Sound

This is a 12" curly maple banjo with a brass ring and a hide head.

I like to play clawhammer and some finger picking. About a third of the time I like to play Roundpeak style over the scoop. I debated whether to get other tonerings, but after much, much thought I decided to get a brass ring. Steve Smith (steveandruth.com on bho) has a video and you can hear how his banjo sounds, as it is similiar. Full rich, bright sound but the bass is still deeper than you would expect. From an inch or so above the bridge to the scoop this banjo has a wide variety of sound, but this handcrafted banjo seems to have an extraordinary presence. My first thoughts were " a banjo on steriods". Beautiful, strong banjo sound that varies easily with a change of attack. The quality of the tone is amazing. I feel like phoning Greg everytime I set the banjo down just to tell him how good it sounds. Both my playing and my use of the English language are inadequate to describe the Sound of this banjo.

I got a skin head on this banjo, and even when the humidity alters the tension on the head (which isn't nearly as much as I thought it would be), I found that playing over the scoop, the sound is actually enhanced.

After receiving mine and hearing other recorded Buckeye banjos ,I feel extremely confident in stating that any banjo that Greg builds is going to sound first rate.

Sound Rating

10

Appearance

Perfect.
Fit and Finish are perfect. I have yet to find any scratch, tool mark, any mark of imperfection anywhere on this banjo. In my work history I have done finish work on fiberglass and wood, so I know how and where to look for flaws/marks from the production process. Hell, I am a fault finder by nature, so when I can't find what I'm looking for, I look harder. Greg Galbreath is a Master Craftsman.

I chose an inlay idea and Greg hand-engraved the pearl. The small dot on the third fret, he even engraved. What a nice touch. And it is special to me. The design of having a plain head stock, and a star in the scoop is less than common, something I saw on some Dobson banjos and others from the 1890's. The long backstrap is another is another custom touch.

I initially wanted just a fantastic sounding banjo, but I decided to splurge on some of the cosmetics so I could more fully enjoy the Buckeye experience.
I could not be more pleased. Sometimes I catch myself drooling, or maybe I giggle.

Appearance Rating

10

Customer Service

Greg was in touch with me several times, after I received my banjo. He is very interested in making sure I am happy with the banjo. What's not to like?

Customer Service

10

Overall Comments

I got a customized banjo of the highest quality. It cost me a little more than buying straight off a rack, but it is one-of-a-kind. I could have gotten two pretty decent banjo's, but I don't believe either would sound ,nor look as good as this one. My whole idea was to have only ONE banjo in my downsized, simplified lifestyle. No need for a pile of banjo cases. While I have yet to get rid of any of the others, I have no problem stating I could happily exist with one all-around banjo, now that I have my Buckeye.

Greg's banjo has exceeded all my expectations. Do not hesitate to get in line. You will be extremely pleased with one of Greg's banjos.

Overall Rating

10