Helix: ANY

Submitted by johnne507 on 12/3/2008

Where Purchased: Larry Hill's Shop

Year Purchased: 2008
Price Paid: Don't Remember historic exchange rates / currency converter

Sound

I've heard a number of Larry's Helix Banjos - not JUST rims any longer. They all have an extremely useful range of tones depending upon set-up and material. The Helix banjo is ideal for the 'eclectic' player because you are not limited by the very narrow range of "traditional" banjo material and construction technique. They are suited for a wider variety of music than any single 'brand' of banjo that I've encountered in nearly 60 years of pickin'.

It should be an "11" (Where is Nigel Tufnel when you need him, huh?)

Sound Rating: 10

Setup

The player determines their own set-up and any desired set-up can be utilized. The Helix is as easy as any banjo to set-up/adjust.

Setup Rating: 10

Appearance

An "appearance flaw" is a matter of opinion and and judgment. Too some, sealing every pore of the wood with glossy lacquer is a terrible "appearance flaw". Because of the one-off nature of The Helix it will be "easy on the eyes" of the player/owner who commissioned it.

Appearance Rating: 10

Reliability

See above!!!

Also, the quality of this handwork is readily evident if an individual understands that fancy inlay. shiny finish, etc, etc, etc DO NOT equate to quality or reliability.

Reliability Rating: 10

Customer Service

Larry is a great person and he is unrealistically tolerant. (I am a really anally-retentive A##hole.) I love dealing with this guy!!!

Again, Where is Nigel???

Customer Service: 10

Components

They are what you select, and/or better than you expect depending upon the instruments cost/price.

Components Rating: 10

Overall Comments

WITHOUT hesitation!!!

I LOVE it, and NOT because it is a Helix...or because it is a Larry Hill, but because it is mine.

For those of you who understand and appreciate the difference...

The Helix is not a "custom" banjo. It IS a custom-built banjo!!!

Where in Hades is Nigel's guitar tech and roady????

Overall Rating: 10