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!
7209 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased: From Arthur Hatfield
Year Purchased: 2023
Price Paid: 3100 ($US)
I purchased this banjo sight unseen. Based on all the great things people say on here about Hatfield banjos, and the small handful of videos I have seen of Hatfields and Arthur working in his shop.
All these great things people say about Hatfield Banjos are true.
I am a new player and this was my first “upgrade” banjo from a Gold Tone CC-100R. The Hatfield absolutely blew my mind. The lows growl and the highs chime and when I lay into it, it responds accordingly. It has that “twang” and sweetness to its sound that is exactly what attracted me to the banjo in the first place.
There is also something special about that banjo that I cannot describe. I have since played a few big name banjos with big price tags on them, and though they were really nice banjos with amazing sound, they didn’t have “That Thing” that my Hatfield has. I feel very lucky to own that instrument every time I pick it up.
Sound Rating: 10
I haven’t had to change or adjust a thing. After over a month of hard playing and a road trip, even the head tension is still exactly where it was the day I unpacked it
Setup Rating: 10
It’s beautiful. The burl walnut is hard to take your eyes off of. And the finish work is like glass. It even smells great
Appearance Rating: 10
One of the things that attracted me to Hatfields was a video online of Arthur in his shop and seeing that it’s just him building these banjos by himself. The knowledge and love he has for his craft. The attention to detail and the fact that he is 100% focused on building that banjo, I have no doubt that every detail of this banjo was built with meticulous care and well over 30 years of banjo building experience behind it. And every part he put on this banjo has that knowledge and experience behind it.
It feels like a tank too. I haven’t played it at a professional gig, because I’m not there yet. But I did take it on a 1,000 mile road trip. From sea level to well over a mile up in the mountains and it played perfectly everywhere I went.
Reliability Rating: 10
Mr. Hatfield is a gentleman and a pleasure to talk to on the phone. My only regret was not going and meeting him in person. But I will be purchasing a Feud banjo from him in a few months when he completes it. When he does, I plan to make the long journey out there to pick it up in person this time.
Great guy!
Customer Service: 10
The whole banjo is the standout part. I wouldn’t change a thing about it. In fact I am buying a few sets of Arthur’s custom string sets from him because I don’t even want different strings on it!
Components Rating: 10
My Hatfield Banjo is a Hoss. You don't see them for sale too often for a reason.
If you have one, you know. If not, I would highly recommend getting your hands on one quick.
Also, the experience of buying one from Mr. Hatfield is a pleasure all its own
Overall Rating: 10
