DVD-quality lessons (including tabs/sheet music) available for immediate viewing on any device.
Take your playing to the next level with the help of a local or online banjo teacher.
Weekly newsletter includes free lessons, favorite member content, banjo news and more.
Premier Sponsors
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!
7234 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased: First Quality Music
Year Purchased: 2007
Price Paid: 2999 ($US)
This banjo has a crisp and LOUD bluegrass sound to it. I'd heard and had a chance to touch several banjos -- including those that were supposed to be "as good as a Gibson" but this banjo tops them all. Once I put a real bridge on it and played it a bit, it just got better sounding. I still have yet to hear another banjo that I think sounds better.
Sound Rating: 10
I love the higher action setup by FQMS. I changed the bridge (see below) and have made no other changes.
Setup Rating: 10
Not everyone likes bowties but I think they're pretty cool. Banjo fit and finish is beautiful, makes you want to play it every chance you get.
Appearance Rating: 9
You can see and feel the quality of this instrument. I'll never be able to play up to its capabilities.
Reliability Rating: 10
First Quality can count on my loyal business. Jim Ball had several conversations with me about the banjo and made sure I was happy.
Customer Service: 10
The head is a nice Remo and I like the strings. My only criticism is to Gibson for putting a $5 bridge on this fine instrument. A $20 Snuffy Smith woke it up. The bridge that came on it make it sound like it was wrapped in towels. I'm editing this review due to having had the banjo for awhile now and it sounds better every week ... now using a Kat Eyz bridge.
Components Rating: 8
This was really more banjo than I could afford, but I do not regret the purchase at all. It has made me want to play more and is very easy to play and satisfying when you get something right. I'd buy it again, and at that price is a pretty cheap Gibson. It blows away everything I've ever had a chance to play. If it was stolen I'd cry and use the insurance to get another Gibson as close to it as I can find.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Banjohut
Year Purchased: 2006
Price Paid: 1050 ($US)
The sound out of the box wasn't bad, but when I put a 5-star head and a Sullivan Old Factory Floor bridge on it ... BAM! It became a firecracker.
Sound Rating: 8
The banjo was setup fine, but I had my teacher do the above modifications which changed it more to my liking.
Setup Rating: 7
There are no finish flaws and it feels substantial in the hands, but some of the binding looks plastic-ee.
Appearance Rating: 7
All parts seem to be of good quality. I am not a professional by any means, but I have heard many banjos that don't sound as good as this one.
Reliability Rating: 9
Paul at the banjohut is great. I would buy from him again in a minute.
Customer Service: 10
Tone ring is strong, the bridge is awful ... I make that statement by the sheer fact of how it perked right up with a good one.
Components Rating: 8
For the money, this is probably the best banjo on the market. Money considerations aside, it seems to be a great instrument, period. I would feel comfortable recommending it to anyone. For me, going from a cheapie to this banjo only made me want to play more.
Overall Rating: 9
Where Purchased: banjohut.com
Year Purchased: 2006
Price Paid: 279 ($US)
it has a nice sound for an inexpensive beginner banjo. Even my banjo teacher, with 30 years experience, said, "this is a nice banjo."
Sound Rating: 7
i think it was setup pretty well. even though ups is rough, it came in fine shape, also.
Setup Rating: 8
the banjo is beautiful. no flaws, lots of lustre lacquer, when i take it out for family and friends it usually gets "wow, that's nice."
Appearance Rating: 8
i don't think it will have any durability problems
Reliability Rating: 7
i called and talked to the owner himself. very helpful. banjo came fast, and i would not hesitate to recommend this place.
Customer Service: 10
this is a beginner banjo and i am most definitely a beginner. i don't think i'd spend a whole lot to upgrade it, because i consider it an excellent starter. i am sure if i ever get better i'll want to put my money in something higher end, but enjoying this banjo, hoping i can pass it on to my kids when they're ready to play.
Components Rating: 8
what a great deal. $279 got me my first banjo, a strap, a tuner, a carrying case and a fantastic janet davis book and CD, as well as picks. i highly recommend it for beginners.
Overall Rating: 8