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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!
7210 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased: Acoustic Vibes
Year Purchased: 2011
Price Paid: 2300 ($US) (bought USED)
The sound is very loud and quite bright. In short, quite bluegrassy. There is a good range of tone though, depending on how close to the bridge you're picking. The loudness is quite something when you're playing all out with picks. Very nice tone all the way up the neck.
Edit: I have recently noticed that there is a bit of a sympathetic buzz on the 5th fret when the third is picked open in the direction of the 5th string. I believe it's buzzing against one of the frets very slightly. I'm going to add a 5th string nut to elevate the string very slightly to avoid this. The end impact on the sound is pretty minimal, but gives it slightly more of a metallic "crash."
Edit Edit: After having a 5th string nut installed, the buzz went away. Sounds perfect now.
Sound Rating: 9
The playability of this instrument is incredible. The action is quite low, but the responsiveness is amazing. I think the phrase I used to describe this instrument was "it's like playing a cannon made out of cloud." Another good analogy was that going from my old Epiphone MB250 to the Midnight Moon was like going from a Ford Focus to a Ferrari. You have to get used to the improved responsiveness, but once you do, it's amazing.
I haven't touched the setup at all from the time I bought it.
Setup Rating: 10
It's probably the prettiest banjo I've come across. The resonator and neck are both maple that has been stained a very dark blue/black. The resonator has a moon and stars inlay, and the neck has very small and tasteful star inlays. The headstock is a really pretty two-tone marquetry. I was going to get one of Bishline's Heirloom models, but I was too taken by the appearance. It's really stunning.
Appearance Rating: 10
As far as I can tell, it seems very solid. I bought it used, and other than a tiny spot of tarnish here and there on the pot, it seems really top notch.
Reliability Rating: 9
I didn't buy this directly from the manufacturer, but I was in touch with Rob Bishline when I was doing my initial shopping. He was very kind and responsive to all my questions and concerns.
Customer Service: 10
As far as I can tell, everything is top notch. I'm not an expert though. I just know how it feels, and it feels very solid to me.
Components Rating: 9
I'm mainly basing my review on the playability, tone, and appearance of the instrument. I would give it an A+ in all of those categories, particularly the playability. It's really just remarkably responsive and fun to play, and it looks great hanging on my wall too! It's my main banjo and a great piece of art.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Bishline Banjos,Tulsa
Year Purchased: 2009
Price Paid: 3000.00 ($US)
This banjo has a Kulesh Big Ten tone ring, after I got the head adjusted and the instrument set up it was amazing .Great tone all around the neck.
Sound Rating: 10
Everything was set up exactly the way I asked Rob to do it. After shipping there was a few things loose but that is to be epected . I had no problem getting it set the way I wanted it.
Setup Rating: 10
BEAUTIFUL, awsome attention to detail .Great appearance.
Appearance Rating: 10
I've only had it a couple days but I think it will be dependable. Stays in tune real well.
Reliability Rating: 10
Rob is very easy to deal with and will answer any question ,no problem. He really knows what he is doing. Builds a great banjo. Rob will build you the exact banjo you want,bridge heigth,color, tone ring, action heigth. Everything, I am 100% satisfied
Customer Service: 10
Great parts. You can have the instrument built with any parts or tone ring. I chose the Kulesh Big 10 and it was the right choice for me. Very powewrful tone ring.
Components Rating: 10
You can't go wrong with this banjo. Great Instrument, Great Wood,Great Banjo.
Overall Rating: 10
