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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!
7228 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased: Purcell Banjo Bridges website
I've heard about these great bridges through the grapevine before but recently had a good friend sing the praises of a Purcell bridge on his prewar Granada.
A quick Google search led me to Tim Purcell's fine website where I promptly purchased two of the "Drop Forge" models (one in 5/8", one in .656") made from maple used to hold down the weights on a heavily used old drop forge. Once they arrived I threw the 5/8" on my TB-11 conversion. Within minutes of picking I noticed a much bolder, rounded mid-range and great low-end. Some previous shrillness in the upper registers disappeared with this bridge and gave way to wonderful, clear tones.
This is a fantastic bridge; Tim Purcell has spectacular customer service to match his craftsmanship.
Please check his work out at http://www.purcell-banjo-bridges.com/
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Friend
I purchased a long skirt, nickel-plated Sloan tone ring from a fellow picker. He had bought it from directly from Jerry Sloan to use in his back-up banjo but never installed it so I essentially bought this ring in new condition.
John Boulding expertly installed this Sloan ring in my 30's TB-11 conversion. I already had a wonderful modern prewar conversion ring in the 11 from another established maker but I figured it was time for a change.
The Sloan ring made great improvements, almost instantly, in three main areas: volume, clarity, and overall tone. The note separation is superb, with the first half of each note popping off like a shotgun and the second half a nice decaying growl. I don't lose any volume or clarity when I capo or go into the high register for backup.
I'm very impressed with this ring, and I believe these are among the elite of prewar conversion rings today; a Sloan ring matched to an older rim will give you nothing but success. This was my first time owning a Sloan flathead ring, and playing with one now exceeds every expectation I had.
Overall Rating: 10
I took my Huber Lancaster prototype to John so he could install a new neck from another Lancaster I own.
Overall Rating: 10