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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!
7199 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased: Used
Year Purchased: 2021
Price Paid: Don't Remember (bought USED)
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Everything one would hope for in a tubaphone. It cranks out the volume when needed, but can also be played soft and sweet. The pot is a bit deeper than usual, so the bass response is fantastic.
Sound Rating: 10
The previous owner added a goatskin head and a Buckeye bridge. The action was lower over the scoop than what I'm used it, but now that this banjo has become my regular go-to, I find that my accuracy has improved considerably. I sampled a light moon bridge, which sounded spectacular as well, but I returned to the Buckeye, since I'd come to enjoy the slightly darker tone it provided.
Setup Rating: 10
It is a stunning piece of functional art. The black cherry is aging beautifully (I believe the banjo was made in 2017 or 2018). The Fleur-de-lys inlay suits it very well, and looks great.
Appearance Rating: 10
This is a very solid instrument with a durable finish, and I'm not at all afraid to take it camping, for instance. I've spent about an hour a day with it since I purchased it a year and four months ago, and I have little doubt that it will outlast me by at least a century.
Reliability Rating: 10
I didn't buy this banjo directly from Carl Arcand, but I have been in contact with him a few times--his responses were consistently prompt, kindly, and helpful.
Customer Service: 10
The Rickard tone ring is amazing, and all of the parts are of the best quality. Admittedly, I would like to replace the Gotoh tuners with the new Rickard ones, but the Gotohs work fine.
Components Rating: 10
Having played (and owned) an assortment of professionally made custom banjos, I equate Carl Arcand's work with the best of them. His vast knowledge of woodworking and keen eye are clear in every detail of this banjo, which became my main player as soon as it arrived.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: From Jeff
Year Purchased: 2009
Price Paid: 695 ($US)
I don't have much experience with tackheads, but I absolutely love the sound of this banjo. I tend to be a little on the fussy side when it comes to the sound of an instrument, and this banjo sounds absolutely beautiful when tuned to D# or E. Also, the volume is surprisingly loud.
Sound Rating: 10
Jeff shipped it with the bridge down, but it was no big deal to position it, tune the banjo, and start playing. The neck fits my hand very comfortably, and my fingers easily find the notes, in spite of their inexperience in the realm of fretless banjos.
Setup Rating: 10
This banjo is a work of art. It has an oak rim and a walnut neck. The neck is a Boucher design--it has an ogee and a square peghead. The neck and rim are flawless.
Appearance Rating: 10
The banjo seems to be very sturdy. Also, the tuning pegs consistently hold their tuning. Before I purchased the banjo, I was a little anxious about dealing with friction pegs, but I have had absolutely no problems with them. I've currently had the banjo here in the dry Saskatchewan winter climate for two weeks, and have had no problems.
Reliability Rating: 10
I talked with Jeff on the phone a few times before I bought the banjo. He is very enjoyable to chat with, and is particularly conscientious about customer satisfaction. I hope to be lucky enough to be able to buy more banjos from Jeff in the future!
Customer Service: 10
I am particularly impressed with the reliability of the tuners--I can go for days without tweaking the tuning! I'm also very fond of the bone tailpiece--it perfectly complements the beautiful simplicity of the instrument.
Components Rating: 10
I am ecstatic about this banjo! I've spent a couple weeks' worth of quality time with it since I got it, and I enjoy it more and more each day. Interestingly, I went back to playing steel string banjo today, and noticed that my playing had improved after spending a few weeks playing nylgut. I also enjoyed purchasing this instrument from Jeff, who readily shares his passion for banjo-building.
Overall Rating: 10
