Yates: Ron Stewart

Submitted by Glen5 on 1/13/2013

Where Purchased: Janet Davis Music

Year Purchased: 2013
Price Paid: 3700 ($US) (bought USED)

Sound

Sound is amazing. Growling 3 and 4 string with clear as a bell sound. Very open and powerful. Note seperation is excellent and doesn't lay down on me no matter how hard I pick. Wondered if it would be bright enough for me since it is a Mahogany but it didn't disappoint. I Love It!

Sound Rating: 10

Setup

Tom set up for me and it was great right out of the case. Seemed to be on with what Warren recommends for these. I did put on the Yates strings after an hour or two of playing and like them very much.

Setup Rating: 9

Appearance

It has the distressed finish and wasn't sure I would like it but upon arrival I must say I really do. It looks old and sounds old. Looks like an old pre war that has really been taken care of. Lots of character

Appearance Rating: 10

Reliability

Seems like it will last a lifetime. This thing is put together so well. I applaud Warren and Ron. I think it can be picked hard and will take whatever I can dish out

Reliability Rating: 10

Customer Service

No problems but from what I have read here Warren is great and will help people with any problems they have

Customer Service: 10

Components

Everything seems top notch with no need to upgrade anything. It has absolutely the best neck feel and playability that I have ever played.

Components Rating: 10

Overall Comments

I played a lot of banjos looking for the "one" for me and the Yates stood out. Sound, looks, feel, just everything about it. Best banjo I have had in my hands. Definately buy another if something happened to this one.

Overall Rating: 10

Janet Davis Music

Submitted by Glen5 on 1/12/2013

Overall Comments

Bought a Yates RS from jdm and had a wonderful experience. Tom went out of his way to make me comfortable with purchase and great set up. Packaging was great and condition of banjo accurate when arrived. Tom went extra mile by calling to see how I liked the Yates a couple days after I got it. Highly recommend and will buy again from them.

Overall Rating: 10

Bridges: Gary Sosebee 5/8 Submerged wood

Submitted by Glen5 on 1/4/2013

Where Purchased: direct from Gary

Overall Comments

Awesome bridge. Definately helped my Gold Star open up and more clarity for sure. Gary is also the best to deal with. Got to go to Gary's house to pick it up and try. He is also an awesome picker!

Overall Rating: 10