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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!
7233 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased: Directly from Blue Chip
I chose a medium size Blue chip thumb pick with the Russ Carson shaped blade and I love it so much, I ordered a second one. The tone is superb! These picks are more comfortable than any pick on the market. No string noise. The very best thumb pick made today.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Warren Yates
I have to give these picks a 10. The workmanship, fit, finish, detail, comfort, and tone are exceptional! Yes, they are a bit pricey at $50.00 but, it is obvious that they are very labor intensive and, they are still a fraction of the price of a pair of original National oval 8's. . Mine fit perfectly right out of the box. No bending necessary. Warren really did his homework on these. Highly recommended!
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: From Jim Burlile
First of all, I was surprized to find that there were no reviews of the Burlile tone ring here. I have used these rings in several of my personal banjos for about 3 years and currently offer them as standard equipment in my Fitch banjos. I have tried the majority of tone rings on the market but nothing comes close to the Burlile for true prewar tone and power in my opinion.
While the $1500.00 price tag is a bit steep for most budgets, you have to keep in mind that these rings are very expensive to produce and, there was a huge financial investment made in developing them during the past 27 years. Noone knows prewar Mastertones like Jim Burlile. He has studied every aspect of them from the materials used to make them, down to the actual process involved. While he is a humble man and one that you will not find "hyping" his rings, all you have to do is play one to know that he has found that elusive prewar tone that we all seek. They sell themselves. From the huge 4th string to the crystal clear notes up the neck, to the ultra easy response which makes them a joy to play, I find them well worth the price and more. There is a reason why you dont see these rings on the used market very often. Once they are setup properly, you dont ever want to take them back apart. Jims rings are so close to real prewar flathead rings that the setup is even done the same as on a prewar. Then, there is the tremendous volume. You will have no problem being heard in an outdoor jam or cutting a mic again. I have found by experimenting that the Burlile rings sound great on a variiety of rims which makes them a good choice for upgrading your existing ring while maintaing the original rim although some minor machining of your rim will be required for a proper fit.
To hear one at its peak performance, try one on a prewar Gibson rim. I wouldnt even consider another ring if I were converting a prewar to a flathead. They are a perfect match. Should you decide to try a Burlile ring, make sure that the head is tight (tuned to an A or slightly above) and, make sure that the rings fits loosely on the rim with a small gap between the bottom of the tone ring skirt and the wooden bead above the flange on the rim. I also prefer a David Wadsworth or Snuffy Smith III bridge with these rings. A pre-EPA Remo head is also a plus if you can find one.
In summary, if you have tinkered and experimented with your banjo and still havent found the sound you want, try a Burlile ring. You wont be sorry. Nothing rings like a Burlile !
Overall Rating: 10
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