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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: Zepp Country Music Inc.
Ordered this model for my Enoch Tradesman 12" pot banjo. Needed better protection as the gig bag that comes with the tradesman has its limitations (though it is quite nice and very lightweight). Marc at Zepps was great. Helped to make sure the case was a good fit for my specific banjo. The TKL is very solidly built and is very well padded inside. All latches and hinges work flawlessly and the banjo is really cradled well inside and won't be moving around at all. When lid is closed, there is no tension on any part of the banjo either, which is important. Overall , very nice. I rate it 9, but really it's quite close to a 10, but, I'm sure there are some better cases out there, but you'd have to pay a lot more for them!
Overall Rating: 9
Where Purchased: Used from BHO classifieds
Year Purchased: 2009
Price Paid: (bought USED)
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This is a fine sounding clawhammer style banjo! I love the 12 inch pot with no tone ring. This one is w/ cherry neck and is scooped. Very nice, warm and rich sound. As others have said, this one can sound ringy or a little bright without stuffing the head, but, I tend to do that with all banjos, I like to cut down those overtones. Very nice volume. I went from the Goodtime Special Openback (with steel tone ring) to this model and the Tradesman is not much quieter , just ask my wife!
Sound Rating: 10
I don't consider the action high. I may even buy a slightly higher bridge than what is on from stock. The renaissance head is perfectly tight, the bridge barely sags in the middle. Nice. The neck is comfortable. The frets are a little sharp on the edges, kind of sticking out a bit, maybe due to the winter humidity factors? It had a bluegrass tailpiece on from previous owner, I immediately switched back to the no-knot...perfect! I put light strings on it, but, prefer the mediums that it had on when I bought it. It sounds great with a slightly heavier 4th string.
Setup Rating: 8
Beautiful work by Enoch banjos! This is the real deal as far as having that authentic "old" look. I LOVE the no-frills design, and probably always will! This banjo was made for tone, primarily and that keeps the price point comfortable.
Appearance Rating: 10
Should last a lifetime. Tuners are fine. All hardware is very nice. Black finish on head may wear, but, that will give it even more of that authentic look.
Reliability Rating: 10
Had email contact with Kevin himself...prompt and friendly! He was glad that another one of his banjos was in the hands of an appreciative owner!
Customer Service: 10
Don't really think any parts would need to be upgraded. I may swap out the bridge, but, just experimentally. Tuners could maybe be upgraded, but, they work ok. Edit note: I was new to this style of tuners when I originally wrote this review. I now find them to be quite nice. No plans to upgrade.
Components Rating: 9
I truly recommend this banjo to the clawhammer player wanting a wonderful sounding instrument that really is priced affordably. I bought mine used, but, for those paying new prices...you are getting a great deal on a USA built, high quality banjo. I love the sound and I love the understated look. I researched banjos for quite awhile before buying so I knew pretty much what I was getting. Take a listen to the sound clips on enochbanjos.com, that was one of the things that sold me on the Tradesman.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Woodsy's - Kent, OH
Year Purchased: 2007
Price Paid: 499 ($US)
I play old time, clawhammer style and this is my 1st and only banjo so far. I waited to review this until I had some experience. This banjo has been great for learning, but it goes way beyond just being a starter banjo. Stock setup sound is bright and loud. The steel tone ring provides punch and volume, and increases sustain. I went to a Fiberskin head to add bass and mellow out the sound. Could easily be played bluegrass style as well, very versatile. I love the price level... I don't worry about this thing when I travel or take it to an outdoor jam.
Sound Rating: 8
Perfect setup from Deering and/or Woodsy's. Nice action at the nut and string height was comfortable. I put on the Fiberskin head but have kept everything else stock. Stock strings were fine, I always use Vega lights now. I always stuff the head with a sock rolled up and place it against the rim, by the tailpiece end. Don't like the sound without some type of stuffing, it just rings to much. Super easy to maintain and adjust.
Setup Rating: 10
Ok, no flaws at all in appearance. I love the basic looks and natural wood approach. I disrespect the thick finishes of most of the imports, by the way, and Deering is doing a great thing by keeping this thing basic. Nice wood. Peghead shape STINKS! I cut and reshaped it and now I feel it is respectable. Deering should change this design! That's why it gets only an 8.
Appearance Rating: 8
Very well made... should last a lifetime.
Reliability Rating: 10
I contacted Deering before purchase and Carolina was super to deal with! Great customer support and they have mailed out some interesting and helpful information. Great company.
Customer Service: 10
I don't see any weaknesses in components. Everything is quality. Tuners hold tuning very well. They're basic, but this keeps the price right.
Components Rating: 9
I really like this banjo. It's a great deal on a very playable, great sounding banjo... made in the USA. I do recommend it. I do like the standard goodtime model and would probably just buy one of those if it were stolen, considering my preference for a more mellow sound. Now honestly, all the imports out there that seem like a good deal, just do not have the quality that the Deering Goodtimes have.
Overall Rating: 9
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