Overall Comments

I think this is the best armrest out there! It's comfortable, looks great and was a breeze to attach. I have 12" Buckeye Banjo with only 18 bracket hooks which precludes the use of most armrests, but posed no problem for the rather brilliant mounting system on the Thinline. It's by far the most comfortable armrest I've ever used, and it looks right at home on my banjo. If you need an armrest, I recommend this without qualification!

Overall Rating

10

Overall Comments

I've been using Pick Up The World pickups in my banjos for a decade and I think they are the best thing going. I've used them on the road and in the studio with four different banjos and they always sound great.

I was initially dubious of the placement of the pickup directly under the bridge, fearing that it would sound thin and brittle. Happily that has not proven to be the case. It sounds wonderful and nearly as good as a mic.

One important note: you will need to use a pre-amp. PUTW makes their own, but I have a cheap Fishman GII pre-amp that seems to work fine.

I've just installed one in my new Buckeye Banjo and once again it sounds great. Nothing sounds better than a good mic, but if you need to work with a pickup onstage, I recommend this over all others.

Overall Rating

9

Sound

The sound of this instrument is magnificent! An absolute marvel. It has a deep and powerful low end without sacrificing the sparkle on top. The evenness of the tone throughout the entire range is really quite startling. It's also very resonant and it takes as well to full-tilt rockers as it does to delicate waltzes. It's probably impossible to adequately describe a great banjo tone, but this one works for me!

I use the banjo primarily to accompany my singing and songwriting and I play in a multitude of weird keys, and use a lot of closed chord positions. I honestly can't imagine an instrument better suited to my purposes. I've been chasing a very specific and elusive tone for years and Greg's nailed it! It's perfect. Now I don't have any excuses!

(By the way, I've also heard this banjo in the hands of several really good old time players and it's clearly an unstoppable machine).

Sound Rating

10

Appearance

Like all of Greg's banjos, this instrument is stunning. It echoes the classic banjos of the late 19th century, but has a very distinctive look of it's own.

One obvious highlight is the custom designed brass hardware, which includes a Dobson-inspired brass scoop-plate stamped with the make and serial number. "Buckcye No. 113". It somehow manages to look elegant and industrial.

The hand-cut and engraved inlay work is another visual highlight. There's an elephant on the headstock based on a drawing by my wife Jamie B. Wolcott, and the neck features small, intricately engraved dot markers, as well as an engraved star at the fifth.

Another area where Greg shines is in the sculptural aspect of woodworking. This instrument is as graceful and well balanced visually as it is sonically.

Here's a little photographic evidence:
http://www.banjohangout.org/myhangout/photos.asp?id=9907&albumid=5726

Appearance Rating

10

Customer Service

As anybody who's purchased a Buckeye will tell you, Greg is genuine pleasure to work with. Discussing the construction and design elements felt creative and effortless. I should also add that visiting Greg's gorgeous, mountain workshop was one of the best parts of the experience!

Customer Service

10

Overall Comments

I can't really say enough good things about this thing. If you're looking to get a hand crafted instrument, I think Buckeye Banjos are as good or better than anything you'll find. I'm thrilled.

Buckeye Banjo Website:
http://www.buckeyebanjos.com

Overall Rating

10

Overall Comments

I just put one of Greg Galbreath's new solid-foot bridges on my Bart Reiter banjo and it sounds fantastic. I have the heavy weight model.

I immediately noticed an improvement in volume and sustain. It also improved the balance between the strings and added some detail to the bottom end. I think the solid-foot design is key.

You can find them online here:
http://buckeyebanjos.com/Bridges.html

I've experimented with bridges before and heard some difference, but never as much as this. I'm very pleasantly surprised....thanks Greg!

Overall Rating

10

Sound

I inherited this banjo from my father and have been using it on the road and it the studio for the past 8 years. It sounds and plays wonderfully. When I got it, it was set up for bluegrass playing....real bright and powerful. I raised the action a little and added a Sosbee bridge and and straight-pull tailpiece. This revealed a darker and warmer tone that has been perfect for my style. It sounds better than most Mastertones I've played.

Sound Rating

9

Appearance

The finish and woodgrain on this instrument are great. It's basically a copy of the Gibson Flying Eagle inlay pattern. There are two concentric rings inlaid on the back of the resonator which is a nice touch. It really beautiful.

Appearance Rating

10

Customer Service

Customer Service

not rated

Overall Comments

I'd recommend this banjo to anybody....especially bluegrass players. It sounds and plays great. My only complaint is the weight....it's extremely heavy (even for a Mastertone). That's what finally led me to buying an open back.

Overall Rating

9

Sound

This banjo sounds and plays wonderfully. I was on the lookout for a Tubaphone, but stumbled onto this instrument and was won over. It has Snuffy Smith bridge which fattens up the sound a bit, but otherwise it's standard in every way. I play a three finger style to accompany my singing, and this banjo has a full, rich tone that perfectly suits my purposes. Bart's workmanship is outstanding.

[Since I submitted this review I've replaced the bridge with one of Greg Galbreath's handmade bridges. It totally opened up the sound! The banjo is significantly louder, the tone is much more even and there is a lot more detail in the bass.]

Sound Rating

9

Appearance

It's very simple and traditional. There's a star in the peghead, and dot inlays on the fretboard. It's a Mahogany neck and maple rim. The tuning pegs have ebony buttons which is a nice detail.

Appearance Rating

9

Customer Service

Customer Service

not rated

Overall Comments

For the price, I can't imagine a better banjo. It sounds great, it plays great and it looks great. I played a Gold Star banjo for years, and the weight became to much too deal with. I've had a hard time finding a lighter banjo with a tone that I liked. This banjo more than fulfilled both needs!

Overall Rating

9