Enoch Dobson 12" submitted 5/1/2008 Submitter mrphysics55 Where Purchased Fretted Instruments of Birmingham (Alabama) Year Purchased 2008 Price Paid Don't Remember historic exchange rates / currency converter Sound This Clawhammer Banjo walks the ground between being too tubby or too bell like. It actually seems to have captured the best of both worlds. It has a crisp, clear high end and a growling low end. I bought a 12 inch rim and, as expected, it contributes a great deal of bass. The banjo has a surprising amount of volume. It's tone and output are evenly balanced across the strings. The walnut pot, combined with the Dobson tone ring produces a surprising amount of sustain. I chose to "stuff a sock in it" to plunk it down just a bit. The result is a wonderful OT sound that is plunky, clean and clear. I have already used it in a Jam situation and it came through with flying colors. Sound Rating 10 Setup The setup was fine out of the box. It's action is relatively low, yet still allows room for the thumb as I play over the long frailing scoop. I chose to tighten up the head a wee bit as it seems to have settled some since it's installation. I don't intend to alter the setup at this time. After I get to know it I may tinker some ... but for the life of me I can't imagine what I would want to fool with. Setup Rating 10 Appearance It has the elegance that folks have come to expect from Kevin's work. Walnut has been employed for the one-piece neck and for what looks to be a 2-ply, approx.7/16" thick, pot. The thick fingerboard and peg-head overlay are made from dark (or darkly stained) ebony. The peg head sports one of Kevin's expertly, engraved stars. The finish is is flawless and more like that which you find on his higher end models. The fret work is phenomenal. The edges of the fingerboard are eased off and the fret ends are smooth and unobtrusive. Appearance Rating 9 Reliability Anyone who has owned any of Kevin's banjos, from his production Tradesman to any of his upper-end models, can vouch for their quality and reliability. This Dobson doesn't appear to be an exception. I wouldn't hesitate to leave the house and gig with nothing but an extra pack of strings. Reliability Rating 10 Customer Service I have never needed to make repairs on any of my Enoch banjers. This is my third. If I ever have to have this banjo serviced, I know I can count on my local Retailer and Kevin. Both of these fellas are friendly, expert craftsmen and musicians. I know that the banjo has a warranty but I haven't bothered to read that fine print. I have no worries in that department. I know if anything goes wrong with this banjo that Kevin and Fretted Instruments will make things right. Follow-Up: Kevin just informed me that these banjos have a Lifetime Warranty. What's he gonna do about a 150 years from now if this banjo develops a problem? ;>) Customer Service 10 Components Kevin has chosen to use a different style of shoes on this model. They have a vintage look and the ball end nuts complement the comfort provided by the classic Dobson heel. All the hardware looks to be of high quality. Kevin has not scrimpped. The Gotoh brand planet tuners work very smoothly and hold well. Most of all, Kevins choice of woods make this a beautiful, solid machine. Components Rating 9 Overall Comments Kevin has hit a home-run with the Dobson. It seems to be a great value for the price paid. Like Kevin's other high-end products, I predict that it will be a banjo that people will want to hang onto. Don't expect too many of them to show up in the Classifieds. My only GRIPE about this banjo was that I sold my Tradesman to help fund it's purchase! Overall Rating 10

J. Mogi Fretless #10 submitted 11/14/2007 Submitter mrphysics55 Where Purchased Direct from Jason Year Purchased 2007 Price Paid Don't Remember historic exchange rates / currency converter Sound This fretless has that Old Time Sound that Folks are looking for. It's a great tubby sound with just enough sustain to keep it from being muddy. Sound Rating 10 Setup The banjo came with a goat skin and nylgut strings. I may change to a Ren. head and steel strings [in the future] just to see how this banjer responds. Jason provided TWO EXTRA hand-made bridges, of different heights, to provide some action adjustability "on the fly". All of hese bridges have a wide spacing to go along with the wide and beefy H. Dobson style neck ... perfect for drop-thumb playing. Setup Rating 9 Appearance This machine has a three piece, W-I-D-E, black walnut neck with a maple, center stripe. It's finger board and peg-head overlay are made of a thick layer of rosewood. The pot is maple, deep and thin with a rolled brass tone ring sitting on top. The banjo is free of inlay. It's form flowing from function and is nothing short of elegant. The quality of work and materials has my luthier scratching his head at the low price I paid. [although I forgot the exact amount :>) ]. Appearance Rating 10 Reliability The tuners are 5-Star Planets. The hooks and nuts are industry standard and the tension hoop is fairly heavy, rolled brass, making the look distintive and "old-timey". The pot is painted black and should start to "wear" with the use it will definately receive. I can't wait till it starts to look "used". It should function well, as it is built for that purpose and with absolutely no unnecessary parts. Reliability Rating 10 Customer Service Jason seems like a fine man. He worked with me on the purchase in the way a good neighbor would share his relative bounty. No warranty was offered or implied. Such talk did not seem necessary. I am sure, that if the banjo develops a problem, Jason will fix it. Customer Service 10 Components The banjo seems a wonderful value. It's parts are high quality and are readily available should I need to make any replacements. Components Rating 9 Overall Comments Mogi is bound to be a sought after name in Old Time Banjers. I'm quite lucky to have gotten in "early in the game". My banjo is going to appreciate in value as he becomes a recognized maker. I cannot wait to take #10 to the next jam. Overall Rating 10

Dan Levenson submitted 10/30/2007 Submitter mrphysics55 Overall Comments Greetings HangOut Folks, We just completed a Dan Levenson, Intermediate, Claw Hammer Workshop here in Birmingham, Alabama. The Old Buzzard and the Lovely Miss Jennifer are great people and extremely talented musicians. We begged for an Grand "Old-Time" and that's what we got! It surpassed my expectations ... As a matter of fact, I only have one "complaint". I asked Dan to show me how to improve ONE area of my playing. He found Three or Four for me to work on! Dang! I'm gonna be busy for months. :>) .... LOL Brother Buzzard ... :>) Too bad I can't rate their program Higher than a 10. Sincerely, Eddie Birmingham Overall Rating 10