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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: Direct (Mighty D Tuners)
Amazing "D" tuners, always in tune and easy to use. They are a bit tricky to install, but if you follow the directions, you can do it. They have the advantage of allowing you to use your regular tuners to fine tune or change tunings, maybe to Gm tuning, with out messing up the D tuners. Infact, I recently changed strings, and when I got everything tuned back to G, my D tuners were still in tune.
They both turn counterclockwise, which is different then Keith tuners, but it only took me a short time to become used to the change.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Melrose Music Supply
I replaced a set of tuners with the Gotohs and I find the Gotohs to be extremely smooth to turn and comparable to the Keith standard tuners I have on another banjo. I would highly recommend the Gotohs and hope to purchase more in the future.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Elderly & Janet Davis
These are a must see for Earl Scruggs fan and bluegrass fans in general. These programs show Lester and Earl and the Foggy Mountain Boys at the top of their game. Although the pictures are black and white, I soon forgot that and delighted in watching and hearing what was and still is one of my favorite bluegrass bands. Earl's playing is crisp and clean, my only complaint is that he is out of the view of the camera quite often, especially during Lester's vocals. But, Lester Flatt is so smooth!
The commercials for Martha White Flour (with Hot Rize) are included, and they are very entertaining.
I have four DVD's so far and I believe that more are going to be produced and I am looking forward them.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Directly from Stelling
Year Purchased: 1979
Price Paid: Don't Remember
historic exchange rates / currency converter
Originally purchased in 1979, it has recently had a Tony Pass rim and radiused fingerboard added, which makes it like a new instrument.
Sound Rating: 10
It came back from Stelling ready to play, I did lower the action to suit my playing. It has a radiused fingerboard which makes it extremely easy to play.
Setup Rating: 10
It is a Staghorn, walnut with abalone trim and has Bellflower inlays and a flower on the resonator instead of horns. Gold & engraved.
Appearance Rating: 10
Excellent hardware and parts.
Reliability Rating: 10
I have dealt with Geoff directly on several occasions, he is very helpful.
Customer Service: 10
Stelling uses the finest components, coupled with excellent workmanship, equals a top quality banjo.
Components Rating: 10
I am very happy with this banjo, it has served me well over the years and now with the new rim and fingerboard, it is ready for many more years of playing and enjoyment.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Greg Boyd
Year Purchased: 2004
Price Paid: 3000 ($US)
Full, heavy 4th and ringing 1st string. Great sound, that is what sold me on the instrument, along with the overall appearance and a radiused fingerboard.
Sound Rating: 10
Great setup, I put on new strings, added a strap and was ready to play. Spikes already in at the 5th string at the 7,8,9 and 10th frets. Action was nearly perfect, 1/4
Setup Rating: 10
Sunburst maple with Hearts and Flowers inlay on an Ebony fingerboard. Finish is smooth. Overall appearance is understated, but beautiful.
Appearance Rating: 10
THe Hardware is the best you can get, this company makes the parts for other companies, including Stelling!
Reliability Rating: 10
Lifetime warrenty is included.
Customer Service: not rated
Nothing needed to be changed, except the strings, which were a little worn from getting played by customers.
Components Rating: 10
To me, it was a good buy, the quality is as good as my Stelling, which is saying alot. Also, it came with a TKL American Vintage Series case, which is one of the better cases you can buy.
Overall Rating: 10
