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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: online-Reverb
Year Purchased: 2024
Price Paid: I ain't tellin' ($US) (bought USED)
It's loud like a Stelling but not as piercing. Has a sweet tone that is suitable for various styles of playing.
Sound Rating: 10
Needed about an hour's worth of tinkering. The co-rods were loose. Head tension needed adjusting. Adjusted truss rod and neck to string height.
Setup Rating: 7
Made from curly maple, with black binding. Fretboard has abalone inlay with bat shapes. Overall, a beautiful banjo.
Appearance Rating: 10
Quality and workmanship is top-notch. This banjo is a keeper.
Reliability Rating: 10
I have not dealt directly with the company.
Customer Service: 10
Previous owner installed a Presto tailpiece which is ok by me.
Components Rating: 10
This is a well-made, beautiful banjo. I am very satisfied with it's sound and playability.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Individual
Year Purchased: 2024
Price Paid: Don't Remember (bought USED)
historic exchange rates / currency converter
Arthur has managed to capture the elusive "twang" and "growl" tonal qualities that bluegrass players are seeking. Hats off to Mr. Hatfield. I hope he continues to make banjos for many more years.
Sound Rating: 10
Had to do a little tweaking, as always with a different banjo.
Setup Rating: 8
A nice, non-flashy mahogany banjo with gull inlay.
Appearance Rating: 9
This is a 2007 model that has held up well and I think it will continue to do so. For now it will be my off-stage banjo for practice and jam sessions.
Reliability Rating: 10
I have not yet dealt with Arthur personally but those who have say he is the greatest.
Customer Service: 10
Everything looks top-notch.
Components Rating: 10
If you are looking for a banjo that spits out that bluegrass sound with plenty of volume to boot, you can't go wrong with a Hatfield.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Bishline Banjos
Year Purchased: 2017
Price Paid: 3780 ($US)
I play a mixture of bluegrass and folk and I think this banjo will prove to be very versatile in expressing various styles of music. It can be sweet and mellow or it can pound those hard driving bluegrass railroad spikes.
Sound Rating: 10
The banjo was set up perfectly by Rob Bishline. No tinkering necessary.
Setup Rating: 10
This thing is crazy awesome beautiful! Mahogany neck, quilted mahogany resonator, black powder coated tension hoop and flange contrasted by gold plated hardware, amber tuners, everything just as I specified. I can not find a single flaw in workmanship.
Appearance Rating: 10
All components seem to be top notch. Playability is super. I find myself having to sing a little louder cause this banjo wants to be heard!
Reliability Rating: 10
The folks at Bishline Banjos are great. They go above and beyond to make sure you are a happy customer. I hope Rob and company continue to make these high quality banjos for many years to come. It's what this country needs...... less fussin', more banjos.
Customer Service: 10
Everthing stands out. Unless I happen to win the lottery, this will be my final banjo purchase.
I'm sure my wife will be happy about that!
Components Rating: 10
I can't imagine there being a better built banjo on the market today for such a reasonable price. Thank you Bishline Banjos.
Overall Rating: 10
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