Banjo Reviews

Review Categories

Most Recent

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!

7163 reviews in the archive.

Backyard Music Suitcase Banjo Banjo Reviews

Submitted by belltower (see all reviews from this person) on 3/15/2015

Where Purchased: Backyard music.com

Year Purchased: 2015
Price Paid: Don't Remember historic exchange rates / currency converter

Sound

I bought this to take with me while traveling. I am a novice but enjoy picking away in the three finger style. This also has a scooped neck so frailing would be equally fun if that is your style. To me the sound is much like a regular banjo with a mute on the bridge. It is warm and pleasing. The quality is good and it is very light. It is a great balance between affordability and functionality. I like that the tuners are protected under the head. I have not owned it long enough nor am I a good enough player to give comment on everything I think this banjo could do, but it is not difficult to go from a full size banjo to this one which is about 29" long total. In the hands of a skilled player I bet this could really sing.

Sound Rating: 10

Setup

The banjo was set up well and tuned upon arrival. I ordered the optional arm rest installed and it is of proper size to compliment the banjo.

Setup Rating: 10

Appearance

This is a simple looking instrument that could be mistaken for a child's toy. The neck is smooth and oil finished. The frets are even and smooth. It plays well and in tune up the neck. The fit, finish and playability are well worth the price to me.

Appearance Rating: 10

Reliability

It seems good quality throughout. Time will tell but the other models offered all get good reviews and this seems of the same materials and quality as those.

Reliability Rating: 10

Customer Service

I emailed the company a question and I had a response in a timely fashion by a person. The shipping was fast and all was packaged well.

Customer Service: 10

Components

For me it is perfect the way it is. Tuning and string change will be different because of the set up but it does not look difficult. Size, weight, playability, and affordability are the stand out components of this instrument. I have not tried it in a piece of carry on luggage yet but I think it will fit caddy corner.

Components Rating: 10

Overall Comments

If you want a travel banjo that will not break the bank this may be your answer. The best playing banjo is the one you have with you. This is light weight and small but feels tuff enough to not be babied. It could be played just about anywhere, if others don't mind. Again, I will point out that I am a novice but this instrument is worthy of a look. Check it out on their web sight. Total price with the optional arm rest installed and shipping was around $170.00 US dollars.

www.backyardmusic.com

Overall Rating: 10