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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!
7224 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased: website
It is not a bad bridge but no better than the Factory Floor bridge or Sosebee. I think the other bridges may be better but haven't tried any of the other ones.
Overall Rating: 6
Where Purchased: Monroe Music online
Year Purchased: 2009
Price Paid: 3995.00 ($US) (bought USED)
This banjo was modeled after the 1934 RB75 whick Paul Hopkins let me play and compare to mine. Results: mine sounds a little better!
It has the rich/full sound with sweet tone and volume. All aspects of this banjo is top notch down to the finish which is hand rubbed. Lifetime warranty. TKL case.
Sound Rating: 10
Paul will do whatever it takes to make you happy with your banjo if you purchase one of his. I had mine customized after buying it. He put a traditional-cut tone ring in it for me. It came with a full-flathead which was a little more powerful.
Setup Rating: 10
The back of the resonator is a beautiful quilted mahogany. The inlay resembles hearts and flowers at first but, you notice a little difference.
There were no flaws in the wood, he scans it with an ultraviolet light.
Appearance Rating: 10
All hardware is fine quality.
Reliability Rating: 10
The lifetime warranty covers all but strings, head and possibly bridge unless there was a flaw in the head or bridge which would be covered.
Customer Service: 10
The tailpiece is a Kirschner. The two rear screws are removed. Not the adjustment screw. Some may have a problem with the appearance of the two empty threaded holes. The screws are in the case however.
Components Rating: 10
This is a great banjo for the price paid. I believe it will be a collectors item one day. For a prewar-sounding banjo, it was a steal. It will have a computer chip in it in case it is stolen so, steal away!
All of his banjos of the same model sound the same with the same parts.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Gulfport, MS Southern Traditional Music
Year Purchased: 2002
Price Paid: 2500 ($US)
The banjo came with the head too tight but still sounded great. Loud, piercing, ringing tone depending on how hard you pick. I replaced the 11/16 Stelling bridge with an 11/16 Hot Spot bridge.
Sound Rating: 9
There was a slight buzz on the 4th and 5th strings at the 12th fret but, it was setup great other than that.
Setup Rating: 7
The wood is natural color black walnut with a glaze finish. It is about like a chocolate color.
Appearance Rating: 10
Very dependable. Thick flange and built well. There are no holes drilled in the tone ring. Solid brass with chrome coating.
Reliability Rating: 10
Lifetime warranty
Customer Service: 10
Comes with tools in the case of top quality.
Components Rating: 10
The sound is the best part of this banjo of course. If it were ugly and sounded good, I would still play it.
Overall Rating: 10
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