DVD-quality lessons (including tabs/sheet music) available for immediate viewing on any device.
Take your playing to the next level with the help of a local or online banjo teacher.
Weekly newsletter includes free lessons, favorite member content, banjo news and more.
Premier Sponsors
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.
Where Purchased: Arthur direct
Year Purchased: 2020
Price Paid: 3200 ($US)
5-string traditional bluegrass is what I play along with a little melodic and the Aurora suits that great. Very dynamic and sensitive instrument here meaning the sound instantly changes with the smallest picking or hand position movement. On the bridge and straight on it produces a fantastic, chiming, clear, somewhat dry sound 1-5 and all the way up. Off the bridge it immediately softens up and gives a little more sustain. I have little doubt that Earl is playing a Hatfield banjo in heaven.
Sound Rating: 10
Under these pandemic conditions I did opt to have it shipped to me. Of course the strings were loose a bit but after tuning it up everything was spot on and the action was actually lower with no buzzing than I’ve ever played. I did make some changes and as far as setup goes I changed the Presto tailpiece to a Prucha 2-hump clamshell, reason being I do play some melodic and the clamshell is easier to adjust back and forth.
Setup Rating: 10
Really stunning the finish work on this instrument. The hardware and the lacquer are beautiful. I asked Arthur to use black binding instead of white and the result to my eyes is even more than I expected. I wasn’t sure I would love the color of the rosewood fingerboard but it suits the whole package perfectly. There is the slightest finish flaw on the edge of the peghead, not as smooth as glass in the deepest of the cuts but not in anyway am I worried about it.
Appearance Rating: 9
Of course all the hardware is professional quality and the finish on it is exceptionally beautiful. The Gohto tuners are smooth and everything is just great.
Reliability Rating: 10
Arthur and Beverly are the entire package at Hatfield banjos and very easy to talk to. I’m confident they would make it right if something ever went wrong.
Customer Service: 10
This is a professional instrument and all the components reflect that. Nothing else to say about it.
Components Rating: 10
The Hatfield Aurora is a beautiful instrument and where it matters, the sound, it really comes through.
I did make some changes for the reasons below;
as stated, the tailpiece from a presto to a clamshell for quicker/easier adjustment.
The bridge, from Hatfield comp bridge to a snuffy peg top because I need to use a mute often and the curve would prevent that. Interestingly, no intonation changes between the two.
Arthurs' standard strings are a medium I believe and first string change I went to my favorites 5-Star lights. This was the only sound changing thing I changed, of course personal preference here these very light strings give a thinner, dryer, sound and are easier to manipulate (which may hinder some players). This is really an exquisite instrument and I count myself very fortunate to have one.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Hatfield Banjos
Year Purchased: 2013
Price Paid: Don't Remember
historic exchange rates / currency converter
This is a bluegrass banjo player's dream. It's a little brighter than some mahogany banjos, because of the Ebbe tone ring. It is a very responsive banjo, that you don't have to pick hard to get a full loud sound. I love the tone. There is a presence in this banjo that is unmistakable. I've had it a month, and I'm sure it will just keep getting better.
Sound Rating: 10
Setup, action were perfect, right out of the shipping box. What else would you expect, from Arthur? I've made no changes, except to tighten the head a little after about 3 weeks.
Setup Rating: 10
This is a beautiful banjo. The mahogany neck has a rich brown stain, and the grain is very visible. The wreath inlays are abalone, I believe, and they are beautiful. The quilted maple resonator is also very nice. All the hardware is bright, shiny, and flawless. The big surprise is the Brazilian rosewood fingerboard. The grain and color of the rosewood is astounding, and complimented wonderfully by the inlays.
Appearance Rating: 10
All top quality metal hardware. I don't expect any problems. The wood finish is excellent. There are no places where you can feel any imperfections, or high spots. The finish appears perfect, and I don't anticipate any lack of reliability.
Reliability Rating: 10
No repairs. Arthur and Beverly are wonderful people, and they were a a joy to deal with. I've known them a few years, and they are always friendly, helpful, and never try to push a sale, or expensive upgrade.
Customer Service: 10
I have seen nothing that I think needs to be upgraded. May try out different bridges, at some point. The Gotoh tuners are as smooth as butter, and I love the cream colored buttons.
Components Rating: 10
I started out, in my communication with Arthur, wanting a custom banjo. As time went on, I could not get over the Aurora. This banjo is exactly what I wanted, and I'm thrilled with it. There are no shortcomings. I could have paid more, but I don't think I could have ever gotten any more banjo. There is a presence to the tone of this banjo that I have not heard in another new banjo. I certainly haven't tried them all, but this is my banjo.
Overall Rating: 10
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Copyright 2023 Banjo Hangout. All Rights Reserved.
Newest Posts
