Gary H. Price submitted 5/13/2008 Submitter BvilleDon Overall Comments Made arrangements to drop by Gary's on the way to my daughter's commencement for getting her Masters. It was on the way, and I wanted to buy a banjo case. When I arrived, Gary sold me the perfect case (own revue), then proceeded to correct a blemish that occured on the back of my resonator after letting a person with really weird body chemistry play my banjo. This was not an easy problem to fix! I had already taken it to another very well regarded luthier and player who was not much help. Gary had to try several different methods, but in a very few minutes, he had the resonator on my Granada looking better than ever! The best part, he explained each step as he did it, and if something did not work, he explained what he would try next and why. Then Gary did some great picking on the Granada and as we left, he went back to digging post holes on his place! I think Gary's PhD in Molecular Biology puts him in a unique position to handle difficult instrument finish problems. A great guy, player, luthier, story teller and vault of banjo lore! Overall Rating 10

Price Fiberglass Banjo case submitted 5/13/2008 Submitter BvilleDon Where Purchased Gary Price Overall Comments I bought this directly from Gary. It is almost an art object, because the functionality of the design is so exquisite. It is heavy, but very well balanced. There is ample storage room. The hinges are especially heavy duty. It is much easier to keep my banjo in a case like this, instead of on a stand, because I can get to storage without disturbing the banjo and the lid has a trustworthy vertical setting for ease of use. My only caviat would be to those too frail to deal with a case this heavy, and in such a situation I would still recommend this case, because of the security it offers, as long as the player would realize he or she would need help in transporting the case. But it is that good and the only case to which I will entrust my Granada. Overall Rating 10

Janet Davis Music submitted 5/13/2008 Submitter BvilleDon Overall Comments I have had MANY dealings with JDMC in the last year. Janet is very busy, but if you can get her on the phone and describe the sound you are looking for, she can match you with the banjo you are meant to have. Tom is an excellent set up person. I have read on different sites that JDMC might not answer an email. This can be true. I have asked them for assistance when product descriptions made comparisons difficult. Lord, knows, they just honestly did not have time to investigate and address all of the questions I had. I also like Janet very much as a person and have made clear not to bother answering emails when she does not have time. HOWEVER, whenever I have had a serious question or concern about a product I have purchased, Janet and her staff have always been very responsive, supportive and informative. Overall Rating 10

Gibson Granada (Flying Eagle) submitted 6/21/2007 Submitter BvilleDon Where Purchased Janet Davis Music Year Purchased 2007 Price Paid Don't Remember historic exchange rates / currency converter Sound Full bottom end without being tubby. This thing is a rocket up the neck! Bright with no tinniness. This banjo can really sing sweetly or tear you up! I went to JDMC and tried many different banjos and brands. I was wanting to get off as cheaply as possible. But after trying many other banjos , I knew I had my banjo as soon as I heard this one! It is more multidimensional than many clones; it can be as sweet or as piercing as you want! Sound Rating 10 Setup JDMC does not set up a banjo in any way other than perfect. If you have a problem with their set up, you must not have communicated your wishes very well. They also upgraded the bridge to a Snuffy Smith. Several very accomplished players have lusted over the set up on this banjo! Setup Rating 10 Appearance This is a maple monster and is a wonderful instrument to behold. The gold is nice, but would not have paid for gold, if I could have gotten the sound I was after from anything else. Overall the visual aspect of the banjo is stunning. Appearance Rating 10 Reliability One year plus, and the gold plating is holding up very well. No reliability issues with any of the parts! Reliability Rating 10 Customer Service JDMC is helpful in every way--before, during and after the sale The 10 rating is for her. I have not had to deal with Gibson Customer Service 10 Components All components top flight. Components Rating 9 Overall Comments I WOULD DEFINITELY GET ANOTHER ONE IF SOMETHING HAPPENED TO THIS ONE! i ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! I love the SOUND and the PLAYABILITY. I have a friend who inherited the banjo his uncle won the championships in Winfield and up in Canada with and he comes over to play my Granada several times a week! Overall Rating 10