Overall Comments

Excellent book for all!!

Great book. There is something for everyone here who plays music. There is great tablature in both a basic and advanced as well as a music notation line also. The arrangements are wonderful and even the basic arrangement sounds just like the tune. I like playing a basic version on one line and then playing an advanced version on the next line and switching it up. It really makes the tunes sound interesting.

The cd's that come with the book are great too because they provide yet another version of the song. They are played not exactly like the tab so you are getting great variation for each tune. Dan has also made available the fiddle version for each tune that you can get online for free.

Another noteworthy thing about this book is the binding. It is spiral bound so that you can actually open it up and it will lay flat without trying to close. (WONDERFUL). Also each tune is no more than 2 pages long so you will never have to try and turn a page while playing (I hate that).

Now, the only reason I did not give this a 10 is because most of the tunes do not have lyrics listed. I would prefer having the lyrics to each tune and that would make it a perfect 10 for me. Some lyrics are in there but not many.

Also and this is just nit-picky here. On the page where all songs are listed with corresponding number of track on cd I would like a little more info listed. All that is listed is the title of the song and the track. I would rather also have the page number and tuning listed on that page. I have taken the time to pencil it in here because I will often look at a song, then listen to it on the cd a couple times, and then look at the tuning to see which song I want to try and learn next. Having it all there on that page would be a big help and just make it a little easier to find the tunes. Currently you have to flip to the next page to see what page the tune is on and then you have to actually flip to the page with the tune to find out what the tuning is. I am learning songs in sawmill tuning right now and it would be helpful to have that printed in the front instead of only on that page where the tune is.
No biggie though.

Great book and I highly recommend adding it to your banjo library.

Overall Rating

9

Overall Comments

Wonderful book. I've been playing now for almost 11 months and just got this book. For a beginner this book is perfect and is all you need in my opinion. I wish I had it from the beginning. The cd that comes with it really helps you to hear the tune the way it should be played. The arrangements are easy, but they sound nice too and leave room for you to add as you get better. The book has so much information in it that I am still learning many things even after playing almost a year. Great book. Go buy it. The book has been out for over 30 years and people still love it. I have the new and improved version (not sure what changed).

Overall Rating

10

Sound

Almost a year later I still love my banjo. See my other review right after I bought it.

The sound is nice and plunky (due to the skin head). It doesn't sound like my friends $1200 Recording King banjo with the Whyte Ladie tone ring in it, but it shouldn't.

I feel comfortable playing the banjo and the sound is fine for an under $400 banjo. I am still very happy with it. My rating is based on other banjos in this price range that I have heard and or played.

Sound Rating

9

Appearance

Nice looking banjo!

Appearance Rating

9

Customer Service

fine

Customer Service

9

Overall Comments

Great beginner banjo that has good sound. I think the rolled brass tone ring is a great component for it. I would recommend this banjo to anyone in this price range. I've played a Deering Good Time and while everyone raves about them I personally did not like the sound of it compared to this one. The Good Time is also more expensive.

Overall Rating

9

Sound

I am learning clawhammer and this banjo fits the bill nicely. The sound is wonderful for an inexpensive banjo and I really am enjoying it. The brass tone ring sounds wonderful.

Sound Rating

10

Appearance

This banjo is very nice looking and really mimics much costlier banjos in my opinion. I looked at a bunch of banjos in my price range and I really love the dark color of this one. I'm just not fond of those light maple banjos out there. The head is very attractive also and adds to the old time look

Appearance Rating

10

Customer Service

Haven't had to contact elderly for anything ever and this is not my first purchase from them.

THE BANJO CAME WITH FREE SHIPPING!! very nice touch from Elderly.

Customer Service

10

Overall Comments

I would recommend this as a starter banjo to anyone. It is attractive and does not feel cheap in any way, the sound is wonderful, the components are solid, and it makes beautiful (or not so beautiful) music! Great banjo for a great price!

Overall Rating

10

Sound

This banjo has a wonderful, bright sound that pops! Of the banjo's I tested, Deering Sierra, Gold Tone OB-250, MM Foggy Mtn Series, this one sounded the best. If you are looking for the bluegrass sound, this banjo is for you!!

Sound Rating

10

Appearance

This banjo is beautiful to me. It might not have all the flash, but who needs that?

Appearance Rating

9

Customer Service

N/A

Customer Service

not rated

Overall Comments

For the price I paid I would definitely recommend this banjo to anyone. If you just think you need to spend more money, upgrade your tuners, tailpiece, and bridge. The sound on this thing is so amazing that you won't believe your ears!!!!!!

Overall Rating

9