Doc's Banjos 12 inch fretted Reviews

Doc's Banjos 12 inch fretted submitted 4/9/2007 Submitter matchcovers (see all reviews from this person) Where Purchased Direct Year Purchased 2007 Price Paid 2250 ($US) Sound Doc's banjos are the quintessential instrument for clawhammer players, as he's thought of everything to incorporate into each instrument he lovingly makes. I read most of the hype and frankly, I wasn't impressed - until I played No. 81 and wanted to marry it. Ease of playing, sweet sound, good looks, strong construction. My next banjo will be from Pat Huff, no doubt. Sound Rating not rated Setup Doc spends time setting up each banjo he ships and No. 81 was no exception. It is as if I were in his studio/shop and he measured me for a fitting. Setup Rating 10 Appearance The secret to Doc's success is partially the woods he uses for tone and strength, but the sound wants to flow out in even measured sequences as if it were lining up with the well-chosen grain. All Doc's metal is coordinated and visually becomes part of the overall look of the instrument within a few viewings. I still get a thrill every time I open the plush-lined case. There is little frill or fluff in Doc's creations - mostly good, solid looks and excellent tone. Appearance Rating 10 Reliability Hardware can't be topped. All Doc's expense is in construction, the spartan quality of the woods and the harmony among the various pieces (pot, neck, bridge, nut, etc.). I would be proud to use No. 81 on any gig I got. Reliability Rating not rated Customer Service Doc's insists on meeting his customers, either on the phone or in person before he sells them a banjo. It is as if he needs to get a feeling for the customer's likes and preferences, further tailoring them into the essence of the banjo. As a relative beginner, it was easy for him to choose a banjo for me - my needs were easy to accommodate. Customer Service 10 Components There is nothing weak or cheap about Doc's banjos. As a big company once said - the quality goes in before the name goes on. You've just got to play one to know what I mean. Components Rating 10 Overall Comments There is little comparison between one of Doc's banjos and what some other non-commercial makers are putting out on the market today. Larger companies spend your money in frill, fluff and advertising - someone's got to pay for it! Not with Doc's banjos. They are ALL banjo, so how can you compare price. I insured No. 81 immediately and know that if it were ever stolen, the thief could go to heaven knowing he's stolen the best there is. I plan on a second Doc's banjo in 2008 and maybe another in 2009. Overall Rating 10

Doc's Banjos 12 inch fretted submitted 2/16/2007 Submitter banjoho (see all reviews from this person) Where Purchased Doc's Banjos Year Purchased 2006 Price Paid Don't Remember historic exchange rates / currency converter Sound a very sweet mellow sound, bottom and high end beautifully balanced Sound Rating 10 Setup perfectly set up for frailing, high enough for drop thumbing, but low enough for ease of playing Setup Rating 9 Appearance Bottom line, this instrument is as much a piece of wood sculpture as it is a fine instrument. Banjo and non banjo players are blown away by its beauty. Appearance Rating 10 Reliability Hand Cast, custom hardware, bronze built like an airplane. Reliability Rating 10 Customer Service Doc and Florisell Huff are salt of the earth folks. Doc provided great service. He provided personal service. And has been very good about making sure that I'm happy with the instrument. Customer Service 10 Components Components are all top shelf. The wood itself is amazing. I love the fact that I'm playing an instrument that originated from Africa, that actually contains wood from Africa. Components Rating 10 Overall Comments I love this banjo. I keep it right by my bed, it is the first thing and last thing I do each day, is play it. Here's the thing, it really helps your banjo playing if you have an instrument that you love. I played other banjos in this price range and they just don't measure up. I know for the amount of work that goes into each handcrafted banjo, the price is more than fair. If you want to buy only one instrument and keep it in your family forever...this is your banjo. Note that this review was send to me (Doc) and I posted it verbatum, as the reviewer had difficulty posting it) Overall Rating 10