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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!
7209 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased: Stelling as a custom lefty
Year Purchased: 2020
Price Paid: ~5k altogether ($US)
It's amazing, loud, crisp, everything you'd expect from a Stelling maple. I don't give 10s for anything but this banjo is the one I will judge all others against when it comes to craftsmanship. Besides, everything getting all 10s all the time tells you nothing. It's the same Stelling reno played and I'm sure he could make it a 10.
Sound Rating: 9
Great, sounds perfect right out of the case even though it is a lefty and i know they couldnt break it in.
Setup Rating: 9
This is a 10. Everything about it is a work of art. far exceeded my expectations. I wanted a big golden sunburst on the resonator and they delivered.
Appearance Rating: 10
I haven't had it that long so it is hard to tell. Looks like top quality gear and so far so good but it's only been a month.
Reliability Rating: 9
Good. I had to have this made as a custom because i am a lefty and though it cost 10% more they gave me exactly what i asked for. I wanted my Golden Cross to be golden, not just brown with a sunburst and it sure is golden. They forgot to send me my customized truss rod cover with the banjo but one email and it was here in a couple days. It took about 2 months longer than estimated to get the banjo but that is within the range of what you might expect. Murphy Henry brokered this deal for me and got me a nice discount for being a longtime student and she gets a 10 for her communication and efforts to get everything perfect.
Customer Service: 9
It's a Stelling so its all the best stuff right? Everything is exceptional.
Components Rating: 9
Stellings, especially left handed custom Stellings are fairly, almost ridiculously expensive. I got a discount as a Murphy Method student which is a great way to go if you are unable to find a used one (lefty) and have to have one made but i was still over twice as much as my 2004 Hatfield. Still, if you want a lifetime banjo you can't possibly outgrow or get over what a piece of art it is, get one and you won't be disappointed. I have banjos all over the house sitting on stands and hanging on the walls but this Stelling Golden Cross stays in the case until it is time to play. It is definitely a prized possession.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: BHO
Year Purchased: 2020
Price Paid: 1300 ($US) (bought USED)
its a great sounding banjo with a dobson tone ring that makes it sound like a horse galloping when i play in the scoop.
Sound Rating: 8
i bought it used but it still was set up well. strings are high which makes playing easy and gives a plunky sound
Setup Rating: 8
simple but beautiful. a few minor imperfections in the rim but only cosmetic. it looks like a great player banjo. it's not in the same league as a romero or stelling but i dont see how you could compare these against those price points. dont take my rating as dissatisfaction, it can't be a 10 when some of the high end banjos out there cost 4x as much for their craftsmanship. it doesnt look like a Romero but there isnt a 5 year wait and 5k price tag on it either.
Appearance Rating: 8
ive had it a couple months and havent done anything to it. it stays in tune is is rock solid. its a daily player workhorse.
Reliability Rating: 8
i bought it used but have a different Pisgah and they are great to deal with. gave me exactly what i wanted even though i changed my mind on a few components halfway through. I've not had a problem with either Pisgah i own so cant speak to warranty work but i expect they would be on point
Customer Service: 9
parts all seem solid nothing loose or poor quality. i assume it is all the standard stuff. all local woods are great and beautiful.
Components Rating: 8
If you are looking to upgrade your starter frailer and want a solid workhorse without the frills and extra money get a Pisgah. For less than 2k you can get a very well made openback banjo with tons of customizable features and great craftsmanship. They dont have fancy inlays or bindings but they are very well made and looks and sound great. you can get them with any combination of woods/tone rings/head shapes/fretboard material/ rims you want and you wont be disappointed. An 8 is a great banjo, perhaps not quite a work of art as some but it isn't meant or priced to be. Simple elegance. I personally disregard reviews with all 10s, nothing is all 10s.
Overall Rating: 8
