Gold Tone: BG-Mini

Submitted by APPLEJACK on 3/1/2008

Where Purchased: Picker's Supply - Fredericksburg, VA

Year Purchased: 2008
Price Paid: 427 ($US)

Sound

The sound is what I expected for an 8" pot. It is loud enough for practice and accompaning another instrument, but would probably be drowned out at a large jam. The rolled brass tone ring and resonator gives it a solid Bluegrass sound.

Sound Rating: 9

Setup

The head needed to be tightened. Picker's Supply was happy to adjust it.

Setup Rating: 8

Appearance

The banjo appeared to be well made with flawless wood finishes on the neck, peghead and resonator. The hardware was nickle-plated and bright in appearance. The inlay work on the finger board was well done.

Appearance Rating: 10

Reliability

The tuners were a little sensitive, as other have commented on. But after getting familiar with them, and setting them with a clip on tuner, they seem to stay put.

Reliability Rating: 9

Customer Service

I haven't dealt with Gold Tone directly, but my music store, Picker's Supply stands behind everything they sell. Their experienced staff were helpful in making adjustments to my banjo.

Customer Service: 10

Components

This is a well made banjo for the price. The components are manufactured in China and I believe they are assembled by Gold Tone in the US. This little banjo has a rolled brass tone ring and resonator and gives it a solid Bluegrass sound. I wanted a similar sound to my full size instrument.

Components Rating: 9

Overall Comments

I bought this banjo for practice and travelling due to it's small size. We camp alot, so I like to entertain myself around the campfire. When I bought it, I asked my music store if they could restring it to G instead of C, since most of my training CDs, DVDs and instructor lessons are recorded in G. Picker's Supply happily restrung it with D'Addario strings as follows:

1. D (LEO14 Plain Steel)
2. B (LEO16 Plain Steel)
3. G (LEO18 Plain Steel or LEO20W Nickel Round Wound)
4. D (LEO24W Nickel Round Wound)
5. G (LEO13 Plain Steel)

If you a looking for a smaller scale banjo that weighs in at only 5 pounds for ease of travel, camping, practice, etc. and still want a solid sound, check this one out. Even though it comes strung in C, it can be changed to G, if desired. The $427 cost included the gig bag, but I'd also recommend the hardshell case for long term storage.

Overall Rating: 10