Desert Rose: Wildrose

Submitted by NDJohn on 1/15/2008

Where Purchased: Through the Hangout

Year Purchased: 2008
Price Paid: Part of a Trade (bought USED) historic exchange rates / currency converter

Sound

Very bright, as expected because of the maple neck and resonator and the ebony board. All the components enhance this sound. As I wrote to Scott Zimmerman, it outperforms several ESS banjos I've had.

Sound Rating: 9

Setup

I set it up, though the previous owner had done a nice job.

Setup Rating: not rated

Appearance

Lovely workmanship and finishing details. Maple sunburst, hand-cut inlays; this was Scott's first prototype.

Appearance Rating: 9

Reliability

All high quality parts, obviously; no issues here at all.

Reliability Rating: 9

Customer Service

Scott and I had a couple of email exchanges about the banjo, its dimensions, its history, etc. I hadn't personally corresponded with him before, and found him to be friendly, a great wealth of information, and very responsive.

Customer Service: 10

Components

Components Rating: not rated

Overall Comments

Great banjo, great value.

Overall Rating: 10

Stelling: Crusader

Submitted by NDJohn on 12/29/2005

Where Purchased: Hangout Swap Shop contact

Year Purchased: 2005
Price Paid: 2300 ($US) (bought USED)

Sound

Bright, full, rich sound.

Sound Rating: 9

Setup

My setup is different from the previous owner's. It was fine. Stelling builds in a number of features such as tailpiece adjustments that make setup changes easy and dramatic.

Setup Rating: not rated

Appearance

Mahogany banjo with new-style peghead and slightly longer scale. Inlay pattern is not my favorite, but other features of the banjo make it attractive. Workmanship is outstanding, as expected.

Appearance Rating: 9

Reliability

Seems to be excellent.

Reliability Rating: not rated

Customer Service

Several emails to Geoff Stelling seeking advice were answered promptly and efficiently. Not under warranty, but I don't expect any problems, judging from the obvious craftsmanship and solidity.

Customer Service: 10

Components

Everything looks to be first-rate.

Components Rating: 10

Overall Comments

Absolutely no regrets. This is truly a wonderful banjo. Though it's my first experience with a Stelling, I suspect that they're all this good.

Overall Rating: 10