Huber: Kalamazoo

Submitted by crowestyle on 9/18/2006

Where Purchased: Huber

Year Purchased: 2006
Price Paid: 3700 ($US)

Sound

While it's very hard to describe a sound, this banjo has a very bright tone. Clear, crisp notes with no "muddy" spots. Contrary to what some people say, it doesn't sound as good as a 70 year old banjo, but it does sound VERY good. This is the third professional quality banjo I have owned since I started playing 11 years ago, and is the best one.

Sound Rating: 9

Setup

Everything was set up very well. Railroad spikes installed at the 7th and 9th, but it would be great to have one at the 8th too.

Setup Rating: 9

Appearance

Elegant, yet simple. Gaudy banjos aren't my thing, and this one fully lived up to my expectations. No flaws at all. I ordered it with the speed neck option and I love it.

Appearance Rating: 10

Reliability

Everything looks and feels great.

Reliability Rating: 10

Customer Service

The customer service was good and bad. I recieved the banjo 5 months after ordering, which from what I've heard is pretty good. The wait for most people I've talked to is 6-8 months. Now the bad part. I ordered the banjo with a flat fingerboard instead of the radiused. Well, it was made with a radiused fingerboard. It actually worked out well, because I love the radiused fingerboard now, but in some ways I wish they would have listened. I tried to e-mail them, took 2 weeks to get a response. I also ordered a strap with it, (I reminded them several times), but they didn't send it with the banjo.

Customer Service: 6

Components

Everything is great, but I will probably be upgrading the tailpiece with a Fults.

Components Rating: 9

Overall Comments

These are great banjos, and I wouldn't trade mine for anything. It sounds great and it defenitely will hold it's value. To anyone considering buying a Huber I have some advice. First, be prepared to wait. I've heard horror stories of people waiting 8-10 months. Second, be clear about what you want and remind them if you make a special request. Last, try one out before you order one. The fretboard isn't as wide as most other banjos, and you might not like it. While I love this banjo and everything turned out great, I can't give it a 9 or 10 because of the mixups with customer service.

Overall Rating: 8