Gibson Earl Scruggs Golden Deluxe
submitted 12/26/2009
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Submitter |
My Golden |
Where Purchased |
Janet Davis Music Company |
Year Purchased |
2008 |
Price Paid |
6,288.00 ($US) |
Sound
|
I play bluegrass 3 finger style, and you don't need any amps with this monster sound. It has a phenomenally loud, full, very bright sound! You can play anything on it. Irish music sounds awesome on it with a high brightness. Harmonics are awesome! The very best is the sustain with ring. I like everything about this banjo. Best out of 8 that I've owned! |
Sound Rating |
10 |
Setup
|
Janet's staff set it up (Tom Anderson) and she played it. I received it in cold weather, so at first it didn't sound good, but after warming up, and playing on it.....voila! It has a low action with a Snuffy Smith 5/8" standard spacing. I have kept this set-up, but plan on changing out the bridge....no particular reason. I have 5th string spikes at 7,8,9,10. As a promo with Gibson, it came with 10 sets of Earl Scruggs medium strings. I am still using these, and like the gauge sizes. I have Keith 'D' tuners in Gold for 2nd & 3rd strings on it. Wow, what amazing fun with these! This banjo for me is easy to work with. |
Setup Rating |
10 |
Appearance
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Outstanding workmanship...figured maple with genuine ebony fingerboard ( I did not want rosewood). Back of neck is a beautiful tiger maple. Hearts & flowers inlay. No finish flaws. Highest quality of workmanship! |
Appearance Rating |
10 |
Reliability
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It's been a little over a year, and I play it 2-4 hrs/day with many festival jams/gigs, and so far the 24K gold plated metal on it, hasn't rubbed off. I haven't put any chemicals (polish) on it, just gently wipe it off. Maple finish on the back of the pot hasn't worn off, but I quit wearing belt buckles while playing banjo. This banjo is so powerful, you don't need any backup. It holds its own! Very dependable as far as locking in tune longer. |
Reliability Rating |
10 |
Customer Service
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I have been doing business with Janet Davis way back to the 70's with complete satisfaction in everything I purchased. Very helpful & friendly! No problems with the Golden, and if I did, Janet would take care of it. She works closely with Gibson. |
Customer Service |
10 |
Components
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The Golden has the 1930's reissue tone ring, hand engraved 24K gold plated metal componemts. Fingerboard is Ebony with Hearts & flowers inlay....stunning! I love the tiger maple neck. I have small hands, and the Gibson neck suits me better. Everything about this banjo is the best!!! |
Components Rating |
10 |
Overall Comments
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A beauty to behold, and the prettiest bright sound with a super sustain! I also have an 80's Gibson RB-250, and 2 top of the line Wildwoods, and a Deering. My Golden wins hands down overall. It is high end with all the bells and whistles, but worth it to me! |
Overall Rating |
10 |
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