Morelli Bluegrass 5 string
submitted 3/5/2010
|
Submitter |
mtnpckr |
Where Purchased |
eBay new |
Year Purchased |
2010 |
Price Paid |
Don't Remember
historic exchange rates / currency converter
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Sound
|
never got it tuned successfully |
Sound Rating |
1 |
Setup
|
NO. Was shipped pkg from China i guess, head loose, strings loose, neck loose, tailpiece loose, tuners loose. |
Setup Rating |
1 |
Appearance
|
thin, thin veneer over steamed plywood rim ( cheapest plywood not multiply.) thick vanish over all, Nick in resonator at bottom of banjo, the part that was least padded in cardboard box. Overall, was well pkg with wrappings and bubble wrap. |
Appearance Rating |
1 |
Reliability
|
hardly hardware, very thin finish. Brackets that hold resonator were attached with 3 screws each, one into block glued inside edge of resonator and two screwed directly into resonator rim, either you never remove the resonator to adjust or the screws will get too loose from use. Not playable ! |
Reliability Rating |
1 |
Customer Service
|
Bought it from a store on ebay. I wanted to try out a lefty and this one was cheapest. But its beyond use as a musical instrument so i am returning it on their 7 day trial warranty. I would rather eat the shipping cost than to screw some poor beginner by reselling it. I have owned and sold about a dozen banjos but they were always in better shape when i sold them than when i got them. I do rate the store as good, they were excellent to deal with overall, but they did mislead me a bit by calling it a "Southern bluegrass banjo instead of Morelli. |
Customer Service |
7 |
Components
|
it did have a Remo Weatherking head, and that's about the only serviceable part, the rest is pure junk. Even the "made in China label was the smallest cheapest stick-on produced. |
Components Rating |
1 |
Overall Comments
|
I tightened the head, and tailpiece, neck and co rod, changed out several bridges to try to get it tunable but the tuners won't hold tune long enough to even get a consistant set. I used a drum torque wrench to tighten head. The tailpiece was very weak also and the bridge was a notched piece of fret wire set in a cheap knock off of a bridge. Absolutely would never work for a beginner. Would cause them to give up before they ever got started. The worst example of cheap asian banjos I've ever seen. |
Overall Rating |
1 |
|
Other Gold Tone Banjo Mute
submitted 1/21/2008
|
Submitter |
mtnpckr |
Where Purchased |
Janet Davis Music |
Overall Comments
|
Very disappointed! Hard to adjust, interferes with bridge position, does only a slight muting. I would send it back if possible, may try to swap for another type of mute since JDMC is very accomodating to customers. |
Overall Rating |
2 |
|
Mastercraft Classic
submitted 5/23/2006
|
Submitter |
mtnpckr |
Where Purchased |
The Banjo & Mandolin Hut |
Year Purchased |
2006 |
Price Paid |
399.00 ($US) |
Sound
|
Sound is full for a rolled brass tone ring, not as loud as needed for jamming perhaps but greatly appreciated by my wife when i practice. She can still watch tv 30ft away in the family room, while I pick away in my office/hideaway. I think this is an ideal beginners banjo. Just checked & tightened head after 4 weeks of light playing, volume increased twofold! |
Sound Rating |
9 |
Setup
|
Banjo was setup very well and only needed to tune strings before playing. Action is set very low, which is good for beginners. I plan to put GHS light strings on it when I change, but this is a personal preference. I also plan to try out some different bridges, again for personal preference. |
Setup Rating |
9 |
Appearance
|
I was surprised & pleased with the fit & finish on this banjo. It has a great luster on the wood and the hardware is bright & shiny. No flaws or marred finish that I can see. Inlays are crisp and look very good. frets are even and smooth on the edges. Resonator & neck are well fitted. |
Appearance Rating |
10 |
Reliability
|
I believe that this banjo will outlast me ( course i'm pushing 60). I doubt that I will ever play a gig but I would have to do something to increase volume first. But for a play at home, or practice unit, I think the hardware is fine. |
Reliability Rating |
9 |
Customer Service
|
The Banjo Hut supplied this banjo to the Hangout as the free drawing prize for March 2006, and delivery was within 2 days of receiving notice that I had won. Packaging was superb, it would have protected this banjo from all but a direct missile strike. I am amazed at the quality of the case offered with this outfit. It is attractive, strong, well padded and looks quite durable. |
Customer Service |
10 |
Components
|
Overall this is an excellent package, and is superior to any other banjo that I have looked at in this price range. I have owned several used (eBay specials) banjos; Gretsch OB student, Aria alum. rim, & a Harmony Bakelite, and a new Deering Goodtime II ( which I upgraded with a rolled Brass tone ring), and this pkg is much better than any of them. The Goodtime played very well but I never got use to the bland appearance, it just didn't look right to me. |
Components Rating |
9 |
Overall Comments
|
For a beginner or as a carry around banjo, I would highly recommend this pkg, although the maple unit may appeal more to others. I think the mahogony is a warmer, plunkier sound which I prefer ( course i'm pretty hearing impaired) and its really a matter of individual taste. I would obviously highly recommend The Banjo & Mandolin Hut, not just because they gave the banjo to me but I was also well pleased with the setup, shipping & packaging and especially with the great friendly response I received. Very good people to deal with! This pkg came complete with strap, case, picks, tuner, wrench/screwsriver combo, banjo & Vega strings J. Davis "How to Play Banjo Book" & DVD; a great bargain for the price.
I WISH TO GIVE MY HEARTFELT THANKS TO ERIC @ THE BANJO HANGOUT AND TO KATHY & PAUL AT THE BANJO & MANDOLIN HUT FOR MAKING THIS BANJO AVAILABLE TO ME. |
Overall Rating |
10 |
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