Gibson: J. D. Crowe Black Jack

Submitted by jbluemel on 5/6/2007

Where Purchased: The Gibson Showcase

Year Purchased: 2005
Price Paid: 5000 ($US)

Sound

I went to Nashville looking for a new banjo. I played everything I could find. I went to Huber, I went to Gruhn, I went everywhere but I just coulnd't put this banjo down. It's the best sounding banjo I've played and that includes prewars. The tone and volume are consistent up and down the whole neck. The fidelity is amazing!

Sound Rating: 9

Setup

The banjo was set up by Charlie Cushman at the factory. 'Nuf said.

Setup Rating: 7

Appearance

I just love the way this banjo looks with the copper flash. It also has a really cool neck. I had them put a speed neck on it. It was the first Blackjack from the factory with a speed neck. What a difference!!
I think people either love them or hate them. I think it's cool! It has a great looking neck.

Appearance Rating: 8

Reliability

I bought the banjo new so I don't know about long-term reliability. The finish seems as good as any Gibson I've seen. It took about a year and a half for it to settle down and hold a tuning. It's great now.

Reliability Rating: 7

Customer Service

The guys down at Gibson were very helpful. I was able to sit down with the guy who built my banjo and talk with him about what I wanted. They had to go back and put the speed neck on it. That took a little time so I was without it for about a month. Bummer!

Customer Service: 7

Components

Since this banjo is basically an RB-75, you will notice that the hardware is lighter in weight. I think that's what makes this banjo so responsive. I'm not crazy about the tailpiece. That hinged cover is kind of a pain. It buzzed when it touched the strings so I put a piece of felt under it and now it's fine.

Components Rating: 7

Overall Comments

I definitely recommend this banjo. As a new model, it takes some time for it to settle down. I think it's worth every penny I paid. If it were stolen? I'd cry. I've never played anything better. I talked with JD Crow at Supergrass 2006 and told him how happy I was with it and he signed my resonator for me. That's kinda cool!

Overall Rating: 8