The banjo reviews database is here to help educate people before they purchase an instrument. Of course, this is not meant to be a substitute for playing the instrument yourself!
7232 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased: from craftsman
Year Purchased: 2012
Price Paid: Don't Remember
historic exchange rates / currency converter
It is risky to purchase a banjo sight unseen--and unheard---but i heard wonderful, informal reviews of Bill Van Horn's Blackfork [B&P] banjos. The sound is exactly what i wanted, full with deep bass and rounded treble. The 12" pot has a real presence in a jam.
I appreciate the ! and 3/8" at the nut , widening to about 2" at the heel.
Sound Rating: 10
I made no changes. The builder uses top-quality hardware and accessories. The banjo comes with Bill Rickard all-brass hardware, including Dobson-style tonering, moon bridge, and Elixir strings.
Setup Rating: 10
Beautifully finished and eye catching. Mesquite with "Texas ebony" fretboard [cherry also available). Pot is satin black, stunningly setting off the neck and brass hardware. Indianhead penny in the headstock. Classy look with pearl star at 5th fret and pear dots 3,7,10, and 12. S-shaped scoop and bone nut.
Appearance Rating: 10
top quality hardware used, and there's no reason to doubt it's longevity. Van Horn uses 10-12 coats of Tru-Oil for the finish.
Reliability Rating: not rated
Van Horn is easy to deal with, friendly, and makes terrific banjos that are clearly a wonderful value
Customer Service: 10
all parts are top quality--no upgrading necessary or, perhaps, even possible.
Components Rating: 10
Bill Van Horn has thus far flown under the radar but, as noted above, he makes fine instruments. There is no risk as he permits a week's trial with the banjo. Few, i'm sure, would return one.
Overall Rating: 10
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