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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!
7232 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased: Amazon.com
I got a pretty good deal on this bag through Amazon for $280. So I went ahead and bought it. What an awesome bag! I'm using this bag for everyday use and my Price fiberglass case should I need to fly with the banjo. The Reunion Blues bag provides great protection for the instrument.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Direct from Aurthor Hatfield
Year Purchased: 2011
Price Paid: 2600 ($US)
The sound is wonderful. I play Scruggs style. The tone is great all the way up and down the neck. It has a rich full sound and is not overly bright.
Sound Rating: 10
Perfect!
Setup Rating: 10
Beautiful finish and it was flawless. It has a beautiful snowflake inlay pattern on the neck. Nice binding on the neck. Mahogany neck.
Appearance Rating: 10
Finish and hardware quality are top notch. I do not anticipate anything that isn't normal wear. I've only had the banjo a couple months.
Reliability Rating: 10
This experience was wonderful. Worked with Aurthor directly when I ordered the banjo. I've needed no warranty work but I've been told Aurthor stands behind his banjos for a lifetime.
Customer Service: 10
Components are all top notch. Cox Rim, Cox Resonator, Author's own tone ring. Beautiful hand made neck. Gotoh tuners, Hatfield bridge.
Components Rating: 10
This is one fine instrument and Aurthor is a wonderful person with whom to deal.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Direct From Maker
I've been using the Apollo D Tuners now for about a month. I actually like them. I replaced the more traditional tuners with these to give them a go. I was pleasantly surprised at how nice they are. They are high quality and the convenience factor of set em and forget em' is great. I'm going to pick up another set for a second banjo.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: The Banjo Hut
Year Purchased: 2007
Price Paid: 419 ($US)
This is my first banjo. I wanted something decent to start with but I didn't want to sink a lot of money into the instrument. The sound is really good. Of course, this is the opinion of a new banjo player. However, it has a very nice bluegrass sound. Bright, clean and powerful.
Sound Rating: 10
The reason I purchased from The Banjo Hut was because they offered setup. The banjo arrived and was playable right out of the box. I tuned it up and started playing. Action was perfect.
Setup Rating: 10
For the money, I think the appearance is great. All hardware looks great and there isn't an imperfection in the wood anywhere. It has one of those almost plastic looking finishes that I really don't care for all that much. However, it is a nicely finished instrument with attractive inlay.
Appearance Rating: 9
No experience here. The Mastercraft company does warrant the instrument for a lifetime.
Reliability Rating: 9
No experience here either. However, The Banjo Hut gets pretty high marks in this area from purchasers. That was one reason that I bought from them.
Customer Service: 9
Components seem pretty solid for a banjo in the $400 price range.
Components Rating: 9
Overall, I love the instrument. Sounds great and I think it is a perfect starter instrument.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Guitar Center
Year Purchased: 2007
Price Paid: 1300 ($US)
I like the sound of the banjo very much. It has a very rich and full sound. The sound is quite a bit different than my Mastercraft Classic Mahogany. The Mastercraft is a bright bluegrass sound with a lot of pop. The Sierra is a richer, fuller sound with a lot of ring. It's different but nice.
Sound Rating: 9
The banjo was not set up when I got it. I had to do that myself. Guitar Center just doesn't know what to do with a banjo other than sell it. The head was about to fall off.
Setup Rating: 3
Solid and attractive. This is a plain banjo but I like it that way.
Appearance Rating: 9
Seems solid.
Reliability Rating: 9
No experience. The banjo has a lifetime warranty that I hope to never use.
Customer Service: 8
I upgraded the tailpiece but this was not necessary. The one that came on the banjo was very nice.
Components Rating: 10
I think it's a great banjo and better than I deserve at this point in my playing ability.
Overall Rating: 9
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