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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: eBay
Year Purchased: 2002
Price Paid: 1700 ($US) (bought USED)
All the above - it is rich, full, loud and bright. I love it! Somehow, it reminds me more of an old time sound, although it's nothing like an old Gibson (which I also love, so no Gibson slam intended).
Sound Rating: 10
Setup was fine, as it arrived from another player, however it has started to develop a bit of a buzz on the 1st string. It probably is due for a maintenance setup.
Setup Rating: 8
I think it's a great-looking, classic style. Rich walnut color. Very nice, not overdone, with a bound headstock (which was discontinued on the Bellflower sometime after '86). The woodgrain on the resonator is awesome. Wavy and full of depth.
Appearance Rating: 10
This banjo seems to be built to last forever. I bought it 16 years old and besides the usual armrest wear it is in terrific condition. Like all Stellings that I have ever seen, it's craftsmanship is rock solid.
Reliability Rating: 10
No experience.
Customer Service: not rated
Top notch components. I like the tuners better than the Grovers my Gibson had. They don't need as much adjustment. Everything else is very solid (which is probably why this thing weighs a ton!).
Components Rating: 10
I love this banjo and will keep it forever. I knew it the second I played it. Just a terrific, bright, happy sound, I can't help but to smile everytime I play her. I would definitely recommend it, however I would also recommend you play a Stelling before you purchase one. They have a unique sound.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Elderly Instruments
Year Purchased: 2002
Price Paid: 2000 ($US) (bought USED)
Nice sound. Excellent tone up the neck. Very warm mahogany sound overall, but still able to punch out the sound in a crowd.
Sound Rating: 9
Setup by Elderly and then shipped to me. Just had to set the bridge and tune. Good low action and overall good setup, however after playing it for a couple months I feel like taking it in to be re-setup to address some minor buzzing/ringing. Might be me, though.
Setup Rating: 7
Great looking banjo, it gets a lot of compliments. The inlays are very nice - fancy but not overly ornate. I also really like the ivoroid buttons instead of the more common pearloid ones, and the concentric rings in back are a nice extra. Good traditional-looking banjo.
Appearance Rating: 9
I've only had it for a bit, but it seems very well made and sturdy.
Reliability Rating: 9
No experience.
Customer Service: not rated
Has the Shubb 5th string capo, which I really like. Easy to use.
Components Rating: 9
Overall a great banjo, but not my cup of tea. I ended up selling it and replacing it with a Stelling, which I find easier to play and brighter sounding. Just my personal preference, as I know that many players love this model.
Overall Rating: 9
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