Submitted by claudiacc (see all reviews from this person) on 2/6/2010

Where Purchased: Janet Davis

Year Purchased: 2007
Price Paid: Don't Remember historic exchange rates / currency converter

Sound

This is an amazing instrument. The sound is growing! I play everyday and each day there is a new sound , however small, that makes my ears go up. I have read that maple banjos take time to mature and this is proof. It has a rich but powerful tone, it rings up the neck and never lets you down.

Sound Rating: 10

Setup

Setup was fine. I have learned how to do much myself and have tweaked it periodically to suit me. All the components affect it, so if I change to a new kind of string to try it out, I usually have to do tiny adjustments to get the most out of whatever type of string I am playing. Still experimenting on that!

Setup Rating: 10

Appearance

Slam dunk gorgeous......it gets comments where ever I play.

Appearance Rating: 10

Reliability

Gold plating is holding up extremely well. I pamper it, but the finish on the wood also shows no signs of fracturing, crazing or any defect. The only thing I have found is that the ends of the frets are a little "hooky" and I have gently worked on them. I am sure this is natural seasoning of the woods. Minor issue.

Reliability Rating: 10

Customer Service

No one better!!! AAAA++++

Customer Service: 10

Components

I think I like the fifth string peg the least. It loosens and you have to tighten it once in a while. There is nothing cheap on this instrument.

Components Rating: 10

Overall Comments

My favorite thing in the world! I would collect banjos if I could and I always want to try different ones, but this one is "my" sound.

I rate it an 11
PS> I have seen a couple of these special custom "Vinnies" that Janet Davis produced, before Gibson made a LE out of it ,come up for sale and I have written each person and told them to hang on to it because they will never truly replace it.

Overall Rating: 10