Overall Comments

Great book by the late Marty Godbey who traveled far and wide to see all the great bluegrass of their days. Detailed insights into the life of J.D. Crowe, and the chronology of events including the various musicians and groups with which J.D. played over the years. Excellent.

Overall Rating

10

Overall Comments

Incredible book. More than you ever need to know, but great insights into this remarkable man in addition to a wealth of knowledge not just on setup but also how the banjo makes its sound, how picking a string is converted into sound waves, etc. It's a banjo course unto itself. I give it three thumbs up even though I only have two.

Overall Rating

10

Overall Comments

I have to say it is one awesome bridge. I have a collection of bridges which are all respected brands from respected builders. My preference has been something that delivers the brightness that my banjo was made for - or should I say, not diminish the banjo's brightness.

But the Bigfoot delivers a very unique sound to my ears. It is a sweetness, a mellowness, and yet a fullness that does not sacrifice any of the sound qualities your banjo was built to deliver. Hard to put into words. But I have tried bridges before that claimed to be "sweet" or "mellow", and I felt like I sacrificed some sound quality. Muffled may be the best word I could use to describe it. But Don's Bigfoot does not create a sense of muffled to me, just sweet, full, and mellow.

Overall Rating

10

Overall Comments

I don't have the luxury of being geographically close to Jack, but if I were I don't think I would go anywhere else. This man is not only a musician and fine author of tablature, but a true dedicated professional. Fortunately I have become familiar with Jack through email communication and the study of his tabs in BHO. The real deal, as they say. I cannot imagine failing to climb the learning curve under his tutelage. And I know what treading water feels like even in the presence of so-called professional instruction.

Overall Rating

10

Overall Comments

This finely crafted wooden kazoo is great. Good sound and so well made, with the ability to slide open the top and insert a new membrane if needed.

Overall Rating

10

Overall Comments

Steve Davis repaired a bridge that I butchered with some needle files and just want to let you all know that he does this work in addition to making new bridges. Outstanding craftsman. Don't throw that good bridge away just because it has a little damage. Contact Steve and go from there. My Snuffy is healthy again!!!

Overall Rating

10

Overall Comments

Minor error in filling my order. I emailed them from the website on a Sunday. By 9 Monday morning I had a reply from them that the correction was being made and the product was going out that day. These folks are on top of it. I give them a "10" in an age where responsiveness and good customer service is becoming endangered.

Overall Rating

10

Overall Comments

This newly designed bridge by Steve is outstanding. I am getting more clarity with some added sustain as well from this interesting bridge. And my banjo even seems easier to tune. Thanks to Steve for his continued perseverence in developing and making great bridges. I give this bridge a ten.

Overall Rating

10

Sound

Excellent sound

Sound Rating

10

Appearance

Overall VG condition

Appearance Rating

9

Customer Service

Customer Service

not rated

Overall Comments

Anyone shopping for a good bluegrass banjo must inlclude the Ome Juggernaut as a candidate. This banjo is everything one would want and then some. Ome is a great banjo maker.

Overall Rating

10

Overall Comments

Russel has written great tabs for both volumes of "The Bluegrass Album" recorded by Crowe back around the 80's with some of the all time great musicians. Those albums were some of the best and Russll has captured them in tab beautifully. A great value, and can be bought at the website listed above.

Overall Rating

10

Overall Comments

BIAB is really good. I spent about 100 thru Janet Davis for the 2011 software that came with the so-called bluegrass pak. Then I spend a little more to get additional bluegrass tracks - they call them 11 and 33 I think. Anyhow, the people at PG Music are very supportive through their tech support toll free line, and the book with the software is very detailed. Newer software versions may vary slightly from the book however, which is where PG comes into play with support over the phone. It's a somewhat complicated program to get started but the fundamentals of using it can be quickly learned. PG website will also have updates for whatever version you buy so pay attention or ask them about that if you buy it. The additional tracks for bluegrass were worth the money. They are large downloads so be patient and get on high speed internet connection for these if you buy.

Great feedback on how you sound with a little accompaniment, and I find it to be a glorified metronome helping me with timing and consistency of speed throughout a song. It takes a little experimenting with each song to determine which "style" you want for a particular song, but you'll catch on to that as you learn BIAB. Scott Vestal played the banjo backup tracks in the added tracks for bluegrass and is excellent. I think that was tracks 33. I would buy it again. No buyer remorse. Not sure about promotional pricing anywhere but shopping around is always advisable, right? You may not do any better than Janet Davis, while her shipping rates continue to annoy me. Example: Let's say you buy three quality bridges and get up around $100. Their shipping rates are based solely on dollars so they would want around $15 or something like that. You know how bridges are mailed in their little plastic cases - 3 in a padded envelope probably costs them around $1.50 to get it out the door. Rip. But they are a good company other than that IMO. I like Elderly Instruments policy of free shipping for orders over $49. But I don't know if they sell BIAB. Check it out.

Overall Rating

9

Overall Comments

Jack has put together the most comprehensive book on banjo backup that I know of. Vamping, fill in licks, rolls for backup, music theory, and more. Plus two play along CD's. I think I spent $40 with shipping included, making it one of the best values in the world of banjo. Over 200 pages of excellent material. Congratulations to Jack on this publication which I am sure will receive many accolades soon. Outstanding work, Jack.

Overall Rating

10

Overall Comments

Great store great people. If you are looking for a quality guitar or banjo, don't make a decision until you talk to these folks or visit live if you are in the Phoenix area. No junk here - just good stuff and professional attitude and treatment.

Overall Rating

10

Overall Comments

Terrific engineering and manufacturing by Mr. Fults. Top shelf all the way. Pics online are not current however. Mine is a little different but outstanding and probably just an improved version by Bob. Those brass colored pieces are gone. I have Blue Ridge with XYZ mount and am glad I spent the money. XYZ lets you tweak a little more. I give it a 10+.

Overall Rating

10

Sound

Loud and Bright

Sound Rating

10

Appearance

Hearts and Flowers inlays and maple all the way around - pretty.

Appearance Rating

not rated

Customer Service

Gibson has been unresponsive to my contacts - email and regular snail mail both. Don't understad, though I am not concerned. I have the warranty from the store and the store receipt if I ever need it.

Customer Service

not rated

Overall Comments

Price included trading in a Mastertone mahogany from around 1975. I love this banjo. Using G7 capo with a Reagan on the 5th string. Just don't want to drive spikes into my precious thing!! Very happy with Reagan 5th string capo, G7 works well, and Mike's banjo mute when needed. Also, the Katz Eye Prowler is a step up from the oem bridge.

Overall Rating

10

Overall Comments

I put a Kateyz Prowler on my Gibson Scruggs and got better sound than the original equipment - just a generic Gibson lightweight that actually had a slant toward the frets. Just didn't deliver the way the Kateyz does.

Overall Rating

10

Overall Comments

The Blue Ridge with XYZ has been a great addition to my Scruggs Standard by Gibson. Bob was a great help in seeing that I did it right.

Overall Rating

10

Overall Comments

Masterful engineering and workmanship. It is a thing of beauty and works like a charm. Don't waste money on a cheap one. You will never regret getting one of Mike's mutes.

Overall Rating

10