Neat Neat Kentucky submitted 5/8/2008 Submitter seanray (see all reviews from this person) Where Purchased Frank Neat Year Purchased 2008 Price Paid 3500 ($US) Sound I'm a fan of the J.D. Crowe tone and Frank's banjos sound as close as I'm ever going to get to that tone. The banjo is very open sounding with a wide sonic range. The low end is tubby and the highs have a really sweet metallic shimmer to them. It's difficult to describe in words but this is a very classic (classy) sounding banjo. Sound Rating 10 Setup I received the banjo with a setup that was just about as good as you can get. The head was right between a G & G# so I tuned it up just a hair so that it's on the flat side of A Setup Rating 10 Appearance The fit and finish are what you would expect from Frank. In addition Jimmy Cox and Bill Blaylock's efforts are equally impressive. The Mahogany on both the neck and resonator is as good as I've seen. The Brazilian rosewood finger board is nice and dark and the ebony headstock overlay is pitch black with only the slightest dark brown in one small spot. The resonator has concentric rings and double binding. The inlay is exactly what I've been after with flying eagle inlays along with a style 4 headstock inlay. The inlay is insanely accurate with no visible fill whatsoever. The nickel hardware is shiny, spotless and just gives this banjo a great look without being way over the top. Appearance Rating 10 Reliability This banjo will outlive me so I have no worries about it falling apart. I have complete confidence in it so I have no plans to carry around a backup to shows. Reliability Rating 10 Customer Service Frank and his son Leon were so great to deal with that I didn't even ask about a warranty. On the slim chance that there is a hidden flaw in the craftsmanship I have no doubt Frank will fix it. Customer Service 10 Components Frank Neat builds the neck, does the inlay work and fits and finishes everything. Jimmy Cox builds the rim, resonator and supplies the hardware. Bill Blaylock builds the tone ring. Components Rating 10 Overall Comments There are plenty of great banjo builders in the world today but for my personal tastes there are really only 3-4 options depending on how you count them. So my short list is: Frank Neat Osborne Chief Huber Gibson Since the Chief is basically the same as the Neat I'm not sure why the Neat is about $1k less so that made that decision easy. The Hubers are really nice banjos but the necks are a little thinner than I like, they cost more and everybody and their brother is playing them these days. In addition to that I really wanted the FE inlay with the style 4 headstock and again a Lancaster is about $500 more. The last contender was Gibson. Love them or hate them they are still the benchmark in the world of bluegrass banjos however the main deterrent I have with new Gibsons is that their cost vs. quality control seems a bit out of balance. So after shopping for over a year I went with Frank Neat and I'm very happy I did. Had a good deal on a used banjo, by any of the makers listed above, come my way things may have turned out different. I've played this banjo next to Hubers, Gibsons and stellings and they all sound great but to my ears the Neat sounds the closest to the Crowe tone and that's the tone I favor. Overall Rating 10

Gold Star GF-85 submitted 5/8/2008 Submitter Goldstar Kenny (see all reviews from this person) Where Purchased Janet Davis Music Year Purchased 2008 Price Paid 899 ($US) Sound I love the sound it packs a punch and grabs peoples attention quickly perfect for the scruggs style bluegrass jam sessions It will hold its own with a Gibson all day All my jam buddies love it Sound Rating 9 Setup tom did an exellent job on the set up the only thing i changed othe than strings and bridge was to tighten the head skin from about a C to a D flat. As for strings i put ghs jd crowe signature series medium light 10-11-12-20-10 and a snuffy bridge Setup Rating 9 Appearance flawless very beautiful banjo for the money Appearance Rating 10 Reliability very dependable Reliability Rating 9 Customer Service havent so i guess a 10 Customer Service 10 Components everything for the most part is great i would opt for different tuning pegs Components Rating 9 Overall Comments it is as good as any GIbson ive ever played (a few) i would recomend this banjo highly it s as good as a 3000 dollar gibson i do think the Stellings i played were a tad better but all in all this banjo will jam with the best of them Overall Rating 10

Bill Hayes submitted 5/7/2008 Submitter banjo1930 (see all reviews from this person) Overall Comments Bill built me a maple style 3 (or 5) wreath neck for my 1930 TB-3, and I have to say that it is one of the most beautiful looking and most comfortably playing necks I have ever been able to play on. The inlays are flawless, the finish is perfect, and the finger board is some of the best Brazilian rosewood I have ever seen. I really like this neck! Thanks Bill! Overall Rating 10

music 123 submitted 5/6/2008 Submitter Stephen Jeneson (see all reviews from this person) Overall Comments Is my son the only person riped off by this outfit? An advertized slight imperfection NOT detracting from its playing turned out be an amazing repair with Bazoka Joe for a busted neck that came to light when restringing and the machine head end falling off! Oh and by the bye a rating of 1 is too good for that bunch of shyesters! Overall Rating 1

Cliff Fitch submitted 5/6/2008 Submitter jebmd (see all reviews from this person) Overall Comments Cliff Fitch has done a host of repair and setup work for me with fantastic results. One job in particular that comes to mind is a parts banjo that I had a resonator for that was considerably rough. I almost threw it away it looked so bad. I sent it to Mr. Fitch to see if he could do anything with it, and to my amazement, he stripped it, repaired it and finished it to look as new. He has refretted several necks for me, each with perfect results. No intonation issues or damage to the binding or fingerboard. They each looked 100% original. In addition to all the repairs he has done for me, I happen to own three of Cliff’s custom made banjos. The fit and finish is exemplary as well as the great tone they have. I would highly recommend Cliff Fitch to anyone for any of your banjo repairs or custom made parts. Overall Rating 10

Gold Tone Cripple Creek CC100 submitted 5/5/2008 Submitter KHuber (see all reviews from this person) Where Purchased Banjo Teacher Year Purchased 2008 Price Paid 324.00 ($US) Sound Sound is great for an open back. I have no need for a resonator at this time. Sound Rating 8 Setup The setup was nice, low action. I have put on a set of light strings. Setup Rating 7 Appearance I don't care for the finish at all. The rim and neck are two different colors. Probably the worst part about the banjo. Appearance Rating 5 Reliability Hardware seems solid, the hooks look cheap but strong. The banjo came with two L-shoes that looked like they were bad castings. I changed the tuners to Waverly 2-band style and put on a Grover bridge. Reliability Rating 8 Customer Service I have had to contact Gold Tone for a couple of replacement parts (L-Shoes) and the President himself responded and sent them out no questions. Customer Service 10 Components All in all it is what I was expecting for a beginner banjo. It is a solid instrument that I'm sure will last for many years. Components Rating 9 Overall Comments I balanced this one against the Deering Goodtime and after reading everyones reviews on both I decided on the Gold Tone. I bought it to use on the deck and up camping. It's light and an easy banjo to hold and play. I wish it came in a darker finish. Overall Rating 7

Arkansas Razorback submitted 5/5/2008 Submitter HunterPassmore (see all reviews from this person) Where Purchased from Joe Jakonzcuk(the maker) Year Purchased 2008 Price Paid 2895 ($US) Sound This is the best banjo i have ever played!!!It is really rich in tone and volume.Very bright but not bright as in making your ears bleed. There is a lot of variety in sound with this banjo but mostly good for BLUEGRASS!!!!! Sound Rating 10 Setup The set-up was perfect and the head tensioning was set at a G# and the hardware was fitted perfectly....like i said the banjo is the best banjo i have ever played. Setup Rating 10 Appearance Thw wood is quilted maple w/ a dark finish with flying eagle inlay with razorback inlayed at the 21st fret. There were no flaws what so ever....truley an outstanding banjo. Appearance Rating 10 Reliability the hardware is from prucha and many banjo makes uses prucha so i am guessing it will last a lifetime.the finish is still really new so i am waiting to see how it subsides. This is the banjo that i would travel on tour with or at a gig or just a jam. Very reliable. Reliability Rating 10 Customer Service Joe Jakonzcuk is probally oone of the nicest guys you'll ever meet....if there is any thing wrong with the banjo he built he will fix it free of charge just to make you happy and satisfied with the banjo he makes. Customer Service 10 Components very top quality. Components Rating 10 Overall Comments I would recommend this banjo to anyone that is a serious player and wants a top notch professional banjo. Truely the best in this price range. Overall Rating 10

Prust Boucher submitted 5/5/2008 Submitter roosme (see all reviews from this person) Where Purchased Eric Prust Year Purchased 2008 Price Paid 270 ($US) Sound I play clawhammer and just love the sound of this banjo. It has a warmth and richness that seems to come from deep in the earth, the reality of things, the good and the true. Sound Rating 10 Setup Eric sent three bridges of varying heights to accommodate the variations in the tension of the calfskin head, recommending the middle height, which I used and haven't had reason to change in two months of spring weather. The playability has been excellent thus far, perhaps a bit high as you go up the neck, but this may be a characteristic of fretless banjoes. I should mention this is my first fretless. Setup Rating 9 Appearance Though no one will say this is a highly finished banjo, it is still a beauty in my eyes, and everybody I've shown it to seems to love the look of this banjo. The calfskin head looks like a piece of the sky, and the maple neck is very nicely figured. Yes, there is a rough hewn quality to it, but I like that. It's real. It's not trying to be anything more than what it is. And the sound and feel are what matter most. Appearance Rating 10 Reliability I think this banjo will surely outlast me, provided I don't run over it with a truck. I hope my children and grandchildren will love it as I do. I think they will. Reliability Rating 10 Customer Service Eric and Donna deserve beyond a 10 here. I didn't think there was anyone on the planet who still did business this way. First of all, communication with them was excellent. You tell them what you want, they make it and send photos. If you like the photos, they ship the banjo, well packed, but they won't take money until you receive the banjo and are satisfied with it. There's a level of honesty and trust here that you just can't find anymore. I can't praise them enough. Customer Service 10 Components Eric has chosen the components well. Everything seems as it should be on a replica of a Civil War era banjo. When I play this banjo, I know I'm playing something real, made by a real human being, with a big heart. The music benefits, believe me. Components Rating 10 Overall Comments I absolutely recommend this banjo if you are looking for a Civil War era replica that sounds terrific, plays terrific, and has the look and feel of the ages. Overall Rating 10

Pennington long neck submitted 5/3/2008 Submitter john bange (see all reviews from this person) Where Purchased banjo hangout Year Purchased 2008 Price Paid $620 historic exchange rates / currency converter Sound dan described the banjo as being bright with his rolled brass tone ring. this is very accurate...more so that my tubaphone...perfect for the type of music usually associated with the long neck banjo Sound Rating 9 Setup set up was excellent...string height perfect Setup Rating 10 Appearance good looking banjo...few rough spots to the head stock which I will polish out...pot is drop dead gorgous Appearance Rating 9 Reliability threw tuners away and installed new Gotoh's...rest is top notch...right in line with price Reliability Rating 9 Customer Service no worries... Customer Service 9 Components as I said...threw the tuners out..replaced the Stew-Mac tail-piece with a Waverly copy.everything else top notch Components Rating 9 Overall Comments for the price, this is one of the best banjo's I have purchased and I could not be more pleased...selling the gig bag and waiting for my new hcs Overall Rating 10

Enoch Dobson 12" submitted 5/1/2008 Submitter mrphysics55 (see all reviews from this person) Where Purchased Fretted Instruments of Birmingham (Alabama) Year Purchased 2008 Price Paid Don't Remember historic exchange rates / currency converter Sound This Clawhammer Banjo walks the ground between being too tubby or too bell like. It actually seems to have captured the best of both worlds. It has a crisp, clear high end and a growling low end. I bought a 12 inch rim and, as expected, it contributes a great deal of bass. The banjo has a surprising amount of volume. It's tone and output are evenly balanced across the strings. The walnut pot, combined with the Dobson tone ring produces a surprising amount of sustain. I chose to "stuff a sock in it" to plunk it down just a bit. The result is a wonderful OT sound that is plunky, clean and clear. I have already used it in a Jam situation and it came through with flying colors. Sound Rating 10 Setup The setup was fine out of the box. It's action is relatively low, yet still allows room for the thumb as I play over the long frailing scoop. I chose to tighten up the head a wee bit as it seems to have settled some since it's installation. I don't intend to alter the setup at this time. After I get to know it I may tinker some ... but for the life of me I can't imagine what I would want to fool with. Setup Rating 10 Appearance It has the elegance that folks have come to expect from Kevin's work. Walnut has been employed for the one-piece neck and for what looks to be a 2-ply, approx.7/16" thick, pot. The thick fingerboard and peg-head overlay are made from dark (or darkly stained) ebony. The peg head sports one of Kevin's expertly, engraved stars. The finish is is flawless and more like that which you find on his higher end models. The fret work is phenomenal. The edges of the fingerboard are eased off and the fret ends are smooth and unobtrusive. Appearance Rating 9 Reliability Anyone who has owned any of Kevin's banjos, from his production Tradesman to any of his upper-end models, can vouch for their quality and reliability. This Dobson doesn't appear to be an exception. I wouldn't hesitate to leave the house and gig with nothing but an extra pack of strings. Reliability Rating 10 Customer Service I have never needed to make repairs on any of my Enoch banjers. This is my third. If I ever have to have this banjo serviced, I know I can count on my local Retailer and Kevin. Both of these fellas are friendly, expert craftsmen and musicians. I know that the banjo has a warranty but I haven't bothered to read that fine print. I have no worries in that department. I know if anything goes wrong with this banjo that Kevin and Fretted Instruments will make things right. Follow-Up: Kevin just informed me that these banjos have a Lifetime Warranty. What's he gonna do about a 150 years from now if this banjo develops a problem? ;>) Customer Service 10 Components Kevin has chosen to use a different style of shoes on this model. They have a vintage look and the ball end nuts complement the comfort provided by the classic Dobson heel. All the hardware looks to be of high quality. Kevin has not scrimpped. The Gotoh brand planet tuners work very smoothly and hold well. Most of all, Kevins choice of woods make this a beautiful, solid machine. Components Rating 9 Overall Comments Kevin has hit a home-run with the Dobson. It seems to be a great value for the price paid. Like Kevin's other high-end products, I predict that it will be a banjo that people will want to hang onto. Don't expect too many of them to show up in the Classifieds. My only GRIPE about this banjo was that I sold my Tradesman to help fund it's purchase! Overall Rating 10

Prust tackhead with square peghead submitted 5/1/2008 Submitter kbaake (see all reviews from this person) Where Purchased Direct from Eric Prust Year Purchased 2008 Price Paid $320 ($US) Sound The resonance is amazing with strong fundamentals and subdued but well audible harmonics that perfectly match the style of the banjo. It is plunky, but the tones seem to leap out of the tight head. I play a variety of old time styles at an early intermediate skill level and this suits me perfectly. It shines on Mike Seeger songs in modal tunings as well as Minstrel songs, but also does well as on G tuning (especially when lowered to E). Sound Rating 10 Setup Strings were lose for mailing and the bridge was in an envelope with instructions on exactly where to place it. I haven't made any changes, but when it is time to replace the strings I will probably try Aquilla Nylgut strings, which Eric recommends for the lower tunings that I like. The strings it came with are La Bella nylons, which sound great, too, and can be tuned to standard G. I requested wood inlaid marker dots where frets would be to help me adjust to fretless and to provide finger reference points up the neck. This is well worth the extra $20, although your ear quickly figures out the right positions. Setup Rating 10 Appearance It is simple but elegant, with a natural maple neck, white oak pot, and calfskin head that is has natural variations in color from cloud white to gray translucent. Looks real nice in my music room. Appearance Rating 10 Reliability The pot brackets and other hardware seem sturdy and well machined. Everything is crafted well to last, as far as I can tell. The tuning pegs fit snuggly. But the banjo also is lightweight, which I prefer, about the same as my Deering Goodtime. Reliability Rating 9 Customer Service Eric answers emails the same day and is extremely helpful. When I was first interested we had several email exchanges about going fretless, the differences between the tensioning model and tackhead models, and use of fret markers. Eric was informative but never pushy. After I made my choice Eric kept me up to date on the progress and sent pictures when it was ready--a week after I placed the order. When I got the banjo I had a few questions on tuning and working with the violin style tuning pegs, which were new to me. Eric's advice was helpful and I now feel in synch with this wonderful instrument. Customer Service 10 Components Can't see anything that needs to be upgraded, unless you wanted to ask for machined tuning pegs that might be easier if that's what you are used to. Components Rating not rated Overall Comments As others have mentioned, this is an amazing deal at $300 for a unique musical instrument. It opens up a world of sounds, which are truly old time and almost organic in tonal quality. I would buy another. Overall Rating 10

Gold Tone Whyte Layde WL-250 submitted 4/30/2008 Submitter f#dead (see all reviews from this person) Where Purchased other player Year Purchased 2007 Price Paid 400 ($US) Sound I bought this Whyte Layde from GW. From his review, it just wasn't his sound. I couldn't be happier. Thnx Peter, it has a good home here. It goes daboink when plucked and kachang when strummed. The sound is full and loud. I play alone but suspect this banjo could hold it's own in a group. Bang for the buck is exceptional. I do plug it in to an amp at times (it has the factory pick-up installed) and get my rock on. Having the scoop adds that sound to the variations and can be haunting and rich. Firm plucking creates a growling pop in the higher strings and the bass is smooth but could be a little deeper. Sound Rating 8 Setup I have not made any changes to the banjo since I bought it. When it arrived, I tuned the strings and it was ready to play. Setup Rating 8 Appearance I like the medium level of adornment. This banjo is my "dark horse" in the herd. The finish is thick and without flaws. The chrome is bright and holds up to skin contact well. Appearance Rating 8 Reliability Overall I would say this banjo is well made, sturdy and a pleasure to hold and play. It is heavier than many open-back banjos and lighter than a few. I have not compared other Whyte Laydes. I don't gig ( yet ) and I consider this banjo dependable. Reliability Rating 8 Customer Service NA Customer Service not rated Components If this banjo lacks any boutique parts it makes up for w/ solid workman grade components in a factory built hand assembled attractively finished product at a bang up price. Components Rating 8 Overall Comments For the price I paid, I am throughly happy and I intend to hang on to this for a good long time. I think the new retail price is reasonable and I would consider replacement if needed. Someone else said "who would steal a banjo"? I would add "some idiot". I previously had a cheap aluminum pot resonator banjo and a masterclone. Sold em. My interest now is open-back styles and this banjo is very servicable for that. I haven't played any other Whyte Laydes cause this is the WL for me now. As for me this was a good 2nd stage upgrade after I determined what style of playing I like. I am lusting for some other types of open-back banjo but not to replace my WL. I have given this a solid 8 in all categories. Overall Rating 8

http://angiesbanjo.com/ submitted 4/29/2008 Submitter s38denhep (see all reviews from this person) Overall Comments I bought a Banjo from Angi her price and service was excellent. I highly recommend her.If you are in the market for a instrument http://angiesbanjo.com/ is the place to go. HEP Overall Rating 10

Deering Goodtime Special submitted 4/28/2008 Submitter instntkrma (see all reviews from this person) Where Purchased Prussia Valley Dulcimers, Waverly OH Year Purchased 2008 Price Paid 600 ($US) Sound Having played the Deering Goodtime 2 (available at your local Guitar-Mart) I'd sought out the Special in hopes of some bluegrass tone-ring punch, which this banjo delivers handily. Soft and sweet or loud and bright, just as described. Sound Rating 8 Setup The gentleman at PVDulcimers took this banjo from the wall, adjusted the bridge a bit, picked a few enviable licks and handed it over. I'd recommend shopping locally for this instrument (or any banjo, for that matter) to guarantee no accidents in shipment and to ensure it's set up as you like it. Setup Rating 8 Appearance With its signature unrefined natural satin finish, some people say this is an ugly banjo. Those people are jealous. Appearance Rating 10 Reliability This is a good, solid, American-made hunk of wood that could survive a two-story toss by a jealous lover, though I'd rather not test that assessment. Many online sources (including the Deering website) state that this instrument weighs 7 lbs, which I doubt. It's a good, honest weight. Not as heavy as a full on brass tone-ring, but not 7 lbs, either. Reliability Rating 8 Customer Service Now, this could turn out to be disappointing, but I suppose only time will tell. Upon completing the one-year warranty card, I spied a check box stating "Please Send my FREE Way to Happiness Booklet". I'd assumed this would be a bit of inoffensive religious literature, but I Googled just to be sure. As it turns out, this is a bit of Scientologist literature. I can only assume that, in order to obtain a warranty and the promised Owner's Manual, I'll have to suffer an onslaught of Scientology pamphlets as they attempt to convert my mailbox from its heathen ways. Again, only time will tell, and I would have bought the banjo anyhow, but I wish they hadn't been all sneaky about it. Customer Service 5 Components I've read a few complaints about the Vega-style arm rest on the Goodtime series, and I can confirm that it is much higher than one would expect an armrest to be. However, I think this benefits the beginning player, as it reinforces the proper wrist angle and encourages you to anchor a finger or two. A little discomfort is a small price to pay for good technique. Components Rating 8 Overall Comments The Goodtime Special is somewhat harder to get ahold of than other models in the Goodtime line, and will cost a bit more in a local store than over the Internet, but it's worth the expense in quality, tone, sustain, and style. The instrument has the sound and heft of a banjo twice its cost but comes in under $1k by eschewing the unnecessary gloss and refinements. Support your local luthier and snag one today. And unless Thetans are your thing, consider setting up a fake address for that warranty. Overall Rating 8

Keith Baumann submitted 4/28/2008 Submitter Mr. Disco (see all reviews from this person) Overall Comments I was lucky to find Keith Baumann for a lesson less than 10 minutes from my office. He's toured with the Special Consensus Bluegrass Band and gives lessons in Elmhurst. He's a terrific banjo player and plays mandolin, guitar, dobro, national steel, and pedal steel. The lesson was an eye-opener for me. Timingwise, I think I'm glad I waited until now, but truly, now it's back to the drawing board. I had done a pretty good job of working cleanly through Janet Davis. I got a couple pages left on it. By the way, on the disc she has with the book, her "Two Little Boys" recording just sounds great. She smokes the strings on it. I've just started working on it. I can play steady and my right hand and left hand are pretty well coordinated, but … – What I learned from Keith Baumann: · I'm really lacking in the rolling speed and bluegrass feel department. I have to spend at least 5 to 10 minutes every day on just playing rolls, and primarily on the 1, 3, and 5 strings to get that "bluegrass sound." With all my work in books I've been so careful about only notching up the metronome when I'm clean where I'm at. – Problem is, I've often walked away from a 30- or 60-minute practice session without ever having really worked my right-hand into a speed and a sound. -- Like Dick Brown says you gotta warm up with rolls. Now I understand. · My X-position needs to be much closer to the bridge than it had been. The difference in sound is night and day once my ring-finger is about even with the bridge. Plus, since the strings are tighter against the bridge there, there's more staccato attack and firmness in picking. Doing that really brought the sound from my Iida alive. · Mr. Baumann told me to buy a new Scorpion or Snuffy Smith and get a geared 5th-string tuner. I'd've done that a while ago but was afraid the banjo needed a lot more than that: new neck, new head, tail piece. He thinks not. My set-up was pretty good on my banjo and I’m happy to hear him say that because my banjo set-up was a mess when I bought it and I did the set-up all myself -- slow and steady trial and error style. – Sounds great when he plays on it. I've not been able to find a wrench to mess with the head, but he thought the head tightness sounded good. Other than that, I've changed the action, loosened the tailpiece and moved the bridge, all goofy cock-eyed to get strings 1 through 4 in tune up and down the neck (5 goes flat up the neck, but he says that's the way it always is if 1 to 4 are good). Hey, it helps me a lot just knowing that my banjo is really in good shape. So, my immediate plans are to get that new bridge and 5th-string tuner, work daily on my rolls, and concentrate on my sound a great deal more especially when my left hand is between frets one and five. I think I’ll also buy Janet’s back-up book, maybe the Pat Cloud book, and a song book from someone else – Trischka, Munde, Wernick. I think I need to start working out by ear something like “Bear Down Chicago Bears” or “Take me out to the Ball Game” to get my head in gear. When I’m digging my sound and my right hand has made some real progress I’ll definitely look Keith Baumann up again -- also Greg Cahill, Jones Family Music, and Brian Munday. I don't recall the exact cost of the lesson but it was about $40 for an hour lesson. Mr. Baumann plays the banjo very well, and turned me onto some real improvements with my right-hand position and getting a good sound with my rollls. He did not actually assign a lesson. Overall Rating 5

Sullivan Festival submitted 4/28/2008 Submitter mudskippercory (see all reviews from this person) Where Purchased Janet Davis Year Purchased 2008 Price Paid Don't Remember historic exchange rates / currency converter Sound Wow, this baby is just sweet, down the neck it has a nice not to bright, but clear sound a still gives a really nice Umph to it. Up the neck is just beautiful, the harmonics are really nice also. Sound Rating 10 Setup Janet Davis set it up just the way I like it. They are such great people to work with Setup Rating 10 Appearance It is a nice basic look to it, but still really pretty. I would not change a thing. Appearance Rating 10 Reliability They peg's are really strong much much better then the ones I have on my other banjos. Reliability Rating 10 Customer Service I only deal with Janet Davis and will stay like that. I have dealt with other companies were they were nice also. It is just something about Janet Davis that is really great. I even call to talk to the manager when ever someone helps me out to let them know, what great people they have working for them. Customer Service 10 Components They only thing I might change is the bridge, I got a Snuffy Smith, I love Snuffy Smith bridges. other then that I dont' think anything needs to be upgraded. Components Rating 10 Overall Comments Over all I think this is such a great banjo. Have two others this is my first USA made, and I can tell the difference right off the bat. I am so thankful I got an alarm system on my house. It sucks that I have other banjo's though, because I will NOT pick up any other then my Sullivan, this baby is just sweet , I even named her :) Overall Rating 10

Saga ? submitted 4/27/2008 Submitter wantedule (see all reviews from this person) Where Purchased folkladen Munchen Year Purchased 1985 Price Paid 3000 (deutch mark) historic exchange rates / currency converter Sound It's good for bluegrass-after "SET_UP" I just use good microfone,-I 'm not satisfate with any PICK UP. Sound Rating 8 Setup It easn't SET UP ! I must lowered saddle,'couse ton on 1 st freet was to high. Setup Rating 5 Appearance that was good Appearance Rating 9 Reliability Good Reliability Rating 7 Customer Service ??? I made no contact Customer Service not rated Components I broke tail peace Components Rating not rated Overall Comments I's good banjo, may be a liittle to expencive Overall Rating 9

Stage Mate banjo stand submitted 4/25/2008 Submitter 5strbanjo (see all reviews from this person) Where Purchased :Manufacturer's website Overall Comments ...this is an excellent stand, strong yet light and also small; very portable...also very stable and solid; also, you can't beat the price... Overall Rating 10

Gibson RB-250 submitted 4/25/2008 Submitter mybote (see all reviews from this person) Where Purchased Private party Year Purchased 2008 Price Paid 1500. ($US) (bought USED) Sound Bluegrass. Fills all my needs and expectations. Sound Rating 10 Setup The banjo was already set up and included Keith tuners. very smooth action. Setup Rating 9 Appearance This is a 1970. Some chips out of the binding, dings, inlay is all intact,etc. Been played ALOT. But neck, frets and hardware are still in great shape. Appearance Rating 5 Reliability Hardware is very durable and will last many more years. Finish has wear marks but is durable. I would gig with this banjo without a backup. Reliability Rating 9 Customer Service never dealt with the company Customer Service not rated Components outstanding componants are keith tuners. No weak or cheap parts. Components Rating 10 Overall Comments Very happy to recommend this banjo. If this was stolen, I would get another. Overall Rating 10

Gold Tone Orange Blossom OB-250AT submitted 4/25/2008 Submitter mybote (see all reviews from this person) Where Purchased Weatherford, Tx. Year Purchased 2004 Price Paid 650 ($US) Sound Bluegrass. Full Bright Loud. Set up at the store. Great, smooth neck. Rings like a bell. Sound Rating 8 Setup I would make no changes Setup Rating 8 Appearance Stands out in the crowd. classy. Appearance Rating 8 Reliability reliable hardware. dependable. I use this banjo as a backup. Reliability Rating 8 Customer Service excellent customer service. Very responsive. Customer Service 10 Components For the price , I wouldn't change anything. It is a great banjo just stock. Components Rating 8 Overall Comments For a banjo in the 1000 dollar range. This beats them all. Parts and accessories are available by many companies. If it were stolen, I would get another. Overall Rating 8

DAVE MARTY submitted 4/24/2008 Submitter dbanjoman (see all reviews from this person) Overall Comments Banjo Jazzer Dave Marty is 'Mr. Smooth' Thursday, April 24, 2008 @2:42:08 PM Banjo Jazzer Dave Marty is 'Mr. Smooth' Posted by Rick Foster on April 3, 2008 at 10:43am Whether entertaining on luxury cruise liners or appearing before convention audiences, California banjoman extraordinaire Dave Marty's nickname is "Mr. Smooth." Marty, whose virtuosity as a performer and recording artist spans nearly a half century, will be the main headliner for this year’s Early Spring Banjo Fling April 3-6 at the Mansfield Holiday Inn. The event, which includes dozens of bands and solo performers playing everything from early 20th Century popular music to traditional and Dixieland jazz, is staged annually by the Stone Street Strummers Banjo Band. Music captured the young Marty’s imagination almost from the start. From the age of 12, he had already begun teaching himself ukulele before eventually asking his father for something a little bigger. Marty actually had a guitar in mind, but for his 16th birthday, his dad surprised him with – of all things—a banjo. He had trouble at first adjusting to the banjo’s long neck, and put the instrument aside for the next three years until he happened to hear a banjo player in a trio in a local pizza parlor. “After hearing a couple of tunes, I decided I was as good as or better than the banjo player, and he was making money doing that,” said Marty. “Then and there I knew what I wanted to do with my life.” Before long, Marty had resurrected the banjo, joined the musician’s union and got his first professional job – also in a pizza parlor. He’s been playing ever since: 48 years in all. Marty’s career began in beer halls and restaurants, but he soon branched out to night clubs in San Francisco, Chicago, New Orleans and New York City, not to mention Florence, Italy and the New York World’s Fair. Together with David Sturdevant on guitar and Abe van der Meulen on side banjo, Marty formed the San Francisco Medicine Ball Band in 1970, recording an LP “On a Slow Boat to China” in 1976. Marty went on to record several other albums and spent 17 years as a featured performer on major cruise lines. Marty revels in a wide variety of musical forms, from classical to Dixieland and traditional jazz along with music from the big band era. But the uniqueness of the banjo lays the strongest claim to his heart. “Musically, the banjo tugs at the American heart because of the sound derived from the instrument; it is unlike any other American musical instrument and can be a happy one,” said Marty. “Culturally, the banjo is a big part of very early American popular music and dixieland jazz and country & western music. Furthermore, music played on the banjo stirs up many memories, particularly for senior citizens.” Marty will perform several times throughout this year’s Spring Fling beginning with a guest appearance with the Stone Street Strummers Banjo Band 7: p.m. Thursday, April 3, in a celebration of the Tin Pan Alley era of American Music, and the annual Headliner concert 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 5 at the hotel. Overall Rating 10

Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver Beyond the Shadows submitted 4/24/2008 Submitter granada40 (see all reviews from this person) Where Purchased Barnes and Noble Overall Comments Good classic album by DL&Q. Nice banjo work by Scott Vestal and nice vocal work by Russell Moore. Overall Rating 10

Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver More Behind The Picture Than The Wall submitted 4/24/2008 Submitter granada40 (see all reviews from this person) Where Purchased Doyle Lawson Record Table Overall Comments Best new album by DL&Q. Has a lot of great secular songs on it. This was a good last album for Jamie Dailey to do with the band before he went to work with Darrin Vincent on Dailey and Vincent. Overall Rating 10

Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver Rock My Soul submitted 4/24/2008 Submitter granada40 (see all reviews from this person) Where Purchased www.amazon.com Overall Comments The 1st gospel album by DL&Q. I love the song "On The Sea of Life." This is a real classic. Overall Rating 10

Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver School of Bluegrass Disc # 1 submitted 4/24/2008 Submitter granada40 (see all reviews from this person) Where Purchased Borders Overall Comments This album really shows how DL&Q made history in Bluegrass Music. Contains recordings from the past and the new. Overall Rating 10