Steve Martin The Crow
submitted 4/9/2009
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Submitter |
Oplunk |
Where Purchased |
amazon.com |
Overall Comments
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First, I am surprised that no one has reviewed this stellar album. Steve Martin is a first-class banjo player, both 3-finger and clawhammer. This album showcases his talents as a player, composer, and songwriter. While most selections are original instrumentals, four of the tracks are songs written or co-written by Steve. Steve's 3-finger is pretty straight ahead Scruggs, complimented nicely by the all-over-the-place-in-a-good-way Tony Trischka. Steve's clawhammer is crisp and clear and somewhat like Mark Johnson in attack and style. Guest artists include Earl Scruggs, Gary Scruggs, Tim O'Brien, Vince Gill, Tony Trischkas, Pete Wernick, Dolly Parton, Mary Black, and producer John McEuen, and others. The tunes are well-crafted and the picking is inspired. My only criticism is obvious pick noise on one track. This is a must-have for comedic banjo players. And, serious pickers, too! |
Overall Rating |
10 |
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Deering John Hartford #1
submitted 1/8/2008
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Submitter |
Oplunk |
Where Purchased |
Elderly Instruments |
Year Purchased |
2001 |
Price Paid |
1750 ($US) (bought USED) |
Sound
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I have to admit that I have not given this banjo the praise it deserves. Last month I put on a new Weather King top frosted head (tap tuned to a G#) and the sound came alive!! I replaced the orignal bridge with a Snuffy Smith. Using Roger Siminoff's suggestions, I spent a lot of time tuning the head and making sure little things like string angle between bridge and tailpiece were optimal. I also put on medium gauge LaBella strings. It now sings perhaps better than my Stelling Master's Cross Deluxe. I have played it pretty non-stop for 3-finger style stuff. |
Sound Rating |
10 |
Setup
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No. It came pretty close to "as is". It had a clear Remo head which was not installed properly. The tension ring was lopsided and the bridge was pretty sucky (technical term). |
Setup Rating |
3 |
Appearance
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It is beautiful and relatively lite because of the wooden tonering. All hardware is nickel-plated to perfection. The armrest has a little wear, but not excessive. And, I love the "riverboat" style headstock and neck inlays. |
Appearance Rating |
10 |
Reliability
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It is now a work horse with style. I love the satin finish and the fingerboard is clean, well-proportioned and well-balanced. The fret work is flawless (smooth, no snags or rough spots). It has a slightly wider fingerboard, so Crowe spacing on the bridge works great. |
Reliability Rating |
10 |
Customer Service
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Elderly Instruments has provided high quality products and services to me for many years and I have never had a bad experence with them. I can't blame the set-up on them because I bought the banjo "as-is". |
Customer Service |
9 |
Components
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The first head was not original manufacture nor was it the original set-up. It clearly had fallen into the hands of an inexperienced set-up/repair person. The banjo itself is pretty close to perfect in all respects. I use it for both bluegrass and clawhammer and it just sings everytime. |
Components Rating |
9 |
Overall Comments
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I was reluctant to even play this banjo for several years. It was always my first choice to trade, but I couldn't get anyone to take it. Then, I decided to spend a little cash a lot of time to make it sparkle. And, it paid off big time. I would now put this insturment up against any other banjo anywhere. So, yes, I would recommend it. But, before you trade a banjo, try getting it set up properly and see you still want to get rid of it. |
Overall Rating |
10 |
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Bridges Samson walnut/ebony compensated
submitted 1/8/2008
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Submitter |
Oplunk |
Where Purchased |
First Quality Music |
Overall Comments
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Samson makes an awesome bridge. I put one on my Mike Ramsey Bacon Model open-back and the result was astounding! The sound was so dramatically improved that even my wife noticed (and she doesn't even like banjo music!). I immediately ordered another one for my Bob Flesher Grand Cotillion with similar results. Highly recommended!! |
Overall Rating |
10 |
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