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The banjo reviews database is here to help educate people before they purchase an instrument. Of course, this is not meant to be a substitute for playing the instrument yourself!
7232 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased: Ebay
Year Purchased: 2004
Price Paid: Don't Remember (bought USED)
historic exchange rates / currency converter
This antique banjo sounds awesome. The Silver Bell tone ring is unique and really nice. It has a deep, rich old-time sound.
Revision: I've recently learned that silver "bell" is the correct description for this tone ring...not silver "chime" which refers to an entirely different design.
Sound Rating: 10
This banjo is designed for gut strings. I added a Cole style 5-footed bridge and equipped it with Aquila NylGut nylon strings. The old head is dirty but sound.
Setup Rating: 8
Incredible vintage styling. Not fancy but really cool. Special features: very steep headstock pitch, big round Dobson heel, simple ivory inlays, the nicest ebony fretboard I've ever seen.
Appearance Rating: 10
Original 1887 patent (marked) Grover Champion style tuners. All original hooks & nuts. All are fantastic! Still working well after 120+/- years. Nonetheless, I'm a bit cautious due to the age.
Reliability Rating: 7
NA HC Dobson is dead and gone...but he left a few great banjos behind. Give him a 10 becase the best service is to build a banjo that stands the test of time.
Customer Service: 10
The Silver Chime tone ring is unique & very special.
Components Rating: 10
I love this banjo for old-time or Classical playing!
Overall Rating: 10
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