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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!
7232 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased: Easter Brothers Music
Year Purchased: 1973
Price Paid: Don't Remember (bought USED)
historic exchange rates / currency converter
Not bad for a Japanese banjo. Basically a RB250 Gibson bowtie copy. It was a flathead, but a few years later I had Ben Taylor convert it with one of his raised head tone rings.
Sound Rating: 7
It was set up good, but over the years I changed it to suit my needs. Converting it to a raised head, thinning the neck and refinishing it, replacing the tuners, tail piece and installing a 5th string capo.
Setup Rating: 7
It was pretty as it was, but I wanted to get away from the Japanese look and recut the peghead, thinned the neck refinished it in black.
Appearance Rating: 8
The tail piece is the only thing that ever broke on it. I used to keep it cranked down as close to the head as it would go. I never had a problem with any other parts and only changed things around to suit my tastes. Last time I saw it, it was holding up just fine.
Reliability Rating: 9
It was used and not under warranty.
Customer Service: not rated
Nothing outstanding, but it did what it iwas supposed to do. The rim and ring were the weakest sounding components until I modified them. I did have to replace the tailpiece when it broke because I kept so much angle tension on it using medium gauge strings.
Components Rating: 7
It was my first good banjo and first instrument that I bought with my money replacing my Silvertone 5 string that my parents had given me to learn on. It was a decent banjo that I converted to a raised head. After I grew tired of the raised head sound I sold it to a friend. Sometimes, I regret selling it, but only because it held so many learning and picking memories. They are good beginner and intermediate banjos for anyone without modification, but can be even better with a few changes.
Overall Rating: 7
Where Purchased: Janet Davis Music
Year Purchased: 1998
Price Paid: Don't Remember
historic exchange rates / currency converter
It sounds great. I am very happy with it. Crisp with a deep crack.
Sound Rating: 10
Janet Davis set it up before she shipped it to me with D tuners, RR spikes and a SS bridge. I have noticed that I have to keep the head a little on the loose side to bring out the best tone.
Setup Rating: 10
It looks great. The only flaws were a tiny finish spot by the nut and some sunken lacquer on the rim inside.
Appearance Rating: 9
The gold on the armrest has worn off some, but everything else is holding up real fine
Reliability Rating: 9
Very helpful each time I have contacted them.
Customer Service: 9
I have never been a fan of gold plating, but I can’t arguer that tone that the parts help create. Cleaning has been required more than with a chrome plated or nickel banjo. I replaced the Presto Tailpiece, as I do not like that style. I replace the trust rod cover with an abalone cover purely for looks. Other than those, it is still original.
Components Rating: 9
It is a great looking and sounding banjo and my only complaint is I worry about it too much when I take it out somewhere to play. If it were stolen, I’d have to get another Gibson banjo to replace it. Many thanks to Janet Davis for all her advice and recommendations helping me choose this banjo.
Overall Rating: 10
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