Second Life Banjo--Carl Arcand: Restored 1930 Slingerland May bell #1172-3

Submitted by Jshua on 5/1/2013

Where Purchased: secondlifebanjo.com

Year Purchased: 5-1-2012
Price Paid: 650 ($US)

Sound

I play mostly Scruggs style and prefer the sound and feel of an old openback. Live, I use a custom coil pickup from Magnon Sounds, a few pedals, and a Roland amp. So I tuned it up and on the first run was pleasantly surprised for a smaller body it produces a very big sound! Great sustain too! Warm and toasty lows, bright shining highs, nice balanced tone from top to bottom. Great twang at the low frets and only gets better up the neck! This banjo can produce a very colorful sound and could be used for all styles of playing.

Sound Rating: 10

Setup

As advertised, action was spot on!
I stood the bridge exactly as marked and to my surprise, even through shipping, the intonation was true! I've done some minor tweaking here and there just to see the response. From day 1, tuners to tailpiece everything was set correctly, tight and 100% ready to play. No fret buzz, dull notes, or uninvited mystery sounds!

Setup Rating: 10

Appearance

Hardware is age/style appropriate. colors of metal match the wood. Inlay work is beautiful. Everything is symmetrical. A very well designed and finished Banjo. Pictures on the website are great, but in person it's a real stunner!

Appearance Rating: 10

Reliability

I've owned this banjo for exactly 1 year today. It quickly took the #1 spot for live shows, recordings, and practice. I play and transport this banjo a Lot! General upkeep and seasonal maintenance is all I've done. I've had no issues with any parts, solid set or moving. Very high quality build.

Reliability Rating: 10

Customer Service

Carl Arcand was very easy to do business with! I haven't had to use any customer services, but I'm confident he would help guide you through any questions or concerns you could think of. Shipping was Fast, tracking number was provided same day. Packaged 100% safe and secure! Postal Clerk said "I'm not sure what it is, but I'm pretty sure it's bullet proof!"

Customer Service: 10

Components

No upgrades needed, Rock solid! All hardware performs flawlessly and fit the style perfectly. I like the slightly wider neck, It plays very smooth. I don't have giant hands but I really like the freedom of movement it allows.

Components Rating: 10

Overall Comments

I wanted to do this review 1 year later to give a different perspective, well past the point of 'New Banjo Thrill' So I've had a chance to settle down and lay in some real pickin' and I'm very happy to say It's an Absolutely Outstanding Instrument!
Clearly built with the understanding that banjo players, really more than other musicians are a rather complex bunch, but It's out of necessity that we are so specific and dedicated to our sound. I'm glad to see this amount of respect shown to the instrument, and the player.
That alone says more about the artist who built it than I ever could.
I liked this banjo so much when I first played it,
after a solid year tried and true, I Absolutely Love It!

Thanks Again Carl!
(Sorry I forgot to tell you I was going to wait a year for the review.)

Overall Rating: 10