Gold Star GF 100 Wreath
submitted 8/29/2006
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Submitter |
skevincampbell |
Where Purchased |
Hangout member |
Year Purchased |
2006 |
Price Paid |
865 ($US) (bought USED) |
Sound
|
Good sounding banjo. They are known for flathead sound, and it suits me and my playing style well. It has a rich tone, plenty of volume and sounds better up the neck than my old Morgan Monroe. Sound improved after I put on a McPeake bridge and a Kershner tailpiece. Volume and ring are both more consistent now. |
Sound Rating |
8 |
Setup
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The banjo was setup pretty well when I got it. The action is not as low as some I have played. I like it where it was when I got it. I made the changes noted above, and they were fairly easy. This is my first real foray into tinkering with setup, and I am pleased with the results. |
Setup Rating |
8 |
Appearance
|
Standard inlay and Gold Star look. Not real fancy. I like the wreath pattern. The orange tint of the mahogany is a positive for me. I really like the color and consistency of the wood. The binding on the reonator is off white or cream, while the binding on the neck is pure white. |
Appearance Rating |
7 |
Reliability
|
I believe the hardware is dependable. I would use it on a gig, although I don't have one, and nobody would pay to hear me play. It stays in tune really well, and more so with the cryoed strings on it. The tuners move really easy, almost too easy. But, it does stay in tune well. |
Reliability Rating |
7 |
Customer Service
|
No contact with the company. |
Customer Service |
not rated |
Components
|
The remake Presto is not real strong, but it is servicable. I like the Kershner much better. I have heard it might be good to change the tuners, but they seem fine. I won't change them until I find exactly what I want. I would like Keiths on 2 & 3, with matching 1 & 4 tuners. I would like amber buttons on them. |
Components Rating |
7 |
Overall Comments
|
I would reccomend this banjo, whole heartedly for the price. I would also not hesitate to buy a new one. It is a good value either new or used. If it were stolen, I would pray for the thief's legs to fall off, and go get my banjo back. I plan to always have this banjo. I want one of the killer $4 to 5,000 banjos, but I want to always keep this one. Great experience buying from a Hangout member. |
Overall Rating |
8 |
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Morgan Monroe Rocky Top MRHB-1
submitted 2/28/2006
|
Submitter |
skevincampbell |
Where Purchased |
Individual |
Year Purchased |
2006 |
Price Paid |
450 ($US) (bought USED) |
Sound
|
This banjo sounds great. It was richer originally, but now is much brighter after setup. I play Scruggs style. It suits me fine. I now have a narrower bridge, and the head is tighter than it was originally. It is louder now, also. |
Sound Rating |
9 |
Setup
|
This banjo was fairly well setup. In tune. Nice mid to low action. It just needed a little tweaking. I'm sure the seller had it set up to suit him. We are not done with it yet. |
Setup Rating |
8 |
Appearance
|
This banjo looks very nice. It is a mass produced instrument, but has some nice inlay work. The wood is mahogany and in perfect condition. The seller took great care of it. It has a black Deering head on it, and it looks great. |
Appearance Rating |
10 |
Reliability
|
I have not had it long, but everything seems adequate and more. The finish seems very durable. It stays in tune well. I won't be playing on stage any time soon, but that is not the banjo's fault. |
Reliability Rating |
9 |
Customer Service
|
N/A, as of now. No need to contact Morgan Monroe about anything. |
Customer Service |
not rated |
Components
|
The tailpiece might not be as strong as it could be, according to my teacher. I'm interested to see how it will look and sound with a 5 Star white head on it. Everything else seems to be very good on this banjo |
Components Rating |
9 |
Overall Comments
|
I would absolutely reccomend this banjo for the price. At $450, I don't think I could have beaten it. I was looking at more expensive models, mostly Gibson and Sullivan, and I was surprised by how this banjo looked and performed. It was in excellent shape and I am very happy with it. It sounds as good as the others I have played and tried. If stolen, I would certainly be upset. I would have a hard time getting as good a banjo for the money. |
Overall Rating |
10 |
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