Fawley gower scruggs
submitted 6/27/2008
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Submitter |
alabamapicker |
Where Purchased |
The Banjo Loft, Greensboro, Pa. |
Year Purchased |
2008 |
Price Paid |
2800.00 ($US) |
Sound
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Suits my style. It would suit any style. It is rich, full, loud and bright, but not shrill. It can make any sound you want! |
Sound Rating |
10 |
Setup
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The setup is perfect. Action is great. I will not change the setup. |
Setup Rating |
10 |
Appearance
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This is a custom made one of a kind banjo. The neck was built by Mr. Fawley. It is mahogany anf the rim and resonator are maple. There are no appearance flaws. |
Appearance Rating |
10 |
Reliability
|
I haven't had it but 3 days. It appears to be excellent finish-wise. I believe it is dependable. |
Reliability Rating |
10 |
Customer Service
|
Mr Fawley is a nice fellow and very helpful. I believe he would adress any issues if I had a problem. |
Customer Service |
10 |
Components
|
The total package is STANDOUT! This is a great banjo. No weaknesses apparent. |
Components Rating |
10 |
Overall Comments
|
If there is ever another one, I would recommend it highly! I love it. The neck Mr. Fawley built is exceptional. It compares favorably with every other banjo I have played. Wyatt Fawley is an artist. |
Overall Rating |
10 |
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Gibson Flathead RB-3
submitted 3/9/2008
|
Submitter |
alabamapicker |
Where Purchased |
gruhn's |
Year Purchased |
1993 |
Price Paid |
1695.00 ($US) |
Sound
|
I play mostly sgruggs with a little melodic thrown in. This is a great banjo. The intonation is the most perfect of any I have ever played. It sounds just like it should sound! It has a rich sound, at the same time it is bright and as loud as you want it to be. |
Sound Rating |
10 |
Setup
|
All I had to do was tighten the head and set the bridge. I did put a Hot Spot Bridge on years ago. I have not touched the coordinator rods or monkeyed with the neck. It Was set up perfectly and is still perfect almost 18 years later. |
Setup Rating |
10 |
Appearance
|
It is a wreath inlay RB-3. It is reddish stained mahogany as it came from the factory. The only flaws are some rough raised grains on the back of the resonator that were there when I bought it. The inlay work is excellent and beautiful. |
Appearance Rating |
10 |
Reliability
|
The hardware is fine. I did have to replace the presto tailpiece because the old one cracked at the bend. The finish may have thinned a bit, but not much (only on the side of the resonator). I would depend on this banjo anytime, anywhere. If I was a pro, I would use it exclusively. |
Reliability Rating |
10 |
Customer Service
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I have the original warranty, but I have had no need for a repair. I have dealt with Gibson on another instrument, and they were friendly and professional. |
Customer Service |
10 |
Components
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No weak parts, with posible exception of the tailpiece. This banjo sounds as good as any I have ever heard. Folks that have seen and heard it think is is an old banjo. |
Components Rating |
not rated |
Overall Comments
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I would recommend this banjo without reservation. If it was stolen I would wither up and mourn for it. I LOVE IT! THe sound is awesome and cannot be put into words. It is easy to play and stays in tune. I have other banjos but this one is the best of them. |
Overall Rating |
10 |
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