggs Standard submitted 2/9/2004
Submitter	mchinn (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Pioneer Music
Year Purchased	2003
Price Paid	Don't Remember historic exchange rates / currency converter
Sound	I love the sound of this banjo. It has a great bluegrass bite, but can sound mellow when played in the “Y” position (away from the bridge). I only play bluegrass, and it is perfectly suited for that style.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	The people at Pioneer did a great job of setting up my banjo. It has a low action, which I like, and the head was tensioned perfectly. The only changes I have made were to replace the stock Presto tail piece with a Price, and the stock Groover bridge with a Scorpion bridge.
Setup Rating	10
Appearance	The banjo is beautiful. If you know banjos, you will know what this one looks like! Maple, MOP, nickel, and all the trimmings. All workmanship was perfect!
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	This banjo seems to be built like a tank. I’ve only had it a while, but everything seems to be built to last a lifetime and maybe more.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	Never dealt with Gibson, but the people at Pioneer Music are great!!! Helpful, friendly, and eager and able to please.
Customer Service	10
Components	The neck feels great, and plays the same. I really like the way the tuners feel, they are smooth as silk and beautiful. I wasn’t impressed with the bridge or tail piece. I don’t understand why Gibson puts those cheap ones on as stock parts.
Components Rating	8
Overall Comments	I think this is a great banjo, and would certainly replace it with the same thing if it were ever stolen. The sound, and the playability are both great. It was a little pricey, but it is such an improvement from my 1970’s Iada that I think the price was worth every penny. It just makes me want to play more, which makes me play better, which makes me want to play more…
Overall Rating	10

Gibson 1934 tb-3 submitted 11/6/2003
Submitter	travis (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Greg Boyd
Year Purchased	2003
Price Paid	kidney ($US) (bought USED)
Sound	Originally an archtop tenor. Setup as an archtop when I got it, sounded very good as was. Currently setup with a gold McPeake conversion ring. Highely recommended.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	Setup was farily good. I have installed a conversion ring, and re-setup. Will tinker more in it. See below
Setup Rating	8
Appearance	Appearance is farily good for a prewar. plating is corroded and such like. appears to have been slightly oversprayed, possible mid-70's
Appearance Rating	7
Reliability	Hardware has lasted 69 years. Flange is pulling up quite a bit, I will probably retire it and replace with a re-issue flange so as not to break it. finish will be ok for a while. See above.
Reliability Rating	6
Customer Service	Greg Boyd is one of the top in the country. I am a repeat customer. Would reccomend
Customer Service	10
Components	Pre-war mahogany banjos have THE sound. You cannot beat them. Add to this, the old metal compositions, and the age of the wood. Like the old violins, they just get better and better.
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	Banjo is great. The mid 70s randy wood conversion neck is showing some miles, I will make a new replacement with a couple of weeks, we will see how it sounds then. of note banjo once owned by Sonny Osbourn....
Overall Rating	10

Gibson RB-250 submitted 10/30/2003
Submitter	ghostdancer (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Sam Ash music
Year Purchased	2002
Price Paid	Don't Remember historic exchange rates / currency converter
Sound	This banjo has the traditional gibson sound, being A mahogany banjo, it has A dryer and mellower sound than A maple banjo
Sound Rating	not rated
Setup	Set up was bad, so I replaced remo head with 5 star heavier frosted head, tuned to g#, set action to comfortable level, and installed Snuffy Smith bridge. I have found that set up is critical on this instrument. The tail piece is paralell to the head. I found that with the head tuned to
Setup Rating	not rated
Appearance	Great appearance, all's well in that department
Appearance Rating	not rated
Reliability	Very reliable, so far
Reliability Rating	not rated
Customer Service	no experience with customer service
Customer Service	not rated
Components	I might consider replacing the waverly tail piece with A price which is heavier, but I like to leave my banjos origonal if possible, I don't even like to monkey with different tone rings and such.
Components Rating
Overall Comments	I have always played gibson banjos, and believe that the
Overall Rating	8

Gibson TB-100 Conversion submitted 10/13/2003
Submitter	ccfox (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	July
Year Purchased	2003
Price Paid	650.00 ($US) (bought USED)
Sound	Bought this banjo to convert to a 5 string. Originally, banjo had a brass hoop sitting on a full three ply rim. I had Arthur Hatfield in Kentucky cut the rim nad fit it to a Huber Tone Ring that I had in another banjo. I got lucky on this one. It's one of the loudest richest banjos that I've played.
Sound Rating	9
Setup	I set the banjo up myself. A. Hatfield also made me a mahogony 5 str. conversion neck that is a joy to play and has a perfect fit to the pot. I also tested about 6 or 7 different bridges, but ended up with Hatfield's. Everything on pot is original except that I changed out the old tenor tailpiece to a new Clamshell. To me, the sound is same as Presto, however, you get a tension hoop notch for balance and it's adjustable. I also prefer medium loose head tension. Neck action and playability is perfect.
Setup Rating	10
Appearance	Believe it or not, the hardware on this banjo looked almost new. The one piece flange is perfectly straight. I got the four string neck with it and obviously it wasn't played much. The typical 50s - 60s style resonator has no binding on top, just the bottom, has dark (almost black sides and is sunbusrted yellow in the center. I had Mr. Hatfield stain the neck very dark brown (match is very good). Overall the banjo is plain, but I really don't care much about appearance. I'm after that SOUND that you only get with a mahogany neck and rosewood board.
Appearance Rating	8
Reliability	The pot is alreay 40+ years old. I'm sure it will last a long time. The neck is new, is fretted perfectly and I don't expect any problems.
Reliability Rating	not rated
Customer Service	Mr. Hatfield is a real gentleman and will go out of his way to give you what you want. Always accessible, easy to talk to, never the opinionated salesman. I like dealing with him a lot.
Customer Service	10
Components	40 year old three ply rim and Huber Tone Ring. If you're unwilling or unable to go after a prewar flathead, this is the next best thing. If you looking for a style 100, 150 or 250, make sure that you find one that 1964 for earlier. In 1965, Gibson went to a thinner rim, and these are not nearly as desirable as the pre 1965 models.
Components Rating	9
Overall Comments	With one-piece flange archop prewars now selling for 6000 and up, and style 11 tenors at 2500+ you can put together a great bluegrass banjo with an old, full 3 ply rim, new neck and good tone ring for about 1600.00
Overall Rating	9

Gibson RB-4 submitted 10/12/2003
Submitter	banjaboy (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Private sale
Year Purchased	2003
Price Paid	1900 ($US)
Sound	Sounds like a cannon, just the sound I was looking for. Loud, full and rich
Sound Rating	10
Setup	Set it up myself upon delivery so I will not rate that
Setup Rating	not rated
Appearance	Beautiful burled walnut resonator, walnut neck and Flying eagle inlay on fingerboard, everything I always wanted.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	Fit and finish look superb, this banjo is over a year old and shows no signs at all of poor finish.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	No comment, never dealt with them.
Customer Service	not rated
Components	I'm not too keen on tailpiece, looks a little flimsy. Resonator is awesome, love burled walnut, so rich.Beautiful, fast easy to play neck. All in all it is built like a tank
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	Yes, I love it I would cry if it was stolen and would lie to the insurance company and tell them I paid $4500 and buy another. The best sounding banjo I have been around, ever.
Overall Rating	10

Gibson Top Tension RB-12 submitted 9/28/2003
Submitter	Unknown
Where Purchased	Gibson's custom shop
Year Purchased	1997
Price Paid	3,750 ($US)
Sound	I'm pretty much like every other banjo picker in the world, stick with the old scruggs stuff.It sounds a little different on my banjo than most because it is a top tension, but Sammy Shelor won banjo picker of the year 4 years in a row with the same model so if it ain't broke don't fix it.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	It was set up pretty good when I first got it from Gibson. The action was just a little high for my taste, but that was an easy fix.As far a drastic changes I've pretty much just left it alone.The head was perfect and I got a Snuffy Smith bridge when I baught it.As far as strings I use D'addario sizes 10,11,13,20,10, just like Baucom.
Setup Rating	10
Appearance	When Gibson first put the new model top tensions on the market you had to go through Gibson to get one because they did not have them at stores at that time. I called a buddy of mine named, Scott Vestal, because he lived close to the Gibson custom shop. I think all the top tensions where suppose to look like Sammy Shelor's 1941 rb-12, but since it was made in the custom shop I got flying eagle inlay, pearl pegs,and double cut peg head with pearl ran around it.So hopefully it is the only one of It's kind.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	Their is a few scratches on the back of the pot from my belt buckle scraping it when I play, but you're going to have that with any insturment you play. As far as dependability, I bought a Gibson for a reason, They ARE the best banjos ever made.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	Like i said before, I bought a Gibson for a reason. Ive never had a problem with it. It will last forever as long as I take care of it.
Customer Service	10
Components	Their is nothing that really stands out on it other than the neck I had put on it.As far as quality,you're not going to beat it.
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	If you have the money I would suggest to evry banjo picker I see to buy a Gibson. Maybe not a top tension, But one of my heroes is Sammy Shelor, and thats what he used to play, and I've always liked their sound.As far as comparing it to other banjos, it doesn't sound as good as something like a pre war mastertone, but It's not suppose too.My banjo is only 6 years old.As far as Comparing it to new banjos, it think it would holds its own with anything, Gibson or not.
Overall Rating	10

Gibson RB-250 submitted 9/26/2003
Submitter	Unknown
Where Purchased	guitar center
Year Purchased	2003
Price Paid	1450 ($US)
Sound	I'm primarily interested in traditional scruggs, stanley type bluegrass. Sounds pretty good at the moment. Not as much resonance on the 4th string as i would like but it sounds spot on like the mercury recording of
Sound Rating	9
Setup	got it at the guitar center, need i say more. the aging rockers and tatooed hip-hoppers that run that joint don't have a clue about banjos. Sounded like a hubcap with wet newspaper stretched over it when i first played it. The factory action setup wasn't bad and after i tuned the head up and put new strings on it started to come alive. Put on a Snuffy Smith head and bridge as well as a price tailpiece (don't care for prestos) and now it sounds pretty darn good.
Setup Rating	2
Appearance	classic, simple, understated. Perfect by my standards. Workmanship seems pretty solid all 'round. As I mentioned earlier presto tailpieces leave much to be desired IMHO (cheap, weak metal) but is standard on most gibsons so i won't hold that against 'em.
Appearance Rating	9
Reliability	This thing is pretty rugged. I gig with it constantly and it cleans up nicely. Still a little to early to tell but i think there's a good chance it'll outlive me.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	gibson? banjo? No name artist??? why bother.
Customer Service	1
Components	As previously mentioned I have issues with the presto tailpiece. Not too crazy about the grover bridge either. Everything else seems fine, however.
Components Rating	9
Overall Comments	for the price this is a darn fine banjo that does the job. After quite a bit of tweaking I've got it sounding 97% the way I wan't. However, if it was stolen I'd probably get a hatfield buck creek to replace it.
Overall Rating	9

Gibson RB-250 submitted 8/9/2003
Submitter	Unknown
Where Purchased	janet davis music co.
Year Purchased	1998
Price Paid	1650 ($US)
Sound	can't tell because of other problems with the instrument making it dificult to play.
Sound Rating	not rated
Setup	The setup made the instrument difficult to play and the day I received it from the mail order store ( I've learned that's no way to buy a supposedly quality instrument)l I called the store owner and questioned why it was hard to play. The response was' play it and get used to it. Setup was bad.
Setup Rating	3
Appearance	wood work and hardware were all very fine. Looked just like it did in the brochures.
Appearance Rating	9
Reliability	Looks were fine. Reliability I can't address because it has been played so little.
Reliability Rating	not rated
Customer Service	Service after the sale from the dealer/seller and the Gibson Company has been terrible. The dealer advised me to send it to Gibson or take it to a Gibson repair shop. Gibson advised me to take it to an authorized repair shop, a 250 mile round trip. All of this over a 5 year period. After finally getting a luthier in Austin, Texas to look at it, he told me the neck was bent and twisted and that the frets were uneven. He recommended milling the frets and that he could probably straighten the neck but that I would have to pay all of the work. Back to Gibson. The company finally decided that they would have the banjo picked up at my house (UPS) for return and repairs. Now 6 weeks after they received I can't get any information on the status of the instrument. I regret buying it.
Customer Service	1
Components
Components Rating	not rated
Overall Comments	I'm sure the ingredients of the instrument are of the highest quality but somewhere in the process of building the instrument or in the set up by the dealer, workmanship faltered. I realize now that professional musicians (which I am not nor ever will be) probably never buy an instrument without trying it out first. I have an Alvarez banjo that I bought it 1974 and it played excellently from the day I bought it. In spite of being in an accident a few years ago the neck is straight, it looks great, plays and sounds good, although I wish it had a little more brightness in the sound. No offense to our banjo heros who play Gibsons, I wouldn't recommed buying one. Apparently I'm not alone, judging from some of the other reviews.
Overall Rating	not rated

Gibson Granada (Flying Eagle) submitted 7/5/2003
Submitter	Tom Rutledge (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Gibson Factory
Year Purchased	1991
Price Paid	00.00 ($US)
Sound	This is a fine sounding banjo. It was made in the period right after Gibson re-tooled their banjo production. People like Greg Rich and Curtiss McPeake were instrumental in getting the quality of the Gibson banjos improved in this period. (1987-1994)
Sound Rating	10
Setup	It had a perfect set up from the factory...that hardly ever happens....at least back then it didn't. Small shop banjos have come a long long way since then and are usually set up very well.
Setup Rating	10
Appearance	Banjo looks great...it is now 13 years old and it is really getting an attractive patina.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	The hardware and all wood parts have held up GREAT.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	I have not had the opportunity to deal with Gibson on any warranty issues.
Customer Service	not rated
Components	I love the neck feel...it is subtly different than the Gibsons currently in production. The tonering is also slightly different. ( Gibson-Kulesh).
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	I recently played a 1989 Gibson Granada just like mine at Gruhn Guitars in Nashville It had the same quality of sound that mine has. Gibson was really making some fine banjos in this period (1987-1994) If you ever get the chance to check one out...they are worth the search.
Overall Rating	10

Gibson RB-3 Standard submitted 6/5/2003
Submitter	Unknown
Where Purchased	Guitar House
Year Purchased	1003
Price Paid	Don't Remember historic exchange rates / currency converter
Sound	Bright sound ,
Sound Rating	10
Setup	a few adjustments after delivery
Setup Rating	9
Appearance	flawless
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service
Customer Service	9
Components
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	very happy , I started out with a samick . I just can't put this RB3 down .
Overall Rating	10

Gibson Kel Kroydon KK-10 submitted 5/5/2003
Submitter	Kel Kroydon (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Bernunzio's
Year Purchased	2003
Price Paid	enough ($US) (bought USED)
Sound	Banjo has a full rich sound. Maybe a little brighter than most but thats what I like.
Sound Rating	9
Setup	The banjo was a tenor when I got it and was all orig. except the tailpiece. I added a Huber tonering and a RB-3 wreath style neck.
Setup Rating	8
Appearance	The banjo realy looks great with the repo Gibson neck. It has the pearloid resonator with a black cross silksceen design as did the orig. tenor neck. Armrest is showing a little brass but the hardware is in good shape.
Appearance Rating	9
Reliability	The banjo is in very good shape, but it was made in 1934 so its not going to look brand new.
Reliability Rating	9
Customer Service	Very good service. Had a 24 hour trial period.
Customer Service	9
Components	The Huber Vintage tonering is a very good ring and I would buy another. As to the orig. Gibson parts..It has the same 3 ply rim, pot metal 1 piece flange, tension hoop, hooks & nuts as the Mastertones of the day minus the tonering. The only weak point on all pre war 1 piece flange banjos is the pot metal flange, they do pull up a little.
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	I would recommend this type of 5 string conversion. Its the next best thing to an orig. pre war 5 string flathead that most of us will ever get !
Overall Rating	9

Gibson Granada submitted 4/25/2003
Submitter	Forrest (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Janet Davis Music
Year Purchased	2003
Price Paid	Don't Remember historic exchange rates / currency converter
Sound	Deep rich sound with a nice bright edge. Plenty of contrast when you pick up by the neck and down by the bridge. Perfect for Scruggs style picking. I spent quite a bit of time tweaking the setup as I am not a big fan of the hollow tubby sound that seems to be prevalent in many of the newer Gibsons. With the current setup, my Granada still has a monster 4th string and plays powerfully and clearly all the way up the neck.
Sound Rating	9
Setup	Janet Davis did a great setup job, however, I changed things a bit to suit my taste. I put a compensated Hot Spot 11/16 bridge and tensioned the head to around an A (12 Kg-CM). I brought it up to where the bass started to drop off and backed off slightly. I also brought the action down slightly to compensate for the higher bridge.
Setup Rating	9
Appearance	Wow!! What can I say?! There are times that I would rather sit and look at it than play. Beautiful flamed maple, MOP inlays, rosewood fingerboard and engraved gold plating.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	I'm sure that the gold plating on the arm rest will be toast in the next year or so, despite my best efforts. Otherwise, all of the other components appear to be top notch and should last a lifetime.
Reliability Rating	8
Customer Service	I have not had to deal with Gibson, so I really can't answer this one. Janet Davis was absolutely great before and after the sale. She went out of her way to help me with the setup process and was very concerned with making sure that I was satisfied with my new banjo. The 10 rating is for Janet and her staff.
Customer Service	10
Components	Everything appears to be top quality. Janet provided a 5/8 Snuffy I bridge with the banjo which was more than adequate and much better than the stock Grover. My only concern is with how the plating on the arm rest will wear over time.
Components Rating	8
Overall Comments	This is the classic bluegrass banjo. Very expensive compared to other banjos on the market, but worth the price (to me) to own the industry standard. After doing a bit of setup, I am extremely satisfied with the sound and the way it plays, so I have no complaints. I have or have owned Stelling, Deering, OME and Gibson and my Granada is the best of the best.
Overall Rating	10

Gibson RB-250 submitted 4/11/2003
Submitter	Unknown
Where Purchased	Lockport Music Supply
Year Purchased	2003
Price Paid	1,300 ($US)
Sound	Very solid. The biggest difference was the feeling and vibrations received back from the instrument. It resonated very well. Very cinsistant all the way up the neck - no intonation at all.
Sound Rating	8
Setup	It was on display for about 2 years and wasn't set-up well... hence the good price paid.
Setup Rating	5
Appearance	It is very plain, yet traditionally appealing. Other less expensive banjos I have reviewed and owned have better inlays and more flash.. but that's not what a banjo is all about... right?!
Appearance Rating	5
Reliability	Very well made, well assembled, reliable, stays in tune.
Reliability Rating	8
Customer Service	I have called Gibson several times and was given the run-around each time. They don't seem to take banjos as a priority. The responses to tech questions where on the surface condesending. I got the info. that I needed in the end.
Customer Service	4
Components	Good tuners, nice ebony finger board. I will be replacing the tail piece, bridge and strings. Plus adding D-Tuners on the 2nd and 3rd string. Personalized...
Components Rating	7
Overall Comments	For the price paid - it's a solid foundation of a banjo. It will be a work-horse that can be kept for a lifetime. Can't wait to get it set up.
Overall Rating	8

Gibson J.D. Crowe RB-75 submitted 1/15/2003
Submitter	taylor_414ce (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	wildwood music roscoe village ohio
Year Purchased	2003
Price Paid	2400.00 ($US)
Sound	Wow! I have never felt so good playing on a banjo..its sounds so rich and the playability is so groove!Its beautiful to look at as well ,, hope you dig!
Sound Rating	10
Setup	This banjo was ready to go from the moment I tried it out.Don & Marty at Wildwood music in roscoe ohio are the best.
Setup Rating	10
Appearance	This is a beautiful instrument,and will be proudly passed down to generations to come.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	Oh! way cool on the ware... its vintage style is the stuff.. pearl pegs and the classic structure are the stuff.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	This gibson jd crowe has a lifetime deal, and as far as the company I purchased it thru,, they are the best.
Customer Service	10
Components	Well,,,its a gibson... what more can you say. As like martin and taylor,, the workmanship is why we pay the price for their instruments..way cool ! nothing needs changed.
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	Well,,,, the have to get passed the 12 english mastiffs we have to take it lol ! but yes i love mah banjer! I have owned a pre war gibson,and really , this jd crowe is the same in sound quality and as far as cosmetics,, its really purty ! There is always insurance to help with the lost or stolen>There is so much good to say about it>> I dont have any regrets\|.
Overall Rating	10

Gibson Mastertone RB-800 submitted 1/7/2003
Submitter	Unknown
Where Purchased	Springfield VA / Venamen Music
Year Purchased	1977
Price Paid	$1600 ($US)
Sound	The sound of this banjo has been getting better with age. Maybe due to some setup tweaking. It was setup pretty good right out of the box.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	The setup was pretty good when it arrived.
Setup Rating	10
Appearance	Cherry Sunburst finish. Gold Plating. Fiddle cut peghead. Flying Eagle inlay. There were no defects when it arrived.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	I've played on and off professionally over the years. The banjo has held up very well. The frets have been replaced 2 times. No complaints...
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	I have not delt with Gibson customer service. I have not had any problems. Since I don't know I'll call it a 10........
Customer Service	10
Components	The only problem I have had is that I've worn through the gold, nickle, and into the copper on the armrest. The origional armrest is far superior to what you can purchase now days. I'm still looking for a replacement. I really can't blame the product. I've just put a lot of use on it.
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	I'm left-handed. I had to pay 60% additional up front. At the time a right handed version was $960. I think that was a good price. I think the 60% I had to pay additional was a gouge by the local music store. I have received many unsolicted compliments about the sound of this banjo. I highly recommend the Gibson Mastertone. They are the best!
Overall Rating	10

Gibson Earl Scruggs Standard submitted 1/2/2003
Submitter	BANJOMAN7280 (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	USED EBAY
Year Purchased	2002
Price Paid	Don't Remember (bought USED) historic exchange rates / currency converter
Sound	THE BEST SOUNDING BANJO THAT I HAVE EVER HEARD. IVE PLAYED A STELLING MASTERFLOWER, DEERING MAPLE BLOSSOM, AND NUMEROUS IMPORTED CHEAPIES. THIS ONE IS BY FAR THE BEST. IT IS VERY LOUD, HAS EXCELLENT TONE. VERY VIBRANT WITH A TON OF POP.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	I GOT IT USED. IT WAS SET UP OK. THE BRIDGE WASNT SET UP FOR PROPER INTONATION. BUT IT DOES HAVE A SNUFFY SMITH BRIDGE WHICH I LOVE. IT CAME WITH SPIKES ALREADY INSTALLED..
Setup Rating	8
Appearance	BEAUTIFUL LACQUERED FINISH. WONDERFUL HEAVY HARDWARE. BEAUTIFUL ABALONE MOTHER OF PEARL INLAYS. THE BEST IS THE
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	NEVER DROPS TUNE EVEN IN HARSH WEATHER CHANGES. I WOULD NEVER BRING A BACK UP TO A GIG AS LONG AS I BRING THIS AS MY MAIN INSTRUMENT.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	GIBSON IS GOOD. I BOUGHT USED THOUGH.
Customer Service	10
Components	WONDERFUL HEAVY TUNERS THAT FEEL WONDERFUL. GENUINE ABALONE INLAYS. SNUFFY SMITH BRIDGE.
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	THE BEST BANJO YOU CAN BUY FOR THE MONEY. SOME PEOPLE SAY STELLING AND DEERING ARE BETTER THAN GIBSON. I THINK NOT. THE SCRUGGS STANDARD IS THE BEST. IF ITS GOOD ENOUGH FOR EARL..IT IS THE BEST ANYONE ELSE COULD EVER GET.
Overall Rating	10

Gibson Earl Scruggs Golden Deluxe submitted 12/5/2002
Submitter	astapleford (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Mandolin Brothers
Year Purchased	2002
Price Paid	Don't Remember (bought USED) historic exchange rates / currency converter
Sound	It is loud and it "cracks". It has a full rich sound. It has a strong feel up and down the neck. It has great sustain up and down the neck, especially up high, where you want it.
Sound Rating	8
Setup	It was set up well, by Peter Becker, but I tightened the head and brought the strings down just a little.
Setup Rating	8
Appearance	It has a slightly lighter color than brand new banjos like it, which brings out the beautiful grain in the wood on the neck and resonator.
Appearance Rating	not rated
Reliability	This is a very stable banjo. I have played it continuously at BG festivals in the Northeast last summer....hot humid days, and cool moist nights. It hangs in there and sounds good at all times! Definitely I would use it at gigs without a backup.
Reliability Rating	9
Customer Service	I haven't had to deal with Gibson too much regarding the Golden Deluxe (I did buy it used). But they did send me a little Scruggs booklet on the care and feeding of the banjo...I appreciated that!
Customer Service	8
Components	The wood finish is outstanding. The gold plating is also very good. I only wish that the Presto tailpiece was a little heavier gauge of steel, for a more solid sound.
Components Rating	9
Overall Comments	I would recommend this instrument to any serious banjo picker, for its playability, sound and seemingly solid feel, as well as great looks.
Overall Rating	9

Gibson 1933 RB-1 submitted 11/18/2002
Submitter	Unknown
Where Purchased	Long time friend
Year Purchased	2001
Price Paid	Don't Remember (bought USED) historic exchange rates / currency converter
Sound	This banjo sound great. Sounds like a old banjo should sound, you don't have to overplay this banjo to get what you need out of it.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	This banjo has a 11/16 Snuffy Smith bridge on it, I use E.S. Gibson med. strings on it. I keep the neck tight to the pot and have the head med. tight. I play with fairly high action. I am however going to change the tone ring to a Steve Huber when I get around to it. It has a old Stu Mac ring in it now.
Setup Rating	9
Appearance	This banjos finish is in very good condition, hardly any checking on the finish, the metel is all original and in very good shape some wear on arm rest no pitting on the metal is showing. All in all this banjo is a classic model of a all original 1933 pre-war RB-1.The inlay is bats and birds.Some people call it gull inlay.
Appearance Rating	9
Reliability	This banjo is my dailey player. It,s finish is good enough to last another 75 years. I do use this banjo when I play with no backup. I do have two Earl Scruggs models that I own but this banjo is good enough I don't have one for a backup.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	Never dealt with the company.
Customer Service	not rated
Components	1970's or early 1980's Stewart McDonald tone ring was in this banjo. This is the second tone ring that it has had. I have been playing this banjo since the mid-70's and did play it before it had a tone ring added. So I will add a Hubber tone ring to this banjo very soon. The rest of this banjo except for the keys is all org. The keys do have the org. buttons on them. In Feb. 2004 I had Arthur Hatfieald add a Huber tone ring to this banjo. It improved the sound of this banjo and it is a great sounding banjo.
Components Rating	9
Overall Comments	I have owned several Gibson banjo's over the years one Stelling Staghorn and this is the very best banjo I have owned to date. As for the price I paid I don't think it was that high. I bought it for the sound and the originality of this banjo .Any banjo in the 30's era with the org. five string neck should bring a good price. Price was not an issue with this banjo for me.I could not replace this banjo if stolen. The day's of finding pre-war gibsons for a bargin are over. Yes, this banjo is worth every penny I paid for it and I would not hesitate to do it again.It has that pre-war sound and it is a small piece of history.
Overall Rating	10

Gibson 1928 RB-3 Conversion submitted 10/22/2002
Submitter	Durwood Edwards (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Private Party (Paul Sasser)
Year Purchased	1971
Price Paid	$500.00 (bought USED) historic exchange rates / currency converter
Sound	Nice and Bright but plenty of depth and beautiful overtones for a arch top (no hole) ring. Higher registers dont get thin like many archies. Marty Lanham made new neck in 1977
Sound Rating	9
Setup	Set it up myownself
Setup Rating	not rated
Appearance	original brownish mahogany finish
Appearance Rating	9
Reliability	Fantastic
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service
Customer Service	not rated
Components
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	Heheh try to get a '28 Gibson for $500.00! As good a banjo as you would ever want to hear except for Bill Keith's top-tension
Overall Rating	9

Gibson RB-250 submitted 10/16/2002
Submitter	Unknown
Where Purchased	Music Machine
Year Purchased	2002
Price Paid	1943 ($US)
Sound	Not quite the snappy sound I wanted, but it may just be setup (coupled with mahogany neck and resonator). BUT, I really like its sound. Playing up near the finger board the sound is incredibly mellow. Reminds me of a good guitar sound for some reason. Normal playing sounds great, too, just not snap, crackle, and pop - yet.
Sound Rating	9
Setup	Not really a good judge of setup yet, but I'd say the action is good. But I've got to think that a better setup would yield a sound closer to THE sound.
Setup Rating	7
Appearance	Plain Jane, but beautiful! This is a business-only style banjo. , which is exactly what I prefer right now. Not that I wouldn't like an E.S. or a Granada, but the RB-250 is truly understated beauty.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	Craftsmanship seems wonderful. Detail work is close to perfect. My only complaint is that the Presto tailpiece mount design seems a bit unstable, but I am a beginner. I assume that there are good reasons that it is the way it is.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	Called Gibson early on, and the person that answered couldn't tell me where to find the serial number. He eventually got someone else while I was on hold. Luck of the pick, surely.
Customer Service	9
Components	Parts are perfect as-is, although I might give a Price tailpiece a try some day.
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	I love this banjo. If I ever buy another banjo, I'll probably give an archtop a try, and most likely it'll be another Gibson.
Overall Rating	10

Gibson Granada submitted 10/13/2002
Submitter	travis (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	greg boyd
Year Purchased	2001
Price Paid	Don't Remember (bought USED) historic exchange rates / currency converter
Sound
Sound Rating	10
Setup
Setup Rating	10
Appearance
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	Greg Boyd is the best.
Customer Service	10
Components	Gibson does an excellent job. The highly flamed maple is extraordinary
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	Re-issue Granada's are excellent.
Overall Rating	10

Gibson early 30's #11 submitted 10/13/2002
Submitter	Unknown
Where Purchased	Steve Huber
Year Purchased	2000
Price Paid	Don't Remember historic exchange rates / currency converter
Sound	great sound ..........Steve has nailed the pre-war sound in his tone rings. Truest neck I've ever played. Neck built by Frank Neat
Sound Rating	10
Setup	Haven't touched the set-up since I took it out of the case for the first time
Setup Rating	10
Appearance	all the metal is original and in great shape.....no pits, no rust
Appearance Rating	9
Reliability
Reliability Rating	not rated
Customer Service
Customer Service	not rated
Components
Components Rating	not rated
Overall Comments	Steve did an excellent job on this conversion. I can't wait to get one of his
Overall Rating	10

Gibson Earl Scruggs Golden Deluxe submitted 9/27/2002
Submitter	Unknown
Where Purchased	Ebay
Year Purchased	2002
Price Paid	2300 (bought USED) historic exchange rates / currency converter
Sound	Mine is an Earl Scruggs Standard but I accidently selected Golden Deluxe for this review and now I can't change it....Oh Well. This banjo is awesome. I'm really stoked to own such a nice instrument. There's something magic about an American made banjo. This one reports like a rifle with a crisp clear fat gibson ring. I am really impressed with the sustain too. It effortlessy produces a beautiful rich full tone just like the one your Earl Scruggs CDs make. It's easy to play and is all together a lovely instrument as well as a beautiful work of art and craftsmanship. The more I play it, the more I like it.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	Mine is a 2002 model and, although purchased used, the guy who originally bought it was a Gibson collector who did'nt play it much. I am playing it with the original setup which sounds just fine to me.
Setup Rating	10
Appearance	This instrument is simply beautiful and true to tradition. Flamed maple resonator, deep glossy finish, bone nut, classic flowers and hearts mother of pearl inlays in an ebony fingerboard, nickel plated hardwear, black & white binding. Very tastefully done, flawless craftsmanship. Earl himself requested that this model's first fret be inlaid and it's a really nice touch. I did'nt think the fancy shmancy stuff would matter to me, but I've come to really appreciate the classic looks of this banjo.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	Well, I've been playing this banjo every day for about 2 years now and it still looks and sounds as good as the day I got it...except for some wear on the head and some nickel tarnish.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	I've never delt with Gibson, but if their service is 1/2 as good as their product, I'll be happy.
Customer Service	not rated
Components	All the components look and feel great. I thought I might consider a different tailpiece and/or bridge someday but have decided to leave well enough alone....I love the tone too much.
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	Awesome banjo. Expensive, but well worth it. Of all the stuff I own, this is the coolest single thing. I'll probably keep it for life. There's no one feature that makes this banjo great....it's a combination of all the features that makes it great.
Overall Rating	10

Gibson RB-3 Wreath submitted 9/27/2002
Submitter	Unknown
Where Purchased	Harmony House
Year Purchased	2002
Price Paid	historic exchange rates / currency converter
Sound	Perfect bluegrass instrument.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	Needed a little tweeking here and there.
Setup Rating	5
Appearance	A lot better than my ability.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	Stays in tune from jam to jam very good. No problems.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	Very timely response back to my questions.
Customer Service	10
Components	The only thing I see that may improve the quality, sound or apperance of it would be a Price straightline tailpiece.
Components Rating	9
Overall Comments	Comparison to other banjos I've played?The Best!
Overall Rating	10

Gibson Granada submitted 9/9/2002
Submitter	Unknown
Where Purchased	Private Party
Year Purchased	2002
Price Paid	Don't Remember (bought USED) historic exchange rates / currency converter
Sound	The Gibsons are the best sounding banjo, I've ever played. That BELL LIKE tone is unmatched by any other banjo. The 1st and 2nd string has alot of POP and the notes ring out load and clear all the way up the neck. The sustain is great.!
Sound Rating	10
Setup	My Granada was already setup by a Professional Player when I bought it. Since, I have long,skinny fingers, I tried a Snuffy 5/8 bridge which brought the strings a little closer to the neck and the playablity up the neck was much smoother.
Setup Rating	10
Appearance	The Granada is an absolute beautiful banjo. Mine has the Mother of Pearl, Flying Eagle inlay pattern.The Neck and resonator is high figured maple with an antique walnut finish. All of the metal parts are 14ct gold plated with Etching on the tailpiece and the tension hoop. This granada was like new, when I received it.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	As with any fine crafted instrument will show wear after a while of constant playing and being exposed to different weather conditions.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service
Customer Service	not rated
Components
Components Rating	not rated
Overall Comments	Granada's new are approximatly $4,000.00 with a Gibson Hardshell Case. My favorite features of this banjo are; The inlay Flying Eagle Inlay pattern and the gold plating. I took a chance buying this banjo; since, I never played or heard it before, I bought it. Fortunatly, It was everything, I expected it to be. What would you do if this banjo was stolen? Well, what do you think?
Overall Rating	10

Gibson RB-4 submitted 9/4/2002
Submitter	Unknown
Where Purchased	sevierville,Tn
Year Purchased	1999
Price Paid	2400 ($US)
Sound	Excellent. Very crips, yet mellow flathead tone brought out through the maple rim and resonator. The complete scruggs sound!
Sound Rating	10
Setup	Very easy to setup and maintain as far as truss rod and head are concearned.
Setup Rating	9
Appearance	Very beautiful flying eagle pattern and well figured maple neck and resonator make this banjo a complete peice of art.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	Always with me and has never missed a jam session or a show with me. Holds its own as far as im concearned and will hold its own with you.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	Gibson is very easy to deal with, just make sure you warranty your instrument.
Customer Service	9
Components	nothing to me needs changing or needs upgraded. i had one upgrade on mine to keith d- tuners and that was all.
Components Rating	9
Overall Comments	If you love playing and love a fast working banjo this i would recommend to you as a consumer and a artist.
Overall Rating	9

Gibson RB-3 Wreath submitted 8/9/2002
Submitter	Unknown
Where Purchased	123music.com
Year Purchased	2002
Price Paid	1923 ($US)
Sound	A Mastertone is a Mastertone. It sounds wonderful, bright, clear, full, and as loud as you want it. It is a perfect bluegrass instrument.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	The banjo was set up for me and works great.
Setup Rating	9
Appearance	The banjo is more ornamental than the standard RB-3, using the wreath style inlay. The inlay is nice and pleasing to look at, but not all together necasary. (I was sent an RB-3 Wreath instead of a standard RB just to fill my order. I got lucky.) I have not yet found any flaws.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	Mastertones last a life time, Ihave no doubt that this one will.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	I have not dealt with the company. The warranty is life-long.
Customer Service	10
Components	The inlay is the most standout part. If I were to upgrade any parts it would be the bridge and maybe the tuners, to install some Scruggs-style
Components Rating	9
Overall Comments	I recommend this banjo for the price I paid, but I had originally ordered an RB-3 for the same price. The special inlay is not so important to me that I would have normally spent an extra couple hundred dollars. I love it, it has ruined me for any other banjo. I don't know what I would do if it were stolen.
Overall Rating	9

Gibson Earl Scruggs Golden Deluxe submitted 7/31/2002
Submitter	mdritter (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Gruhn's Guitars
Year Purchased	1993
Price Paid	Don't Remember historic exchange rates / currency converter
Sound	I've had the banjo set up several different ways, with different heads, strings, bridges, etc. It can handle a wide spectrum of tones from very deep to very bright. It really seems to prefer a loose head and lightweight strings. With that set up and an 11/16
Sound Rating	10
Setup	It had the standard 5/8
Setup Rating	8
Appearance	Excellent. It is basically a Granada, but with an ebony fingerboard, antiqued finish, slightly different tail piece, more inlays and
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	I had a terrible problem with the resonator finish. After 2 or 3 years, the finish cracked in a very fine pattern. All over the back of it. I took it back to Gruhn's Guitars and Gibson custom made another resonator to match for free. The wood grain and color tones match exactly. It's too bad that I had a problem, but I can't say enough good things about both Gruhn's and Gibson regarding warrenty. I've also worn some of the gold plating off the armrest.
Reliability Rating	8
Customer Service	Excellent, Excellent, Excellent. They made a new resonator for my banjo after a finish problem occurred. Very helpful, friendly and responsible. I believe all Gibsons have a life time warrenty for stuff like that.
Customer Service	10
Components	Should immediately replace the original bridge (they might be coming with better bridges now, and some stores go ahead and replace those before they put them on the shelves).
Components Rating	9
Overall Comments	I do really like this banjo. I don't love it because it is merely a combination of metal parts and some wood and I don't consider things like this worthy of love and/or admiration. Sort of like avoiding the
Overall Rating	10

Gibson 1925 Style "3" submitted 7/21/2002
Submitter	Unknown
Where Purchased	Turtle Hill Banjo Co.
Year Purchased	2002
Price Paid	2500 ($US) (bought USED)
Sound	Fantastic sound. It's rich and full with good sustain and excellent decay. Has a good throaty sound to it. I judge all banjos by how they compare to either Terry Baucom's prewar or Ben Eldrige's and after 21 years of banjo's this one's coming as close as I have come with the banjos I have owned.
Sound Rating	9
Setup	I could not have asked for better. I did not have to touch a thing. The 5-string conversion neck is awesome!
Setup Rating	10
Appearance	Some checking on the rim, some tarnish, but it's pretty good for being 77 years old I'd say.
Appearance Rating	8
Reliability	The banjo is in excellent shape
Reliability Rating	9
Customer Service	Turtle Hill is an awsome place to buy a Banjo. I recommend going there first if you're looking for an old Gibson. Most or all are 5 string conversions. http://www.turtlehillbanjo.com
Customer Service	10
Components	The 5 string conversion neck is the best I have ever seen. Gibson's are usually like handling a baseball bat but not this one. It also has the original peral inlays from the original 4 string neck. Very nice. I give it an 11!!!
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	Awesome instrument
Overall Rating	9

Gibson RB-4 submitted 7/19/2002
Submitter	Unknown
Where Purchased	Fuller's Vintage Guitars
Year Purchased	2002
Price Paid	2500 ($US)
Sound	Great Instrument. Very bright sound.
Sound Rating	9
Setup	Banjo was setup when purchased. Had banjo instructor check out the instrument before purchase and he commented that it was the best one of the models I was considering. Others considered were the RB3 and the Earl Scruggs Model.
Setup Rating	9
Appearance	Walnut, with rosewood fingerboard. Brown color with no visible flaws on the instrument.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	Looks like with will last for a very long time.
Reliability Rating	8
Customer Service	N/A
Customer Service	not rated
Components	None.
Components Rating	9
Overall Comments	I've had the instrument since February of 2002 and have been extremely pleased with the instrument.
Overall Rating	9

Gibson Flathead RB-3 submitted 6/14/2002
Submitter	Unknown
Where Purchased	C.A. House Music
Year Purchased	2001
Price Paid	2200 ($US)
Sound	The Banjo when I first got it had a very mellow sound and after tightning the head and adding a new bridge and Tailpiece the sound brightend considerably and it really rings know and also has good bite.
Sound Rating	9
Setup	Oh man...the setup when I got this banjo was not good. The action was good but that was it. The head was way to loose and the bridge was way to far forward and no tension at all on the tailpiece. but i changed all of that
Setup Rating	5
Appearance	The appearance is great and very easy on the eyes.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	very reliable I have bever had any problems with it.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	Very friendly and helpful
Customer Service	10
Components	the tailpeice was not very good and neather was the bridge.
Components Rating	8
Overall Comments	I paid to much for the thing but then agian I really needed a good banjo at the time. But all and all you can't got wrong with a Gibson RB-3 its a great banjo.
Overall Rating	9

Gibson Earl Scruggs Golden Deluxe submitted 4/28/2002
Submitter	Unknown
Where Purchased	Acoustic Roots, Jenkintown, PA
Year Purchased	1998
Price Paid	2500 ($US)
Sound	Earl Scruggs Golden Deluxe - Bluegrass. Flexible banjo capable of supporting many styles. I coundn't be happier, unless it was one of those pre-war banjos that everyone swears by. For a newer banjo, 10. Against top prewars, 8.
Sound Rating	9
Setup	Acoustic Roots was primarily a premium guitar store. Banjos were hanging around. He picked the golden deluxe from another store that had it for 2 years! (That's Pennsylvania for ya!) Had a hot spot, too low. Threw out and went to medium gauge strings and a sansom bridge. Went really dark. Played like this for 2 years. Finally on good advise had Mike Mumford of Baltimore overhaul the banjo. Mike is a great player and an outstanding setup craftsman. New head, His own custom concoction of ghs strings, and a snuffy smith bridge. Tuned head to
Setup Rating	9
Appearance	Curly Maple, Gold Finish, Nice Inlay. This is a really nice banjo. I am very lucky to have it.
Appearance Rating	9
Reliability	Gibson banjos have maintained their quality over the years. My conclusion is the ESGD is a fine fine banjo that is built to last. I don't have a backup banjo, I've never been too concerned.
Reliability Rating	9
Customer Service	Gibson is Gibson. Best to work with indepent craftsmen for help.
Customer Service	3
Components	Maybe the tailpiece, maybe.
Components Rating	8
Overall Comments	For the price, very good deal. If it was stolen, would look for another Gibson in that class to replace. Love this Banjo. Favorite feature is the sound. Question I wished I asked, who is a top craftsman in the area to work with me on the setup? Comparison, there are better out there, but for a late 90's Gibson, it's at the top.
Overall Rating	9

Gibson J.D. Crowe RB-75 submitted 4/15/2002
Submitter	Unknown
Where Purchased	pickngrin knoxville,tn
Year Purchased	2002
Price Paid	2500.00 ($US)
Sound	took it home adjusted the tail peace,tuned the head to g,put a snuffy smith .656 crowe bridge on it and i can't set it down the best ive ever played
Sound Rating	10
Setup	took it home adjusted the tail peace,tuned the head to g,put a snuffy smith .656 crowe bridge on it and i can't set it down the best ive ever played
Setup Rating	5
Appearance	great work nice finish love the old look tuner key's
Appearance Rating	9
Reliability	yes
Reliability Rating	8
Customer Service
Customer Service	8
Components
Components Rating	not rated
Overall Comments	the best out of 5 banjo's that ive owned gibson,vega,washburne,rich@taylor
Overall Rating	not rated

Gibson Scruggs Custom submitted 4/12/2002
Submitter	Unknown
Where Purchased	Elderly Instruments, Lansing MI
Year Purchased	1987
Price Paid	1366 ($US)
Sound	Bright, loud, like a Mastertone should be.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	I put a Huber triple gold plated tone ring in it, because I noticed that the 3rd and 4th strings just weren't there in the upper register. I gave the Gibson and the Huber tone rings a precise scientific test- I whacked them with my thumbnail. The Huber sounded like churchbells on JFK and Jackie's wedding day, and the Gibson sounded like an old wash tub- no kidding, and I had previously thought my banjo sounded great with the stock tone ring.
Setup Rating	10
Appearance	Honestly, I have never seen a better finish on any banjo. It was built in Gibson's custom shop. I didn't know that until I wrote to Earl and Louise because I was disappointed that my banjo didn't have Earl's signature in it (like the Scruggs models were supposed to). Louise wrote back, graciously describing the the origin of my banjo. And Earl signed a sticky label which I stuck on the inside of my resonator!
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	It is more reliable than most any other thing on the planet. Yeah, the armrest lost its plating and I replaced it, but who cares? This banjo can peel the paint off'n JD Crowe's outhouse!
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	No experience with it. I did write them a letter of appreciation, but I never got a reply.
Customer Service	not rated
Components	I love the Huber triple gold plated tone ring.
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	I had a really fine Gold Star wreath banjo that I got in 1981. It sounded and played great. My only problem was it was not American made and it wasn't a Gibson. Yeah, I'm a sucker for the Gibson mystique. Thank God I bought mine when I did, I could never afford one now. The Gibsons I've seen on the rack don't compare to mine... if you want a Mastertone, look around and choose wisely.
Overall Rating	10

Gibson Earl Scruggs Classic submitted 3/25/2002
Submitter	Unknown
Where Purchased	Gruhn's Guitar, Nashville
Year Purchased	1992
Price Paid	1800 ($US)
Sound	I play mostlyclassical Scruggs style with a little melodic thrown in. The Dynamic range of the Gibson is very good without rattling. It has a full sound, in the low register, and a clean high range. I'm generally the loudest banjo without working too hard. It's bad about keeping tune with varying temperature and humidity - gotta tune often, and leave the case open in the venue so it can stabilize a bit before trying to tune it.
Sound Rating	9
Setup	Setup fron Gruhn's was with light strings and WAY too low. In fact the neck warped down in the first week, and brought the strings down on the fretboard. I loosened the truss, and applied medium strings (generally GHS) and adjusted so the 12th fret has about 3/16 to the string. The nut and the bridge ate strings until I relieved 'em a bit. After a bit the neck began to move the other way, so I re-tightened the russ gradually until the neck held its clearance.
Setup Rating	2
Appearance	I like 'em plain. Gold and inlays don't make a better sound - so basically LOTTA money out for nothing. The standard Scriggs GIbson is unadorned. good finish - typical unexciting plating that goes satiney pretty quickly. The tone ring is TIGHT on the pot.
Appearance Rating	5
Reliability	The instrument has been in a working environment now for a decade, and the frets up to the 7th are shot - time for a re-do. The Keith tuners are still perfect as is the fifth tuner. I use a Shubb 5th string capo which has heavy wear on the rail - about to be replaced - the local luthier says the nut needs to be raised a bit. the finish is still perfect although there are small dents on the neck and peghead from the capo. About $300 will bring it back to functionally new. Once in a blue moon it'll pop a string, so for a short set I generally carry a spare - since there's no time to change. Our band normally played hour sets, so no spare needed - just extra strings.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	Never been a need -
Customer Service	not rated
Components	No complaints the machines are as good as it gets. Maybe a tougher fret material, but 10 years and still plays just fine - the luthier (Goose Acres in Cleveland) says the action is too high so I'll let HIM set it up, and then put it back the way I like it if there's any issues.
Components Rating	9
Overall Comments	Never had a complaint with it - EXCEPT for the temperature sensitivity - which isn't a problem if you take a little care with it. I'd in all likelyhood replace it with another just like it. I haven't seen anything all that exciting about Stellings or Deerings that would make 'em worth the extra cash they want for 'em.
Overall Rating	10

Gibson Earl Scruggs Golden Deluxe submitted 3/3/2002
Submitter	Unknown
Where Purchased	Elderly Instruments
Year Purchased	1999
Price Paid	3200 ($US)
Sound	Has that classic Mastertone bluegrass sound. It has a loud cracking/popping sort of a sound with a lot of sustain.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	The banjo came from Elderly setup fairly well. It really didn't show me all that it could do until I had Kyle Smith set it up for me.
Setup Rating	8
Appearance	The banjo has a beautiful finish. Beautiful curly maple neck and resonator. It has an ebony fretboard with the standard hearts and flowers inlays. All metal parts are gold plated and were very well done.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	Banjo seems very reliable. I am expecting it to last me a lifetime of everyday playing.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	I have never had an occasion or need for any repair work from Gibson, however several attempts to communicate with Gibson have gone unanswered.
Customer Service	5
Components	All component seem to be top quality. I cannot tell that any shortcuts have been taken with the construction of this banjo. If I were to change anything about the banjo, I might switch to a Price tailpiece. That is just because I like the Price. Not because the one that came on it is shoddy.
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	I love the banjo and would not sell nor trade if for anything. I am completely satisfied with it. Now that I have had it setup properly, it consistantly gives me the exact sound that I like.
Overall Rating	10

Gibson Earl Scruggs Standard submitted 2/26/2002
Submitter	dogjaw (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	music man jax, fl
Year Purchased	1984
Price Paid	1500 ($US)
Sound	beautiful tone, kinda quiet until i replaced the bridge with a hot spot; killer volume, plays great up and down the neck, no oertones
Sound Rating	9
Setup	changed the stock tailpiece for price straightline, am considering trying out a new bridge for the heck of it, any suggestions would be welcomed. it had a shubb 5th capo installed; i would probaly prefer rr spikes. also use a fishman pickup for playing in church through a crate tube amp, though i need to acquire a preamp.
Setup Rating	9
Appearance	great curly maple, well figured, no light spots on ebony fretboard, immaculate inlay work,no sign of any filler, the m.o.p. on the peghead may be aging somewhat, buit i haven't seen a prettier gibson overall
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	i think that i'll breakdown before it does.(get it? breakdown? thank you, thank you very much.)
Reliability Rating	9
Customer Service	no problem
Customer Service	10
Components	ebony fretboard, choice of wood were great; they could have put a higher quality bridge and tailpiece on it to start with, but then i wouldn't get to gadget shop, so i can't complain.
Components Rating	8
Overall Comments	top drawer in every way
Overall Rating	10

Gibson J.D. Crowe RB-75 submitted 2/14/2002
Submitter	tpulver (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	Elderly Instruments
Year Purchased	2002
Price Paid	2000 ($US) (bought USED)
Sound	Nice sound. Excellent tone up the neck. Very warm mahogany sound overall, but still able to punch out the sound in a crowd.
Sound Rating	9
Setup	Setup by Elderly and then shipped to me. Just had to set the bridge and tune. Good low action and overall good setup, however after playing it for a couple months I feel like taking it in to be re-setup to address some minor buzzing/ringing. Might be me, though.
Setup Rating	7
Appearance	Great looking banjo, it gets a lot of compliments. The inlays are very nice - fancy but not overly ornate. I also really like the ivoroid buttons instead of the more common pearloid ones, and the concentric rings in back are a nice extra. Good traditional-looking banjo.
Appearance Rating	9
Reliability	I've only had it for a bit, but it seems very well made and sturdy.
Reliability Rating	9
Customer Service	No experience.
Customer Service	not rated
Components	Has the Shubb 5th string capo, which I really like. Easy to use.
Components Rating	9
Overall Comments	Overall a great banjo, but not my cup of tea. I ended up selling it and replacing it with a Stelling, which I find easier to play and brighter sounding. Just my personal preference, as I know that many players love this model.
Overall Rating	9

Gibson RB-250 submitted 1/29/2002
Submitter	david gedalecia (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	private seller
Year Purchased	2001
Price Paid	1300 ($US) (bought USED)
Sound	This is a 1978 RB-250. It has a mellow but bright tone. I like it for Adcock-style passages. It's not the loudest banjo at jam sessions, but I'm not much interested in trying to "out decibel" others. Musicality is the goal, and this banjo helps to achieve this.
Sound Rating	9
Setup	The banjo was set up after purchase by Radford Vance, formerly with Bill Monroe and now with Northwest Territory. He installed a Price tailpiece, a Scorpion bridge (11/16), and a Remo head. He also modified the action. He plays pre-war Gibsons and says that this is one of the best 250s he has played. Recently I had the frets dressed and levelled and the eck straightened by Dan Shinn at Lay's Music in Akron, and his improved the intonation and action considerably.
Setup Rating	10
Appearance	The banjo was probably refinished, and this was done well. It's probably mahogany with an ebony fingerboard. The inlays are "leaves and bows" (it's a post-bowtie era 250). Fifth string sliding capo was removed (mercifully) some time in the past and some fills are visible, but the touch up was done well.
Appearance Rating	9
Reliability	The hardware has some tarnish but is intact. The armrest was replated because of wear. Finish is in like-new condition.
Reliability Rating	9
Customer Service	Gibson has been helpful in dating the banjo and providing information about construction.
Customer Service	10
Components	The modifications mentioned above incorporate first-rate parts. If a pre-war tone ring came along, I might consider replacing the original one.
Components Rating	10
Overall Comments	I would recommend this vintage 250 at the price I paid and perhaps more. If it were stolen, I'd try to find one like it. I recently played new 250, RB-3, Granada, and expensive Scruggs Gibsons, and mine was superior in tone and playability. While this may be due to superior set up, it's also true that every banjo is "born" differently, which means that one must play an instrument before purchase to ensure a good "fit."
Overall Rating	10

Gibson GB-RB submitted 1/25/2002
Submitter	davidkmancil (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	First Quality Music Instruments
Year Purchased	2001
Price Paid	1200 ($US)
Sound	I like the bluegrass style, scruggs 3 finger style. I don't use any amps. I had Steve Huber set it up for me. I like playing Gospel music. It sounds really bluegrassy and has that twanggy sound that blue grass banjos are known for.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	It was set up nicely by Steve Huber.
Setup Rating	10
Appearance	It is nice but doesn't have any gold on it. I don't really care about that, just the sound is all i care about. It has a maple resonator and neck. It didn't have any flaws in it when I got it. But after playing it for awhile, the armrest did deoxidize.
Appearance Rating	8
Reliability	It seems very reliable. The parts seem to be very well put together. I haven't even broken a string yet on it.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	the company I bought it from were very friendly and gave me good advice. They did advise me to not get a tone ring for it, but I did anyway.
Customer Service	8
Components	It has a new tone ring in it. It was put on there by Steve Huber. It is one of his vintage tone rings and makes it sound much better than it did before.
Components Rating	8
Overall Comments	I would recommend this banjo. It is one of Gibson cheapest banjos and would be wonderful for a beginner banjoist who is just starting out but wants that good ole blue grass sound. I love this banjo and I would cry like a baby if it were stolen.
Overall Rating	8

Gibson Flathead RB-3 submitted 12/28/2001
Submitter	Unknown
Where Purchased	Curtis McPeake
Year Purchased	1993
Price Paid	1475 ($US)
Sound	Good sounding banjo, I have wore out the frets and will need new frets soon due to the strings buzzing. I put a Snuffy Smith bridge on it and have tuned the head to G.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	The banjo was ready to play. Mr. McPeake installed two spikes as well
Setup Rating	9
Appearance	It is the basic reissue RB-3. Not beautiful, but practical.
Appearance Rating	not rated
Reliability	The chrome is starting to oxidize and discolor. This is especially true on the armrest.
Reliability Rating	6
Customer Service	Don't know
Customer Service	5
Components
Components Rating	not rated
Overall Comments	I would recommend this banjo. The action is awesome and the sound is great. Tony Trischka played it for about 15 minutes once and felt it was a good banjo. It is easy to play and the neck is not big and bulky.
Overall Rating	9

Gibson 1926 Mastertone Ball bearing to flathead submitted 12/24/2001
Submitter	Unknown
Where Purchased	Bought from private seller
Year Purchased	2001
Price Paid	2400 ($US) (bought USED)
Sound	This is a great sounding and playing instrument. Very bright and has good volumn! Super great tone!
Sound Rating	10
Setup	Tonering made by and installed by steve huber - A+ Neck is a Style 7 Slotted bowtie made by Robin Smith w/ radiused fingerboard AA+ Coverted from ballbearing to huber flathead.
Setup Rating	9
Appearance	Excellent neck with slotted bowtie inlay - sharp! Bowtie peghead, same as the RB7 top tension.
Appearance Rating	10
Reliability	Great hardware
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service	Jim sold me a great banjo with good service
Customer Service	10
Components
Components Rating	9
Overall Comments	don't know what to say except this is the nicest thing I have ever owned, sounds and plays great. the tone chambers from the 25's and 26's are amazing. I would recommend nothing but the best.
Overall Rating	10

Gibson Original Flathead TB 3 submitted 12/21/2001
Submitter	travis (see all reviews from this person)
Where Purchased	from a friend
Year Purchased	2001
Price Paid	hmmmm() (bought USED) historic exchange rates / currency converter
Sound	Unbelievable. When I start playing it, I cannot put it down.
Sound Rating	10
Setup	Had John Hickman set it up for me.
Setup Rating	10
Appearance	lacquer checking, wear on back of resonater. nickle plating wore/tarnished. Pot metal hoop pitted. One res. screw non original. flange slightly pulled up, one crack clean thru, two other minor cracks
Appearance Rating	6
Reliability	finish should last another hunerd years I hope? Yes, I can depend on it.
Reliability Rating	10
Customer Service
Customer Service	not rated
Components	components, love the pot. need to have a conv. neck made. currently have my '95 Granada neck on it.
Components Rating	not rated
Overall Comments	yes, I own some overalls. They are best after they are worn a few times, are sort of broken in.
Overall Rating	10

You are not logged in.
Log In

Not a member? Create an Account (FREE!)

HOME | FORUMS | MEMBERS | MEDIA ARCHIVE | TABS & LESSONS | CLASSIFIEDS | REVIEWS | LINKS | CALENDAR | STORE874 BANJO LOVERS ONLINE