Sound

A very versatile banjo capable of many sounds. I play bluegrass and whatever else moves me at the moment, and this banjo does it all well.

Sound Rating

10

Appearance

A nice looking banjo with a unique headstock design. Tasteful inlays. Not absolutely traditional, but a very nice banjo.

Appearance Rating

10

Customer Service

I contacted the shop for some string gauge information and Glenn was very nice to deal with. I have not had to contact the shop for anything problem related.

Customer Service

10

Overall Comments

What a fine banjo. Easy to play, can be set up for a great voice range to accommodate different playing styles. The fanned fret design evens out the string tension, increasing the easy playability factor with good intonation. Quality parts and great workmanship. The Nelsons are a shop builder who may not be well known, but who produces a banjo that's as good as any at a fair price. http://www.mockingbirdmusic.com/

Overall Rating

10

Overall Comments

What a waste of plastic. I bought a pack of six, and they're so thin, there're worthless. I even tried doubling them, and they're still worthless. Very disappointing. Save your money

Overall Rating

1

Sound

This banjo has the most range of sound that I've ever experienced.

Sound Rating

10

Appearance

Contemporary.

Appearance Rating

not rated

Customer Service

Haven't needed any service.

Customer Service

not rated

Overall Comments

I like the playability and sound better than any other banjo I've owned. I wish I would have found it earlier in the hunt, but I might not have appreciated it as much.

Overall Rating

10

Overall Comments

The BanjoMate Thinline Armrest is a very nice product. Well finished with an ingenious mounting system that allows it to fit on banjos with various hook spacings. It mounts easily by removing and reinstalling two hooks after sliding them through the armrest mounting hardware. It adjusts easily both up and down, and it slides side to side without having to use tools, so if you're standing in a field somewhere and choose to adjust it, it can be done between songs, it's that easy. It mounts on the hooks, so there's no adverse effect on the banjo (i.e. drilled holes, etc), and it can be switched to another banjo easily, so if you sell your banjo, you can keep the armrest. It really the best I've seen. It doesn't look heavy on the banjo like some armrests, yet it protects the arm from touching the hooks, adding comfort to playing. I like the fact that it's not cold metal. The one I have is ebony colored which matches the black rim of my Huss & Dalton Singletree Banjo nicely. Instructions are adequate, shipping was fast. Highly recommended.

Overall Rating

10

Overall Comments

One of the most reasonably price camps that's truly a camp. Located at the scenic O'Leno State Park just outside of High Springs, Florida. Nice shade, and lots of wildlife. The facilities are basic, and there's a public campground right there to accomodate RV's and tenters if you choose to not stay in the cabins provided in the group area. Right outside of town for conveniences. Just don't swim with the alligators! Top shelf instructors. Food is good. Jamming during off hours if desired. Cabins have electric for recharging cell phones, which is convenient. Instruction for both clawhammer and bluegrass styles by top rate instructors. Worth the trip. http://www.suwanneebanjocamp.com/
Located at: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=&daddr=29.915206,-82.582158&hl=en&geocode=&mra=mi&mrsp=0&sz=17&sll=29.91423,-82.580076&sspn=0.005728,0.007285&ie=UTF8&ll=29.913728,-82.578918&spn=13.745906,19.6875&z=6

Overall Rating

9

Overall Comments

Located just outside historic Gettysburg, PA, this twice a year (May and August) festival has been a showcase for top name talent for many years. The venue is a campground with amenities like swimming pool, full RV hook-ups, and modern restroms not found at some festivals. Both shaded and open field overflow camping. It's a show event with workshops more so than a pickers event, and is pricier than many festivals. Be sure to see the Gettysburg Battlefield and Museum while you're there. Certainly worth a trip.

Overall Rating

9

Overall Comments

This was a startup festival in 2008 at one of the nicest festival settings located just outside of Tunkhannock, PA. The park offers plenty of shade and a babbling creek, with a nearby town for shopping convenience. A small, reasonably priced, good picking festival. Electric available in some areas, but no full RV hookups. This is a festival run by bluegrassers for bluegrassers that will grow as it draws bigger name talent. It's one of the top on my list. I hope it can keep it's small festival charm over time.

Overall Rating

10

Overall Comments

Located at the Salem County Fairgrounds near Woodstown, NJ, at a convenient location for travel from northeast locations. This festival draws top talent, and is also a great pickers festival. Some RV basic hookups, but mostly open field rough camping. BRING SHADE. Held annually over Labor Day weekend.

Overall Rating

7

Overall Comments

As big as they come, with top performer talent, and the most vendors of any event I've been to. A great picker's event. Very crowded open field camping without hookups. BRING SHADE! The new site in 2008 provides level "urban" camping at it's best. A well run festival that must be experienced.

Overall Rating

9

Overall Comments

This is the best instructional aid I've seen for the playing style of Ralph Stanley. Better than Ralph's video of years ago, in my opinion. The material is presented by Steve Sparkman, the banjo picker for Ralph Stanley's Clinch Mountain Boys, with the help of guitarist James Allen Shelton. The audio and image quality is better than average. The presentation style of the two talking about Ralph's style with explanations and examples of his nuances and licks comes off well in an easy to digest format that's not boring. Well edited split screen shots allow both the picking and fretting hands to be seen as passages are played so learning is easier. While some songs are played, it's not particularly a video of how to play each song, but rather one of showing the components of Ralph's style with some particulars that relate to various songs to give the viewer the tools needed to go forth and learn more of Ralph's material. Steve's machine gun right hand picking is sure to rekindle interest in this picking style for many who are learning. This is a well produced project that's a must-have for those interested in the playing style of Ralph Stanley.

Overall Rating

10

Sound

Sounds great, good volume.

Sound Rating

9

Appearance

Very nicely done inlays. I like the deviation from the classic Gibson style inlay patterns.

Appearance Rating

10

Customer Service

Haven't needed any.

Customer Service

not rated

Overall Comments

I purchased the banjo based on the sound and look of similar banjos played by others, which speaks well of the manufacturer's consistency.

Overall Rating

10

Sound

Great clawhammer sound. Exceptional room filling presence.

Sound Rating

10

Appearance

Flawless dark satin finish and inlay. The neck has a great feel.

Appearance Rating

10

Customer Service

Private sale N/A

Customer Service

not rated

Overall Comments

I recommend it highly.

Overall Rating

10

Sound

Very versatile. I've had the banjo set up as an archtop, flathead (with a Sullivan conversion ring), and as an open back frailer.

Sound Rating

9

Appearance

Very attractive with colored abalone and pearl inlays on fretboard, headstock, backstrap and neck heel. Checkerboard binding on neck and resonator.

Appearance Rating

10

Customer Service

None. Company is no longer in business. But, none needed. I was able to track doen information through one of the original owners of Liberty Banjo Co., Jim DeCava, who was very forthcoming with information.

Customer Service

5

Overall Comments

Great banjo that appreciates in price due to high quality and limited availability. Not too many become available on the used market. This is a 1976 banjo.

Overall Rating

10