Sound

I bought this to play blue grass,after playing on other banjos I found this a lot easier to play, and it sounds loud and bright now after tightening the head.
I also made sure the tuning pegs were nipped up.

Sound Rating

9

Appearance

The finish is excellent,the walnut looks stunning too
I found no flaws what so ever,it knocks spots off the Gold tone I also own.

Appearance Rating

9

Customer Service

Had no problms at all.
12 month warranty

Customer Service

9

Overall Comments

I am very happy with my Banjo, I have a Gold tone TB250 a Tanglewood TB 24 select 5 a low end Ozark this runs rings round them all for the price.
Some complain about the tuning pegs but I have had no problems at all.
They share the same type as my gold tone and it stays in tune without any trouble.

FENDER FB59 A YEAR ON,
I have now moved on and bought a Deering Calico but the Fender will stay as my first banjo.
Up until I purchased the Deering I played the FB59 for 3 to 4 hours a day and it has stood up to the test of time quite well.
The gold on the armrest was becoming a little thin,so I took the banjo apart and polished each part using Mer automotive polish and the whole banjo looks more like white gold than the yellow gold it was when new.
It stays bright and shiney all the time and doesnt look quite so blingy.
For a cheap banjo I would certainly recommend it, although the rattley clamshell tailpiece would have to go.

Overall Rating

8