Ventura Masterclone
submitted 12/13/2003
|
Submitter |
brck |
Where Purchased |
eBay |
Year Purchased |
2003 |
Price Paid |
325 ($US) (bought USED) |
Sound
|
Doesn't have as crisp a tone as I would like. |
Sound Rating |
7 |
Setup
|
Action was too high when I got it. I took it to Goldtone in Titusville, FL and for $75 they were able to lower the action. No problems now. |
Setup Rating |
7 |
Appearance
|
Nice japanese masterclone from the early 70s. Heavy, solid and good components. Ventura is (to my knowledge) the same as the Alvarez masterclones from the early 1970s. |
Appearance Rating |
8 |
Reliability
|
Gears don't slip. No problems at all. |
Reliability Rating |
9 |
Customer Service
|
N/A |
Customer Service |
7 |
Components
|
The Japanese did a good job. Nothing is second rate. |
Components Rating |
9 |
Overall Comments
|
My only complaint is that the banjo could have more pop. Well worth my investment!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
Overall Rating |
8 |
|
Gold Tone Cripple Creek CC-100R
submitted 4/14/2003
|
Submitter |
brck |
Where Purchased |
Directly from Gold Tone in Titusville, FL |
Year Purchased |
2001 |
Price Paid |
329 ($US) |
Sound
|
Not as crisp or as a bright a sound as some banjos. |
Sound Rating |
8 |
Setup
|
Straight from the factory. Gold Tone did a super job. |
Setup Rating |
10 |
Appearance
|
For a beginning banjo, it looks super. |
Appearance Rating |
9 |
Reliability
|
No problems to date but I am taking it back to Gold Tone for a |
Reliability Rating |
9 |
Customer Service
|
None yet. |
Customer Service |
8 |
Components
|
Again, for an inexpensive banjo, I think it's top notch. |
Components Rating |
9 |
Overall Comments
|
Definitely worth what I paid for it although I think you can get better deal from various internet dealers than what I paid for it. If it was stolen, I'd buy another Gold Tone but this time it would be an Orange Blossom Special. I've looked at similar priced banjos such as Fender and Epiphone and I think the CC 100 R is better instrument. |
Overall Rating |
9 |
|
Hofner Arch Top
submitted 4/14/2003
|
Submitter |
brck |
Where Purchased |
E-Bay |
Year Purchased |
2002 |
Price Paid |
225 ($US) (bought USED) |
Sound
|
Has a distinct crisp, higher pitch than many banjos. |
Sound Rating |
8 |
Setup
|
The seller did a good job shipping. I had to set up the bridge and tune. |
Setup Rating |
7 |
Appearance
|
Nothing fancy. Dot MOP. Very solid banjo. |
Appearance Rating |
8 |
Reliability
|
Only problem is the friction fifth string peg which makes it hard to tune the fifth string. Once I get it tuned, it doesn't slip. |
Reliability Rating |
8 |
Customer Service
|
N/A |
Customer Service |
not rated |
Components
|
Good solid German components. Lasted well for 30 plus years. |
Components Rating |
9 |
Overall Comments
|
Well worth my $225. This is my third banjo so I keep it in weird tunings so I don't have to retune my other banjos. Also, it's neat to have an arch top. |
Overall Rating |
8 |
|
ACME Professional
submitted 4/14/2003
|
Submitter |
brck |
Where Purchased |
Ebay - Private Party |
Year Purchased |
2003 |
Price Paid |
300 ($US) (bought USED) |
Sound
|
This is an SS Stewart banjo sold through the Sear and Roebuck catalog under the name of Acme. It was made in 1899. It has no resonator. It plays well for a 100 year old plus banjo. |
Sound Rating |
8 |
Setup
|
The banjo is original with the exception of the fifth string peg and the bridge. I added nylon strings to try to give it an old timey sound. |
Setup Rating |
8 |
Appearance
|
To be made in 1899, it's in great shape. This banjo is not as fancy as some Acme banjos as it doesn't have the fancy MOP scrolls. It has MOP dots. |
Appearance Rating |
8 |
Reliability
|
Well it's lasted a 100 years. |
Reliability Rating |
9 |
Customer Service
|
N/A |
Customer Service |
not rated |
Components
|
All the tuners are friction and believe it or not, they don't slip. No problems. |
Components Rating |
8 |
Overall Comments
|
It's not a banjo that you would want as your everyday banjo but it's kind of neat to pick it up and play soldier's joy or turkey in the straw. Also, it's a good conversation piece. I bought an 1899 Sears catalog and found it listed. It was worth my $200. |
Overall Rating |
8 |
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