DVD-quality lessons (including tabs/sheet music) available for immediate viewing on any device.
Take your playing to the next level with the help of a local or online banjo teacher.
Weekly newsletter includes free lessons, favorite member content, banjo news and more.
Premier Sponsors
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!
7210 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased: Direct from Warren Yates
Year Purchased: 2010
Price Paid: 4175 ($US)
I have a few high end banjos and all are nice and somewhat similar in tone, but this banjo has a tone of it's own. It has a nice decay and a tonal quality that really appeals to my ear. It's not too bright, not too much bass. It seems to have a perfect balance. I can't set it down.
Sound Rating: 10
Warrens setup was prefect. The action was right on and I don't feel I need to make any adjustments or changes. "If it's not broken, don't fix it" they say. They are right. You can't fix perfection.
Setup Rating: 10
I ordered my banjo with a normal finish on the wood and metal, but a speed neck. Appearance of this banjo is very nice. The inlay is original and that makes this banjo even nicer. I found no flaws.
Appearance Rating: 10
This banjo looks as reliable as any high end banjo, so I don't expect any problems.
Reliability Rating: 10
When I first ordered my banjo I never discussed the neck width at the first nut, so after I received it I found the neck not wide enough for my fingers and was having a time of it. Warren offered to take the neck back and replace it with a wider one for me at no charge. Now THAT is SERVICE! The new neck was cut to my preference and is perfect now. Warren is a great guy and has a great sense of humor too. He's easy going and always available to talk with or e-mail his customers.
Customer Service: not rated
Parts are pretty standard in this price range and no upgrading is necessary. It came with Keith tuning pegs.
Components Rating: 10
I was expecting just another banjo which was going to sound similar to the rest as usual. It didn't happen that way. It's a whole new sound over what I have. I couldn't be more pleased. Why am I wasting time writing this when I could be picking? :o)
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Oct. 19
Year Purchased: 2006
Price Paid: 3895 ($US)
This banjo arrived already set up. It sounds fantastic...very bright with every note alive with nice base too.
Sound Rating: 10
This banjo arrived set up perfectly. I did nothing but tighten the head a few days later after it loosen up from being new.
Setup Rating: 10
If I could rate this above 10. I'd do so if I had more numbers to work with...LOL
Appearance Rating: 10
The hardware is Prucha, so yes I'd imagine it will last. I chose a satin finish. Before I can rate the wear on the finish, I'll need some time.
Reliability Rating: 10
Normally when you order a banjo, YOU have to phone the company to see how things are going. Will both e-mailed and phoned me several times without my asking to give me progress reports and the approximate due date on my banjo. He's right on the ball and a very friendly nice honest guy.
Customer Service: 10
Standout components are: Keith tuning pegs, Cox rim, Burlile ring, prucha hardware, sosbee bridge, Gill resonator, Hatfield neck...nothing cheap on this banjo. It's all standout.
Components Rating: 10
This banjo is a great value for what it has on it. If it were stolen, I'd first kill the thief, then order a new one...LOL. Love is the word on this banjo. I have several very nice banjos...all top quality, but the Williams is my favorite...amazing banjo.
Overall Rating: 10
