Overall Comments

I bought this pick based on stuff I had read about it and my desire to find a pick that would end the need to clean the edge of traditional thumb picks I had used once they get dirty and start to squeak. I have been using it now for several months and have not once heard a squeak from the thing and i see no evidence of any wear as well. It may have cost a lot but it sure seems to be living up to its reputation. And probably most importantly I should mention the tone. I have compared the tone I get from these and found it to be louder and more defined than plastic or nitro cellulose picks. The plastic picks I think have more overtones and also a softer mellower tone that is when there not squeaking. The Blue Chips have a very clean pure tone and more volume.

Overall Rating

9

Sound

I use this banjo for bluegrass and I would describe its tone as medium loud volume with a beautiful bell like chime plus that classic crack and low D overtones you want from a bluegrass banjo. It also has excellent differentiation between neck and bridge positions.

Sound Rating

10

Appearance

This banjo is by far the most gorgeous stunning piece of work I ever seen. The resonator is a striking burled walnut and the neck is a straight grain walnut. The headstock is a unique and very beautiful design and the inlay in the neck is a unique design that is both ornate and comprised of the most vivid abalone blues and greens I ever seen. There is also similar quality abalone ring on the back of the resonator. In addition to all of that the fingerboard is of the highest quality dark Ebony I ever seen and is not just some stained light piece like some I have seen on other top makers models. There is also wonderful marquetry along both the neck and around the top and bottom edge of the resonator. Even the inside of the resonator is veneered with beautiful straight grain walnut, I have never seen this before on any other make of banjo.

Appearance Rating

10

Customer Service

I contacted Pavel only once to discuss some questions I had about the scale of the banjo and found that he is very accessible and prompt to return inquiries from customers.

Customer Service

10

Overall Comments

When I was considering buying a Gibson-like banjo one of my interest was in appearance and I could not come close to being able to afford one of the more ornate Gibsons and so I discussed this brand with Janet Davis who I have had a long history with and I bought this based on nothing more than her word that it was an amazing instrument that would be suitable for bluegrass and one in which I would be happy with for life, I have not been disappointed. I understand that since I have bought this the $ vs. Euro has caused these banjos to increase in cost and mine in fact is selling for around $1000 more now than when I bought it. All I can say is I sure am happy with it and am glad I bought it and if it were lost or stolen I would miss it too much.

Overall Rating

10