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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!
7223 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased: Goldmans Music and Pawn in Evansville,In.
Year Purchased: 2007
Price Paid: 350.00 ($US)
This is my second review of this banjo because when I played this one it had incrediable sound for the banjo that it is. I could not believe it so I bought another one.
Sound Rating: 8
There was vertualy no set up I had to do everything my self. The bridge was out of place, Head was loose, New strings, adjusted the neck a little.
Setup Rating: 2
This banjo is quite appealing. It is a clone of Gibsons Earl Scruggs Standard model right down to every inlay up and down the next plus this banjo has scroll work on the arm rest.
Appearance Rating: 8
I guess I will find how well it will stand up after a few years but for now it will be a great beater
Reliability Rating: 5
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Customer Service: 1
The banjo is very apealing to the eye plus like I said for some odd reason this banjo has some POP. The tail piece is a little shotty looking.
Components Rating: 6
I really enjoy playing this banjo, I was a little disiponited in the price I had to pay for it because you can get this banjo for right at $300.00 everyday but it has a great sound so I shelled out a little extra. Yes This in not a "Super Earl" by no means and does'nt have a so-called prewar sound but it plays well,fretts well up the next, has harmonics at the 12th and looks good.
Overall Rating: 8
Where Purchased: Ebay musical store
Year Purchased: 2006
Price Paid: 299.95 ($US)
This bajo has quite the sound alot more than what I was expecting from a Johnson. It has a brass tone ring and gives it a little extra for a beginners model.
Sound Rating: 8
This banjo had no setup when I purchased it, which I liked because I was planing on a pro setup. The bridge was out and all the strings loosened to keep from warping the neck while it came from China.
I have put a Snuffy Smith bridge on it and GHS Crowe Stage strings and tightened up everything and it has a pretty good little sound.
The rating Im giving this is because this is how I like for a banjo to be shipped to me not because the factory did a good job.
Setup Rating: 10
This banjo is easy on the eyes, It has a almost cherry look to its pot. I am impressed. I like the m.o.p inlays and the head has a sort of wreath design.
Appearance Rating: 8
I am sure this banjo will not see a good 20yrs of playing but I am sure it will get me by and campgrounds and get togethers untill christmas this year when I can get my goodin'
Reliability Rating: 6
I probaly couldnt get any service because no one can tell me who to take care of it. This banjo is suppost to have a 2yr warranty with it, I am assuming I'll have to send it to the manufactuer.
Customer Service: 1
I really cant complain about the components, what you spend is what you get. This banjo also came with a so-called gig bag which is nothing more than a gloryfied dust cover. There is no padding like they describe in the add, buy a case asap.
Components Rating: 5
Overall I would recommend this banjo for a beginner or for a travel or camp banjo. It has planatary tuners and is nice looking. It is one of Johnsons top of the line and I cannot complain about the price I paid.
Overall Rating: 8
