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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!
7209 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased: Banjoteacher.com
Year Purchased: 2024
Price Paid: 699 ($US)
I play 3 finger with thumb + fingerpicks. I wanted a lightweight alternative to my other banjos. For what it is, an open back the sound is good after making a few adjustments (see setup).
Sound Rating: 8
It depends on your playing style. If you are looking for a clawhammer banjo it would be a 10.
I thought the action could be lowered, the strings could be lighter gauge, the head needed tightening and I changed the bridge.
It also came with a pickup. It attached to the coordinator rods and stuck out past the rim of the banjo. It was the first thing to touch your stomach when in the normal playing position. I removed on day 1.
Setup Rating: 5
Other than the whole in the rim where the pickup jack was, it's a good looking openback banjo. Classic design with planetary tuners, chrome engraved armrest and simple snowflake inlay on the fretboard.
Appearance Rating: 10
It is a solid banjo with dual coordinator rods, truss rod, and adjustable tailpiece. It stays in tune.
Reliability Rating: 10
Banjoteacher.com was very helpful, promptly answering all questions. I did reach out to Gold Tone about a fix to the hole where the pickup jack was. The sent me another pickup jack which I think was a miscommunication between us. Gold Tone offered to take it back in exchange for a model without the pickup. I decided to leave it as is for now. It's not enough of a bother for 2 banjos to ride in the brown truck.
Customer Service: 10
Aside from the pickup looking like an afterthought, I am pleased.
Quality planetary tuners, a better than entry level tailpiece, zero glide nut and engraved armrest.
Components Rating: 9
I would buy this banjo again, without the pickup. It is exactly what I wanted. A 22 fret openback that plays like a bluegrass banjo. I like how it is totally adjustable. I have the action at 3/16ths of an inch. I'm using GHS PF150 strings (10-12-14-22-10) and it rings clear. The bridge swap wasn't necessary but I had a Sosebee and wanted to try it.
Overall Rating: 9
Where Purchased: Custom order from Rob Bishline
Year Purchased: 2022
Price Paid: 2950 ($US)
Mahogany makes this a different sounding banjo than the Walnut version or other Maple banjos. I'd describe the sound as sensitive and mellow with a little note separation compared to a maple banjo. It is exactly what I expected after hearing Rob Bishline's video playing this banjo.
Sound Rating: 10
Other than tightening the head which all new banjos need, everything was perfect.
Setup Rating: 10
I like satin finish banjos. The inlay work is simply beautiful. It has a wooden armrest that was cut from the same wood as the neck.
Appearance Rating: 10
Time will tell. I have no concerns.
Reliability Rating: not rated
I've spoken with Rob a few times and emailed questions. Always getting a prompt reply. I haven't had any issues.
Customer Service: 10
The standard components are high quality including Gotoh tuners. I ordered a Kershner tailpiece instead of the Presto that normally comes with a Cimarron. Also a wooden armrest.
Components Rating: 10
This is my 2nd Bishline purchase. in 2006 I bought a Salty Dog from Rob. Because of life circumstances I stopped playing banjo for a few years and sold it in 2017. I quickly regretted it when I wanted to get back into picking. I purchased a Gold Tone in 2019 and that served me well but I always wanted to order another mahogany banjo from Bishline.
I have been playing this banjo for 4 months before reviewing. There are no rattles, rings or overtones. Stays in tune and sounds beautiful.
Overall Rating: 10
A banjo should fit a case without room to knock around inside the case. I was very pleased with the banjo but not the fit of the case. Now I take some of the blame because I ordered the case thinking a Gaurdian case for a resonator banjo should fit a Goodtime 2. But it didn't. There was only 1 neck support, not 2 as in better fitting cases. The neck and headstock had room to move from side to side knocking the tuners against the side of the case. Every time you picked up the case you heard a clunk.
I give only a 5 rating because of the lack of effort to correct this. It was expected I pay $30 shipping for both the return of the case and another $30 shipping on its replacement. $60 shipping on an $80 case. I just kept the case, donated it to my local music store who has banjo students and ordered another case from another dealer who offers free shipping.
Overall Rating: 5
Where Purchased: BanjoTeacher.com
Year Purchased: 2019
Price Paid: $952. ($US)
I am returning to the banjo after a 6 year absence. I have owned decent banjos in the past. A Bishline custom and a few Deering models. So I have an idea what I wanted in sound. Now sound is subjective and everyone is looking for something different. So I'm not knocking another banjo brand. I like this OB-150 better than a Deering Sierra I owned in 2005 but not as much as the Bishline. The Sierra rang too high pitch for my ears. This OB-150 is easier on the ears, has a good low end and seems balanced. I'd say it has a fuller sound. The Bishline got all 10 ratings in my review. It also cost quite a bit more than this banjo. I think a 9 sound rating is excellent for an under $1000 banjo.
Sound Rating: 9
The setup was perfect. I've since tightened the head as all new banjos settle in after a few weeks of playing them.
Update after 4 months...... I've adjusted both the coordinator rods and the truss rod to get a perfect low action without buzzing. Also changed the gauge of the strings. The originals were 11-24s, I now have DAddario EJ61s which are 10-23s. They feel better and sound crisper than the Gold Tone brand strings which are expensive for what they are.
Setup Rating: 10
The 10 rating is for how clean the banjo arrived. The hardware shining and spotless clean. As far as looks of this banjo, I like the simple gloss finish. Others may not.
Appearance Rating: 10
Time will tell. But I am not worried. Everything seems solid.
Reliability Rating: 9
Ross Nickerson from BanjoTeacher.com was a pleasure to do business with. We had a long conversation on the phone. We discussed different model of banjo.He gave me some very useful playing advise as well as set up and maintenance advise.
Customer Service: 10
I am happy with all the components except the planetary tuners. The banjo stays in tune very well with the stock tuners. My opinion is they aren't as smooth as other banjos I have owned. I may be changing them in the future.
Update after 4 months....... I still think the tuners are a bit stiff but they keep the banjo in tune for long periods. I'd say they function very well.
Components Rating: 8
I wanted to get back to picking without spending $3000. This banjo pleasantly surprises me what you can get for $1000. I am happy and don't feel the need to upgrade any time soon. I would play this anywhere.
Update after 4 months....... I am still happy with this purchase. It seems the sound has improved with time.
Overall Rating: 9
Where Purchased: Rob Bishline
Year Purchased: 2006
Price Paid: 2645 ($US)
Mahogany with the Tony Pass Thin Skirt Rim & Kulesh Big 10 tonering, this banjo has a very warm sound. Rings clear up the neck, but has some growl down low. Banjo stays in tune and sounds great Melodic or Scruggs style.
Sound Rating: 10
Set up just the way I asked. Fast & low action.
Setup Rating: 10
I e-mailed Rob my signature and he inscribed it into a pearl truss rod cover.
I made a few other choices. Instead of the Salty Dog inlay in the 21st fret, Rob put a Bishline banner.
Appearance Rating: 10
Tuners are Gotoh, and the tailpiece is Kershner. Shouldn't be any problems.
Reliability Rating: 10
Lifetime warranty. Rob has called to just ask how I liked the banjo.
Customer Service: 10
Kulesh Big 10 ring, TP lost timber thin skirt rim, Gotoh tuners, Kershner tailpiece. The most standout feature is the fret job. This banjo frets true all the way up the neck. No buzzing. Sides of frets are smooth. Nicest fret job I've seen.
Components Rating: 10
Compaired to other banjos available today, I think it was a very fair price for a banjo with top of the line components. If you want a truely Custom banjo, talk to Rob Bishline.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Jack Hatfield
Year Purchased: 2005
Price Paid: 1400 ($US)
Can't quite give it a 10.
Sound Rating: 9
Jack Hatfield did an excellent set-up. We spoke on the phone and he pretty much knew how I wanted it. Even called me back to double check something.
Setup Rating: 10
Sierra is a basic looking banjo, but thats what I expected. Didn't buy for looks. No Flaws.
Appearance Rating: 8
Very Solid.
Reliability Rating: 10
I've asked Jack a few questions since, and he was patient and helpful.
Customer Service: 10
I have replaced the stock Deering bridge.
Components Rating: 9
Edited....... In 2005 I didn't know much about banjo set up and maintenance' as I do today. So i'd say I didn't get the most out of this banjo. Just simply tightening the head or experimenting with different strings would have made a big difference.
Overall Rating: 9
Where Purchased: FOTW
Year Purchased: 2005
Price Paid: Don't Remember
historic exchange rates / currency converter
This is the ultimate closet picker banjo. Not loud, but beautiful sound.
Sound Rating: 9
perfect set-up when arrived.
Setup Rating: 10
Nothing the polishing cloth counldn't take care of. Looks beautiful with the gold hardware and dark/light woods.
Appearance Rating: 10
Hardware looks and feels durable. Finish of wood looks a little more delicate.
Reliability Rating: 8
Customer Service: not rated
Happy with the parts
Components Rating: 9
If I could make some recommendations for improving this instrument....You cannot access abouve the 14th fret. Thumbing the 5th string above the 12th is tough. How about a spot on the body to anchor you ring and pinky. Like a pickgaurd type thing so your hands aren't on the wood. Otherwise nice instrument, there's nothing else like it.
Overall Rating: 9
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