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!
7210 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased: Gold Tone
Year Purchased: 2024
Price Paid: Don't Remember
historic exchange rates / currency converter
I play Scruggs style and the "Twanger" is perfect for that style. I can't believe how loud the instrument is. I also own an RK-75 and the Twanger is compared to the RK by some, but the Gold Tone is far above the RK in just about every respect. The clarity of each note is amazing not sure if that is due to the Dotson bridge that came on it or the no hole tone ring or a bit of both. But it notes clear every place on the neck.
Sound Rating: 10
After reading some reviews, I was concerned about the set up. I talked with a representative from Gold Tone and expressed my concerns about their set up's and he assured me the set up would be good. When I received the banjo, it was set up perfectly (for me). I did not have to change anything or tighten anything up at all.
Setup Rating: 10
The leaves and bows inlays are okay, personally I like more flash but it looks good to me. I have gone over the instrument a few times looking for finish flaws but can not find any.
Appearance Rating: 9
It appears the banjo was built to last, there does not appear to be any "short cuts" taken in materials or construction. I would use this banjo in any situation, on stage or jam.
Reliability Rating: 10
This is my first time dealing with Gold Tone. I made the purchase on Dec 24, and did not expect to hear anything back from them until the holiday was over. When I purchased the banjo, within 15 minutes I got an email from a Gold Tone representative telling me that they would process the purchase on Jan 2, 2025. I contacted him back (through email) and he replied soon afterward. A nice personal touch I thought.
Customer Service: 9
I have found nothing cheap about the parts nor nothing that I would replace. The Gotoh tuners they used are great. I give it a 9 rating because I guess there are always something better on the market.
Components Rating: 9
This is a great sounding banjo. The no hole tone ring really pushes the sound out and it is very loud. It only takes a touch to fret the strings, again the set up was done really well. The designers really went above and beyond with this one trying to match the RB-3 of J.D. Crowe. The looks are out standing nothing shabby about it at all. I can recommend the banjo to anyone who is looking for a professional banjo that you don't have to take a mortgage out on your house to buy. Easy to play, and defiantly easy to hear. This is the best sounding and play banjo I have played to date. I give it a overall rating of 10 because it is the best banjo I have played to date, not that I have played every other banjo.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Private sale
Year Purchased: 2024
Price Paid: 1265.00 ($US)
This banjo suites my playing well, as I like to play both clawhammer and fingerstyle.
I would describe the sound as semi bright and full with lots of punch when needed.
I like the set up.
Can be played lightly with the right touch, however this banjo has a lot of range and volume which can easily be increased when wanted.
Sound Rating: 9
This banjo was set up very well with the action set to about 1/8" at the 12th fret.. and a bridge height of 3/4" .
Bridge is also set up closer to the tailpice adding some punch and tone.
As well making for very nice harmonics.
I found the set up to be exceptional for
both tone and playability.
This banjo can easily be changed around with a lower bridge and different head choice.
I plan to install a goat hide and add a banjo bolster, which will enhance the tone further imo.
I'm very happy with this banjo.
Setup Rating: 10
This banjo has some very beautiful wood choices..
I particularly like the jatoba fret board and cherry neck.. very complimentary and pretty wood.
Appearance Rating: 10
The hardware is top notch, I would depend on it lasting for quite some time.
Reliability Rating: 10
Zach is absolutely the best luthier ive had the pleasure of dealing with.
He's of exceptional character and very kind, as well as very responsive to any questions or concerns.
Customer Service: 10
The comfort and playability stand out the most to me on this instrument.
The neck especially is very comfortable.
I also find the tension hoop to be well thought out as it rests almost level with the head.. making it an ideal position for playability.
I also find the Romero style armrest to be a very nice touch adding to comfort.
Components Rating: 10
I'm a very appreciative and happy new owner of a Hoyt banjo.
I've owned a few banjos from other top-tier makers, like Pisgah and Rickard.
I find Zachs better in a lot of ways. They're well thought out and beautiful.
The playability and tone are exceptional.
This one is a keeper and so will the next one made by Zach.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Banjo Ben's General Store
Year Purchased: 2024
Price Paid: $579 with hard case ($US)
It has that mahogany sound, not particularly bright. This was my first banjo. I went from guitar player to banjo player for our country/bluegrass group and it was baptism by fire. I like the mahogany guitar sound, unfortunately after I bought the Morgan Monroe it took me about nine months to realize I like the maple sound better with Banjo.
Sound Rating: 5
It was supposed to be set up. I don't know if it was at that time or not. It was staked at the 7th, the 9th and the 10th fret. There were pencil marks on the head around the bridge which makes me think that they did something and wanted to the bridge back in the right place. Six months after I got it, I learned enough to check the string height and it was very high. I ended up learning to shim the neck to get it back to a more playable height. I don't know if it started out high, or if it had always been that way and I got to the point I noticed it.
Setup Rating: 5
It is very pretty. The finish is beautiful. It is probably one of the only things about the banjo that I still liked about it six months after I bought it.
Appearance Rating: 10
It is fine. I did gig with it all summer, less than prime time though. A few farmers markets, a few fundraising events and an antique tractor show. The hardware is adequate. As the summer went on, it seemed to get a bit wonky and I had to do some adjustments that were a bit beyond maintenance. It was a learning experience. I learned a lot about banjos.
Reliability Rating: 5
I can not blame Banjo Ben's, I called them to ask about that banjo specifically. I can't really expect them to say, that isn't the best banjo, it is the last one we have and when you buy it we are going to discontinue carrying them. But I was led to believe that as a beginner banjo it would take me well into the intermediate level and that's probably a stretch. I got what I asked for.
It is supposed to come with a lifetime warranty, but I'm not sure how good that warranty is. I think that I got the last one that Banjo Ben had and they quit carrying them as soon as that one was gone. It has no serial number and I was unable to register it with the manufacturer. I'm not even sure where I would send it to have warranty work done on it.
Customer Service: 7
There were no standout components. The tailpiece it came with was a Waverly style and it was brought to my attention by Jim Pankey that it was strung up wrong. I messed with it a bit, strung it up correctly and finally got rid of it and bought a Prucha Presto tailpiece. The Prucha Presto I think sounded a little better and was just a better more robust tailpiece. The tuners aren't the best, but they are adequate. They get the job done. As mentioned above, the neck either moved on it, or it came that way, but I ended up having to shim it to get the action down where it was easier to play.
Components Rating: 4
Overall this was my first banjo and it was a learning experience. I got along with it all summer. It sounded dull and was hard to play. The head tension needing tightening often. I accepted all summer that it was me and not the banjo that was holding things back as I was learning on the fly. I learned a lot with it, but it wasn't until after the summer was over and we quit playing out that I started to question the banjo itself. I upgraded to a Gold Tone OB-250 and realized that there was a world of difference. I can not recommend this banjo. There are just too many other banjos out there that are better even at that price range.
After I bought the Gold Tone, I decided that I wanted a lighter open back banjo. Someone suggested removing the resonator and the flange, and turning the Morgan Monore into an open back. I did that, and it actually makes a better open back banjo than a resonator banjo. But it still is lacking in many ways.
Overall Rating: 5
Where Purchased: Zach Hoyt (direct)
Year Purchased: 2022
Price Paid: Don't Remember
historic exchange rates / currency converter
I play Scuggs style mostly, but like to fake clawhammer when I can. This has a beautiful full woody, tubby, sound.
Sound Rating: 10
Set up from Zach was terrific - haven't changed anything.
Setup Rating: 10
Zach has a way of giving you exactly what you're looking for.
Appearance Rating: 10
No issues so far.
Reliability Rating: not rated
Never had to address 'customer service'.
Customer Service: 10
All are top notch.
Components Rating: 10
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: online-Reverb
Year Purchased: 2024
Price Paid: I ain't tellin' ($US) (bought USED)
It's loud like a Stelling but not as piercing. Has a sweet tone that is suitable for various styles of playing.
Sound Rating: 10
Needed about an hour's worth of tinkering. The co-rods were loose. Head tension needed adjusting. Adjusted truss rod and neck to string height.
Setup Rating: 7
Made from curly maple, with black binding. Fretboard has abalone inlay with bat shapes. Overall, a beautiful banjo.
Appearance Rating: 10
Quality and workmanship is top-notch. This banjo is a keeper.
Reliability Rating: 10
I have not dealt directly with the company.
Customer Service: 10
Previous owner installed a Presto tailpiece which is ok by me.
Components Rating: 10
This is a well-made, beautiful banjo. I am very satisfied with it's sound and playability.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Music Store
Year Purchased: 2024
Price Paid: Don't Remember (bought USED)
historic exchange rates / currency converter
With a proper setup it sounds great, easy playing, clear and clean notes over the whole fret board.
Sound Rating: 9
Initially it did not play well and sounded horrible but being an OME, I figured that could all be corrected. When I purchased the banjo it had the wrong crown head, improper bridge, tailpiece mounted incorrectly, and excessive relief in the fret board over .30 at the 7th fret and the action was high. This banjo had at least two previous owners and I am positive it did not leave OME setup the way I found it. Once high-quality correct components were installed with a proper setup, it became an easy playing and wonderful sounding banjo. I found the truss rod adjustment a little challenging because you must remove the neck to access the adjusting nut.
Setup Rating: 8
I agree with the original owner Tony Gillispie's review on Banjo Hangout 10/10/2010 of the appearance ---- “This banjo is made of walnut and maple. Craftsmanship is outstanding with both wood and hardware. It has a style D Baldwin neck and Mastertone style pot with a Gibson one piece flange, very pretty banjo.”
Appearance Rating: 10
I have owned this banjo for a short time, but I am certain it will be very reliable. The quality of build speaks for itself, as does Chuck Ogsbury's reputation and the reputation of OME.
Reliability Rating: 10
I have never delt with OME before and it just recently changed hands. Now owned by Gold Tone and they are in the process of getting the OME shop up and running in Florida. I have dealings with Gold Tone before and they were friendly and helpful.
Customer Service: 9
Nothing needed to be upgraded, but I did choose to take the Keith D tuners off and because I did not have two Waverly tuners to replace the Keith’s with, I installed a set of Rickard tuners with amber buttons that I had. I thought the amber buttons looked nice on it. I did keep the Waverly 5th string tuner on it and the original tuners and buttons are being kept with the banjo.
Components Rating: 10
Quoted from Tony Gillispie’s review “4936” on Banjo Hangout 10/10/2010
“Sorry I don’t have a model for this banjo but OME built it for me and that name stands for a lot. In my opinion, OME has the best craftsmanship offered. I have a Gibson, a Stelling and the OME. The OME is the best playing banjo I have.”
To add my comments, the Model listed on the OME warranty card is OME Baldwin Megatone 200 Serial Number 4936, and Tony Gillispie is stamped inside the rim. The neck has the current OME 26 ¼” scale not the earlier Baldwin 27 1/8” scale, and it does have the propeller inlay. I would think that all four were made this way. This banjo is a keeper for me along with my Deering GDL.
The following is an excerpt from an email Tanya Ogsbury sent to the previous owner’s daughter’s inquiry. Apparently she contacted Tanya trying to find out about the banjo. It seems they may have been told it was not an OME and was just a banjo made of parts.
Hi Tanya,
I read some of your input on the user forums. It's obvious that you are well thought of in the industry. Your help is greatly appreciated in helping me identify this banjo. I have attached a picture of the warranty card. It says "Baldwin" in quotes and the banjo does say Baldwin on the neck. The body, however, says ome in several places and has the ome logo in several places and the serial number on the inside. I will send you some other pictures from my iPhone--One at a time of course, since it's an iPhone.
Is it possible that you guys would have custom made a banjo in 2005 with a Baldwin neck? I don't know where ya'II draw the line.
Thanks and God Bless You,
Tanya Ogsbury’s response to the inquiry
“Ah-ha!!
This info helped. I guess you bought the banjo from Tony Gillispie in Texas? We custom made this banjo for him, with a Gibson style flange at his request. It is walnut with ebony, and nickel plated OME hardware (except that flange.) The neck was one of 4 we milled around 2000.
This is a rare banjo!
We call it an "OME Baldwin". It's a copy of my father's original design, the Style D, which was part of the ODE Banjo line when he sold ODE to Baldwin.
When Baldwin first made the ODEs, they used a banner on the peghead and engraved with Baldwin.” Congratulations!!!
Tanya
Overall Rating: 9
Where Purchased: Eagle Music (UK)
Year Purchased: 2024
Price Paid: (GBP)
historic exchange rates / currency converter
The banjo has a full warm tone with loads of sustain. It can be bright or mellow depending on the playing style. It's really loud when you give it some welly, but it never sounds harsh or brash.
Sound Rating: 10
The setup was faultless. It was even in tune when it arrived.
Setup Rating: 10
I chose the walnut / brass options. The finish is flawless and it looks incredible!
Appearance Rating: 10
The wood, hardware and contruction are all spot-on. I can see this instrument lasting a lifetime. I haven't had it long, but you can feel the quility in every aspect of the banjo. I would be suprised if the banjo let me down.
Reliability Rating: 10
The customer service at Eagle Music is second to none. Highly recommended.
Customer Service: 10
The aged brass hardware looks and feels fantastic. None of the parts feel cheap or likely to fail. I added a walnut arm rest and swapped out the factory bridge for a compensated one as I had good experiences with them in the past. It came in a very high quality branded gig bag.
Components Rating: 10
I'm really pleased with the instrument so far. It's fantastic!
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Smakula Fretted Instruments
Year Purchased: 2024
Price Paid: 1475 ($US)
Sound: full, bright, resonant. Impressive sustain. Strings harmonize beautifully with a brush of the hand.
Sound Rating: 10
Had to install and position the bridge upon delivery, but otherwise it was ready to tune and play.
Setup Rating: 8
I sold my bluegrass banjo to buy this, my fourth open back. One of the reasons I love the banjo as an instrument is its simplicity and portability, and a relatively ornate and heavy BG axe just doesn't speak to me. This banjo has a simple, traditional design that I find very appealing. Walnut neck, maple pot, rennaissance head.
Appearance Rating: 10
This is my second Tradesman. The first was a used fretless model. I cam easily see this becoming my "go everywhere" default.
The tuners seemed a bit slippy upon arrival, but they can be easily tightened up.
Reliability Rating: 8
My first time buying from Bob Smakula. Very polite, straightforward and accommodating. He was willing to hold the banjo on reserve while I finalized payment details on my end. I'll definitely buy from him again.
Customer Service: 10
No complaints, though I've never preferred Richlite to wood. However, I hear Richlite lasts forever and that I will not have to replace the frets this way, so I am willing to revise my opinion.
Components Rating: 9
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Banjoteacher.com
Year Purchased: 2024
Price Paid: 3699 ($US)
Clear and clean everywhere including up to high frets.
Rich warm tones at middle and lower notes
Speaks and rings with a light touch/low volume.
Speaks and rings with a harder touch/high volume.
Sound Rating: 10
I was impressed and pleased that the banjo arrived thoroughly and accurately set up, with the right action tolerances, etc.
I believe Gold Tone set it up at their Florida shop.
Setup Rating: 10
The inlay work is very good, and I find it pretty. It is probably not considered "great" (under a magnifying glass by inlay experts), because it is probably done by machines in China, which I am thankful for because of affordability. Yay for technology in manufacturing, and for international trade.
There were no flaws in the finish.
I love the flat rubbed mahogany finish on neck and resonator.
Overall, I like how it looks. But looks to me are of much lesser importance compared to sound and playability.
Appearance Rating: 10
All hardware is totally top quality.
Reliability Rating: 10
banjo teacher.com (Ross Nickerson) was great to work with, and answered the phone, and kept me updated. It took a couple of weeks to receive the banjo, probably due to assembling my specific choices (tuning peg/tail piece).
There have been no issues requiring repair or warranty.
Customer Service: 10
Great stuff: zero-glide nut, wide neck, quality frets, radius neck, tall bridge, wood-like armrest, high ratio tuning pegs.
Components Rating: 10
I have been playing a custom made Robin Smith radius neck banjo for about 12 years. I love that thing and substituted a hard wood tone ring some years ago. It is a great banjo, thanks to the craftsmanship and care of the late Robin Smith.
This banjo is another concept. The whole up-sizing of the architecture from the original Gibson set up is revolutionary in a good way. I am talking about the slightly wider string spacing, the much taller bridge, and the more guitar-like neck dimensions. It comes together to produce a responsive, expansive sound, with plenty of both clarity and warmth.
Thank you Bela and thank you Gold Tone. This banjo is inspiring me to play a lot more and to pay more attention to my playing. The notes ring clear and true all over the neck. It feels as good as it sounds.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Morgan Music
Year Purchased: 2024
Price Paid: 4200. ($US)
I am a new player, just learning actually, I wanted a new banjo and saw this one on Reverb. Not knowing anything about banjo makers etc... I bought this one because it was an archtop. WOW the clarity and quality of sound are amazing. Did I luck out! I've heard Gibsons played on you tube and this Hopkins banjo is on par. It is a by far a better sounding banjo than I deserve. Hopefully someday I'll be worthy of it.
Sound Rating: 10
Morgan Music set it up for me before shipping.
Setup Rating: 10
It's so beautiful. The plating shines and the inlay shine changes colors as the light travels across it. I think the inlay is called a Star pattern. It's gorgeous, especially on the ebony fret board.
Appearance Rating: 10
Banjo is heavy compared to my others, and seems extremely well made. I'm not good enough to play gigs, etc... But if I were.... I certainly would use it.
Reliability Rating: 10
The resonator had a small issue, I talked to both Paul and David. David tried to repair it, But ended up sending me a new resonator. Both were quite nice, and a joy to deal with.
They seem like the kind of people you wish were your friends or neighbors.
Customer Service: 10
Don't see any weak or cheap parts.
Components Rating: 10
Not knowing much about banjos and their makers, I consider myself so lucky to have bought a Hopkins Banjo. I love this banjo so much I am hoping to buy another one from them, a flat top. Then I'll have all the banjos I'll ever need. I'd also like to add, that for some reason I'm a better player when I play it. Not because it sounds so great, but it seems like I make less mistakes. It's as if my fingers glide along smoother, hammer on easier, and pull off easier. (pull offs still difficult for me though, just easier) At 60 plus years of age I've never spent this much money on myself at any given time. It is so worth the price.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Calkins Banjos (through Reverb)
Year Purchased: 2024
Price Paid: 1300 (approximately) ($US)
Full, deep tone. Almost boomy, without sacrificing articulation. Ideal for clawhammer.
Sound Rating: 9
Arrived in perfect condition, set up and ready to play. Absolutely no complaints.
Setup Rating: 10
Simply appointed, but with lovely woods and finish. I can't stand blingy banjos, so this is perfect for me. It balances an elegant look with earth-toned colors and a muted beauty.
Appearance Rating: 9
Seems like it will last me a good long while.
Reliability Rating: 8
Nate was very communicative and kept me updated on the status of my order.
Customer Service: 10
All parts appear to be top-notch.
Components Rating: 9
I am hard to please when it comes to new instruments, but I loved this banjo's voice from the first notes I accidentally created when I was unwrapping it. The 12" pot and the thin rim make for a haunting tone that possesses both depth, resonance, and impressive volume --especially for an instrument with no tone ring. When playing the low notes, it almost reminds me of a cello banjo. I am clawhammering my way through one of Wayne Erbsen's tutorial books, and this beauty really brings an excitement to these timeless old tunes.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Secondhand
Year Purchased: 2024
Price Paid: 108€ (€) (bought USED)
historic exchange rates / currency converter
Honestly, it has a good sound if you play bluegrass. For clawhammer I don't like the sound too much because has a lot of tone.
Sound Rating: 6
It is easy to setup, when I first got it I just needed to tune it and I could start playing.
Setup Rating: 8
The materials of the banjo are cheap, but they are good. For a beginner cheap banjo you dont need anything more. The appearance is good and the armrest is comfortable for the wrist.
Appearance Rating: 7
The tuning heads are a bit soft but they keep the tuning. The materials seems to last for a long period of time, so if you don't do anything that could harm the banjo it will survive a lot of years
Reliability Rating: 7
I buy It secondhand so nothing to add here
Customer Service: not rated
I would upgrade the tuning heads because they seem that they are going to fall out. Nothing more to add here, all seems good for this beginner banjo, almost all parts are cheap but that doesn't mean they are weak.
Components Rating: 6
Good beginner banjo mostly for bluegrass. It's definitely better that the cheap Amazon banjos. If you want to start playing bluegrass banjo without spending a lot this is an option I would choose
Overall Rating: 6
Where Purchased: Stone Banjo Company (in-person)
Year Purchased: 2024
Price Paid: $1290 ($US)
My new Stone Banjo Company Half Fretless 12" is both rich and full sounding while retaining enough crispness to let the melody and fretless slides stand out. Sustain all day if you want it. Spot on for Round Peak, rhythmic tunes and a generous dose of melody as well!
Sound Rating: 10
Steve Gerritsen, owner of Stone Banjo Company and the sole builder of Stone Banjos, handed me the banjo on Thursday, February 15th, 2024 and I've been playing it exactly as delivered ever since. The attention to setup detail is amazing!
Setup Rating: 10
This banjo is not only beautiful, it is built to be played. Sturdy, but not overbuilt. Lightweight with a good solid feel.
12" Cherry block thin, deep rim. Walnut rim cap.
Wood Tone Ring
Cherry neck with walnut center strip
Rosewood fretboard and peghead overlay.
Handmade brass tension hoop.
Brass plate up to 7th fret.
Beautiful!
Appearance Rating: 10
This Stone Company banjo will be played for decades! Beyond my time - sure hope one of my daughters keeps it going (but don't ask me for it anytime soon.)
Top notch hardware and finish.
This banjo has already made the stage and will continue to be my teaching and gigging player.
It's meant to be played!
Reliability Rating: 10
Steve Gerritsen at Stone Banjo Company was a true pleasure to work with. A visit to his shop, if you can swing it, is worth a million words here.
From wood choice to pot size, to neck width, to scale length, to inlay, to brass plates, to peghead shapes ... Steve is with you every step of the way. Regular updates on progress.
Excellent warranty.
Visit the Stone Banjo Company website for all the details!
Hope to continue to get to know Steve and play a few tunes with him!
Customer Service: 10
Components: Simply: All components are handmade and/or top of the line. No shortcuts here!
Components Rating: 10
Mark Twain said:
When you want genuine music—music that will come right home to you like a bad quarter, suffuse your system like strychnine whisky, go right through you like Brandreth’s pills, ramify your whole constitution like the measles, and break out on your hide like the pin-feather pimples on a picked goose,—when you want all this, just smash your piano, and invoke the glory-beaming banjo!
My new Stone Banjo Company Half Fretless banjo makes me smile even more than that Mark Twain quote!
I've posted a couple of sample Stone Banjo Company banjo tunes on my page.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased:
Year Purchased:
Price Paid: Don't Remember
historic exchange rates / currency converter
Sound Rating: not rated
Setup Rating: not rated
Appearance Rating: not rated
Reliability Rating: not rated
Customer Service: not rated
Components Rating: not rated
Overall Rating: 9
Where Purchased: from Zach Hoyt
Year Purchased: 2024
Price Paid: 1226 ($US)
I had Zach put some thicker stings on it so I can tune to A. Works OK for G tuning, too. Sounds great, not toto bright like some small pot banjos do.
Sound Rating: 10
Good to go out of the box.
Setup Rating: 10
Absolutely stunning appearance. Curly maple pot and neck with a contrasting padauk neck stripe, rim cap, heel cap, and arm rest. Pau Ferro fretboard and peghead overlay. White tuners. Best looking banjo I have ever seen.
Appearance Rating: 10
I have had it only a week but the materials are all high quality and I expect to not have any issues.
Reliability Rating: 10
It took me a few years to get this order in - changed my mind a million times on specs, and was out of commission due to medical issues for awhile but Zach was patient and easy to deal with, will make a custom banjo the way you want it.
Customer Service: 10
Components Rating: 10
This C scale (19 3/4 inch) banjo is perfect for me in my old age. Easy to play, not too small. Great full sound.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Banjo Teacher Ross Nickerson
Year Purchased: 2024
Price Paid: 309 ($US)
At first, I wasn't crazy about the sound. Sounded a bit shrill or sharp to my ears, especially placed next to my Enoch Tradesman. I changed the head from Ren to Fiberskyn and that changed everything. More in line with what you might expect from a 12" pot. More plunky. Still with good volume. I was concerned that the Fiberskyn head would deaden the sound. Someone on the Hangout described it's effect like "4 flat tires on a muddy road".. Not the case here.
Sound Rating: 9
Set up was fine. I will change the bridge when the one I ordered comes in. It was pretty easy to change the head. I was quoted $200 by a local luthier so saved that money by doing it myself.
Setup Rating: 9
Looks better than I expected. Definitely not used to a banjo that doesn't have some kind of exotic wood.
Appearance Rating: 8
Hard to tell about the components. I assume they're on the less expensive side of things. I'm taking it to an open mic this weekend rather than the Enoch. And now that I have a more than adequate second banjo this is the one coming with me on overseas trips.
Reliability Rating: 8
I trust Ross Nickerson. He responded to my avalanche of questions pretty rapidly.
Customer Service: 10
I like the neck and peghead a lot.. One problem is that I can't find a way to install an arm rest. I like to use the wire ones that Bob Smakula had, but the flange on the AC 12 A is in the way. I'm still gonna look around.
Components Rating: 8
Like I said I was mostly looking for a reliable 12" banjo I could take overseas. I put them in padded bags and up into the overhead compartments. But I always made sure I had an aisle seat so I could stand in the aisle during boarding and make sure no one put some heavy valise over the banjo. I was unsure how I would like the 23 1/2" scale length but found it so easy to get used to and preferable even to the 25 1/2" banjos I've been playing. Gold Tone hit a home run here and I've owned a number of their banjos over the years. I was gonna give it an 8 for overall rating but I'm really liking it so a 9 it is. PS... I still put a piece of foam under the rod in the pot.
Overall Rating: 9
Where Purchased: Guitar Center
Year Purchased: 2024
Price Paid: 299 ($US)
Sound Rating: not rated
Setup Rating: not rated
Appearance Rating: not rated
Reliability Rating: not rated
Customer Service: not rated
Components Rating: not rated
I play clawhammer. I've been playing a Gold Tone AC Traveller for a while: composite rim, 23.5" scale. 11" head. I bought it to experiment with a shorter scale banjo. I like that scale for comfort and to play in open A with fiddlers. The tone and volume are OK for playing in the parlor. I just opened the box and took out my new AC12 A-scale banjo, same scale, 12" head, wider neck (1.375" at the nut), scoop. The composite rim is a little deeper than the Traveller. And the sound is really different. I can only conclude that the 12" head accounts for the difference. It has more low frequency, as you might expect, and is significantly louder than the Traveller. I really like this banjo. It hits my sweet spot with regards to neck width, scale length, and tone. I know a lot of builders are moving toward the short scale banjos, 12" pots, and wider necks; Gold Tone just made one that is mass produced and inexpensive. I'm not saying it is comparable to a custom hand-made banjo, only that I think it is going to be good enough for me until my hands are too arthritic to play (which really isn't that long from now).
Overall Rating: 8
Where Purchased: From Arthur Hatfield
Year Purchased: 2023
Price Paid: 3100 ($US)
I purchased this banjo sight unseen. Based on all the great things people say on here about Hatfield banjos, and the small handful of videos I have seen of Hatfields and Arthur working in his shop.
All these great things people say about Hatfield Banjos are true.
I am a new player and this was my first “upgrade” banjo from a Gold Tone CC-100R. The Hatfield absolutely blew my mind. The lows growl and the highs chime and when I lay into it, it responds accordingly. It has that “twang” and sweetness to its sound that is exactly what attracted me to the banjo in the first place.
There is also something special about that banjo that I cannot describe. I have since played a few big name banjos with big price tags on them, and though they were really nice banjos with amazing sound, they didn’t have “That Thing” that my Hatfield has. I feel very lucky to own that instrument every time I pick it up.
Sound Rating: 10
I haven’t had to change or adjust a thing. After over a month of hard playing and a road trip, even the head tension is still exactly where it was the day I unpacked it
Setup Rating: 10
It’s beautiful. The burl walnut is hard to take your eyes off of. And the finish work is like glass. It even smells great
Appearance Rating: 10
One of the things that attracted me to Hatfields was a video online of Arthur in his shop and seeing that it’s just him building these banjos by himself. The knowledge and love he has for his craft. The attention to detail and the fact that he is 100% focused on building that banjo, I have no doubt that every detail of this banjo was built with meticulous care and well over 30 years of banjo building experience behind it. And every part he put on this banjo has that knowledge and experience behind it.
It feels like a tank too. I haven’t played it at a professional gig, because I’m not there yet. But I did take it on a 1,000 mile road trip. From sea level to well over a mile up in the mountains and it played perfectly everywhere I went.
Reliability Rating: 10
Mr. Hatfield is a gentleman and a pleasure to talk to on the phone. My only regret was not going and meeting him in person. But I will be purchasing a Feud banjo from him in a few months when he completes it. When he does, I plan to make the long journey out there to pick it up in person this time.
Great guy!
Customer Service: 10
The whole banjo is the standout part. I wouldn’t change a thing about it. In fact I am buying a few sets of Arthur’s custom string sets from him because I don’t even want different strings on it!
Components Rating: 10
My Hatfield Banjo is a Hoss. You don't see them for sale too often for a reason.
If you have one, you know. If not, I would highly recommend getting your hands on one quick.
Also, the experience of buying one from Mr. Hatfield is a pleasure all its own
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Banjoteacher.com
Year Purchased: 2024
Price Paid: 699 ($US)
I play 3 finger with thumb + fingerpicks. I wanted a lightweight alternative to my other banjos. For what it is, an open back the sound is good after making a few adjustments (see setup).
Sound Rating: 8
It depends on your playing style. If you are looking for a clawhammer banjo it would be a 10.
I thought the action could be lowered, the strings could be lighter gauge, the head needed tightening and I changed the bridge.
It also came with a pickup. It attached to the coordinator rods and stuck out past the rim of the banjo. It was the first thing to touch your stomach when in the normal playing position. I removed on day 1.
Setup Rating: 5
Other than the whole in the rim where the pickup jack was, it's a good looking openback banjo. Classic design with planetary tuners, chrome engraved armrest and simple snowflake inlay on the fretboard.
Appearance Rating: 10
It is a solid banjo with dual coordinator rods, truss rod, and adjustable tailpiece. It stays in tune.
Reliability Rating: 10
Banjoteacher.com was very helpful, promptly answering all questions. I did reach out to Gold Tone about a fix to the hole where the pickup jack was. The sent me another pickup jack which I think was a miscommunication between us. Gold Tone offered to take it back in exchange for a model without the pickup. I decided to leave it as is for now. It's not enough of a bother for 2 banjos to ride in the brown truck.
Customer Service: 10
Aside from the pickup looking like an afterthought, I am pleased.
Quality planetary tuners, a better than entry level tailpiece, zero glide nut and engraved armrest.
Components Rating: 9
I would buy this banjo again, without the pickup. It is exactly what I wanted. A 22 fret openback that plays like a bluegrass banjo. I like how it is totally adjustable. I have the action at 3/16ths of an inch. I'm using GHS PF150 strings (10-12-14-22-10) and it rings clear. The bridge swap wasn't necessary but I had a Sosebee and wanted to try it.
Overall Rating: 9
Where Purchased: Individual
Year Purchased: 2024
Price Paid: Don't Remember (bought USED)
historic exchange rates / currency converter
Arthur has managed to capture the elusive "twang" and "growl" tonal qualities that bluegrass players are seeking. Hats off to Mr. Hatfield. I hope he continues to make banjos for many more years.
Sound Rating: 10
Had to do a little tweaking, as always with a different banjo.
Setup Rating: 8
A nice, non-flashy mahogany banjo with gull inlay.
Appearance Rating: 9
This is a 2007 model that has held up well and I think it will continue to do so. For now it will be my off-stage banjo for practice and jam sessions.
Reliability Rating: 10
I have not yet dealt with Arthur personally but those who have say he is the greatest.
Customer Service: 10
Everything looks top-notch.
Components Rating: 10
If you are looking for a banjo that spits out that bluegrass sound with plenty of volume to boot, you can't go wrong with a Hatfield.
Overall Rating: 10
