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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!
7228 reviews in the archive.
I took my banjo to Jim Tordoff, owner of The Podium here in Minneapolis for some spikes. Jim did great work, then suggested a number of minor tweeks that improved the tone of my banjo. He does great work, loves the banjo, and wants you to enjoy yours. I highly recommend him for tuneups and adjustments.
Overall Rating: 10
Blackbird Music on Cedar Ave in Minneapolis is a nice neighborhood music store. I'm taking Round Peak style lessons from Rob Daves at the store and attending their Adult beginner's jams.
Neal, who runs the jam, does a nice job. It is a perfect starting point, with lots of advice and freedom to experiment. Each week we get a good mix of fiddles, guitars, maybe a banjo, maybe a mando. Neal makes it possible to start into the jam without a lot of investment; he loaned me books, capos, etc.
They have a decent selection of entry level banjos, and I'd expect to see some higher level banjo's as time goes on.
Great place for lessons, jams, and instruments.
Overall Rating: 7
I purchased a guitar from Greg Boyd's and was very impressed. I've not ordered banjos or parts, but I would expect the same high level of service.
They had a guitar that was exactly what I wanted (the guitar was an anniversary gift for my wife). On the phone, I spoke with Chad who was very helpful. He accurately described the guitar (a used Gallagher Grand Concert) . I requested, and they obliged with, a change of strings (they had mediums, my wife prefers lights). We had a discussion on the phone about action, and Chad offered to lower action afterward for free if it felt too high (shippings costs would apply, of course). Chad was able to talk scale lengths, action, 12 frets to the body, and how it all fits for a women's smaller hands; very helpful.
My biggest concern was weather; the guitar shipped from Montana to Minnesota during an April cold spell. I followed his advice, and endured the torture of letting the guitar sit in my house for 24 hours before opening. I had the guitar shipped to a local Fed-Ex shipping office so it would arrive and sit inside an office convenient for pick up.
They were flexible with payment options.
I was apprehensive about spending this kind of money on a guitar I'd not seen, but the customer service won me over and to good effect. I have been in some guitar shops that convey the notion we "should" all drop a few grand on every instrument; I got none of that from Greg Boyd's. I would gladly order from them again, and highly recommend them.
My wife loves the guitar, and plays it every day.
Overall Rating: 10
I purchased a banjo from Dan Pennington this weekend. Dan made the pot from Cherry and used a neck he'd received on trade.
I live in the Twin Cities, and so was able to visit Dan's shop, talk through issues face to face, and take delivery in person.
Dan was very straightforward and good to work with. He gave clear forthright answers for the price differentials between banjos offered.
His prices are fair.
The pot is beautiful and strong. The neck, though a budget model, was beautiful. i was not looking for bling, and got more than expected.
Hardware is top rate; nice tuners, clamshell tailpiece, wooden dowel stick, Deering Head.
The banjo is responsive and clear. Tunes up nicely.
Overall Rating: 9