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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!

7224 reviews in the archive.

Companion Custom Banjos: Custom

Submitted by airport-security on 2/23/2025

Where Purchased: Direct from Companion

Year Purchased: 2025
Price Paid: 2800 ($US)

Sound

This is a custom designed baritone banjo, similar to the Gold Tone ML-1 "Missing Link." It sports a wood tone rim, so it's pretty light. I've been able to play it strung at low pitch (C, a fifth down from G standard), as well as standard pitch by just changing the bridge. In both configurations it's warm and ringing.

Sound Rating: 10

Setup

It was shipped, so I had to tighten the tailpiece, position the bridge, etc. Action is great, tone is accurate all down the neck. The neck shape is comfortable.

Setup Rating: 10

Appearance

This was designed to my specs with a burled walnut resonator and walnut neck, satin finish. I will say that a flat finish might be the wrong way to go with a burled wood, as it can look too grainy. That was my choice, however, and the finish is excellently done. The headstock and board have custom aspen leave inlays, which are really remarkable.

Appearance Rating: 10

Reliability

All the hardware and manufacture is top of the line. Chris makes really good instruments, and though I'm not a professional, or even a competent amateur, I have owned an Ome and a Nechville, and Chris' work is just as fine.

Reliability Rating: 10

Customer Service

Chris was nice enough to spend way too much time making sure I was happy about this banjo, from initial discussions about tone, playing style, fingering and intonation issues I have, etc, to finish, decoration. He kept me apprised throughout the build process and was really accommodating as I had to reschedule pickup/shipping several times. He's just a great guy.

Customer Service: 10

Components

All the components are top notch.

Components Rating: 10

Overall Comments

I can't recommend Companion Custom Banjos enough. I got a wonderful instrument designed to my specs for a price comparable to the high end Chinese banjos, a fair amount less than I would have paid from some of the other top American luthiers.

Overall Rating: 10