Desert Rose Salt Creek Maple
submitted 3/30/2005
|
Submitter |
Robert |
Where Purchased |
Scott Zimmermann. Picked it up in Japan |
Year Purchased |
3/2005 |
Price Paid |
Don't Remember
historic exchange rates / currency converter
|
Sound
|
It's all there! Clear, crisp, just enough bass. Very well balanced with great note separation, and voice. Lots of volume which can be varied without loss of tone character. |
Sound Rating |
10 |
Setup
|
Setup was perfect as one would expect from this master builder. I'm very particular about set-up, but nothing had to be changed on this Banjo. |
Setup Rating |
10 |
Appearance
|
Top notch! Beautifully figured Maple neck, and resonator. Superb Flying Eagle inlay work. Tastful binding. Warm Nickel metal parts.Fantastic workmanship throughout. |
Appearance Rating |
10 |
Reliability
|
This Banjo is built and finished to become an heirloom. With proper care, it should last forever. |
Reliability Rating |
10 |
Customer Service
|
Scott Zimmermann is a Master, not only in building, but also in customer Service. |
Customer Service |
10 |
Components
|
Best materials and parts. Tony Pass Thin Skirt Birtch Rim, Tenn 20 Tone Ring, and Elite Z bridge. It doen't get any better |
Components Rating |
10 |
Overall Comments
|
The most bang for the buck out there in this quality range. I love it. |
Overall Rating |
10 |
|
Aria 5 String SB400
submitted 10/8/2004
|
Submitter |
Robert |
Where Purchased |
Ebay |
Year Purchased |
2004 |
Price Paid |
260 ($US) |
Sound
|
After a complete set-up this Banjo sounded very bright, with good volume.
Nice Bluegrass Sound |
Sound Rating |
6 |
Setup
|
The banjo had most likely been sitting on the store shelf for years. Nowhere near a set-up. All Hooks loose, junk Bridge, high action, etc.
Stripped it down, put it back together with New Strings, and Bridge. Action adjusted. Oiled the very dry Fretboard.
Typical out of the box Asian instrument. No Problem to set-up if you know what you are doing. Not a Beginners job.
Clear Remo Head, which I don't like. |
Setup Rating |
3 |
Appearance
|
Mahagony neck, Resonator (w/pearl inlays on the Back)
All metal parts oxidized.
Pearl Fretboard inlay job not good, lots of filler around the oversized cuts.
Good Finish.
After clean up, good general looks but not in detail |
Appearance Rating |
5 |
Reliability
|
The hardware is not top notch, but it looks like it should last.
the nickel plating will wear in time.
The Clam Shell tailpiece is a little rough, but I'm partial to Kirchner's anyway. |
Reliability Rating |
4 |
Customer Service
|
Ebay Sale, no Service or Guarantee.
Have not Checked with Aria. |
Customer Service |
not rated |
Components
|
Cheep but OK
I will change the head to a frosted Remo |
Components Rating |
4 |
Overall Comments
|
For the Price I payed, a very good buy for a new instrument. The LP is about $700.
Once set-up, it's a good beginner or intermidiate banjo. |
Overall Rating |
4 |
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