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!
7170 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased: Bonners,Eastborne
Year Purchased: 2023
Price Paid: 349 (UK £)
historic exchange rates / currency converter
Quite loud and similar to Deering Goodtime 2
Sound Rating: 8
Bonners did a good job it has quite a low action - 2 mm at the twelfth fret but no string buzz anywhere. This action suits me very well because it makes the instrument very playable. It seemed a bit too brassy but then I realised that the tail piece tip was touching the head so I backed it off so that it was around 1.5 mm clear and that improved the mellow tone and improved the sound of the base D string considerably. I have told Bonners this.
Setup Rating: 8
A very smart lookin banjo for the price, soft finshed natural maple coloured neck and resonator, al metal well chromed.
Appearance Rating: 9
I really don't have enough knowledge to comment in this area as I am a novice.
Reliability Rating: 6
Bonners have a good reputation developed over 50 years. The makers are Stentor, a British company that designed the instrument which was subsequently made to a high standard in China. Stentor have been in the "strings" business for over 100 years.
Customer Service: 10
Remo head as might be expected, truss rod and single co-ordinator. Rolled brass tone ring and laminated maple shell.
Components Rating: 9
Others have commented that it has a great and loud tone for such a reasonable price and I love it.
Overall Rating: 8
Where Purchased: Bermunzio
Year Purchased: 2023
Price Paid: Don't Remember (bought USED)
historic exchange rates / currency converter
Variety of sounds dependent upon with or without resonator
Sound Rating: 9
Setup perfectly from Bernunzio
Setup Rating: 9
Outstanding appearance. The elegant woods, inlays, neck all are incredibly beautiful. First time in public, two folks commented on its beauty. It is very understated with not one feature or another that is particularly featured. But the combination of woods, quality of workmanship and simple design inlays make it a stunner.
Appearance Rating: 10
Too early to tell.
Reliability Rating: not rated
Dean was great in responding to several questions I had.
Customer Service: 10
Nothing in this banjo is or looks cheap.
Components Rating: 10
Love to pick it up and play it, i have stuffed th back to make it a little bit less bright. Still tweaking head, tailpiece a bit, but love what I am hearing,
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Direct from previous owner
Year Purchased: 2023
Price Paid: Don't Remember (bought USED)
historic exchange rates / currency converter
Prairieville #211 (built in 2005). The YouTube 12” Chuck Lee Custom Prairieville video played by Lukas Pool (the Music Emporium) is incredibly accurate. A beautiful balance between the warm sustain from the brass tone ring and the very specific note separation – wherever and however you play on the neck, and whatever the volume.
Sound Rating: 10
I am the third person since 2005 to share the company of the Prairieville, and it arrived a little misunderstood, so…..took off the neck, adjusted the truss rod, reset the neck height, and introduced a Kat Eyz pegged bridge, all of which was simple and easy to do.
Setup Rating: 10
Deceptive. A walnut neck, maple pot, a curly maple rim cap, macassar ebony fingerboard and centre veneers of purpleheart. But, the closer and more carefully you look, the more the exceptional detailing and craftmanship becomes obvious.
Appearance Rating: 10
Prairieville #211 is 18 years old, plays perfectly and I am more than comfortable to trust it (trust being the root word of the word reliability) as my next go to for gigging.
Reliability Rating: 10
I emailed Chuck Lee to ask whether he could help with any information about Prairieville #211. Chuck emailed giving me the information from the original invoice and to ask if I could send pictures as a hard drive crash had resulting in him losing some of his. This I did and I then got a full description back. My impression was of a kind and humble man with enormous humanity, who was passionate about what he did. I feel a real privilege to be part of what he creates.
Customer Service: 10
Everything about the banjo except the normal aging on the renaissance head is still immaculate and works exactly as it should.
Components Rating: 10
In nearly 45 years since my first paid gig (and I am late to the banjo), discussion about instruments (whether stringed, fretted, brass, woodwind, keyboard or percussion) always comes down to two elements 1) the unique quality of the sound, and 2) whether when you push an instrument hard you have to adjust your playing, just to try to maintain the same sound….on that basis, Prairieville #211 has the unique quality and consistency of sound of a truly exceptional instrument.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Elderly
Year Purchased: 2023
Price Paid: 2950 ($US) (bought USED)
I bought this knowing that it probably wouldn't be the best bluegrass sounding instrument, but I use it for that anyway. The sound from this is loud and incredibly rich, especially in the low end register of it. My instructor has mentioned he's never played a banjo before with such a heavy sounding bass. It suits my needs and I'm very happy with where it is.
The banjo is fitted with the original No. 2 style tone ring with the holes in it and the sound is ample and suitable.
Sound Rating: 8
This banjo would probably be one of the most valuable banjos I've ever owned, it's a 1980's 5-string conversion by Henry Lea and Renee Karnes. While it's not at the same level of filigree that Renee is known for her work, the neck built to match the original 1925 neck is of exceptional quality and the woods picked out even surpass the original for its figuring.
Elderly did an awesome job setting up the banjo for sale to the perfect action height. Previous owner replaced the head with a skin J.D. Balch type and the original 4 string Otteinger with an ABM 4555 type tensionator for five string. Sadly, the Otteinger was not included with the hardware, but the original plectrum neck and the knee mute was. I've re-installed the knee mute but I have very little use for it in bluegrass style music, but it is a fun effect to play with and sometimes, it can be nice to use for emphasis or dynamics.
The only real change I've made since purchasing other than installing the knee mute is to put keith style tuners on this. The headstock is much thicker than you would find on normal banjos as this most likely is fitted with a permanent fixed stainless steel rod rather than a traditional truss rod. So the neck is not really adjustable except to switch out bridges.
Setup Rating: 10
This banjo is absolutely gorgeous, the quality of craftsmanship of the 1920s pot is unsurpassed, except by the modern neck work by Renee. The wood and inlay are beautifully done and the neck is a real beauty. The flaming on it is excellent and the inlay work on the fretboard is really well done. All the details from the original banjo neck have been captured including the strap.
Like all banjos unfortunately, the metal chromed hardware likes to oxidize, but this is all still just surface stuff, and hopefully nothing to really worry about. Maybe down the line it would be worth it to pull it all apart and polish, but for now it is perfectly fine by me.
Appearance Rating: 10
The original hooks and nuts are fine, the finish is a little on the sticky side, I am a little used to more smoother necks, but I do keep a thing of fast fret in my case. As I traded in my Gold Star towards this, it is the only five string I have to take to jams. My only worry is if I'm ever in a warm humid environment, the skin head is incredibly reactive. I may swap this out with a frosted drum head in future.
Reliability Rating: 9
not applicable
Customer Service: not rated
As the neck was a new(-ish) build from the 1980's, the original neck was removed with the original grover tuners which I still have. The new neck was fitted with five-star planetaries which are fine if not a little bit sticky. Keith tuners are perfectly fine on this excepting the headstock thickness so the washer was not used.
The bridge fitted here is unknown, but I most likely will swap it out with a Huber type or have a few on hand in future.
Components Rating: 10
This is a 1980/1 5 string conversion of a 1925 Bacon and Day Silver Bell No. 1 by Renee Karnes and Henry Lea. It is an absolute gem and beauty of a banjo to play. The neck is thicker than I'm used to but it's not chunky in any way, but nestles perfectly into my hand.
While purists are likely to say, "That's not the right sound for bluegrass", I think it's got a really forward pushy sound that makes it unique and stands out from the traditional twangy sound with a much sweeter voice with a deep throaty bassy end. I have been on the search for my own bacon and day since 2006 and only after 17 years of waiting do I finally get to have it. I know my previous review I said I would probably keep the Gold Star GF-85, but when presented with the opportunity to own my personal grail banjo, I couldn't turn down the chance.
It's probably likely I'll acquire another banjo in the future, one I wouldn't be afraid to camp with, but this one is staying put in my collection.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: www.nechville.com
Year Purchased: 2023
Price Paid: $3,540 w/shipping ($US)
I play OT clawhammer, usually in duets or small groups. I have not played this in a large, loud session yet.
I had played this model (12") next to a few different openbacks – an Ome, a higher end Deering, and others. The sound of this instrument stood out to me. While most unmuffled openbacks can be muddy and ring with lots of overtones, the Atlantis was far more naturally controlled. The sound is clear, pure, and surprising loud. It only has a wood cap, but it really projects. The dynamic range is also great. I can play delicate and soft without sounding thin, and drive it without sounding crashy.
The sound is full, but not muddy; crisp but not tinny.
I have it set up with a renn head. I want to try and get a little more thump out of it, so I'm going to try a fiberskyn or hide head. It usually ships with a fiberskyn though, I asked for the renn.
I have no complaints about the sound. It's absolutely exceptional. If you don't have a lot of strength in your right hand, it might not have enough volume to cut through loud session. But I'm happy with how much I can drive it.
Sound Rating: 10
The setup was great when it arrived.
I asked Tom to modify the hoop for me, so I sent that back, and the banjo was without strings for about 10 days. After I put the hoop back on and restrung it, the action was too low. I was blown away by how easy it is to adjust the action. The flux capacitor is more genius than I had understood when I bought it. I put the Allen key in the heel, turned it slightly, and the action came right up to where I needed it. I was gobsmacked.
Nechville is known for making setup easy. I see why.
At first I was skeptical about all the innovations. Especially with the sci-fi sounding names like heli-mount, cyclotronic, and flux-capacitor, I thought it might just be a marketing gimmick (or a clever tool without much real-world use). But I was very wrong. While the Atlantis only has the flux capacitor, it's now obvious to me these innovations are real improvements to how banjos are made. It's not a gimmick, and it's not needless engineering. It's awesome.
Also, when I first played the model, I found the gloss neck far too sticky. When I put in my order, I asked Tom to put a satin finish on the neck. It was a little more money, but just what I wanted.
On that point, the neck is amazing. The radiused fingerboard and big frets make it a dream for the left hand. It's helping me play extremely accurately and clearly. I find that big frets do make it easier to pull a note out of tune, but that just comes down to practice and technique.
Setup Rating: 10
As I understand it, the Atlantis is based on the Atlas model. It has a full scoop and antiqued hardware.
To be honest, I didn't think it was the most beautiful banjo I've ever seen. I think that Atlas is the better looking model. The walnut isn't anything to write home about visually. But when I was buying, it wasn't about how it looked, it was about how it sounded and played.
However, I'm a big fan of the pinstripes on the fretboard. It's slick. It doesn't really match the whole "antiqued, old-time" look, but I still like it.
Overall, it's a nice-looking instrument. Maybe the particular aesthetic isn't for me, but it still looks like a quality, professional banjo.
Appearance Rating: 8
The instrument seems extremely reliable. Although there's a lot of clever engineering involved, it's not a fragile system. I'd trust it without a backup, but I'd always keep my Allen keys with me.
Reliability Rating: 10
Customer service is excellent. Tom made it very easy to purchase the instrument, and I received it quickly. And he worked with me on customizing a few options. When I sent the hoop back for additional modification, it was back within a week.
I have had emails go unanswered, but I get the info I need eventually. I understand it's a small company, and they probably don't have a dedicated support person.
Customer Service: 10
The components seem high-quality and solid. My favorite component is the wood armrest. It's so easy to mount and remove, and it is super comfortable. No more harsh angles digging into my fore-arm. It's also beautiful.
However, I do have two small complaints.
1. There was a little glue spillover on one of the frets. It's about a centimeter wide and half a centimeter high. It doesn't affect playability of course, but it's a bit of a blemish on an otherwise great fretboard.
2. There are permanent fingerprints on the tailpiece from the antiqued finish. There's also a small print on the hoop, but it's on the bottom, so I don't normally see it. It appears the work was done without gloves, so the thumbprints stained into the metal. It's probably something that should be fixed in the future.
But because I've been so happy with the instrument, I haven't raised these issue with Tom directly. So to be fair, he hasn't had a chance to address them.
Without these issues, I'd rate it a 10.
Components Rating: 8
Overall, this is an exceptional instrument. The sound is top notch, and it's playability is unmatched. It is the nicest playing instrument I have ever held. Tom Nechville is a banjo-building genius.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: From Luthier
Year Purchased: 2023
Price Paid: ~5000 ($US)
As a fan and student of Irish banjo, I was weary of the (to me) overly bright sound often found in that genre. I listened to a whole lot of different banjos to find a way to strike a balance between clear, crisp attack and resonant depth. I had an idea to go with a tubaphone tone ring and goat skin head, but I was interested in a new build rather than vintage. I had previously purchased a restored tenor from Carl Arcand, as proprietor of Second LIfe Banjo, and decided to consult with him on design to achieve the sound I was after. The result was, frankly, perfection. (As an aside, I study Irish banjo with Enda Scahill through is Patreon site, and he has repeatedly complimented the resonant voice of this banjo.) There are the usual hassles associated with skin heads, but I'm not a session player, so they are inconsequential to me. I LOVE the sound, which is a tribute to Carl and also to Rickard Banjos, which supplied the tone ring as well as other hardware components.
Sound Rating: 10
The set up was perfect. At my request, Carl had installed a Prucha clamshell tailpiece, which is a fine piece of equipment but I ultimately thought ill suited to the instrument. I replaced it with a beautiful and well built R-20 adjustable tailpiece from Rickard.
Setup Rating: 10
As a developing banjo player and confirmed birder and art collector, I had an idea to design a banjo to honor the stunning acrobatic, low-flying raptor we have in North America called the Northern Harrier. I asked Carl to work with the very talented Japanese bird artist and illustrator Hitomi Takehara to fashion inlays to realize my vision. In a remarkable partnership, they did exactly that. Carl's time-consuming and meticulous work on the mother of pearl and abalone inlays is extraordinary.
Now, every day when I pick up my banjo to practice, I am graphically reminded how I want to play - gracefully, forcefully, mindlessly. In addition to the inlays, the beauty of the banjo is enhanced by the gorgeous materials - the black cherry rim, neck, and headstock - aged cherry harvested from Carl's Quebec farm - the lovely goatskin head, the Rickard tailpiece and tuners. A work of art, through and through. See images below Overall Comments section.
Appearance Rating: 10
This banjo is built of the finest components and materials - it will no doubt long outlast me and I have a little granddaughter who knows it's coming her way! Between Carl's craftmanship and Rickard's hardware components, I cannot imagine any reliability sorrows in this instrument's future.
Reliability Rating: 10
Carl is the level best to work with. This project posed special challenges as it required months-long remote collaboration between and among Carl in Quebec, Hitomi in Japan, and me in the lovely Commonwealth of Virginia. Carl approached the challenge in good spirit and pulled it off brilliantly - the level best.
Customer Service: 10
No weaknesses. As I said above, I ultimately didn't like my choice of the Prucha tailpiece - no bad on Prucha, just my preference. The hardware - tone ring, tailpiece, and cyclone tuners from Rickard are beautiful and sturdy. Other components - head, rim, neck, match them in quality.
Components Rating: 10
Project of a lifetime for me - can't imagine another luthier accomplishing it with greater skill, vision, or collaboration. I am deeply grateful to Carl!
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Pisgah Banjo Company
Year Purchased: 2023
Price Paid: 2072.75 ($US)
My first opportunity to play over the neck (I got the "s scoop" option. It really is game changing. A delightful tone perfect for old time but also suited for my weird banjo covers (like 99 Red Balloons). Very warm, but that's how I like it.
Sound Rating: 10
Banjo was set up perfectly when I picked it up. Proper bridge placement and head tension.
Setup Rating: 10
I'm giving out a lot of 10's, but this is easily the most obvious 10. It's gorgeous. And it's beautiful in a practical way. You want to play it, not just display it. The persimmon fretboard has very striking spalting along it that really adds to the natural look. I opted for the non aged brass hardware. Looking forward to watching it and the cherry wood age over time.
Appearance Rating: 10
Reliability Rating: 10
I mostly emailed with Melissa at the workshop. She was friendly and prompt in her responses. When I picked it up, they seemed genuinely excited for me.
Customer Service: 10
I love that it is all native hardwood.
Components Rating: 10
I lose sleep because of this banjo. I just keep playing it. I picked it up 3 weeks ago, and (and this is not a joke) I probably average 2-3 hours a day playing it because it is so comfortable and enjoyable to play. Add to that that it's a banjo I can feel good about owning (living wage certified, all native hardwood), and it's a very exciting purchase.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Instrument Alley (through Amazon)
Year Purchased: 2023
Price Paid: $249.99 ($US)
It's not going to be a gigging instrument but for $250, it has a great sound for the price. I bought it to learn finger styles; I've been playing tenor and plectrum for a long time but have never checked out two finger or clawhammer. It has a pleasant balanced sound and sufficient volume for practicing; that's all I was looking for.
Sound Rating: 6
The banjo was playable right out of the box; all I did was tune it and put on a strap. I don't feel the need to make any changes yet. Fretwork is good, especially at this price point. It tunes easily and the string height, intonation, etc. were set well as it is. Kudos to Gold Tone for that; I've picked up a few banjos from other companies I can't say that about, including a Tradesman knockoff for two and a half times the price that had an abysmal setup.
Setup Rating: 9
It's definitely not fancy, just a basic black with chromed metal hardware, but the understated look is fine with me. Just simple white plastic position dots in the fingerboard and on the sides of the neck. Its simplicity reminds me of those old Harmony Resotones that got many of us started years ago.
Appearance Rating: 7
I think the hardware will hold up well; I have the matching Gold Tone tenor that I've played many an outdoor gig with in humid conditions and that one's done just fine. I expect this one will perform as well. I've been especially happy with the plating on the hardware; it looks more substantial than I've seen on other economy banjos.
Reliability Rating: 10
I have exchanged email with Gold Tone about a slight setup problem I had with the tenor. They were very responsive and helpful; their advice enabled me to easily correct the problem.
Customer Service: 10
I really like the neck shape they chose: not too narrow, not too wide. The medium-C profile feels good in my hand. Tuners are basic covered-gear guitar tuners: nothing special but they hold tune well and are easy to use. I'm impressed with the amount of tone coming from the plastic shell; it sounds much better than one would expect and better than some of the plywood rims I've played. The zero fret is also a very nice touch not found on many low-cost banjos.
The gig bag is one thing I think could be better; it's fairly cheesy but it's fine for light travel and is also very lightweight. A little more padding would be welcome, however.
Components Rating: 8
For $250 brand new, I don't think there's anything that can beat it! I've been taking the tenor version out for a busy gigging schedule for about two years and it has never let me down. I won't be gigging with this 5-string for some time, if ever, but if I needed to I wouldn't hesitate. And if someone were looking for their very first banjo, I'd recommend the Gold Tone in a heartbeat. My main indoor gigging banjos are a Bacon and Day tenor and a Bacon plectrum, but if I need to play outdoors on a hot and/or humid day, the Gold Tone still gets the call because it plays well, sounds pleasing and it's sturdy as all get-out! (And did I mention that it's nice and light?)
My overall rating is based on how much banjo quality you get for such a small amount of money. It's also based on how well designed the banjo is: for a beginner, you will probably just start hankering for a new banjo well before this thing outlives its usefulness. As a recreational banjo (camping, beach, etc.), it's good-sounding and easy to haul around. Again, for $250 I think it's an amazing value!
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: https://rickardbanjos.com/
Year Purchased: 2023
Price Paid: Don't Remember
historic exchange rates / currency converter
That beautiful Dobson sound but not at all muddy, and with just a little of a 'pop'. Plenty of volume and sustain.
I mostly up-pick (without picks) but clawhammer sounds great too.
Sound Rating: 10
Absolutely perfect despite being shipped 500 miles!
Setup Rating: 10
An absolutely beautiful piece of work - I see something new every time I look at the banjo.
Appearance Rating: 10
Time will tell, but it sure seems that this banjo will outlive me by decades if not centuries!
Reliability Rating: 10
The whole experience was absolutely flawless and they supported a 24'' neck and a customised scoop without breaking step. Dependable and pleasant, from beginning to end.
I couldn't recommend more highly!
Customer Service: 10
Rickard components are solid and beautiful!
Components Rating: 10
I feel lucky that I get to play this beautiful instrument!
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Direct from Lindale Banjos
Year Purchased: 2023
Price Paid: Don't Remember
historic exchange rates / currency converter
Beatuiful sounding banjo and exactly what I was hoping for. The 11.5" rim with rolled brass bar tone ring and slightly deeper (3") pot has a nice round bottom but never muddy top end. The sounds is right in the sweet spot to my ears
Sound Rating: 10
Everything is great and you can tell great detail was taken to make sure it went out perfect. The fretwork is spot on and plays effortlessly. Plus the design allows for easy adjustment with the rudy rod neck attachment (although it came exactly as I want and David made sure to ask my preferred setup before shipping it out)
Setup Rating: 10
I gave a couple ideas on what I was looking for in appearance and it came back even better than I hoped. Beautiful headstock inlays made with figured woods. Nice neck binding and accent woods in the pot and neck along with beautiful overlays. My wife says it's like function art.
Appearance Rating: 10
Zero concern here, everything seems to be of the highest quality.
Reliability Rating: 10
Perfect here. David kept me posted throughout the build, asked questions that I had not thought of to make sure the banjo was exactly as I wanted, provided videos before it went out. All around great experience and could not be happier
Customer Service: 10
Top to bottom everything is excellent
Components Rating: 10
I am thrilled with this banjo. I travel to Lansing, MI pretty regularly for work and always leave an extra day to spend some time at Elderly Instruments. They always seem to have instruments in from some of the top builders from both today and historically; I honestly believe this banjo is equal to or in some cases better than any that I have been fortunate to play (and in some cases own). The craftsman ship is excellent and a real joy to play. Here are some pictures of this beauty!
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Pisgah
Year Purchased: 2022
Price Paid: 2200 ($US)
(claw hammer) Rich deep sound from lowest strings to up the neck.
Sound Rating: 10
Arrived ready to play.
Setup Rating: 10
Beautiful American locally sourced hardwoods.Yes, easy on the eyes. Inlay and general craftsmanship of the highest quality.
Appearance Rating: 10
This is a banjo that I, and my children, will be playing for generations.
Reliability Rating: 10
Staff was very responsive to emails.
Customer Service: 10
Every component is highest quality (no short cuts here!)
Components Rating: 10
Pisgah Banjo are awesome banjo builders. Their attention to detail and love of the craft shine in all their instruments.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Josh Turknett - Brainjo Academy
Year Purchased: 2023
Price Paid: 1500 ($US)
I have 2 Brainjos - one with "Roscoe" set up and one with "Tommy". Each separate banjo suits beautifully the style I am reaching for, clawhammer (Roscoe) and 2-finger (Tommy). I'm very pleased with both. I don't give a rating only because I don't know what best would be without playing all the banjos possible. ??
Sound Rating: not rated
Set up very well. Took it out of package, tuned it, started playing, and big grins appeared! I love these banjos.
Setup Rating: 10
Beautiful instrument and well constructed. I am a wood worker, my grandfather was a wood worker, and my great grandfather was a wood worker. And, in my opinion and experience, these 2 Brainjos are wonderfully done.
Appearance Rating: 10
It all seems fine. I don't know how to rate reliability without the passage of sigficant time.
Reliability Rating: not rated
Excellent service. Tim was very accessible, kind, and prompt on some questions I had and some changes I wanted. Couldn't have been better.
Customer Service: 10
I agree with the comments made by prior reviewers. All is made very well.
Components Rating: 10
I think my above comments capture it. These are fine banjos and a pleasure to play.
[About "overall rating" below - I would choose not to respond because it just doesn't make sense to me. Reminds me of Amazon's "as expected" rating !!! But, I have to put in something to submit this. So, I did. ]
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Direct from builder
Year Purchased: 2023
Price Paid: $753.45 (delivered) ($US)
I love my Whispering Pines banjo! (No relationship, other than being a satisfied customer.) It has a wonderful sound, with a crisp attack and a nice warm resonance, and it's very responsive to the dynamics of my playing. (The videos on Maxwell's Instagram page capture the sound quite well.)
Sound Rating: 10
Setup was fine. From winter (when I got it) to summer the action dropped a bit (no surprise with a goat skin head) but there was plenty of height to spare and I haven’t had any string buzz. I haven’t made any changes.
Setup Rating: 10
I love the design, which is simple, elegant, and beautiful (a combination that is hard to pull off!) Oak pot (a little under 12”), walnut neck (cherry and maple are also available), geared tuners, and the minstrel peghead shape (other shapes also available). You can get it with wooden tuning pegs, in which case there’s no metal at all except for the tacks and the screw that supports the fifth string.
Appearance Rating: 10
The tuners are about the only “hardware” on the instrument, and they haven’t given me any trouble. I’m not sure what brand they are. The goat skin head is nice and tight, the pot, neck, and end block are simply but well finished. This isn’t a fancy instrument but it’s clearly made with skill and care.
Reliability Rating: 10
Maxwell was great about answering questions quickly and keeping in touch before and during the build, as well as after delivery. A very nice guy to deal with.
Customer Service: 10
This is a well thought-out design and everything works together harmoniously. The goat skin head is great, the wood is nice, the bridge and tuners are fine. I don’t think I would change anything.
Components Rating: 10
This probably wouldn't be your first choice for playing fancy stuff high up on the neck, and it's not for showing off elaborate inlay or art-gallery woodworking. But as a "back porch" instrument it couldn't be more fun, and I absolutely love the sound. I've been a musician for more than forty years, but this is my first time with a banjo. In the four months I've had it there haven't been many days that I haven't picked it up, and once I do I seem to just want to keep on playing. (That's probably the best thing you can say about any instrument!) Highly recommended.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Private sale
Year Purchased: 2023
Price Paid: 1250 ($US) (bought USED)
My favorite banjo I ever played was a stelling staghorn. My second favorite was my Gibson RB Deluxe. The Twanger fits right in between. I dont think the Twanger sounds better than the Gibson, it sounds about the same, but the twanger has the perfect sized neck for my hands and thus Im able to play faster and more articulate with the Twanger. I would also say the Twanger sounds as good as any of the dozen or so prewar Gibsons I played. They did a great job copying the prewar sound.
Sound Rating: 8
The snuffy smith bridge came broken. I replaced it. I didnt have to change anything else. Doesnt stay in tune for weeks like my Gibson but does stay tuned for days.
Setup Rating: 8
Finish on the outside liiks great but the rim looks sloppy. Almost like the whole rim was dipped in laquer. Lots of uneven running and dripping.
Appearance Rating: 5
The instrument is built like a tank. It should last 100 years. Certainly outlive me. Tuners are very tight and accurate...just how I like them. All very high quality woods. Clearcoat seems easily scratched.
Reliability Rating: 9
N\A
Customer Service: 10
The snuffy bridge doesnt seem any better or worse than the cheap grovers. The resonator is definitely the cheapo part of the banjo. Less wood and seems much more cheaply made than a Gibson...of course. I cant seem to get the resonator screws tight enough so i had to add washers to stop the rattling.
Components Rating: 7
This is my go to banjo for practicing and gigs. It is mainly because the neck is soo perfect to play. There honestly is very little difference in sound with most bluegrass banjos that are high quality and set up and played right. The exception is a Stelling Staghorn I played at gruhns which was almost too loud. Not sure 8f all stellings are superior in brightness as Ive only played two. But this twanger is as good as any. Better than most. But didnt blow my mind or anything existintial.
Overall Rating: 8
Where Purchased: Elderly Instruments
Year Purchased: 2023
Price Paid: 1985.00 ($US)
Overall clear, rich, balanced, chime-like timbre and long sustain.
Over the scoop sounds more bell-like. Over the head sounds more cascade-like, i.e. a fuller-range resonator banjo. I've tried high-end brands from the Northwest and Southeast regions and this is the first banjo that accurately replicates the Dobson tone of the contemporary Old Time clawhammer artists I love to listen to.
Sound Rating: 10
The neck is fast and incredibly easy to play. The 1 3/8" nut, C-shape neck, and 25.5" scale provide more leverage for barre-ing chords and less distance for moving up and down the neck. My speed and accuracy improved immediately. The smaller fret boxes improve tone accuracy also. Elderly's luthier did a great job setting up the action.
Setup Rating: 10
The understated, elegant aesthetic would be at home in a modern or traditional setting. The contrast between the black rim and headstock, natural Maple neck, and antique brass hardware is both striking and warm.
Appearance Rating: 10
Very tight, solid, maple and antique brass construction, but relatively lightweight.
Reliability Rating: 10
Sean Sewell, the Director of Operations at Rickard invited me to talk by phone about maintenance and how to get the best tone out of the banjo. How great is that?
Everyone at Elderly was helpful.
Customer Service: 10
Rickard replaced their straight bridge with an angled, fiddle-like, compensated, crescent bridge that creates warmth, eliminates dissonance between strings, and makes tuning a breeze. This compensated bridge does not reduce volume or narrow the tone range like others do. The 10:1 Cyclone tuners are as smooth as butter. The Ebony fretboard is fast and comfortable. The Dobson tone ring is the fullest and richest I've ever heard. This banjo comes with an 11" or 12" Renaissance or Fiberskyn head, which both sound equally good.
Components Rating: 10
I bought this banjo without playing it first, based on demo videos and Elderly's recommendation after I described the tone, playability, aesthetic, and affordability I was seeking. I am extremely satisfied with this purchase. I don't think I'll ever buy another banjo after this one.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Online from Pisgah Banjos
Year Purchased: 2023
Price Paid: 1662 ($US)
The banjo sounds wonderful and has the warm, rich tone I was looking for
Sound Rating: 10
Setup Rating: 10
Beautiful walnut finish and permisson fretboard
Appearance Rating: 10
Reliability Rating: 10
Very friendly and clear service during the payment and shipping process
Customer Service: 10
Components Rating: 10
Really happy with this banjo. I started playing banjo a few years ago with a used, inexpensive Gold Tone and was ready to upgrade to something more 'permanent'. This custom version of Pisgah Possum looks and sounds great and I love playing it!
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Ceres Banjo Works
Year Purchased: 2023
Price Paid: 1900 ($US)
I play some 3-finger and bluegrass, but I’m really enjoying melodic style. I went for this mahogany Twanger with a radiused fretboard with the intent to modify a little to compliment that. Details below in set-up.
Sound Rating: 10
The set-up from Ceres was great: drum set perfectly at 90, which I appreciated. The Twanger came new with GT hardware (obviously). I switched out the tuners for Rickard with brass knobs, and changed the tailpiece to a Prucha clamshell to add mass to the banjo. That worked great. Added a Nechville heavy bridge after trying several others. Also replaced the armrest with a Nechville woodie, just personal preference over nickel rests. Changed the strings to lights, came with mediums.
The banjo has an incredibly full and sweet sound.
Setup Rating: 9
The Twanger looks nice, nothing too fancy. Simple cream binding and concentric ring purfling on the resonator. I like the lacquer finish. The thin profile neck is easy to get around on. As mentioned above, I changed much of the hardware. But the pot, resonator and neck are good quality.
Appearance Rating: 9
I will definitely be using this banjo for jamming. I am not at the level of performing, yet.
*Edit* the 5th geared Gotoh tuner started to get a little wonky and slippy, so had to fix that.
Reliability Rating: 8
Ceres was very communicative, and sent the banjo promptly. Well protected and in perfect shape on arrival.
Customer Service: 10
While the radius neck is nice, the gradient seems very slight. I don’t have a way to measure, but it feels like 14” to 16” compound (if it IS compound). I prefer a more pronounced radius: 7” to 12”. I mean, if you’re gonna hop on a radiused neck, go full or go flat! But that said, it is a very comfortable neck to play on. There is no information on the Gold Tone site, and an email to them did not yield an answer.
*Edit* After playing the Twanger for a couple of weeks, I decided to upgrade to the GT Bela neck. The deeper compound radius is something I would like to add to this banjo. Will update after I get the banjo back from GT.
Components Rating: 7
Overall, with the changes I made to it, the Twanger radiused neck is a great banjo. *Will update after receiving new compound Bela neck* The tone and timbre are excellent. This is a fine mahogany 'jo. I'd read other reviews that the Twanger is great value for the price, and I agree wholeheartedly. My modifications notwithstanding, it is a fine banjo. The Twanger has been elevated to a special level with my modifications. I have a couple of Stellings (Staghorn and Red Fox), a couple of Deerings (GDL and Eagle II), and this unit is not out of place among them. That truly surprises me! I was sceptical of Gold Tone's quality, but this is a great base for putting your stamp on to get what you want out of a banjo. Recommend highly!
Overall Rating: 9
Where Purchased: Online
Year Purchased: 2023
Price Paid: 1700 ($US)
This is a very high quality beautiful instrument.
It suites both clawhammer and finger picking, for styles.
Has a rich tone with good volume,
The thin rim matched with the tone ring adds plenty of punch.
The workmanship is notable, and the wood and hardware choice makes for a very nice finish.
Sound Rating: 10
The action is set up very well,
I would recommend standard size 5/16 bridge or even lower for about an 1/8" at the 12th fret.
Setup Rating: 9
Black walnut neck with a slotted head and aged brass nickel make for a very nice looking instrument.
Appearance Rating: 10
Hardware is high quality and should last with lots of playtime.
Reliability Rating: 10
Nate is very responsive and helpful through the whole process of the build.. I haven't encountered any issue. However if there is anything wrong than I'm 100% confident that Nate will help resolve any issues.
Customer Service: 10
The tuners are exceptional.
As well as the slotted head.
Components Rating: 9
Nate is an exceptional builder, and very nice to deal with..
I would highly recommend him if you're looking any custom banjo build.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Marc Silber Music, Berkeley
Year Purchased: 2021
Price Paid: 795 ($US) (bought USED)
This is my first intermediate level banjo and sound wise it is a great improvement over my beginner banjos. The sound is rich and and projects very well. My banjo teacher has mentioned what a great sounding instrument this is. Lows and mids are crisp, however as you get higher up the neck, some of the notes become a little difficult to voice, but it can voice pretty well in that range.
Sound Rating: 8
The banjo has had an unknown number of previous owners prior to my purchase from Marc Silber. It is most likely Marc's setup on this banjo as it has been spiked for the 7-10th frets and well dressed. The tuning pegs have also been swapped out from stock ones and replaced with a set of Waverlys which are far superior to any asian-made banjo I've ever owned. The stock bridge has been swapped out for a 5/8" Huber which puts works very nicely with the setup of the neck.
Setup Rating: 10
Inlays are simple and very much reserved. They have held up well to nearly daily playing. I very much prefer the darker brown this one is finished in over the more orange-ish color that subsequent years have been released in.
This banjo is #41 of the original 100 of the 2003 re-issue so the rim and resonator were provided by Jim Cox rather than Saga made. I believe this may be one of the reasons that this banjo may outperform its regular Asian made counterparts in terms of fit and finish. The only real flaw I can find is that the flange is not a perfect fit into the resonator, however this probably can be attributed to the age and any shape changes that the resonator may naturally take on.
As to quality of plating, there's not much I really can mention as this instrument came into my possession fairly well patinaed. However, in its 20 year life span, there are no wear spots to note on the arm rest or around the hoop.
Appearance Rating: 9
Most of the hardware has been swapped out. The flange, hoop and tone ring are a very good fit and finish for this instrument as there are no visible gaps or poor fitments anywhere on this instrument. This is definitely a hard wearing banjo as it has 20 years of wear on it and the only real issue is a small crack in the finish of the resonator.
Reliability Rating: 10
I have tried to reach out to Saga directly for some possible information, however they are not very responsive.
Marc Silber is a great shop seller, however he is very much getting up in age and it is becoming more and more difficult to get ahold of him sometimes, but he still continues to run his business. I have not had the need to reach out for any repairs so far, however this may be difficult as I have no moved out of state.
Customer Service: 10
Like with all banjos I've owned, the bridge would probably be the first to go, but as someone has put in a Huber bridge, this one has provided excellent service and longevity. It would almost be unfair to compare this instrument to a stock GF-85 as this, comparatively, came to me with so little stock parts. I'd probably give this a slightly lower rating as so many parts have been swapped out, so I can only assume the stock items may be inferior. But if setup just right, this parts can make up a pretty good banjo. No complaints about the hoop, flange and hooks, etc.
Components Rating: 9
Overall, it would be an unfair comparison say this is a true representation of a Gold Star GF-85 as this is one of the 100 first reissue models. But overall it is a good banjo, quite reasonable for the price and still are if you can find one with a serial number between 030001 and 030100. It is loud and will definitely cut through a classroom of Gold Tones and the weight is definitely one that would prepare you for a professional level banjo. Just as easily this could be the last banjo you buy as the quality and workmanship is very high on these particular banjos. Sadly the GF-85 is no longer produced as Gold Star only produces an open back and the rest of the resonator lineup are all variations of the GF-100 series set at a higher price point than these. It probably would not be hard to still find a few of these floating around on the second hand market and possibly the demand would be higher for the ones with the Cox rim and resonators.
As I always seem to have a perpetual case of instrument-acquire-itus, I don't think this would be my last banjo, but I would certainly have to give serious thought if I were to ever sell or trade this one in.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Custom order from Rob Bishline
Year Purchased: 2022
Price Paid: 2950 ($US)
Mahogany makes this a different sounding banjo than the Walnut version or other Maple banjos. I'd describe the sound as sensitive and mellow with a little note separation compared to a maple banjo. It is exactly what I expected after hearing Rob Bishline's video playing this banjo.
Sound Rating: 10
Other than tightening the head which all new banjos need, everything was perfect.
Setup Rating: 10
I like satin finish banjos. The inlay work is simply beautiful. It has a wooden armrest that was cut from the same wood as the neck.
Appearance Rating: 10
Time will tell. I have no concerns.
Reliability Rating: not rated
I've spoken with Rob a few times and emailed questions. Always getting a prompt reply. I haven't had any issues.
Customer Service: 10
The standard components are high quality including Gotoh tuners. I ordered a Kershner tailpiece instead of the Presto that normally comes with a Cimarron. Also a wooden armrest.
Components Rating: 10
This is my 2nd Bishline purchase. in 2006 I bought a Salty Dog from Rob. Because of life circumstances I stopped playing banjo for a few years and sold it in 2017. I quickly regretted it when I wanted to get back into picking. I purchased a Gold Tone in 2019 and that served me well but I always wanted to order another mahogany banjo from Bishline.
I have been playing this banjo for 4 months before reviewing. There are no rattles, rings or overtones. Stays in tune and sounds beautiful.
Overall Rating: 10
