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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!
7199 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased: bho classifieds
Year Purchased: 2019
Price Paid: Don't Remember
historic exchange rates / currency converter
very loud with rich full voice with Aquilla nylon strings
Sound Rating: 10
set up was spot on ...changed to a Stringbean45 bridge for my nylon strings...action need no changes
Setup Rating: 10
oiled finish is beautiful...don't care for bling...banjo has none
Appearance Rating: 10
top notch components, some made by Zach and some sourced...I think Gotohs are the best
Reliability Rating: 10
very responsive and friendly...banjo got across the country almost overnight
Customer Service: 10
no shortcomings at all...period!
Components Rating: 10
really nice, well made, professional quality, performance grade banjo...way more banjo than I need but I'll sure take it...
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Shubb
this is the best capo I have ever found for my long neck Vega/Martin banjo. It has rubber bumpers on the sides for protection. the adjustability is second to none.
I get a clear note from each string without any volume loss. Mine is a flat fret board but they make one for a radius also.
expensive but worth it...so I bought a spare
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: BHO CLASSIFIEDS
Year Purchased: 2017
Price Paid: Don't Remember (bought USED)
historic exchange rates / currency converter
great one for a folk style banjo...not overly bright...has a metal tone ring
Sound Rating: 8
set up ok when I got it...made changes for nylon strings...raised action
very easy to make adjustments...changed t/p to a Kirschner...added geared pegs all around
Setup Rating: 8
50+ year old banjo looked great...beautiful neck and pot...nickel in excellent condition...neck is very thick...I mean Louisville Slugger thick
Appearance Rating: not rated
it's lasted 50 years, so far
I'd gig it without back-up
Reliability Rating: 10
unable to rate
Customer Service: 5
no truss rod on neck but it is straight and stable...did I mention thick?
rim is little on the flinsy side but ok...banjo has a metal tone ring...good but obsolete pegs and tail piece
Components Rating: 9
I'm happy I bought it..a very nice, vintage banjo, needing only some tlc to be a front-line instrument for folkie type music. A good banjo to add to a folk singers collection.
I would recommend this banjo to anyone in this condition. banjo has a 3 piece neck and this must be solid. some care should be give to a close exam when considering one.
my comments on tone and volume are based upon the use of nylon (harp) strings.
Overall Rating: 9
Where Purchased: South Mountain Woodworks
this stand is a work of art. It is furniture grade craftsmanship...spendy for a stand but if your banjo is worth it to you...
the stand comes in your choice of wood, has a magnetic locking clip that is easy to use and is very stable. It takes about 2 weeks to get it made to your specifications and is well worth it.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: LaVonne Music
Year Purchased: 2017
Price Paid: 1900 ($US) (bought USED)
huge, bright sound...banjo likes a tight head with some down-force from tailpiece
Sound Rating: 10
banjo was very easy to set up...serial # indicated Martin made from Vega parts...changed to a Kirschner t/p and added nylon(harp) strings and an all maple 3/4" bridge
the volume is astounding...
Setup Rating: 10
mine was built in 1971 and it looks like it was built yesterday. the dark finish on what looks like a mahogany neck, is beautiful...all nickel is original and has held up like it is a week old
Appearance Rating: 10
yet to gig with it but I know it will be reliable
Reliability Rating: 10
Customer Service: not rated
only changed the tailpiece because of preference...all components are top-notch
Components Rating: 10
best banjo I have ever had
long neck values are really soft right now...I can't believe I got it for sub 2k
stuck it in an American Vintage case and rounded up a CF Martin case badge...they can bury me with this one
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Blue Star Music
This was very easy to install. It is compact enough that my strap still fits inside the pot when in the case.
The volume without a pre amp is quite loud with a true sounding (to me) tone. I added a belt clip dual pre amp to the set-up and plug in, both banjo and 12 string string. the pre-amp allows adjustments to fit the room.
Unplugged, sitting around a campfire, I hear no volume loss with it.
It is installed in a Deering Vega Little Wonder long neck banjo strung with nylon (harp) strings
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: bho classifieds
ordered 3 x from Don...years apart. Always perfect. bridges shipped fast...identical size and highest quality...perfect for my nylon strings...I would buy again in a heartbeat.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Intermountain Guitar and Banjo
Year Purchased: 2014
Price Paid: Don't Remember (bought USED)
historic exchange rates / currency converter
review is based on set up with fishing line strings...this banjo is nice and bright...louder than my Vega Little Wonder long neck which has no metal tone ring. It is very good for a "folky", Seeger style.
Sound Rating: 9
50 year old banjo set up very easy. truss rod was fully functional and requies very small adjustments. neck was made solid to the pot with rod adjustments...neck set was good.
with my strings, the banjo likes a very tight white frosted head and some downforce on the t/p
Setup Rating: 9
the finish was checked along the entire banjo. I used 000 steel wool on the neck and pot. the finish is now very attractive and the checking is almost invisible. the mahogany neck is some of the nicest wood I have seen...It has a slightly heavy, slightly "v" shape feel which is very comfortable
Appearance Rating: 7
the original hooks and nuts were marginal and I replaced them with new USA made stuff. the rim is in excellent condition for it's age and has no corrosion. banjo seems rock solid now
Reliability Rating: not rated
Leo, at Intermountain is great to deal with...ships fast
Customer Service: 10
the Elton planets (5) were okay but I prefer a guitar type of peg so I replaced them, keeping the Elton 5th peg for now. the tailpiece was in excellent condition as well but unusable with the nylon strings so I installed a Kirschner
Components Rating: 7
good value, easy to set up, work great and sound great with most any string set up
I actually got the banjo for $800 but I uncluded the money spent on parts and a case.
Overall Rating: 9
Where Purchased: bho classifieds
Year Purchased: 2014
Price Paid: Don't Remember (bought USED)
historic exchange rates / currency converter
Played in a Seeger style with fishing line strings, this Banjo is a little louder and brighter than my Vega Little Wonder Long Neck...probably due to the rolled brass tone ring
Sound Rating: 9
Keeping the odd-ball strings I use in mind...this Banjo really likes a tight head.
Changes to set-up were easy
Setup Rating: 9
This is where this Banjo really shines. It is beautifully built with gorgous, well figured woods
Appearance Rating: 10
Excellent with top notch components..gonna be hard to keep calling it my back-up
Reliability Rating: 10
Not applicable
Customer Service: 10
All components top notch
Components Rating: 10
Wouldn't mind a little wider nut
Overall Rating: 9
Where Purchased: Rickard online store
huge inventory, good prices, excellent quality and shipped fast
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Intermountain Banjo
Year Purchased: 2012
Price Paid: 950 ($US)
just like my Little Wonder long neck...loud and bright with fishing line...maybe too bright with the black head...thinking about changing to white frosted
Sound Rating: 10
my setup score is based on how easy this banjo is to set up with nylon strings.
Setup Rating: 10
the fit and finish is top notch. I am a huge Deering fan and this one does not disappoint. I changed out the Gold painted hardware for nickel. I just don't care for it though it is done very well...got a tension rim from Deering at a very good price...nice folks!
Appearance Rating: 10
while this is my back up banjo, it is only so because of string breakage. these banjos are rock solid and dependable, light weight and loud
Reliability Rating: 10
lifetime warranty and very friendly folks on the phone...never needed to get one repaired
Customer Service: 10
the tuners are as good as they come but I prefer Rotomatics so I replaced them. the tailpiece is top notch but unsuitable for nylon strings (not to mention that it was painted gold) and I went to a kerschner...rims, hooks, nuts all top drawer
Components Rating: 10
these light weight long neck banjos are the best out there...beautiful wood, well finished sharp cuts and angles without tons of shiney clear coat to cover up the nato wood...came in an excellent case
Overall Rating: 10
I am sorry to say that: I have not yet bought an instrument from these fine, knowledgable folks but I hope to change that. They have a huge inventory and are great to deal with. I first was recommended to shop there by Alan Hart and he was right. I get all my strings there.
just recieved my Taylor 12 string from them...excellent service and condition...shipped same day
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: bho
Year Purchased: 2012
Price Paid: Don't Remember (bought USED)
historic exchange rates / currency converter
set up with nylon(fishing line) strings, this banjo is very loud, a little brighter than my Little Wonder with a nice full voice...a big suprise as I was thinking of getting a wood pot...no way!
Sound Rating: 9
nylon set up takes awhile but it is perfect now. the action can easily be raised and lowered as needed with the nuts through the pot to the neck...so easy I would give this feature a 12 if I could
Setup Rating: 10
very plain, very well done...no flaws that I can see
Appearance Rating: 9
banjo is about 10 years old and hardware looks new
Reliability Rating: 9
no contact yet
Customer Service: 9
the Deering tailpiece had been removed and I was happy to see that...won't work with nylon...had a Kirshner...I replaced the 5th string spike for a bone pip...added a shubb 5th string capo...banjo came with Gotoh guitar tuners and I replaced the Gotoh knobs with some Grover rotomatic knobs...slipped right on,
Components Rating: 9
best case money can buy comes with it...American Vintage...Had the Boston for a month now...I am just blown away by how great the steel pot is with fishing line strings...30# 1st string,50# second, 60# third, Aquilla all nylgut 4th, and 40# 5th...sold this banjo only because of the weight...kept the AVS case
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Intermountain Banjo
Year Purchased: 2011
Price Paid: 1300 ($US)
set up with nylon harp strings, the sound is full and bright...loud enough to be heard in a band
Sound Rating: 10
very easy to set up for nylon strings...file the nut, change the Deering tail piece and add a 3/4 bridge
Setup Rating: 10
very pretty, figured maple neck...excellent workmanship
Appearance Rating: 10
I know the hardware will last...it's all top notch...no need for a back up banjo other than breaking a nylon string...that's what my Boston long neck is for
Reliability Rating: 10
Deering has always responded fast to any question or order I placed
Customer Service: 10
no weak components. I pick on the tail piece only because it will not accept nylon strings...as on my Boston, I replaced the 5th string spike with a bone pip...added a Shubb sliding 5th string capo
Components Rating: 9
I love this banjo...It is nice and light, very solid I can depend on it.
It came in an good case but not an American Vintage...think I'll buy a new one
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: BHO classifieds
Year Purchased: 2012
Price Paid: 800 (bought USED)
historic exchange rates / currency converter
this is a loud banjo., though no louder than my steel rim Boston... great with a bunch of other instruments and voices. quite heavy
Sound Rating: 9
banjo is very easy to adjust...learning curve with the head tension...truss rod adjust at the heal and requires some care...some threads on the forum about this...selling this banjo only because of the arch top head and low bridge. my two other long necks are set up with nylon strings, a flat head and a 3/4" bridge...this banjo has a 5/8th on it now and could even go lower...too much right hand technique adjustment for me
Setup Rating: 7
gloss finish 5 piece neck is gorgous
Appearance Rating: 10
I always have a backup but only for a broken string...this thing is built like a tank
Reliability Rating: 10
n/a
Customer Service: 5
excellent planets...great tail piece...no weak parts, though I hear the truss rod gears are a little weak and require special care...came in a Lifton case...tuff to beat
Components Rating: 9
great(if heavy) folk singers banjo...perfect for vocals...I'd give it a 10 if not for the weight
Overall Rating: 9
Where Purchased: BHO classifieds
Year Purchased: 2012
Price Paid: ($US) (bought USED)
made for us old folkys and it delivers that sound...loud enough for vocal accompanymwent...not overly bright with good bass
50 year old banjo sounds great
Sound Rating: 8
50 year old banjo was very easy to set up and work on...dual coordinator rods and truss rod worked fine...picked up another one and this one needed a little neck adjustment. the allen screws on each side of the coordinator rods make this a very easy job
Setup Rating: 9
hooks are justifiable a little tarnished and will be replaced...50 year old finish is attractive and has held up well
Appearance Rating: 7
banjo is solid and will be my back-up...neck set is fine...neck is straight and truss rod works...even the old pegs worked fine...I just put new ones on it.
Care should be given when inspecting the 3 piece neck making sure that there is no delamination at the heel
Reliability Rating: not rated
n/a
Customer Service: 5
neck is solid to the pot...heavier and chunkier than I am used to but good, very straight!...original nickel components are good...matching set of original looking hooks and nuts will need replacement...mediocer t/p replaced...nickel rim held up well
Components Rating: 7
don't know if this helps anyone but, I think if a decent example of the Folklore can be found, it can be upgraded(modernized) to become a good solid banjo...new pegs can be easily fitted after CAREFULLY drilling out the holes. A new geared 5th peg can be fitted in 5 minutes...about $200 worth of parts and case and you will have a nice instrument...I have had both a 22 and a few 25 fret Folklores and I like them...the long neck is way louder
Overall Rating: 8
very friendly, knowledgable and competitive pricing. Shipped very very fast. huge inventory on web site...I'd give Leo a 12...got my Vega and Gibson from them...still the best...very competative pricing
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Elderly Inst.
little oak folding banjo stand, built well and very solid. I have an open back long neck on it and it works great...bought a second one and it was not the same size. i have bought 4 of these well build little stands and no 2 were alike. This is my only complaint.
They can be disassembled and sanded to get them more uniform but you shouldn't have to.
if you only need one, rating is 9...if you are displaying more than one banjo and want them standing at similar angles...rating is 7
Overall Rating: 7
Where Purchased: Gold Tone
just arrived...very easy to use...very easy to see in all lighting conditions...great product...didn't last very long, 'bout a year, too fragile for me
Overall Rating: 6
Where Purchased: The Folk Shop
I would start this by saying that i am a huge Gold Tone fan...the excellent Gold Tone OT800 long neck deserves a better case than the Chinese made throw away that comes with it.
the handle looks to be very fragile. the whole thing is out of balance...set it down, it flops over...carrying it,walking to the east, your fist is pointing to the northeast and the case is pointing to the southeast...IT BUMPS INTO EVERYTHING AND IS HARD TO CONTROL. the covering is fragile(not good on something that is bumping into stuff all the time)...I hope they get the massage on this and go back to TKL because the banjo is the greatest! it would be better to sell them without a case
If you gig a lot, this case is totally inadiquate...as a place to store and occasionally travel, it's ok
Overall Rating: 1
Where Purchased: The Folk Shop
Year Purchased: 2009
Price Paid: 900 ($US)
suits a poor old folksinger as perfect as possible...set up just right, very rich and loud...lotta sustain...longer I have this banjo the more I like it...sound is loud and full...1 year later...changed the Renasance head out for a white frosted...much brighter!
Sound Rating: 10
set up fine as recieved...all the tools you need to get into trouble come with...I made some changes that I needed to do myself...dealer was very helpful and the banjo is very, very easy to set up to any playing style...adjusted coordinator rods to raise the string height and went to a 11/16th bridge...action was really low...I finally made my own bridge by adding a thin ebony strip to the base of a Snuffy Smith 11/16th bridge...I would add that the truss rod adjustment requires VERY SMALL adjustment to get the action/neck to move...1/8 turn at a time
Setup Rating: 9
very pretty with a high gloss finish...I don't know!(panda wood?)...the inlays were really done nice...THE INLAYS WERE REALLY DONE NICE!
Appearance Rating: 10
seems like it is well made...never had any problems with Gold Tone products though having read some of the other reviews, I will keep an eye on the tuners and knobs...very good so far. will I use it at a gig without back up? I had 2 Vegas so I bought 2 of these...I like back up....SOLD 2nd one...these are rock solid/YEAR LATER...see components!...replaced the tuners with Grover guitar pegs(livin' in the past)
Reliability Rating: 9
read my review of The Folk Shop...Easily one of the best sales experiences I have had...just great people
Gold Tones warranty reputation is excellent although I have not need ed it yet
Customer Service: 10
I didn't see any weak parts. I would point out the excellent tailpiece...you know the case is not an American Vintage but it is fine for now....GOT RID OF THE CASE ...GOT A TKL...the reason the tailpiece was excellent is that it is not stock...my 2nd banjo had a no knot on it and the sound was not near as full...put some downward pressure on the strings with an optional t/p ...rating goes to 10 with Kirschner t/p...banjo gets a 10...case gets a 4...HAD BANJO FOR A YEAR NOW! I replaced the cheap brackets and nuts. Anyone who has one of these will need to do this. The thread on the nuts is so sloppy when screwed on the brackets that you are tightening the head all the time.TRUST ME! get some nice closed end nuts and brackets from Elderly or Stew-Mac. I junked the cheap Vega style arm rest for a 5 star bolt on...much better. I still love this banjo but the components I have changed were not too hot.
Components Rating: 9
for folk music, vocal back up and playing around the campfire, I do not see how you could beat these banjos...if your looking for a tub-a-phone, you gotta try the OT-800...month later/make that year later, my opinion is the same...It is the best long neck I have ever played...(that I could afford)...rating goes to 12...200 gigs later rating at 14...supplied case really sucks(see review on new Gold Tone cases) so i bought an American Vintage. Even with the case and the components I have changed out, I still believe that this is a great value considering what a Deering or Wildwood would cost. I installed (very carefully) a stainless eyebolt on the neck at the 13th fret for a strap...I would have liked that to be a about the 15th or 16th fret but I guess body size will determine this
Overall Rating: 9
I just got to tell everyone about Paul and the folks a Tucson's Folk Shop...as the name implies, very into folk instruments and music. I found a long neck banjo in stock...bought it at a vary fair price(2 of them in fact) and had them shipped to me. A great store full of like minded people...really bent over backwards to help me.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Elderly
Year Purchased: 2008
Price Paid: 1372 ($US)
rich full tone with nylgut strings...plenty of volume
Sound Rating: 10
tightened head after week...
Setup Rating: 10
very plain, just like I like it...pretty wood
Appearance Rating: 10
satin finish is excellent...nickle top notch
Reliability Rating: 10
best dealer I've found along with Buffalo Bros
Customer Service: 10
I got the "new" Derring case with mine...would have preferred the older TKL over the Golden Gate bumpUPDATE!!!!!!!!!I got rid of the crappy bump case. The hinges did not line up, the banjo rattled around inside. With what Deering charges for their excellent banjos, this is just a shame. They should go back to the TKL like I just bought from Elderly. rate the banjo a 10...the case a 4 for a 7 average
Components Rating: 7
I recomend it to all, I'd replace it if lost...way louder than my Little Wonder...way lighter than my Wildwood
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Long Hollow
I have 6 of their fine leather straps. The quality and craftsmanship is very high. The price is competetive and the service was great...real fast! very good stuff!!!!
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: banjo hangout
Year Purchased: 2008
Price Paid: $620
historic exchange rates / currency converter
dan described the banjo as being bright with his rolled brass tone ring. this is very accurate...more so that my tubaphone...perfect for the type of music usually associated with the long neck banjo...changed the 9 to a 10...really happy
Sound Rating: 10
set up was excellent...string height perfect
Setup Rating: 10
good looking banjo...few rough spots to the head stock which I will polish out...pot is drop dead gorgous...polished out the reworked head stock...removed some of the high gloss from the Gold Tone neck...many many compliments
Appearance Rating: 9
threw tuners away and installed new Gotoh's...rest is top notch...right in line with price...had for about 2 months now...play every day...third set of strings...the set up is still great...the sound is loud with one of Dan's own brass tone rings...best move I've made in a while
Reliability Rating: 10
no worries...
Customer Service: 9
as I said...threw the tuners out..replaced the Stew-Mac tail-piece with a Waverly copy.everything else top notch
Components Rating: 9
for the price, this is one of the best banjo's I have purchased and I could not be more pleased...selling the gig bag and waiting for my new hcs...fits nice in my new, expensive(gulp) case
Overall Rating: 10
great service, very knowledgable, very competative pricing
Overall Rating: 10
huge parts resource, great instrument pricing, very fast shipping...been big help
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: buffalo bros
Year Purchased:
Price Paid: 1349.00 ($US)
my first tubeaphone...just fantastic...sustain,low end, highs...could not ast for more
Sound Rating: 10
don't mind tinkering with the set-up...did not touch it...just perfect
Setup Rating: 10
flawless as far as I can see
Appearance Rating: 10
as good as my Vega...gave it a 10 too..........really stays in tune well
Reliability Rating: 10
had a little trouble with a bum on e-bay so my order was a little "on and off" Chris Cooper just rolled with it and gave me the best service possible...I'd hit 12 if I could...no response to e-mails from Wildwood about the bracket nuts...Buffalo bros-10...Wildwood-3
Customer Service: 10
the pot is something to see...good and heavy banjo with beautiful tone ring...very uncomfortable to play with a strap
Components Rating: 7
SOLD this banjo couple of months ago for the sole reason that the bracket nuts extend down below the pot and make my side sore and bruised...looks like they all do
Overall Rating: 8
Where Purchased: Buffalo Brothers
Year Purchased: 2006
Price Paid: 700 ($US) (bought USED)
suites my attempt at adding a "folk Banjo" sound to our trio. sound was quite bright when I first played it. I changed the strings to La Bella #17 nylon. This changed the brightness to a more full/mellow character while still being loud enough to be heard over the dreadnoughts
Sound Rating: 9
It was set up dead stock and I left it so. The string height is good for me and my longish fingernails and the oddball clawhammer/three finger picking style I have evolved. the change to nylon required nothing but pencil lead on the nut and bridge...no buzzing at all.
Setup Rating: 9
The maple neck is very pretty. I choose this banjo over another used one or even a new on they had in stock. It even has a star inlaid on the 5th fret like the Senator I want next. I am not wild about the appearence of the shiny plastic head but as I said earlier, I like the tone.
Appearance Rating: 10
drop dead reliable...the satin finish is superb...looks like it will last forever
Reliability Rating: 10
not much contact but very friendly on the phone...Deering,that is:...Buffalo brothers is the greatest!
Customer Service: 10
best OEM stuff I have ever had...save the 10 for my Pete Seeger long neck...if I can ever afford one
Components Rating: 9
I think this is the best banjo for the price available and a good used on is really a great find. The included TKL case is really a plus also
Overall Rating: 10
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