Scorpion: Open back short scale

Submitted by brundecarli on 8/5/2010

Where Purchased: Directly from Silvio

Year Purchased: 2010
Price Paid: Don't Remember historic exchange rates / currency converter

Sound

Full sound. A fantastic open back banjo not only for clawhammer.
This instrument is a surprise for a banjo without tone ring.
I think that the choice of necks wood and the Tony Pass rim are the secret. Now I play bluegrass and fiddle tunes on this banjo and the
sound is perfect.

Sound Rating: 10

Setup

The setup was ok for me and the action set very well. I don't like high action and this banjo is exactly what I want.

Setup Rating: 9

Appearance

The appearance is fantastic. The neck with clear curly maple is finished with a ebony peghead and the symbol of scorpion on it.
The work is professional, no finish flaws .

Appearance Rating: 10

Reliability

This banjo is made from the finest components. No problems with reliability.

Reliability Rating: 10

Customer Service

I can't vote the customer service. Silvio Ferretti is my " light in the night" in the banjo world.

Customer Service: 10

Components

All highest quality components used, including: Tony Pass Shaeffer rim, Scorpion 5/8" bridge , Remo Renaissance head, dual co-ordinator rods, and 5-star tuners.

Components Rating: 9

Overall Comments

This banjo is special.It is the banjo for me. The work of Silvio is comparable to the most important banjo luthiers and he comes from Italy....

Overall Rating: 10

Bridges: Scorpion 5/8"

Submitted by brundecarli on 7/27/2009

Where Purchased: From Silvio Ferretti

Overall Comments

I had to change the bridge of my Recording King RK 80 and Silvio was in my town for a concert. Now I have the new Scorpion bridge on the banjo.
The sound is more rich and the notes are more separate.A very nice job.

Overall Rating: 10

Gold Tone: Banjola

Submitted by brundecarli on 7/15/2008

Where Purchased: BANJOSTORE.NET

Year Purchased: 2008
Price Paid: 533 (EURO) historic exchange rates / currency converter

Sound

The sound is very sweet and rich. The banjo sound is very different.
The sound is ok for Celtic.I play Scruggs and the banjola is nice.

Sound Rating: 9

Setup

No changes setup. Ok for play immediately.
Gold Tone OK for setup

Setup Rating: 8

Appearance

The originally appearance and the sound is that you pay.
The chineese wood is ok and looks great.
Finish wonderful and the inlays are nice.

Appearance Rating: 8

Reliability

It's light and the shape is dubble a mandolin.

Reliability Rating: 7

Customer Service

Banjostore is ok and Gold Tone setup is Ok for all.

Customer Service: 8

Components

I think that banjola is a little bit expensive.
Typical banjo tuners.Takes regular banjo strings.

Components Rating: 7

Overall Comments

Banjola is ok for a second instrument, for originally sound. It's not like a banjo.
I suggest the model with pickup, because the sound is not loud.

Overall Rating: 8