Bridges Steve Davis compensated bridge
submitted 5/18/2012
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Submitter |
rbergesch |
Where Purchased |
Direct |
Overall Comments
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I just want to add my $.02 to praise Steve's bridges, and then a whole lot more to praise Steve himself as a craftsman and a banjo guy (whatever that may be, I mean it in the best possible way.)
I'm fortunate to live in Maine, so it was a pleasant trip up to Port Clyde with my recently purchased Vega ST-5. The instrument is still new to me, and I'm really liking it as I get used to it, but there were some minor intonation quirks up the neck that seemed to indicate a compensated bridge. Because we had the instrument at hand; and I wanted to add a little height over the existing bridge (which was, I think, OEM,) Steve ended up making a custom bridge from an existing blank which he had prepared previously, essentially on the spot.
Works just fine. Intonation up the neck is just right, and the tone has more clarity and sparkle; which is what I love in a banjo.
And the bonus at the end of the process was that Steve pulled out his Gibson-based 5 string, which Jim Cox had modified some years ago, and played some great tunes... Altogether a great banjo day in Maine for Bob...
But back to the bridge. Steve's bridge solved my tuning problem and it made my banjo sound better, so what better outcome could I have had?
Talk or write to Steve, and he can probably do the same for your instrument, too.
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Overall Rating |
10 |
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Cox Kentucky-5
submitted 3/11/2011
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Submitter |
rbergesch |
Where Purchased |
Jimmy Cox- Maine |
Year Purchased |
2011 |
Price Paid |
Don't Remember (bought USED)
historic exchange rates / currency converter
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Sound
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I've had a Vega longneck banjo for 40+ years; didn't play it for most of the last 30 years, until 12 months ago. Tastes change, bluegrass is the thing! And this banjo is AWESOME!!! Far above my puny ability to work the three finger magic, but the sound is the best. Bright, but sweet low tones as well. Every little hammer-on or pull-off sparkle sounds clear as a bell, but bearing down on the picks takes the volume WAY LOUD. I'm going to enjoy working my way up to this fellow... |
Sound Rating |
10 |
Setup
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Banjo was returned to Jim by customer who wanted to upgrade to a different instrument. The banjo was gently cared for, and Jim did some fine tuning on the neck, new strings, etc. Action, bridge, tension all set right. If a good instrument ages well, this may be even better than a new one; I certainly thought so when compared to others available in his shop in my price range... But each of his instruments are absolutely unique, no matter what "model" you're looking at. |
Setup Rating |
10 |
Appearance
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Great, subtle, no major frills appearance. Hearts & Flowers on an ebony fingerboard, walnut neck, nickle metalwork. No visable flaws on the gently used instrument. |
Appearance Rating |
10 |
Reliability
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Finish is quality, should last a long time with proper care. Hardware is all solid, quality parts nearly all made by Jim Cox himself, both wood and metal... |
Reliability Rating |
not rated |
Customer Service
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Sales force is outstanding. Haven't owned it long enough to talk about reliability, but there are only a couple of moving parts that can be replaced pretty easily... You don't buy an instrument like this for the warranty. |
Customer Service |
10 |
Components
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Nothing but top flight parts throughout, most handmade of best stock available. |
Components Rating |
10 |
Overall Comments
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As an non-professional, I can't imagine NEEDING another bluegrass-style banjo, ever. I have a top-flight superb-sounding banjo that some of the local pros seem to envy. Any other purchases would be collecting, and I don't see doing that; the wife is not in the mood... |
Overall Rating |
10 |
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