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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: from a friend
Year Purchased: 2004
Price Paid: 600 ($US) (bought USED)
ITs got a great solid bassy sound, just like i like. The sound keeps getting better and better every time i take it to get set up and every time i pick it up to play.
Sound Rating: 9
no, it was is very poor shape when i got it. The action was unplayably high, someone had spilled beer on the head, all of the pegs stuck, and hte fifth string tuner was falling out of the neck every time i changed strings.
Setup Rating: 4
Its gorgeous. Finest in gibson craftmanship.
Appearance Rating: 8
It doesn't stay in tune that well, but the hardware is all in good shape now. I have no backup, so it is the instrument i play for gigs.
Reliability Rating: 7
n/a
Customer Service: not rated
The tonering has a great sound to it. The neck has a really easy feel. The inlays on the neck are gorgeous.
All if the tuners had been replaced so i am not sure the state of the original tuning hardware.
Components Rating: 7
I love this banjo. I have only played one that i preferred in playability and sound and that was a 2500 dollar instrument. Obviously i got a killer deal on this banjo ($600) but i think this is an instrument that will last me many years.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Online
Year Purchased: '02
Price Paid: $225.50 ($US) (bought USED)
For how light it is (the lightest banjo i've ever played) it is surprisingly loud. Good for bluegrass. No effects, had to readjust the bridge.
Sound Rating: 7
No. The truss rod had been tightened all the way and the neck was still bowed. Had to have it taken apart and put into a heater to straighten out the neck. Its holding very well though now.
Setup Rating: 6
Pretty good looking, nothing special really. Nice dark wood, and pearl dot inlays.
Appearance Rating: 8
Very dependable, it stays in tune very well. I havent had to replace any of the hardware and all of that is working just fine. I could use it at a gig. Finish is practically untouched.
Reliability Rating: 10
n/a
Customer Service: not rated
not really, unfortuanately someone had messed with this banjo and i dont think any of the issues it had came from when it was made.
the only thing i can think of it that a screw holding hte resonator on is loose but thats very easy to fix.
you might benefit from getting a geared fifth string peg, its a friction one now.
Components Rating: 7
I love this banjo, of course i am a sap but i really like how light it is and it stays in tune very well. I definately would recommend it, although anyone who bought one like mine owuld have to have it set up but its still very worth the money.
Overall Rating: 8
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