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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!
7200 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased: Banjo Studio
Year Purchased: 2019
Price Paid: Don't Remember
historic exchange rates / currency converter
A lot of the words commonly associated with a 12" banjo apply here, warm, plunky etc. It's quite loud without any sort of stuffing, and can growl a bit if you dig in. I've found that a small washcloth rolled up calms it down just enough to tame the overtones, as with a lot of banjos. I've haven't used it to record with a band as of yet, but I'm very happy with the way it sounds solo.
Sound Rating: 9
The banjo was set up well and the intonation is good all the way up the neck. When I first got it I felt the action was too high, but I guess I just got used to it because it's not an issue for me anymore. I only thought this about playing above the fifth fret. It took me a little while to bond with it, but in fairness I hadn't owned a banjo in several years.
Setup Rating: 9
Overall it's gorgeous, it looks like my dream banjo. It's very simple but elegant. The neck is a beautiful color, and the brass and steel hardware compliment each other nicely. There's no fretboard inlay, only side dot markers, so be sure you're ok navigating that way. The only issue I have is the hole that was reamed for the 5th string tuner is a bit rough. This is more noticeable because everything else looks so great, it makes me wonder how that slipped past them. Many people probably wouldn't care about this at all, but I have to say it does bother me a little.
Appearance Rating: 9
Feels very sturdy and reliable, I think these banjos will be around a long time.
Reliability Rating: 10
I haven't talked to them, but they seem to be present and reachable on social media.
Customer Service: 8
All the parts seem of good quality.
Components Rating: 10
I like this banjo quite a lot, I don't see myself every parting with it, which is saying something because I don't get overly sentimental about instruments. The only things keeping it from a 10 rating for me are the rough spot I mentioned earlier, and the fact that this banjo is quite heavy. It's a spunover rim, it's obviously going to be heavy, but now playing it everyday there are times when I wish it were lighter. It's currently my only banjo, so I probably just need a second one for when I feel that way. Just something to consider if you're researching this model.
Overall Rating: 9
Where Purchased: Menzies Instruments
Year Purchased: 2009
Price Paid: 700? ($US)
Sounds nice and deep, and actually sounds a little better when you're standing in front of it hearing someone else play it. I have a clip on my page, I think it records well too.
Sound Rating: 9
Everything plays great when I get it in tune. Which isn't hard, it's just more critical for fretless I suppose. One of the pegs slips now and then, but I just push it back in and it's no problem. Head is on there nice and tight. Below the 5th fret things play great, the action gets very high after that, but again I'm sure this is just the way these types of banjos are made.
Setup Rating: 8
Very nicely made. It's a great mix of being well crafted, yet it still has a handmade feel to it which I love. It definitely feels like a nice piece of folk art. I really like having it on display.
Appearance Rating: 9
The only thing I'd worry about is the bit of string holding the tailpiece on. It's not that it seems flimsy or anything, I just assume that it would wear over time. It's very well built, I think it will hold up as long as I take care of it.
Reliability Rating: 8
Jeff rules. Super nice guy, very willing to help with any little problem or question.
Customer Service: 10
I wouldn't upgrade anything, Jeff builds these things great. I love the tailpiece.
Components Rating: 9
I'd recommend it to anyone serious about this type of banjo. Maybe a little pricey for someone just looking to dip their toe into fretless. If it was stolen I'd have Jeff build me it's twin. I love it, It's so much fun to play.
Overall Rating: 9
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