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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!

7207 reviews in the archive.

Turtle Hill: Bluegrass Woody

Submitted by pdtek on 11/7/2006

Where Purchased: Turtle Hill Banjo Co.

Year Purchased: 2006
Price Paid: 2300 ($US)

Sound

To describe the sound, it first needs to be said that this is the new design of bluegrass resonator banjo that does not have a conventional metal tone ring. The banjo is made with a Tony Pass rim, similar to his other block rims that are standard on many new banjos made today. The big difference is that the top of the rim is in the shape of a tone ring. The rim and the wooden "tone ring" are all one piece.

Therefore, the expectation is that the banjo should have a low, openback-like plunky tone. The shocker is that it truly sounds like a banjo with a high quality metal tone ring. The tone leans toward a prewar sound. A full gutsy low end that you can feel vibrating against your body, while at the same time has plenty of highs, bright and bell like without being harsh. Good balance of tone and volume up and down the neck. Played hard close to the bridge, you can get a lot of great pop and snap.

Sound Rating: 9

Setup

The banjo was setup well when I received it. For once, the nut slots were actually filed down low where they should be. Just out of personal preference though, I made some changes. I put on lighter strings, and though I like the Z lite bridge, I put on a Huber which I like a bit better. The action was set low, a bit less than 1/8" at the twelfth, but I was surprised to find no buzzing anywhere. Most banjos have a high or low spot somewhere but I have not found one on this neck. I also tightened the head a bit which is normal.

Setup Rating: 9

Appearance

The banjo is maple, with a reddish brown finish which is very attractive. The fingerboard is ebony and the inlays are well done and tastful. Kershner tailpiece. Gotoh tuners which are ultra smooth. My only complaint was that the fret ends needed some finish work. They felt a bit sharp when you ran your hand up the neck. A little filing and shaping and they were fine.

Appearance Rating: 9

Reliability

I have not had it very long so it is hard to say. It appears to be very well built and I have no reason to think that it would perform with less reliability than any other top make.

Reliability Rating: 10

Customer Service

Dave at Turtle Hill is famous for his great service. I had no chance to see one of these banjos before I bought it so he played one for me over the phone! After the order he kept in touch and answered any questions I had. When I expressed concern that the nut was filed TOO low (only because I changed to lighter strings) he immediately sent me a new string nut.

Customer Service: 10

Components

All components are top notch.

Components Rating: 10

Overall Comments

I have been playing for over thirty years and this is my favorite banjo so far. I bought it because I had neck and shoulder problems and needed a lighter banjo. (This banjo weighs almost four pounds less than my last banjo and feels more like holding an acoustic guitar) I was prepared to make consessions as to the sound, but was elated that it sounded as good as anything I have owned.

Overall Rating: 10