Mastercraft: Elite Mahogany

Submitted by johann on 1/29/2009

Where Purchased: banjohut.com

Year Purchased: 2009
Price Paid: 679 ($US)

Sound

For Scruggs style bluegrass, the sound is a bit darker to my ears than many other banjos I tried. The 18 hole cast tone ring and a rather deep resonator makes the low range sing quite well but the higher range is not sacrificed in any way. It is very loud but not at all annoying in a solo context. Picking close to the neck with metal picks gives a great warm and mellow tone that I just love. It is not the brightest close to the bridge, but I am sure I could get a brighter ping by tightening the tailpiece closer to the head. However, I do prefer the tailpiece a bit higher since I like to do some ragtime on occasion and this banjo works just right for me.

As far as sound rating is per dollar spent, I don't think I could have done better. This is truly a fantastic sounding instrument.

Sound Rating: 10

Setup

The drum head was tight and even, the bridge was exactly placed, the tailpiece was at the tension I wanted it (which was a surprise), The strings were still silver in color but they made my fingers turn black so they might have been on there for a while. That's fine though as I'll replace the strings soon any ways. The tuning pegs were tightened properly, let's see.... The neck is perfectly even with the drum head. There were no buzzing frets and every note rings out quite nicely. The action is just right. Not too low or too high.

Except for the strings which had started to oxidise, the setup was perfect. I just tuned up and took off!

Setup Rating: 9

Appearance

There is a single piece of what looks like real abalone inlay on the peghead. The rest is mother of pearl which has maybe larger glue lines than you would see on a banjo five times as expensive, but they are flush with the fretboard and in my opinion, have a great appearance without being at all gaudy. In all honesty, I would have preferred the inlay of the Ultima Gold model (see banjohut.com) but I couldn't get past the gold plating.

It's no Deering Blond Calico or GDL but again, looks per dollar spent make the rating extremely hard to beat.

Appearance Rating: 8

Reliability

Haven't had it that long. I took the resonator off to have a look inside and everything seems tight and sturdy. The tuning gears seem pretty solid though only time will tell. The case is maybe a bit flimsy. I certainly wouldn't trust airline baggage handlers with it. But it should be fine otherwise.

Reliability Rating: 8

Customer Service

When I ordered it, I talk directly with Paul from the banjohut.com he is very helpful. Shipping was free. Delivery took only three days.

Customer Service: 10

Components

This banjo is essentially the Morgan Monroe Matterhorn with nickel plated hardware, a remo weatherking coated head, and a better peghead inlay. The same differences apply to the Washburn B-120 except that the Washburn doesn't have the cast tone ring. This banjo also has dual coordinator rods and a single piece flange, both which I don't know if the Monroe or the Washburn have.

I have seen others mention the tuning pegs are not the best. And maybe they aren't, but I found that tuning it was no bigger hassle than on any other banjo I tried (and I tried many). Also, I can play Randy Lynn Rag on it after a bit of practice (playing the Scruggs tuner part with just regular tuners) so they are at least good enough for that. The four tuning pegs on the peghead have no discernible play to them.

I will say that the fifth string tuner does have about 1-2 degrees of play. But tuning it is no problem at all. And only small changes are really ever needed there any ways.

I am considering going over to a heavier tailpiece just because I don't particularly like the clam style that it comes with. Something like a kersher or fults but that might be overkill and is not really needed by this banjo.

Components Rating: 6

Overall Comments

The level of workmanship of the Mastercraft Elite banjo is the exact same if not better (because of the setup by Paul) of any Morgan Monroe or Washburn I have seen. These banjos come out of the same factory in China (there is a made in China sticker on the back of the peghead). Don't let that deter you though, for the price you really can't get a better banjo. I was out to get the most banjo per dollar spent and I think I accomplished that goal.

I love it. If stolen, I would immediately replace it with the same banjo.

Overall Rating: 10