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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: Sonny Osborne
Year Purchased: 2005
Price Paid: don't remember
historic exchange rates / currency converter
Although I've only owned it for 4 days and it hasn't had a chance to settle in, I can tell this is one special banjo. What struck me immediately was the fullness of the sound and the clarity of the notes; very pure and distinct. A nice bell like ring without a lot of overtones, I guess you'd call it good separation. It sounds just as good up the neck as it does in the open positions. Sweet and punchy when vamping with great variations of tone going from the X to Y positions. Listening to CD's of some of my favorite all-time pickers; Sonny, Earl, JD, Ben Eldridge, Jim Mills and Sammy Shelor, I knew I wanted that kind of tone. That's what this Chief is all about...Tone! And it's only gonna get better with age! A big plus is that my wife actually likes the sound and she's not a big banjo fan! LOL
Sound Rating: 10
The only changes I asked Sonny to make to my Chief #102 was to include spikes at 7, 8, 9 & 10 instead of the normal 7 & 9. He was happy to accomodate me. The Chief comes with the Sonny Osborne GHS strings 11,12,13,22,11 which are slightly thicker than the GHS Almost mediums I had been using. I really like the new strings. The Frank Neat 5/8 standard bridge normally comes with the Chief, but since I was used to Crowe spacing, I got that bridge installed instead. I bought the standard spacing bridge as a spare. Since this is my dream banjo I decided to include the Keith D tuners as well. The Chief came set up perfectly and ready to play; I promised Sonny I wouldn't tinker with it! LOL
Setup Rating: 10
When I ordered the banjo, I knew it was a gorgeous instrument. I would visit Sonny's website just to stare at it. It's designed to be an exact replica of Sonnys 1934 Granada. When it arrived, I couldn't believe how much prettier it was in real life! The gold jumps out at you when you open the Carlton Case (which is another whole review in itself). The headstock with the Osborne Chief logo, the hearts and flowers Frank Neat neck, the Jimmy Cox flamed maple resonator are what immediately jumps out at you. Then you check out the speed neck! I've seen this type of look on professional violins but not on a banjo. It looked strange at first but really neat. The horizontal Tiger-striped maple neck was flawless....and smooth as a baby's bottom! After hours of playing, I've never even had to wipe it down for being tacky!
Appearance Rating: 10
I have no doubts that this banjo will last a lifetime and beyond. These are the new "Pre-war's" that folks will be talking about in 50 years! Only the best components went into the Chief, selected by Sonny himself! Jimmy Cox 3 ply rim and resonator, Blaylock tone ring, and the amazing neck made by Frank Neat (luthier to the stars)!
Reliability Rating: 10
If it's not right Sonny will fix it! He called me the night it arrived just to ask if everything was alright and to see how I liked it! How much better customer service can you ask for than that? Plus, it was way cool to talk to Sonny! LOL
Customer Service: 10
Top of the line all the way around. I've described most of it already. But the Carlton Case is amazing in and of itself. Indestructible and beautiful. Slick black fiberglass outside with heavy duty hardware and gorgeous "Vintage" green lining inside! This baby will protect your prize banjo in the worst of airports! The Elliott capo is another big plus; the finest capo made and engraved with the word "Chief". The Dogwood strap is also a nice touch! Nothing but first class components in the Chief!
Components Rating: 10
This is a serious banjo for serious pickers. Although it's not cheap in price, it is certainly a great value! Talking with Sonny on the phone and discussing options via emails was a special treat in what has been an already great experience! I took Johnny Lester's advise and had Frank Neat and Sonny sign the inside of the resonator. Frank signed in white next to where he wrote the serial number and Sonny signed in gold! Buying a Chief from the legendary Sonny Osborne is like owning a piece of bluegrass history! Chief #102 will stay in my family for generations to come!
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Turtle Hill
Year Purchased: 2004
Price Paid: Don't Remember
historic exchange rates / currency converter
Turtle Hill's Dave Schenkman and I took turns playing a dozen banjos including Stellings, Ome, Deerings and Huss and Dalton. I wanted to hear the sound in front of the banjos as well as with me playing it. The Tennessee blew the others away. Sounds like a cannon when digging in, but sweet and mellow when playing away from the bridge.
Sound Rating: 10
The setup was great! Mike Munford (wrote the chapter on set up in Ross Nickerson's Banjo Enclyclopedia) said the head pitch was a little loose at about F#. Larry Perkins from Crafters says it's really a matter of taste. I may try it up a bit ... like G or G#.
Setup Rating: 10
It's a work of art. Beautiful inlay and great grain on the wood. You can see the actual one I bought on the Turtle Hill Banjo Co. website.
Appearance Rating: 10
The finish looks great. No problems here.
Reliability Rating: 10
Larry Perkins has been my only contact with Tennessee Crafters. He emailed a quick reply to some questions I had.
Customer Service: 10
Top of the line components. TN20 tone ring, Presto tail piece, Planetary tuners, Scorpion bridge and Dave ordered it with a TONY PASS rim!
Components Rating: 10
I'd highly recommend this banjo! Great price for the highest quality!
It does have a lot of weight due to the tone ring and block rim.... but
What a sound! I love it!
Overall Rating: 10
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