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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!
7210 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased: Ebay
Year Purchased: 2015
Price Paid: Don't Remember (bought USED)
historic exchange rates / currency converter
8/10. For the price of the banjo, the sound really is incredible. It could use some more bottom end, but i've yet to do any set up work on it.
Sound Rating: 8
7/10. Banjo came with 1/2" bridge, which caused ringing on the fifth string due to improper truss rod setting. Put a 5/8" bridge on, which I prefer and solved the problem, but it still needs a truss rod adjustment.
Setup Rating: 7
Beautiful! Incredible craftsmanship. Easy to play neck and great matte finish. I always hated gloss.
Appearance Rating: 10
Seems dependable; all my other experiences with RK have been great.
Reliability Rating: 10
Customer Service: not rated
Guitar tuners and no tone ring (even a simple hoop would be nice). Presto doesn't come with felt on the cover so i took it off to prevent buzzing.
Components Rating: 7
incredible worksmanship and sound for the price. Every RK product I've owned, I've regretted turning loose. For the price, this simply can't be beat. And nice and light for a bad back like mine!
Overall Rating: 9
It's been a great pleasure working with and getting to know Mr. Bryant. I had him cut down an oriole rim for a pyramid ring to put into a prewar parts banjo. Not only did everything turn out sounding great, but he's been extremely helpful and generous along the way. Wish dealing with everyone in the banjo world were like this this!
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: www.musicyo.com
Year Purchased: 2005
Price Paid: 400$ ($US)
The sound is great, isn't all that tubby when set up properly. it is quite a deal for 400$. IT has a brighter tone, but you can really get a pop out of the lowends.
Sound Rating: 9
it was horrible. had to adjust coordinator rods, tighten head,
Setup Rating: 3
It is a beauty. It has heart and flowers inlays, and a beautiful sunburst neck and pot., the resonator came a lil dented on one end, but you can barely notice it.
Appearance Rating: 9
seems to last a while. I'll keep this banjo for a good long time.
Reliability Rating: 9
Customer Service: not rated
you must get a new bridge and head. i put medium strings on it to give it the best tone. You might think of replacing the tailpice, but it sounds great with a sosebee .656 bridge and remo medium crown frosted top head.
Components Rating: 6
I would reccomend this banjo to anyone. It is by far the best banjo i've played, with the exception of a gibson that had perfect setup for a no hole tone ring. The tone is right there, not distant and has lots of pop. i love this banjo its great. they left the 22nd fret inlay out, but that doesn't matter. I'd reccomend this to pro and beginner alike, better sounding that some banjos i've heard pros record with.
Overall Rating: 10
