Gold Tone: Bob Carlin BC-350

Submitted by bananabanjo on 8/6/2007

Where Purchased: instrumentalley.com

Year Purchased: 2007
Price Paid: 800 ($US)

Sound

This banjo has a rich, deep sound, almost a bass sound. No need for the optional resonator, especially if you're a clawhammer player. I added the GTS head, which deepens the sound even more, but requres that I tune it more often, despite the claims that this "new" type skin head doesn't react to humidity changes.

Sound Rating: 9

Setup

It was on backorder from Gold Tone, so when I finally got it (over a month and a half from when I ordered it) it was basically set up, but not as well as the White Ladye I purchased several years ago from Folk of the Woods. I immediately replaced the arm rest, which is more of a meat grinder than an arm rest. I had to swap some of the tension hook nuts around to accommodate the new arm rest, but it works fine now.

Setup Rating: 7

Appearance

It's an okay look, light maple all over. However, I was expecting the same quality of finish I got on my GT White Ladye and was disappointed. The neck finish doesn't match the finish on the peg head, and the layers are plainly visible on the heel where they glued them together. And you can feel them when you run your finger over them. The finger board is also about a 32nd inch too high above the banjo head. You can see that the neck mounting is what is causing it. The cuts on the base of the neck don't match up properly with the tension ring.

Appearance Rating: 6

Reliability

The tuning pegs slip a little. I plan to take it into the local banjo guy for a complete checkup and to add some capo spikes. I'm also changing out the tuning buttons for ebony--just for fun. The varnish on the finish is solid, with the exceptions mentioned already.

Reliability Rating: 8

Customer Service

I got it from an online retailer, who I will not use again. Not very good customer service. However, I have dealt with Gold Tone directly in the past, and they've been very responsive. I'm a bit sorry to see that the quality of this banjo isn't up to the standards I expected based on my last Gold Tone purchase.

Customer Service: not rated

Components

The pot size is great. It's hard to find a 12" pot at this price with this sound. I have to commend Gold Tone for bringing this out. I just wish the workmanship was up to the sound standard.

Components Rating: 9

Overall Comments

If you can get this under $800, it's a good deal. I played several other banjos around this price range, and they don't compare. I love the sound. The finish and overall construction lacks attention to detail that I expected from having bought a Gold Tone White Ladye. Maybe I was spoiled by that experience, or maybe they're slipping. I wish I had had a chance to see the banjo in person before purchasing it. Appearance makes a difference to me.

Overall Rating: 8