Overall Comments

Just a fabulous piece of equipment with endless tonal and adjustment capability.

Overall Rating

10

Overall Comments

The latest creation from Bob Fults! When I custom-ordered it a month ago, reviews were not yet back from his team of banjo testers. It is basically a BlueRidge tailpiece in a parallel design, giving the benefit of all strings being at the same height. Like the original BlueRidge, it allows the use of tone pins and kicker pins (explanation on his site, www.banjotailpiece.com).
I purchased his following models:1933 (bright sound; apparent predecessor to the 1934); 1934 Parallel; and the BlueRidge Parallel with optional lead and silver (special order) tone pins. I tried the BlueRidge on my open-back banjo, and it cut out some tone. When I put it on my Goldtone kit OB250+ bluegrass banjo, it improved the tone, taking out the sharp annoying tones I otherwise had. (Incidentally, the 1933 became my choice for my open-back instrument...great tone).
The result? I highly recommend the BlueRidge Parallel, with the tone pins I selected. Tone pins contact the tension hoop of the banjo, and alter the tone according to the material they are made of. The silver tone pin gives a clarity to the tone, which I like. The lead pin deepens the tone, for a more mellow, sweeter sound. A brass “kicker pin” came with the tailpiece, and is basically a tone pin that is short and doesn’t make contact with the tension hoop. Without these devices, the tailpiece gives a lot of sustain, with very good tone. With the kicker pin, the tone is a bit more focused, with less sustain. This flexibility of tone control is of significant benefit. It is because of the option of these pins that I prefer this tailpiece over the Fults 1934 Parallel.
Incidentally, other tailpieces I have tried on my bluegrass banjo are the Goldtone Straightline and the Kersner. It is my opinion that the Fults BlueRidge Parallel (and 1934 Parallel) are vastly superior.

Overall Rating

10

Overall Comments

Excellent craftsmanship and engineering. This is the most solid tailpiece I have ever seen--heavy and secure. The optional tone pins are icing on the cake. I chose the lead tone pin with lock, and it has really helped mellow my sound, and cut the overtones on my banjo. An investment that is very well worth the money.

Overall Rating

10

Overall Comments

Awesome! This is a high quality product that sounds and looks fantastic. If you are after that "pre war" presto sound with the added adjustment then look no further. I will put one of these on every banjo I ever purchase.

Overall Rating

10