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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!
7209 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased: Morgan Music
Year Purchased: 2024
Price Paid: 4200. ($US)
I am a new player, just learning actually, I wanted a new banjo and saw this one on Reverb. Not knowing anything about banjo makers etc... I bought this one because it was an archtop. WOW the clarity and quality of sound are amazing. Did I luck out! I've heard Gibsons played on you tube and this Hopkins banjo is on par. It is a by far a better sounding banjo than I deserve. Hopefully someday I'll be worthy of it.
Sound Rating: 10
Morgan Music set it up for me before shipping.
Setup Rating: 10
It's so beautiful. The plating shines and the inlay shine changes colors as the light travels across it. I think the inlay is called a Star pattern. It's gorgeous, especially on the ebony fret board.
Appearance Rating: 10
Banjo is heavy compared to my others, and seems extremely well made. I'm not good enough to play gigs, etc... But if I were.... I certainly would use it.
Reliability Rating: 10
The resonator had a small issue, I talked to both Paul and David. David tried to repair it, But ended up sending me a new resonator. Both were quite nice, and a joy to deal with.
They seem like the kind of people you wish were your friends or neighbors.
Customer Service: 10
Don't see any weak or cheap parts.
Components Rating: 10
Not knowing much about banjos and their makers, I consider myself so lucky to have bought a Hopkins Banjo. I love this banjo so much I am hoping to buy another one from them, a flat top. Then I'll have all the banjos I'll ever need. I'd also like to add, that for some reason I'm a better player when I play it. Not because it sounds so great, but it seems like I make less mistakes. It's as if my fingers glide along smoother, hammer on easier, and pull off easier. (pull offs still difficult for me though, just easier) At 60 plus years of age I've never spent this much money on myself at any given time. It is so worth the price.
Overall Rating: 10
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