Cliff Fitch

Submitted by jebmd on 5/6/2008

Overall Comments

Cliff Fitch has done a host of repair and setup work for me with fantastic results. One job in particular that comes to mind is a parts banjo that I had a resonator for that was considerably rough. I almost threw it away it looked so bad. I sent it to Mr. Fitch to see if he could do anything with it, and to my amazement, he stripped it, repaired it and finished it to look as new.

He has refretted several necks for me, each with perfect results. No intonation issues or damage to the binding or fingerboard. They each looked 100% original.

In addition to all the repairs he has done for me, I happen to own three of Cliff’s custom made banjos. The fit and finish is exemplary as well as the great tone they have.

I would highly recommend Cliff Fitch to anyone for any of your banjo repairs or custom made parts.

Overall Rating: 10

Fitch: Masters Five

Submitted by jebmd on 4/22/2008

Where Purchased: BHO Member

Year Purchased: 2008
Price Paid: (bought USED) historic exchange rates / currency converter

Sound

This banjo has a deep low end punch that I'm not use to, a nice dark growl on the forth string and plenty of pop on the first and second string. I love a Stelling but I must say I love the "dark" tone of this banjo.

Sound Rating: 10

Setup

Just tightend the head and she was ready to go. The last owner took excellent care of this banjo.

Setup Rating: 10

Appearance

Deep red straight grained mahogany, flying Eagle inlay. Engraved tail piece and armrest. Very nice fit and finish.

Appearance Rating: 10

Reliability

Even though I'm the second owner Cliff has extended the lifetime warranty to me.

Reliability Rating: 10

Customer Service

The best possible, look at the warranty.

Customer Service: 10

Components

Mahogany neck and resonator, Sullivan FF rim, Crowe unplated ring, Krishot tuners and a Wadsworth bridge.

Components Rating: 10

Overall Comments

I don't think you can get close to this banjo's tone in this price range. In my opinion Cliff Fitch builds a superior banjo. A mega bang for the buck. The good news is if something happens to this banjo, I know where I can buy a replacement.

Overall Rating: 10

Fitch: Firestorm

Submitted by jebmd on 12/13/2007

Where Purchased: Cliff Fitch

Year Purchased: 2007
Price Paid: $3000 ($US)

Sound

Excellent bluegrass banjo, Nice deep growl on the forth string, has that bell ring quality on the first and fifth strings that I love. Good pop all the way up the neck. The FF rim opens up the more I play it. I think it will become even more of a monster in the next 12 months.

Sound Rating: 10

Setup

Perfect, very low action with an 11/16 bridge. No changes needed to be made.

Setup Rating: 10

Appearance

Work of art. Extremely shaded curly Maple, looks as good as it sounds. Superb fit and finish.

Appearance Rating: 10

Reliability

This is a lifetime banjo.

Reliability Rating: 10

Customer Service

Cliff is very helpfull, He will set up your banjo to your own specs. Lifetime warranty.

Customer Service: 10

Components

This banjo has all the top notch components. Sullivan FF rim, Blaylock tone ring, Keith tuners, Cox resonator and a David Wadsworth hand-crafted bridge. I think I like the way all the top quality parts and Cliff's craftsmanship come together to form this beautiful instrument.

Components Rating: 10

Overall Comments

I would highly recommend this banjo to anyone. It plays like butter and sounds fantastic.

Overall Rating: 10