Tennesee Crafters: Classic Mahogany

Submitted by BanjoAddictAdam on 1/15/2005

Where Purchased: Private Seller

Year Purchased: 2005
Price Paid: 1900 ($US) (bought USED)

Sound

The sound of this banjo is soooo sweet. I first began learning on a Gold Tone BG-250F (good banjo too) and finally decided I wanted something with a little more pop and ring. I am very pleased with the TN tone rings response. It really is a very responsive instrument. It has that woody popping ring to it that I love in a bluegrass jo.

Sound Rating: 9

Setup

I bought this banjo used. The previous owner purchased it new from Dave @ Turtle Hill back in April of 2003. The setup on it was pretty good. I think I may do a little adjusting of my own, and tinker around with it a little. I just took it out of the case, tuned it up and started pick right away.

Setup Rating: 9

Appearance

This is a very simple yet classy banjo. Has that rustic pre war look to it. I enjoy the intricate inlay on the peghead, it very nice on the eyes. A couple of my friends said that if I loose an arm or something one day (God forbid) I could hang this on the wall as a decoration. Very nice on the eyes. I am pleased with the craftsmanship, not perfect, but I don't know of any "playable" banjos that are!

Appearance Rating: 9

Reliability

Any banjo is breakable if not take care of (unless its made of steel). I'm sure if I don't take care of it or dropped it, some breakage would occur. I take good care of my instruments, so I can see this one lasting for years to come. I feel it is a reliable instrument.

Reliability Rating: 9

Customer Service

I bought this model from a person on ebay. I was very skeptical about sending $1900 to someone I've never met, but after contacting the guy several times, I found that he was an honest and trustworth guy (like most bluegrass folks). I couldn't be any more pleased with the transaction, heck, he even threw in a few accessories. Also, Ron Satterfield @ Crafters has been very kind and informative to me the whole time. He welcomed me into the Crafters family and said I could stop by any time if I was ever in that area. The Crafters people really seem like a very sincere and caring group of fine instrument makers. I feel confident they would take care of any problems I may have. Thanks to all of you guys and gals @ the Crafters workshop in Old Hickory, TN.

Customer Service: 10

Components

The components seem to be of high quality. I have found nothing on this instrument that is cheaply made. I especially like the arm rest they have chosen to use on these models, fits very well. Everything seems to be top notch, al the way down to the 5 star tuners they use. I'm picky about my hardware, and this banjo passes my test. Good job guys!

Components Rating: 10

Overall Comments

In conclusion, I find this to be a very reliable and quality instrument. I hope to see this company grow and do greater things in the future. I am big on quality, not quantity. If they stick to providing quality instruments like this, they will go a long way. Who knows, these might be the Gibsons of the new era (sorry to all of you Gibson owners). 1 more thing. The neck on this instrument it fine, it is so easy to play and feels smooth up and down the neck. Really an easy instrument to play. If you ever get a chance to try one out, I recommend it, you won't be let down.

Overall Rating: 10