Yates: Ron Stewart Maple

Submitted by asmcsgac on 8/27/2013

Where Purchased: Individual

Year Purchased: 2013
Price Paid: enough ($US) (bought USED)

Sound

Older RS Maple model mfg 9-10-08. Sold my 2011 Mahogany RS. The maple is in your face loud comparatively. Mega fat fourth string with the classic Yates tone. Very responsive. Tons of power but easy to control.

Sound Rating: 10

Setup

Head 91 on drum dial...stock Yates 5/8 bridge. No-hole unplated tonering. Wonderful neck with standard smooth, what I would consider a semi speed finish. A totally pleasurable experience each time you pick it up to play.

Setup Rating: 10

Appearance

Distressed finish on the wood and the hardware. Very tastefully done.

Appearance Rating: 10

Reliability

Rock solid instrument. Has the Keith tuners that used to be standard on the earlier models.

Reliability Rating: 10

Customer Service

Dealt with Warren maybe a half dozen times. He is one of the easiest folks to deal with that I've ever met. He does what he says and bends over backwards to see that your desires are met.

Customer Service: 10

Components

The case appears to be an unmarked Guardian style import with the Yates brand on the outside. I'm not a big fan of these cases, although they are decent for the money. The case scores an overall 9 out of 10 for this category. Glad to see the redline cases available on the new models.

Components Rating: 9

Overall Comments

I have never heard of a dissatisfied Yates owner. In light of the ongoing evolution of new great sounding models, I think we can be assured that the fan club will only expand.

Overall Rating: 10

Ron Coleman

Submitted by asmcsgac on 7/26/2013

Overall Comments

Had to jump in and leave my comments. Not only is he a nice guy, great luthier, and super to work with, he's fast on the turn around. The fast part may change if we keep beating the drum.

Overall Rating: 10

Necks: 5 string neck

Submitted by asmcsgac on 7/4/2013

Where Purchased: BHO member: Ron Coleman (Earls 5)

Overall Comments

Ron used a very nice piece of mahogany and fabricated a wreath conversion neck. I sent my pot to him and he cut the heel to fit. Everything was of highest quality and the price was very reasonable. If you need anything banjo related, I highly recommend you contact him via the hangout. He is a great guy to talk to and to work with. Many thanks to you Ron.

Overall Rating: 10

Yates: Ron Stewart

Submitted by asmcsgac on 2/24/2012

Where Purchased: BHO member

Year Purchased: 2012
Price Paid: just enough (bought USED) historic exchange rates / currency converter

Sound

It does what you ask and more. Sweet, powerful, clear mahogany tone.

Sound Rating: 10

Setup

Nice setup..very easy to play. No effort required to command tone. Old sounding right off the assembly line.

Setup Rating: 10

Appearance

It looks like it's been around the block a few times. New and old at the same time.

Appearance Rating: not rated

Reliability

Waverly tuners, Nice quality repro Presto. Should last a lifetime.

Reliability Rating: 10

Customer Service

Warren is a great guy to talk to and deal with. Conducts business the old fashioned way. He does what he says he will do. If you get a chance to visit the Hickory, NC area, it is well worth the time to stop in and pay a visit.

Customer Service: 10

Components

Love Warren and Ron's bridges. Have one on another banjo. Well engineered instrument. I personally would have preferred the Keith tuners that came on the older model RS banjos.

Components Rating: 9

Overall Comments

I didn't really need to say anything at all about this banjo. They have an established track record and speak for themselves. 10+++++++++++

Overall Rating: 10

Deering: Goodtime

Submitted by asmcsgac on 1/23/2010

Where Purchased: BHO

Year Purchased: 2010
Price Paid: 125.00 ($US) (bought USED)

Sound

Received stock in used mint condition. Mainly Scruggs style picking. The selling price caused me to jump on it. Will use primarily for travel. For the money it has an impressive clean crisp sound with outstanding intonation at all positions. Hard to put down...perfect for playing by oneself.

Sound Rating: 10

Setup

Stock setup with only a minor action adjustment.

Setup Rating: 8

Appearance

Unique look. Certainly nothing fancy at all. But if you haven't seen one before it will cause you to look twice.

Appearance Rating: 7

Reliability

Decent quality on the hardware. Gotoh geared fifth tuner works well. Stays in tune very well.

Reliability Rating: 7

Customer Service

Dealt with the company before. Outstanding service and communication.

Customer Service: 10

Components

Construction materials lend to wonderful sound and good solid lightweight instrument.

Components Rating: 9

Overall Comments

Perfect for student, hard to beat sound for the price and USA made quality.

Overall Rating: 9