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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!
7231 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased: The BHO
Year Purchased: 2025
Price Paid: 3600 (CAD)
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This banjo suites any playing style, suites me fine for clawhammer and fingerstyle.
I found the tone to be rich and dynamic layered with perfect balance and note separation. Has a brilliant sound.
Plays very well up the neck.
Sound Rating: 10
The banjo setup was perfect with low action and Renaissance head.
I found a higher bridge and a goat hide was more to my liking.
Banjo is easy to work on.
Setup Rating: 10
This banjo is beautiful. Has a very nice dark almost red maple for the neck and pot.
It has custom inlay pearl on the fingerboard.
The hardware is all beautifully aged brass, done in a very unique way giving it an almost colored smoky look.
There is absolutely no flaws i can find.
Appearance Rating: 10
Everything is built to last in this banjo.
Built very sturdy.
I can depend on it to last my life time and beyod.
Reliability Rating: 10
Carl is a pleasure to deal with.
He was able to help me an issue I had with another banjo.
He would definitely help with any issues if they were any to arise.
Customer Service: 10
The stand out parts to me are the tone ring, hardware, bracket band.
All the hardware is high quality and has such a nice finish.
Components Rating: 10
Carl Arcand is an expert luthier, truly a master of his craft.
I'm pleased to own a banjo made by him and wouldn't hesitate to purchase another in the future.
I'm grateful and pleased to behold such a beautiful heirloom instrument.
Tyler
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Private sale
Year Purchased: 2024
Price Paid: 1265.00 ($US)
This banjo suites my playing well, as I like to play both clawhammer and fingerstyle.
I would describe the sound as semi bright and full with lots of punch when needed.
I like the set up.
Can be played lightly with the right touch, however this banjo has a lot of range and volume which can easily be increased when wanted.
Sound Rating: 9
This banjo was set up very well with the action set to about 1/8" at the 12th fret.. and a bridge height of 3/4" .
Bridge is also set up closer to the tailpice adding some punch and tone.
As well making for very nice harmonics.
I found the set up to be exceptional for
both tone and playability.
This banjo can easily be changed around with a lower bridge and different head choice.
I plan to install a goat hide and add a banjo bolster, which will enhance the tone further imo.
I'm very happy with this banjo.
Setup Rating: 10
This banjo has some very beautiful wood choices..
I particularly like the jatoba fret board and cherry neck.. very complimentary and pretty wood.
Appearance Rating: 10
The hardware is top notch, I would depend on it lasting for quite some time.
Reliability Rating: 10
Zach is absolutely the best luthier ive had the pleasure of dealing with.
He's of exceptional character and very kind, as well as very responsive to any questions or concerns.
Customer Service: 10
The comfort and playability stand out the most to me on this instrument.
The neck especially is very comfortable.
I also find the tension hoop to be well thought out as it rests almost level with the head.. making it an ideal position for playability.
I also find the Romero style armrest to be a very nice touch adding to comfort.
Components Rating: 10
I'm a very appreciative and happy new owner of a Hoyt banjo.
I've owned a few banjos from other top-tier makers, like Pisgah and Rickard.
I find Zachs better in a lot of ways. They're well thought out and beautiful.
The playability and tone are exceptional.
This one is a keeper and so will the next one made by Zach.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Online
Year Purchased: 2023
Price Paid: 1700 ($US)
This is a very high quality beautiful instrument.
It suites both clawhammer and finger picking, for styles.
Has a rich tone with good volume,
The thin rim matched with the tone ring adds plenty of punch.
The workmanship is notable, and the wood and hardware choice makes for a very nice finish.
Sound Rating: 10
The action is set up very well,
I would recommend standard size 5/16 bridge or even lower for about an 1/8" at the 12th fret.
Setup Rating: 9
Black walnut neck with a slotted head and aged brass nickel make for a very nice looking instrument.
Appearance Rating: 10
Hardware is high quality and should last with lots of playtime.
Reliability Rating: 10
Nate is very responsive and helpful through the whole process of the build.. I haven't encountered any issue. However if there is anything wrong than I'm 100% confident that Nate will help resolve any issues.
Customer Service: 10
The tuners are exceptional.
As well as the slotted head.
Components Rating: 9
Nate is an exceptional builder, and very nice to deal with..
I would highly recommend him if you're looking any custom banjo build.
Overall Rating: 10
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