Gold Tone: Orange Blossom OB-250

Submitted by talkingriver on 3/10/2006

Where Purchased: banjo.com

Year Purchased: 2006
Price Paid: 937 ($US)

Sound

The sound is great. It’s loud and full, comparable to more expensive brands/models. I’m not all that experienced but it sounds as good and better then banjos I’ve played that cost a good bit more.

Sound Rating: 10

Setup

The setup was right on. It was in tune out of the dang box. The action was set well. I picked it up and started playing it. It suites me fine.

Setup Rating: 10

Appearance

I think it’s beautiful. The rich orange sunburst on the resonator looks great. I’m impressed with the inlay work on the neck. For the money, it’s hard to beat. I looked it over well and couldn't find any flaws. Sure is a pretty thing.

Appearance Rating: 10

Reliability

It seams rock solid. I’m sure it will last. I think I’ll probably end up upgrading it a little down the road. I’m quite satisfied with it though. The finish seems to be durable. It sure has my trust. Id be more then confident to use it without a backup. I'll give it a 9 - though for the price, it gets a 10.

Reliability Rating: 9

Customer Service

I didn't buy it from the company. Though I was in contact with them before I bought it when I was trying to decide on a specific instrument. They were quite helpful then. I got it from banjo.com and couldn’t be more happy with their service.

Customer Service: not rated

Components

I bought it because of what’s offered for the price… maple rim, resonator, & neck, brass tone ring, attractive m.o.p inlay (hearts & flowers) work on the neck and headstock. There’s just a touch of play in some of the tuning machines. It stays in tune just fine though. I’ll probably up grade them down the road. Again, for money, it’s hard to beat.

Components Rating: 9

Overall Comments

I couldn’t be happier with this banjo. I played every banjo I could get my hands on (about 15 different ones) before choosing this one. Again, I chose it because of what was offered for the money. I’m quite pleased to have a banjo that sounds this good for under $1000. I’m sure there are some 3,4,5 thousand dollar banjos out there that sound better. But, I’ll stick with this one. That being said, if I would have had a little more money to spend, the OB 250 plus is appealing. It has some nice extra features. If stolen, yeah I'd buy it again - no doubt.

Overall Rating: 10