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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!
7234 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased: Wyatt Fawley
Year Purchased: 2004
Price Paid: Don't Remember
historic exchange rates / currency converter
Powerful, clear and deep. Very clear all the way up the fretboars
Sound Rating: 10
Setup was almost perfect but I talked him into giving it to m before he was done.sibce I was at his shop.
Put in heavier strings and a Sosebee #3 bridge.
Setup Rating: 9
All inlays are hand cut and flawless. Not full of filler. The laquer job is excellent.
Appearance Rating: 10
All top notch components including pre-EPA remo head!
Reliability Rating: 10
Wyatt takes a while to get things done because he's a perfectionist. He returned all my emails and calls.
Customer Service: 10
All top notch components including pre-EPA remo head!. Hand made neck, proprietary rim and tone ring amd V Tuners.
Components Rating: 10
I got it heavily discounted because it is a prototype. It holds its own and surpasses many better known top shelf banjos at much higher prices.
If the banjo was stolen I'd get a cheapie till Wyatt could build me another.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Janet Davis
Year Purchased: 2002
Price Paid: 1100+- ($US)
I moved up from a Deering Intermediat that I've had since 1986. It's a marked improvement. You really need to get it outside to get the real feel of it. She really pops.
My preference is the pop of a Gibson Granada vs a driving Stelling. That is what I was looking for.
If you go to the Folk of the Wood web site you can compare the tone of this instrument vs the Gibsons and other top shelf professional banjos.
Sound Rating: 10
Janet Davis' shop did the setup and it was ready to go when received. Even in tune!. I had them install spikes for me.
Setup Rating: 10
Very nicely finished on the exterior. Beutiful neck. Inside the resonator is pretty sloppy.
Appearance Rating: 9
See components comments.
Reliability Rating: 10
There was some shipping damage to the resonator. Janet personally called to set things right.
I was considering several other local and online vendors (I like to support the local folks) but they never returned calls. I highly recommended JD's shop.
Customer Service: 10
I chose the 250+ because of the upgraded components, tone ring, tailpiece, ebony fingerboard, etc. It's a horse. I forsee no problems. The tuning pegs are pretty basic. The 250+ comes with a great arched top hard case included in the price.
Components Rating: 9
Unless I should turn pro and must have a prewar Granada, this is a keeper.
I think its the best buy out there. I researched it for a long time. My budget was ~$500 less but this banjo justified the additional cost. I'll have no reason for upgrading. Goldtone set a new standard for
Overall Rating: 10
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