Doc's Banjos: 12 inch fretted

Submitted by matchcovers on 4/9/2007

Where Purchased: Direct

Year Purchased: 2007
Price Paid: 2250 ($US)

Sound

Doc's banjos are the quintessential instrument for clawhammer players, as he's thought of everything to incorporate into each instrument he lovingly makes. I read most of the hype and frankly, I wasn't impressed - until I played No. 81 and wanted to marry it. Ease of playing, sweet sound, good looks, strong construction. My next banjo will be from Pat Huff, no doubt.

Sound Rating: not rated

Setup

Doc spends time setting up each banjo he ships and No. 81 was no exception. It is as if I were in his studio/shop and he measured me for a fitting.

Setup Rating: 10

Appearance

The secret to Doc's success is partially the woods he uses for tone and strength, but the sound wants to flow out in even measured sequences as if it were lining up with the well-chosen grain. All Doc's metal is coordinated and visually becomes part of the overall look of the instrument within a few viewings. I still get a thrill every time I open the plush-lined case. There is little frill or fluff in Doc's creations - mostly good, solid looks and excellent tone.

Appearance Rating: 10

Reliability

Hardware can't be topped. All Doc's expense is in construction, the spartan quality of the woods and the harmony among the various pieces (pot, neck, bridge, nut, etc.). I would be proud to use No. 81 on any gig I got.

Reliability Rating: not rated

Customer Service

Doc's insists on meeting his customers, either on the phone or in person before he sells them a banjo. It is as if he needs to get a feeling for the customer's likes and preferences, further tailoring them into the essence of the banjo. As a relative beginner, it was easy for him to choose a banjo for me - my needs were easy to accommodate.

Customer Service: 10

Components

There is nothing weak or cheap about Doc's banjos. As a big company once said - the quality goes in before the name goes on. You've just got to play one to know what I mean.

Components Rating: 10

Overall Comments

There is little comparison between one of Doc's banjos and what some other non-commercial makers are putting out on the market today. Larger companies spend your money in frill, fluff and advertising - someone's got to pay for it! Not with Doc's banjos. They are ALL banjo, so how can you compare price. I insured No. 81 immediately and know that if it were ever stolen, the thief could go to heaven knowing he's stolen the best there is. I plan on a second Doc's banjo in 2008 and maybe another in 2009.

Overall Rating: 10