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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!
7209 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased: Morgan Music
Year Purchased: 2020
Price Paid: Don't Remember
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For a wood tone rim/ring banjo, this banjo blew my mind. I have owned 2 Hartford banjos and the Danny Barnes has to my ear a richer sound and can get plenty loud with proper technique. It is somewhat warm but surprisingly clear at the same time. For those who cross over to Roots and Newgrass, you will love the different sounds and volumes you can get out of this instrument. Truly amazing! Oh yes, you can also plug it in and rock the house!
Sound Rating: 10
Setup was perfect out of the box, I lower the tailpiece a bit to try to max the volume. The rest was perfect for what I like.
Setup Rating: 10
The photos on the Bishline website do not lie. The wood trim and the quilted Mahogany are truly beautiful. This is a very attractive banjo and I like the black powder coat a modern accent. Very cool looking banjo.
Appearance Rating: 10
This banjo looks bomber and all the parts are 1st class.
Reliability Rating: 10
Both Morgan Music and Rob Bishline (who did not even sell me the banjo) are fantastic to deal and talk to. Morgan Music is a great shop, and Rob is so helpful to people.
Customer Service: 10
Tuners, tailpiece, black powdercoat flange, ring are all winning parts. The pick up is quality as well.
Components Rating: 10
I have owned too many banjos from top builders, and this Danny Barnes banjo is unique sounding in a good Bluegrass & Roots way and is the easiest banjo I have ever played. I absolutely love the feel of this neck, just fits me perfectly. It feels like the next generation of design and quality. I strongly recommend this banjo. For those who play amplified, this is your axe!! Don't be scared by the wood rim/ring, this banjo is plenty loud and gutsy for playing Bluegrass. It is also a light banjo and I would strongly recommend it over other woody resonator banjos I have owned. Oh, I almost forgot, it is a better banjo for a $1500 less than anything in the same quality ballpark!
Overall Rating: 10
