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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!
7224 reviews in the archive.
I have made several online purchases w/ Elderly Instruments. I've bought strings, capos and tuners among other things. Always FAST to ship. Always correct orders, reasonable prices and top notch customer service when needed.
I recently purchased a clip-on tuner. For some reason this particular tuner didn't perform as advertised. One email to Corey and a replacement tuner was sent FAST. No further questions asked. The 2nd tuner works perfectly.
Thnx Elderly
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Little Mountain Music
What everyone before me has said.
Quick to ship and good instructions, easy to install.
I have my new ebony / corian armrest on my Jedson. With the pot hooks below the rim, the armrest sits right on the top of the tension ring w/out touching the head. It's a clean, minimal look, not obtrusive and color matches my fingerboard and peghead. It's just what the doctor ordered and w/ time and a few scuffs it will look like it came w/ the banjo. Most importantly it provides comfort and gets my arm off the head for better tone. I'll get another for my Ramsey but gotta save some bucks first.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: other player
Year Purchased: 2007
Price Paid:
historic exchange rates / currency converter
I bought this White Ladye WL-250 from GW. From his review, it just wasn't his sound. I couldn't be happier. Thnx Peter, it has a good home here. It goes daboink when plucked and kachang when strummed. The sound is full and loud. I play alone but suspect this banjo could hold it's own in a group. Bang for the buck is exceptional. I do plug it in to an amp at times (it has the factory pick-up installed) and get my rock on. Having the scoop adds that sound to the variations and can be haunting and rich. Firm plucking creates a growling pop in the higher strings and the bass is smooth but could be a little deeper.
Sound Rating: 9
I have not made any changes to the banjo since I bought it. When it arrived, I tuned the strings and it was ready to play.
Setup Rating: 8
I like the medium level of adornment. This banjo is my "dark horse" in the herd. The finish is thick and without flaws. The chrome is bright and holds up to skin contact well.
Appearance Rating: 9
Overall I would say this banjo is well made, sturdy and a pleasure to hold and play. It is heavier than many open-back banjos and lighter than a few. I have not compared other Whyie Ladyes. I don't gig ( yet ) and I consider this banjo dependable.
Reliability Rating: 9
update, request for parts: Recently one of the tuning knobs on my WL split. I emailed Gold Tone. I needed a new knob pronto for an outing. Wayne replied he was ready to send along a free replacement. Turns out I borrowed one from my other Gold Tone Hoab for that wknd. Bottom line, free replacement. No problems. Good service on this one.
Customer Service: 9
If this banjo lacks any boutique parts it makes up for w/ solid workman grade components in a factory built hand assembled attractively finished product at a bang up price.
update: I have had several tuning knobs split/break but as mentioned quick replacement by Wayne and GT
Components Rating: 8
For the price I paid, I am throughly happy and I intend to hang on to this for a good long time. I think the new retail price is reasonable and I would consider replacement if needed. I previously had a cheap aluminum pot resonator banjo and a masterclone. Sold em. My interest now is open-back styles and this banjo is very servicable for that. I haven't played any other Whyte Laydes cause this is the WL for me now. As for me this was a good 2nd stage upgrade after I determined what style of playing I like. I am lusting for some other types of open-back banjo but not to replace my WL. I have given this a solid 8+ in all categories.
update: I did sell my WL-250 but only because I found a WL w/ more of a vintage vibe. I still think the GT WL-250 is a great instrument.
Overall Rating: 8
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