Ome Juniper Megatone Bluegrass submitted 3/22/2007 Submitter 2manyTaylors Where Purchased Guitar Source Year Purchased 2007 Price Paid Don't Remember historic exchange rates / currency converter Sound This is my first mahogany banjo. It's too soon to tell if I am going to like it. The difference from maple is remarkable. The mahogany is much darker. It is a rich, full sound, but doesn't "jangle" like a banjo should. It has been in the store awhile, though, and could use some GES mediums and a new bridge. I have a Sosebee laying around, think I will try it. The Kateyz I put on my Calico really made it sit up and salute the flag, so I will probably be ordering one of those. Not alot of difference in the X and Y position, and notes up the neck do not ring much. Benefit of the doubt, the banjo has been hanging in the store for over a year. It can't help but loosen up now, since it will get regular work. Sound Rating 8 Setup The set-up was perfect, and from a guitar shop at that. Guys, if you are reading this, you are the best guitar shop in KC! For sure. I expected to have to adjust SOMETHING, but no, all is perfect. The strings are almost rusty from dis-use however. Kinda stiff and squeeky. Setup Rating 10 Appearance This is not a banjo, it's Fine Furniture! How can you fault an Ome? Perfectly made, perfectly finished, set-up, etc. The matte tung oil finish is beautiful, giving the wood a luster in certain lighting. The plainness of the finish is perfectly offset by the beautiful inlays of MOP and abalone. Very tasteful. The lack of neck and headstock binding really do not detract, again due to the beauty of the inlays. The metal parts are shiney, and perfectly fit together. Appearance Rating 10 Reliability My experience with matte finish on guitars is that with use, they become shiney in spots. Who cares? I love the hardware, especially the tuners. They are very firm, and stay put. There were RR spikes at 7 and 9. Nice touch! The Harp tailpiece resembles a Fults from playing position. It is solid and heavy. The armrest doesn't attach like a Gibson's, I am disappointed as I planned to change out to an engraved one, but that is not a problem. Reliability Rating 10 Customer Service Limited LIfetime. I emailed Ome, and they responded immediately, if not sooner. The folks who built this banjo were dang proud of it, that's for sure. Customer Service 10 Components Well, the bridge is nothing special, but easily changed. That's it! Top of the line TKL case, which would be my preference. Components Rating 10 Overall Comments I have a Deering Calico, and an Ode tenor. It would be unfair to compare the Deering and the Ome, they are two different animals. I think I prefer the Deering's glossy finish, and maple tone, but I will never part with the Ome. It is simple, elegant and understated, beautiful! I got a really good deal, won't reveal the price, but I recommend if you can find one, get it to add to your stable. Overall Rating 10

Deering Goodtime PP Open Back submitted 6/3/2006 Submitter 2manyTaylors Where Purchased banjo.com Year Purchased 2006 Price Paid Don't Remember historic exchange rates / currency converter Sound The Goodtime is not very loud, but has a round, full tone that is real easy to listen to. I have the E-Z resonator, but have not installed it yet, until I decide if it needs it. It was set-up by Barry at banjo.com to be not too bright and not too mellow. I really like it so far. This is my first open-back, so I am getting used to it. Sound Rating 9 Setup Barry set it up just before shipping it to me. It arrived just right, needed tuning a little, as it had gone slightly flat, but it traveled from Atlanta to Kansas City, and UPS is not known for their love of musical instruments. The action was fine, and the intonation is perfect. I imagine that even I will be able to adjust this instrument, it is so simply constructed and in no way intimadating like my Calico. I have bought the Bart Veerman bridge, and am fixing to install it. I didn't care for the Deering strings. They seem rough to be. Gibson Scruggs are going on it soon. Setup Rating 9 Appearance Someone compared the Goodtime to the Taylor Big Baby. If you are not familiar with guitars, the Big Baby is Taylor's "cheapie travel guitar". Cheap in the sense that it cost $300 instead of $3000, and you don't have to be afraid to play it, or take it somewhere like your main ax. I was disappointed at first by the neck attachment, and the cheap 5th string tuner, but again, it's not a Calico. Everything works, is well made, fit and finish flawless, excellent fret work. Even some bird's eye on the maple of the neck. The gloss finish is a must. Appearance Rating 9 Reliability The gloss finish seems pretty thick, and will probably stand up. The tailpiece and the tuners are not first-rate, but work fine and good enough for a beach banjo. Reliability Rating 8 Customer Service Deering Customer Service is quick and friendly. This is my second banjo from banjo.com, and they are first rate. You don't need to worry about buying sight unseen from these guys. They know what they are doing, and treat you like you are their very best customer. Barry called to help me select a banjo on wednesday, and it was here friday afternoon, set up and perfectly packed, Atlanta to KC. Customer Service 10 Components You might want a better tailpiece and tuners, and definitely replace the bridge. But everything is 'good enough' for the purpose this banjo was built for. Hey Deering, you forgot the armrest! Ouch! Components Rating 8 Overall Comments I love it! What a difference a lightweight banjo makes for playing comfort. Also, it does not intimidate me like my Calico does. It is easy to sit down on the couch and do some picking without 'getting dressed up' to play the Calico. Every banjo player needs a Goodtime. Overall Rating 10