Gibson RB-3 Wreath
submitted 10/11/2008
|
Submitter |
joefpa |
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 |
|
Baldwin Style C
submitted 10/10/2003
|
Submitter |
joefpa |
Where Purchased |
Larkins Music Binghamton New York |
Year Purchased |
1975 |
Price Paid |
Don't Remember (bought USED)
historic exchange rates / currency converter
|
Sound
|
I play Scruggs style bluegrass. This banjo (from the 67-68 period) has a mellow sound with plenty of punch and sustain. The tones are true without overtones. I receive many compliments on the sound from other players. |
Sound Rating |
10 |
Setup
|
I can't remember what it was like when I bought it. I set this one up myself. I use a smaller, .656 bridge with plenty of head tension, and light guage strings. The action isn't too low. I have kept the original tailpiece, but it is a pain to change a string quickly. |
Setup Rating |
not rated |
Appearance
|
The banjo is plain but attractive. Walnut with excellent finish. No custom work. It has held up well. The hardware has faded quite a bit over 25 years. |
Appearance Rating |
8 |
Reliability
|
I have played this banjo for 25 years. Onstage in bars and festivals, inside outside all over the country. It has travelled in many a trunk and van and been stored in some unlikely areas. I suppose I could have cared better for it, but it has held up very well. While travelling I wrapped it in cloth and placed it in the case. This made for a better fit and didn't allow it to move around in the case. It stays in tune easy and except for a few minor cosmetic flaws is the same as it was when I bought it. I didn't have a backup banjo for over 15 years. This was the only banjo I played and used onstage. |
Reliability Rating |
10 |
Customer Service
|
not applicable |
Customer Service |
not rated |
Components
|
American made and it shows. Heavy tone ring, well fitted components that have stood the test of time. This banjo has a lot of miles on it but you would never know. I have thought about changing the bridge for many years but haven't as of today. |
Components Rating |
10 |
Overall Comments
|
For the last 10 years I have been playing my Gibson RB-3 more than my Baldwin. I recently began playing the Baldwin more at home and realized why I like it so much. It sounds like no other banjo I have ever heard. It has served me very well over the years, reliable, good looking, great sound and comfortable to play. I would replace it with another (if I could find one) if anything hapened to this one. It is my favorite banjo.Thanks Kip. |
Overall Rating |
10 |
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