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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!

7199 reviews in the archive.

Quail Creek Banjos 12" Semi-fretless S-Quail Banjo Reviews

Submitted by TacomaKen (see all reviews from this person) on 9/27/2021

Where Purchased: Online Direct from Luthier

Year Purchased: 2021
Price Paid: 2,050 ($US)

Sound

This banjo has a 12" pot and brass tone ring, giving it a slightly deeper and mellower tone. It projects well and is pleasing to the ear. As a semi-fretless, it sings especially well in those tunes that emphasize modal tuning and minors. At the same time it can be bright and cheerful. It sounds delightful and plays like a charm.

Sound Rating: 10

Setup

This banjo was set up perfectly, which I am thankful for, since that is a weakness of mine. The strings are all in the right place and the notes ring out like they should. Playing this open back banjo over the scoop is effortless.

Setup Rating: 10

Appearance

Can I just say that Lindsay is a genuine artisan and craftsman? He is, and then some. If I didn't play banjo, I would still love this instrument just as a piece of art and find craftsmanship. I can't detect a single blemish, flaw or defect - even down to the precision in his inlay work. Amazing!

Appearance Rating: 10

Reliability

This banjo is solid and built to play. The hardware is brass and very sturdy. It feels solid. The price included a very nice and protective case.

Reliability Rating: 10

Customer Service

Lindsay's customer service is excellent and he communicated well every step of the way, including photos of the build process. Very friendly.

Customer Service: 10

Components

Everything stands out, but comes together well. The tuning pegs are smooth, the brass is attractive, but most of all the woodwork is exquisite.

Components Rating: 10

Overall Comments

This is a custom built 12", 25.5 inch scale semi-fretless banjo. A quail inlay on the peg head, semi-fretless with brass plate to the seventh fret, Texas star on the S-scoop. Half moon bridge, antiqued brass hardware, rolled brass tone ring, fine wood pot and neck, dark wood cap on pot, and goat skin head.

Everything from my first inquiry, to receiving pictures during the build process, to seeing a video of the completed banjo, to Lindsay's checking in to see if it was received OK after shipment was on point.

It is impossible to find words to describe how great this banjo looks and how nice it sounds. I would not hesitate for a moment to work with Lindsay again. If you are considering one of his banjos, I highly recommend them.

Overall Rating: 10