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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!
7198 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased: Gene Elkins
Year Purchased: 2004
Price Paid: 2800 ($US)
I play traditional, driving bluegrass banjo, and this banjo is perfect for it. My previous banjo (a Frank Neat) was loud, but did not have the note separation that the Prucha has. Each note is crisp, clear, and in pitch, up and down the neck. It's "clear as a bell" up the neck and has a bit of "growl" down the neck, especially on the low D string.
Sound Rating: 10
Setup is perfect. Gene had setup my previous banjo, so that there was basically no transition for me switching to this one. It's just the way it should be.
Setup Rating: 10
Though the inlays are nice, they are not as fancy as others I have played. That said, the banjo has a quiet simplicity, that is both dignified and beautiful. If you're buying for appearance, you may want to buy one of Prucha's more expensive banjos, such as the Legend.
Appearance Rating: 8
Hardware is as good as it gets. Plus, Gene installed new "Keith" tuners on it. This banjo is made to play.
Reliability Rating: 10
Haven't had to deal with customer service, but I know Prucha has a lifetime warranty on the parts.
Customer Service: 10
Prucha's tone rings are great. That's why his banjos have "the sound."
Also, the scale used on the neck is unbelievable. This banjo in tune, up and down the neck.
Components Rating: 10
I give this banjo my highest recommendation. I would only replace it with another Prucha. I sure like the Prucha Legend as well, and wouldn't mind adding that to the collection either.
Prucha is the best!
Overall Rating: 10
