Gold Tone Whyte Layde WL-250 submitted 4/30/2008 Submitter f#dead Where Purchased other player Year Purchased 2007 Price Paid 400 ($US) Sound I bought this Whyte Layde from GW. From his review, it just wasn't his sound. I couldn't be happier. Thnx Peter, it has a good home here. It goes daboink when plucked and kachang when strummed. The sound is full and loud. I play alone but suspect this banjo could hold it's own in a group. Bang for the buck is exceptional. I do plug it in to an amp at times (it has the factory pick-up installed) and get my rock on. Having the scoop adds that sound to the variations and can be haunting and rich. Firm plucking creates a growling pop in the higher strings and the bass is smooth but could be a little deeper. Sound Rating 8 Setup I have not made any changes to the banjo since I bought it. When it arrived, I tuned the strings and it was ready to play. Setup Rating 8 Appearance I like the medium level of adornment. This banjo is my "dark horse" in the herd. The finish is thick and without flaws. The chrome is bright and holds up to skin contact well. Appearance Rating 8 Reliability Overall I would say this banjo is well made, sturdy and a pleasure to hold and play. It is heavier than many open-back banjos and lighter than a few. I have not compared other Whyte Laydes. I don't gig ( yet ) and I consider this banjo dependable. Reliability Rating 8 Customer Service NA Customer Service not rated Components If this banjo lacks any boutique parts it makes up for w/ solid workman grade components in a factory built hand assembled attractively finished product at a bang up price. Components Rating 8 Overall Comments For the price I paid, I am throughly happy and I intend to hang on to this for a good long time. I think the new retail price is reasonable and I would consider replacement if needed. Someone else said "who would steal a banjo"? I would add "some idiot". I previously had a cheap aluminum pot resonator banjo and a masterclone. Sold em. My interest now is open-back styles and this banjo is very servicable for that. I haven't played any other Whyte Laydes cause this is the WL for me now. As for me this was a good 2nd stage upgrade after I determined what style of playing I like. I am lusting for some other types of open-back banjo but not to replace my WL. I have given this a solid 8 in all categories. Overall Rating 8