DVD-quality lessons (including tabs/sheet music) available for immediate viewing on any device.
Take your playing to the next level with the help of a local or online banjo teacher.
Weekly newsletter includes free lessons, favorite member content, banjo news and more.
Premier Sponsors
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: Musicians Friend
Advertised at $129, as I ordered it dropped to $79. Arrived quickly (3 days). Looks good, good hardware, handle, condition, lining etc. HOWEVER I had to SQUEEZE my Gibson Mastertone into it. Extremely tight fit of the resonator into the "pot"" section of the case. Then could NOT close the cover on it to latch. This was mentioned by some customers in Musicians Friend on line reviews. They had removed the neck cradle by the string box and carved out the styrofoam to get cover to close. I did this until back of neck set flush on top of the string box. Cover closes with difficulty, only with significant pressure. I measured the case depth at 5 1/2" just like all my other cases of various brands. The problem is the padding under the cover and in bottom of the case under the resonator. MUCH MUCH too thick. Easily twice as thick as the padding in my TKL cases.
I have decided to keep the case in the hope of the banjo crushing the padding until case will close and latch without pressing down on cover. We'll see... I shared this feedback with Musicians Friend.
Overall Rating: 5
Where Purchased: Musicians Friend
I've been looking for a serviceable hard shell case at a bargain price. Having previously been satisfied with the Musicians Friend crazy sale of an OK hard shell case at $39 and free shipping, I decided to take them up on a sale of the Silver Creek resonator banjo case at $79 with free shipping --- only visible difference in the on line ad was an arched top.
I ordered it and it arrived by US Mail in about 4 days. Safe and sound.
Simply packaged in a cheap corrugated box. Case was enclosed in a coarse, black textile material to prevent scuffing inside the box.
Everything looked fine. Opened it up and noted the thick padded "rings" around circumference of inner lid and inner back of the pot. Two stiff upholstered foam wedges in the peghead area, removable by pulling on Velco fastenings. Opened string box and closed it -- noted it closed a tiny bit "awkwardly". Tried it two or three time and thought something was slightly "off". Felt down inside and found the right hand end of the string box was not pushed all the way to the back of the case on the handle side -- it was mounted in there and fastened with the usual screws/rivets/whatever slightly cock-eyed. Could probably slide a tongue depressor under one end of the string box right hand wall. Nothing worse than a flat pick could escape through that opening, so I accepted it. Just a bit of slap-dash assembly I guess.
My Gibson Mastertone fit EXTREMELY snugly into the pot area. Does not wiggle AT ALL. Neck properly supported at two points by the left and right walls of the string box. Better "fit" than any other of my 12 cases, including newish Gibsons. I left one wedge under the tuners area -- the tuners do not quite touch the wedge.
Banjo latches extremely tight with all that new padding in there. I'm sure it will "give" slowly to eventually latch with great ease.
One latch is keyed. I've never locked a banjo case. Found the key loose inside the case a week after receiving it.
Very nice, comfortable leather handle.
Plenty of "brass feet" in all the usual places.
Case is not the heaviest construction ever, but it's fine for me. I hate heavy cases now in my senior years. But it's much better than the flimsy "hard case" Mandolin Brothers once supplied for an old Mastertone I bought in the 1970s.
Looks good, feels good, banjo fits great. 1 point off score for sloppy fastening of string box wall.
Highly recommended at $79 with free shipping!
Overall Rating: 9
Where Purchased: Eldlerly Instruments
This is my third Huber strap and I really like them, so I'm posting this review. My first one came on a banjo I bought, black basketweave 60". It fit my shoulders well. Subsequently as I acquired a couple more Mastertones, I ordered Huber straps from Elderly. The first one was "on sale" at something like $40 ore less so I jumped on it. Brown basketweave 60". The one I just got this week was regular priced at $49.99 with free shipping. Huber charges a bit more on their own website.
I like them because they're not too wide over the shoulders, a nice decent width just at or under 1" I think. They are texturized on the underside so they're not too "slick" and slippery. They grab "just enough" for comfort, but still moveable with minor effort. Also, the dye used on the leather doesn't stain my shirts like some hand made straps I've bought in the past.
What I like best about the Huber design is that the sewed loop at each end is just the right width, thickness and length to fit comfortably under the brackets between the tension hoop and rim lip. Too many otherwise fine straps are either too wide to fit under the brackets at all without binding on the tension hoop or rim/flange lip (I've had to trim them myself with a pocket knife), or too "thick" for the sewed loop end to fit underneath the reinstalled brackets (I've had to thin them with a pocket knife). Sometimes the length of the loop is so long that it won't fit under the neighboring bracket. I've bought a lot of leather straps over the years and always found some sort of problem like this even on custom ordered Amish-made straps.
Clearly, Huber designed their strap like a picker/banjo builder would! The DIMENSIONS are perfect almost.
My only suggestion is that the sewed loop is about 1/4" too long and has to be squeezed past the neighboring bracket, to reinstall that bracket. It works but you have to concentrate just a bit too hard. Shorten that sewed end of the loop 1/4" and it's PERFECT to install with the greatest of ease.
I haven't laid my jack knife into any of these Huber straps.
Overall Rating: 9
Where Purchased: BHO Classifieds
Year Purchased: 2014
Price Paid: $3000+ ($US) (bought USED)
It's my first mahogany banjo and it has EXCEEDED my expectations after very minor set up work. Loud. Quicker note decay than my 1990 Granada. POWERFUL up the neck on the 1st string. Great 4th string I play traditional bluegrass. There's nothing about its sound that I dislike. I think I like it more than my Granada.
Sound Rating: 10
It was pretty good (used). I tightened the head just a bit to A. Put on a new Sullivan roasted 11/16" bridge, and an AMB tailpiece (the factory Presto had broken at the bend and was unusable, repaired with epoxy)
Setup Rating: 9
Mahogany is plain grain, not the "stripey" grain like you see on some new Asian Masterclones, thank goodness. Good old Gibson 1930s reddish-brown mahogany color. All inlays, bindings, marquetry, woodwork, etc typical very good Gibson. The copper flash under the gold (or maybe is it over the gold?) has aged very unevenly, with very dark areas (almost like tarnish) on some of the tension hoop, gold very faint on the tension hooks. Armrest looks really "old" with some wear on it, brass and copper showing through a little. Engraving is typical late Gibson "faint, cursory", not at all as good as the pre-war work. But you can see it. However, no complaints, I really like its looks.
Appearance Rating: 10
Hardware is excellent except there is "slop" in the ivoroid tuner buttons on the shafts. However, as is apparently typical, the original Presto tailpiece broke in half at the bend. Someone tried to repair it with epoxy which didn't work. I have put a gold over copper plated AMB tailpiece on it. Of course it's missing the Blackjack engraving n the cover. Finish is excellent. A thoroughly professional banjo.
Reliability Rating: 9
The seller was very friendly and communicative. We met in person to examine the banjo and do the deal. Of course Gibson is no longer any use at all on banjo issues, so I expect no support from them at all. After 45 years of picking I feel quite capable of taking care of this (or any) banjo.
Customer Service: not rated
Late Gibson Presto tailpieces have a reputation of breaking I guess. Ivoroid tuner buttons don't fit the shafts tight and have slop. The Blackjack inlay is the first original thing in years in banjos and I like it a lot. The Crowe pot is really outstanding and feels, looks and sounds terrific.
Components Rating: 10
This banjo sounds, looks and plays better than I had any right to expect. It may be slowly becoming my favorite over the Granada, which is saying a lot! It "shrieks" up the neck on the 1st string like some prewars I've played. Good "BONG!" on the open 4th string. Intonation is excellent, neck very well made and the "V" is different but feels great.
If they're all as good as this one I'd have to recommend them whole-heartedly!
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Elderly Instruments
Year Purchased: 2014
Price Paid: Don't Remember (bought USED)
historic exchange rates / currency converter
I like to plunk around with old time music, mostly at home, but occasionally with a fiddler. This banjo has nice deep "plunk". I have a Ramsey 12" Special fretless with Nylgut strings. This Amish sounds just fine with light gauge steel strings. Just what I wanted. Not as brash as Tu Ba Phone I used to own.
Sound Rating: 9
Arrived with bridge laid down flat for safe shipping, otherwise no issues. Stood the bridge up, tuned it up, and it's fine. Moon bridge, 5/8". Fiberskyn head.
Setup Rating: 9
Very good looking. DARK mahogany stain on maple neck. I love the square/bare black Amish peghead. Black painted thin rim. Only negative is there a couple of tiny spots where nickel plate has started to flake off the tension hoop. I've never seen that on any other banjo. But, with the age patina on the metal, it actually looks good. Looks old.
Appearance Rating: 9
Hardware is fine and as expected. Noted two tiny nickel plating flakes on tension hoop as mentioned above. Beautiful fret job, by the way. Tiny delicate little frets!
Reliability Rating: 9
This is my 3rd or 4th instrument from Elderly, they ALWAYS satisfy. Got a very good "in hand" description on the phone after I found this banjo on their website. No warranty, but could have returned it in 48 hours if I didn't like it.
Customer Service: 10
The design itself is outstanding. Very good 5 Star Planet tuners, repro No Knot tailpiece, rugged grooved tension hoop. Terrific woodwork, staining, fretboard, fret job, etc. Excellent quality OHSC.
Components Rating: 9
Very very pleased with this banjo. Simple design, beautifully executed. Good plunky sound. Made in Appamatox so I guess it's a bit older. I feel LUCKY I found this banjo, as they don't appear to be available new any longer. At the very least it took me quite a lot of hunting to stumble across this one. I chose this one over a couple of nice 100+ year old vintage banjos because it had 12" head, and was a bit less expensive, and was SURE to have good neck/action/frets and a DEEP pot with lots of volume and PLUNK.
Overall Rating: 9
Where Purchased: Clydes Guns & Banjos
Year Purchased: 2012
Price Paid: 1+ ($US) (bought USED)
Traditional bluegrass, and it's great, far exceeding my expectations for sound. Loud and SOLID with good "twang". More substantial sounding than a VEGA Scruggs model. While I'm playing it, it sounds and feels to me to be very close to the great Scruggs Foggy Mountain Banjo LP sound, which I did NOT expect! Not a flat head Mastertone, but a great banjo all the same.
Sound Rating: 9
Yes, set up fine with a 5/8" Ode bridge, which I replaced with a Snuffy Smith 11/16", but no other adjustment was needed. I have never dared to tackle those VEGA neck adjustment set screws!
Setup Rating: 9
Mint condition, a "closet queen". Typical 60s VEGA stain pattern, but hardly a fingerprint on it. The only thing "jarring" was the tailpiece is chrome plated but the rest of the banjo is nickel plated. I replaced tailpiece anyway with a nickel plated new Presto style, which I prefer in general. The nicest curly maple I've seen in any 60s VEGA resonator. The unique inlays are the BEST thing about its appearance.
Appearance Rating: 10
All 60s VEGAs are known for thin finish, which wears quickly on the neck. But no wear at all on this banjo. Metal parts are TOP quality. Nothing unreliable about this banjo.
Reliability Rating: 9
VEGA of course is long gone. But Clydes Guns & Banjos were EXCELLENT to deal with. They threw in some freebies too.
Customer Service: 10
Unique peghead shape, unique inlays! Whyte Laydie/Electric tone ring. Otherwise standard 60s VEGA parts and finish, which are fine. Planet style tuners. I did swap out the standard 60s tailpiece for a new Presto.
Components Rating: 9
I knew what this banjo would look like, so it met my expectations. I did not expect it to sound so good however!!!!! This is a FINE vintage instrument for which I find NOTHING to be apologetic. Also highest props to Clyde's Guns & Banjos who are just GREAT!
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: BHO Classifieds Want To Buy
Year Purchased: 2011
Price Paid: Don't Remember (bought USED)
historic exchange rates / currency converter
Wonderful deep plonky 12" head sound with the steel strings that came on it, also with Nylguts which I installed. Put on a 3/4" tall Morris "minstrel" bridge with the Nylguts so I can get a good "purchase" on the strings with my right hand and really snap them hard. I'm into old stroke style more than Round Peak style.
Sound Rating: 9
Set up fine for steel strings when received. No issues changing it to Nylgut strings after deciding to tie little bowline knots for the "No Knot" tailpiece! Needed a high bridge, so with BHO advice I bought a 3/4" Morris from Elderly. Slid the bridge around to get the 1st string "5th fret" position to be where I like it, right opposite the 5th string tuner.
Setup Rating: 10
Very curly maple in the neck, and BEAUTIFUL stark black ebony fingerboard, Saturn in peghead and "shooting star" at 5th peg area, are beautiful. This is old enough (Appamatox-made) that it has a nice walnut brown cap material on the bottom of the rim, I don't know what it is. A simple but beautifully designed and executed banjo. Even the "cut" under the 5th peg where the neck narrows down, is a beautiful piece of wood carving. Only thing I would desire different or more is white binding on the fingerboard. Oh, it had a Renaissance head on it, someday I may try a Miller pre-mount for a cleaner white look (which I prefer).
Appearance Rating: 9
5 star planet tuners are fine of course, standard geared 5th peg. No Knot tailpiece. I'm not familiar with the sourcing on the pot metal hardware, but it's all perfectly fine, and secure.
Reliability Rating: 10
Haven't dealt with the maker at all, but the BHO member who offered to sell it to me was excellent to deal with, no issues at all. He answered my Want To Buy classified ad. My research had convinced me I wanted a Ramsey.
Customer Service: not rated
Parts all excellent. Standout features are thin 12" rim, simple rolled brass tone ring, GORGEOUS curly maple, stark black ebony board, the unique Saturn and delicate shooting star inlays.
Components Rating: 10
Delighted with this banjo, my first Ramsey and first fretless. This banjo has facilitated me getting WAY BACK into stroke style and dance pieces. I've got plenty of old Mastertones, it's fun to have such a wonderfully made instrument from the USA that doesn't cost an arm and a leg! I can't imagine a better value.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Acoustic Outfitters
Excellent hard case, not too heavy. Stout wood construction, no "flexing" of the sidewalls. Plentiful latch hardware (about two too many in fact), very secure (no dreaded combination lock). Nice short nap maroon "velour" cushion lining, not long nap fur/fluff shag carpeting. Mastertone fits perfectly. Soft cushy leatherish handle. Good big box under the neck, and good neck supports. Paid well under $200, an excellent value. (List price on internet over $300?). Also love that terrific "chocolate candy" smell that most TKL's have. "Made in Canada" tab to open the string box.
Overall Rating: 9
Where Purchased: Gruhn, did not purchase, just tried it
Year Purchased: 2011
Price Paid: 575 ($US)
No tone ring, just beveled wooden lip on rim. Loud, and clear, but kind of "punky" compared to Mastertone-type banjo. Instant impression of the sound is "lightweight", which is also initial impression of the banjo when you pick it up. I was very curious about this banjo, but decided it's not for me. Kind of hard to compare this banjo to any other.
Sound Rating: 5
Yes, well set up on the floor at Gruhn's. I would have tweaked it just out of curiosity, but there was nothing "wrong".
Setup Rating: 8
Looks better from the front than the back, where the dark walnut-type stain has sort of a "slap dash" thin and dull appearance, and stain intensity varies in the 3-piece spliced neck construction. Resonator and neck wood grain appears to have had no judgment or selective criteria used at all, but that helps keep the price point low, for sure. Nice sea shell inlays, good looking metal, fingerboard, peghead, etc. It's odd, but much cheaper instruments have much nicer stain/finish work.
Appearance Rating: 6
The hardware seems to be of same quality as all the higher priced RKs, nothing wrong at all, pretty much all Masterclone. Tuners were OK but nothing special. Hardware seems to be the best part of this model.
Reliability Rating: 7
N/A
Customer Service: not rated
I've never seen a 3 piece spliced neck before. I expect it is plenty strong, but the stain "took" differently on each individual piece, so it has a patchwork appearance. Hardware is the best. Wooden parts all "feel" right, but look cheap from the back. Personally, I admire the old fashioned pehgead and the nice sea shell inlays. Very well put together.
Components Rating: 7
An excellent "step up" banjo for someone who has gotten beyond beginner status on a $100-$200-$300 banjo. Not a Masterclone, but a very well put together instrument that is going to "feel" like a Masterclone except for its light weight. Not a "power" instrument by any means. If the stain job showed a little more care, I could really give it rave reviews. But the stain/finish detracts from the overall impression. But I'm sure that helps keep the price low. One would have to try it to determine if the tone/volume suits them, it's unlike any other banjo I can think of. Would not be a suitable "substitute" or "airline" banjo for someone used to a Mastertone. But it does have a unique price point, filling a price gap very nicely, if someone has this amount of money to spend. Can't get a much "better" banjo, even used, at this price point.
Overall Rating: 6
Where Purchased: Saw at Guitar Center, did not buy
Year Purchased: 2010
Price Paid: 150 ($US)
A beginner's banjo, for sure. Very basic sound that except for a funny overtone on the 3rd string due to something with the nut, was quite adequate in terms of tone and volume.
Sound Rating: 3
No, not set up well at all, not even assembled well. The neck was "cockeyed" to the plane of the pot, twisted a few degrees out of level. Bridge set way up in the middle of the head, tailpiece cranked down very tight. Some sort of problem in the nut on the 3rd string that made a sitar like buzz/ring. Head was sufficiently tight, no loose hardware.
Setup Rating: 2
Looks OK, matte finish medium brown stain. Plain fingerboard with dots. Paddle type Epiphone peghead.
Appearance Rating: 3
The tension hoop and bracket hooks looked VERY lightweight and not very strong, almost looked like aluminum or VERY shiny plated pot metal. Guitar type tuners like on old Vega Rangers. Thin sheet metal tailpiece seemed "adequate". Bracket shoes and bolts through rim looked normal.
Reliability Rating: 3
N/A. Didn't ask about warranty.
Customer Service: not rated
Yes, there are weak, cheap parts, but rather than upgrade them, someone learning to play would upgrade to a better banjo altogether. Not a banjo to be tinkered with. No standout parts other than adequately well formed wood rim and neck.
Components Rating: 3
I was stunned to see a new banjo for $150, so I had to try it. Got the bridge set right in a few seconds. Tuned up fine. Played OK although the twist in the neck angle made for some problems with clear fretting up the neck. Something wrong with nut at 3rd string made a buzz/ring I couldn't get rid of sitting there trying it.
For someone wanting to get a banjo to learn on from scratch, this banjo would be adequate IF there was access to someone who could do basic set up on it.
Cheap, but IMPRESSIVELY low price, for a kid or someone wanting to try the banjo to see if they can do it. I give it a good rating FOR THIS PURPOSE
Overall Rating: 6
Where Purchased: EBay
Year Purchased: 2009
Price Paid: $3000-$4000 range ($US) (bought USED)
A powerful bluegrass banjo. Bright, loud, clear, sonorous, etc. I need to play it a lot, fool with the head tension, strings and bridge to bring out its best. It seems a bit "restricted" somehow, not as open and throaty as it seems like it can be someday. Doesn't quite stand up to my 1990 Granada, which is and amazing banjo.
You play it harder, it gets louder. Without running out of gas. A solid volume machine.
It does seem to have a tendency to want to play a bit sharp on the 4th string, first 5 frets, unless I really consciously tune it to what sounds to me a bit flatter than I would tune my other banjos. But intonates fine up the neck on all strings. Maybe the way the nut slot is cut?
Sound Rating: 9
The banjo was well set up with a 5/8" Huber bridge and the 3rd string wanted to buzz a bit up the neck, I understand it had been set up and adjusted by Huber, including loosening a tight tone ring fit. Installed a Huber head and bridge, etc. I put on a Snuffy Smith 3/4" radiused bridge, GHS Crowe strings, and have slacked off the head down to an F#, and now have it back up to G+. It was G#+ when I first got it. It's easy to fool with the head due to the top tension construction!
Found out IMMEDIATELY you need a capo with radiused bar to be able to capo fast and clean! I bought two, so I'm fine now. Standard Shubb or Paige has to be "rocked" into place and tightened HARD.
Setup Rating: 9
Drop dead gorgeous. Shiny gold plate with well executed engraving design that seems vaguely "western" or American Indian to me somehow. Deep Gibson black to yellow sunburst on VERY flamed maple. Clean rosewood fingerboard with the big inlays. Gold plate on armrest has been worn a bit, showing grey metal beneath. Not THE most beautiful Gibson I've seen, the old #6s are still my "10" rating for beauty.
Appearance Rating: 9
Rock solid hardware, with the possible exception of the "adjustable" armrest height which is a tiny bit loose at best, and the adjusting thumbscrew can't be tightened well. Irrational fear it might back out and fall off somewhere! Standard Presto type tailpiece.
Typical sturdy Gibson finish. Gold plate is probably over nickel, so I will be VERY careful not to wear through the gold anyplace other than the armrest. Look forward to the rosewood on the fingerboard darkening a bit with use, it's kind of medium red/brown now.
Reliability Rating: 9
I've dealt with Gibson Nashville recently on a broken mandolin pickguard issue, and they couldn't have been more helpful. I don't expect to need them for anythng on this banjo.
Customer Service: 10
Of course this banjo is HEAVY due to the heavy top tension hoop. Built like the Rock of Gibraltar. All else is standard modern Gibson gold plated metal. Resonator is the "parabolic" carved style, with dished, not flat interior. The "standout" parts are the choice flamed maple and luxurious Gibson staining pattern, rich gold plate, huge amount of well done engraving in a geometric pattern, excellent old style two-band tuners, usual excellent Gibson fit and finish of wood, binding, parts, etc. Nothing requires upgrading except due to "taste" issues, for instance, it had white ivoroid tuner buttons, I installed butterscotch/amber buttons. I'll keep the Huber head.
Components Rating: 10
A fully satisfying edition of the Gibson top of the line in the early 2000s. No complaints, and I know as good as it sounds now, with more playing and a bit of tinkering I can probably get it to sound as good as I can imagine, which would match the 1990 Granada.
I know this banjo has more potential, I played it on a gig when I had the head down to F#, and while I was vamping chords HARD, I could feel the entire head "flapping", it was vibrating so hard. VERY loud. I've never felt a banjo do that before. As hard as I play, this banjo keeps giving, doesn't pooch out. By comparison the Granada doesn't seem to require quite as much effort, it's more "open-throated".
I consider my buy a true bargain for such a great banjo.
Overall Rating: 9
Where Purchased: Seen at Sam Ash New Haven CT
Year Purchased: not purchased
Price Paid: $850 ($US)
Appears to be a good solid traditional Mastertone style banjo, made in Korea, at low price. Right in the music store it had a "decent" tradtional bluegrass tone and volume. Could be tweaked to be better like any banjo.
Sound Rating: 6
Action was a bit low but not bad. 5th string action was far too low and buzzed on the frets a litlte. Head was moderately tight. Tailpiece was set very low and could not be adjusted with the fine thread screw provided. Couldn't overcome string tension. The banjo was playable though.
Setup Rating: 5
Showy curly maple in reso and neck. Very nice sunburst. Good finish work and bindings. Typical modern gold plate, nothing to rave about. VERY cheesy cast or pressed "engraving" in arm rest didn't suit me. Tailpiece was a clamshell style, very heavy and clunky and out of character for a Gibson style banjo. Nice rosewood fingerboard with swirly grain. Very nice unique "cloud" inlays in fingerboard and unique "thing" in peghead and Epiphone name.
Appearance Rating: 8
Banjo is VERY heavy, well up in the Mastertone range, maybe heavier? Once piece cast flange seemed "too thick" to my eye compared to Masterones. Clamshell tailpiece far too thick and heavy. Tension hoop and tone ring seemed of typical Mastertone style and the rim was typical heavy mutit-ply hard wood. Nothing flimsy or lightweight about this banjo.
Reliability Rating: 8
I didn't buy, I was just shopping. Sam Ash salesman couldn't have been more accomodating, he let me take the resonator off and brought me picks! I know nothing about strength of Epiphone guarantee, etc.
Customer Service: 5
Weak: clunky imitation clamshell tailpiece. Pressed/cast fake "engraving" in arm rest. Tuners seem on the cheap side of acceptable. Remo head stamped Made in Taiwan. One piece flange casting seemed "too thick" to me. Does not include a case at standard Sam Ash advertised price, would have to buy a case.
Standout: Nice wood, sunburst and finish. Good fitting of bindings and wood to metal. Good looking tension hoop and tone ring. Very nice "unique" cloud inlays and Epiphone device in peghead. Decent modern gold plating.
Components Rating: 6
Was tagged at $999, with 15% off on Dec. 18 only. If on sale after Christmas I would buy as a "flying banjo" for the airlines. With tweaking, I think it would sound OK, like a decent Mastertone, with a unique cool "look". A banjo you wouldn't cry over if stolen or destroyed, but perfectly acceptable unless you're at the very top of the game. Apparently no longer being made. A decent "something" different inexpensive Mastertonep-type instrument. I'd like to own one if they go on sale.
Overall Rating: 6
Where Purchased: via internet
Year Purchased: 2008
Price Paid: 1000 to 2000 ($US) (bought USED)
After working with set up a lot, it sounds REAL good, I'd say between a good Gibson arch top and a flat head. Plenty loud, VERY clear especially up the neck. Not quite as gong-sonorous as a good Gibson flat head. Have played once in a show, and in jams at several festivals where it has held its own and gotten good reviews. One particularly noticeable positive is the intonation up the neck is CLEARLY better than a typical Mastertone, quite a surprise.
Sound Rating: 8
Banjo was not at all set up for bluegrass, appeared to be for more folkie style. Fooled with head tightness, found that this type Vega apparenlty can't be tap tuned to find right head tightness -- it always seemed to sound a high "C" (I set Gibson flatheads to G#). Sonny Osborne knew what he was doing with his GHS string set, they really gave this banjo some muscle and a bit of depth. I left neck setup where it is since I don't know how to adjust this model Vega (two little Allen screws go into the heel through the rim), and bought an 11/16" Snuffy bridge for it which works perfect. I felt I "lucked out" getting a good sound, since I really don't know "how to" on this type of Vega. But it plays great, with power, now.
Setup Rating: 6
This is the "second variant" with the Crown, bowties and diamond inlays, before it was officially named Earl Scruggs II. Other than the very plain "paddle" style peghead, I think it looks as good as any Vega of its period. Very well assembled, but has the typical "odd" 1960s Vega finish, typically worn away at left hand first position. Resonator shows some nice light curl in the maple. White inlays in ebony board look very good. Greatest surprise was finding out Earl Scruggs Custom (as it says on the yellow tag inside) is GOLD PLATED, not engraved, which I never knew of (have confirmed in old Vega brochures). Also has factory installed gold Vega D-tuners which look quite cool and work quite well. Factory "Nashville" tailpiece in the case, but replaced by VERY nice gold plated Oettinger-style "fingers" tailpiece that works GREAT, although I don't particularly care for its appearance. Gold plate is worn on tension hoop with nickel underneath showing. Between being a Vega Scruggs and gold plate, it really catches other banjo pickers' eye!
Appearance Rating: 6
Hardware is all best quality, will last forever. One tuner had a bit of play so I bought a Stew Mac planet style to replace it, appears to be an exact match! Gold plate is of the "modern" type that is easily worn down to reveal that awful nickel plate underneath. I'd replate it except I think these are relatively rare, so I'll leave it as-is. I have used this banjo on gigs, with no back up. It's as reliable as anything I own.
Reliability Rating: 9
I visited the Vega factory in the late 60s in Needham Heights (my dad took me) and I WANTED one of these so bad (I was playing a Gibson RB 100 at the time) that it almost killed me. Of course, they're long gone now. Parts would be hard to find. For instance, tension hoop notch spacing is NOT the same as some Gibson tension hoops I have. I'm on my own with this one, relying on Stew Mac if I need help. The sale via internet, phone and UPS went perfectly fine.
Customer Service: 5
Maple resonator and 3 piece neck, factory installed Scruggs tuners, geared 5th appears original, "Nashville" steel but gold plated tailpiece, railroad spikes for 5th string, hard case (not original I don't think). I'm using the Weather King style head that 's on it, appears to be new. I was told it was recently re-fretted and fingerboard dressed by a luthier in California. Tone ring appears to be the "AudioSonic" as it was called by 1968, a TubaPhone style flat head but with rows of 4 thin short slots cut into the interior of the tone ring every couple inches. No holes, dumbbells or dog bones in tone ring, just slots. All metal is "bell bronze" according to Vega, no pot metal. Other than Vega's "odd" stain and finish, this banjo is all best quality stuff.
Components Rating: 9
I just saw a regular nickel plated Scruggs of about this same age sold on EBay for $1700. I feel as long as these trade in the teens like this, they are highly preferable for a bluegrasser to own/use than an Asian banjo at about the same price. American made, best quality parts, "interesting" to other banjo players to see and try, not plentiful, and if you're willing to fool with it to "discover" how to make it sound its best, a hell of a good bluegrass banjo. I remember in the late 1960s when Bill Emerson was reviewing banjos in Bluegrass Unlimited, his main complaint about Vegas (Scruggs and Osborne models) was that they were "too expensive" compared to Gibson, Ode, and Fender. He noted the somewhat "odd" finish they used but said the banjo is made from all best quality parts (unlike late 60s Gibson Mastertones which he totally panned as being cheaply made). Hard to believe these were the most expensive banjos of the day!! I'd like to see these get more bluegrass exposure.
Overall Rating: 7
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Privacy Consent (EU/GDPR Only)
Copyright 2026 Banjo Hangout. All Rights Reserved.