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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!
7202 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased: Arthur Hatfield
Year Purchased: 2021
Price Paid: 2900 ($US)
The sound is absolutely incredible. Deep not harsh. It has so much power behind it the volume is so impressive.
Sound Rating: 10
Setup was perfect. Action is nice and low. Easiest banjo I’ve ever played.
Setup Rating: 10
Gorgeous banjo. The inlays are perfect, the resonator is beautiful.
Appearance Rating: 10
Completely solid, you can tell no expense has been spared.
Reliability Rating: 10
I contacted Arthur and Beverly on multiple occasions by phone and email. By phone they were both always friendly and kind. When speaking with Arthur about my banjo I never felt rushed or that I was inconveniencing him. It was such a joy to be able to speak with the banjo builder directly in such an informal way.
Customer Service: 10
Components Rating: 10
I have wanted a Hatfield for the better part of 10+ years when I first heard of them. I purchased this banjo based on the hangout reviews and Arthur's reputation and I'm glad I did. This is one of the reasons I'm writing a review myself in the hopes that it will encourage others to make the leap.
This banjo is everything and more than I could have ever wanted. I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to purchase one of Arthur's banjos. It makes me want to play and it is a work of art.
Thank you Arthur!
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Cumberland Acoustics
Year Purchased: 2012
Price Paid: Don't Remember
historic exchange rates / currency converter
Amazing sound, I had heard so much about these banjos I bought it sight unseen. The sound is everything and more I could have expected. Such a full sound with a great bottom end. Also the banjo is so loud!! I couldn't be happier and would suggest it to anyone!
Sound Rating: 10
The banjo was set up perfectly. I haven't had to make any adjustments at all. The banjo plays like butter.
Setup Rating: 10
Everyone knows what these banjo's look like. Flawless, is the word I would have to use. The inlays, gloss finish and mohagany are beautiful and perfectly done.
Appearance Rating: 10
I feel like this banjo will last forever. This is a banjo I'll be able to pass on through my family for years. Recording king quality and reputation is growing every day. I'm glad I've been able to grab one while I can. As word gets out it will get harder and harder to find one.
Reliability Rating: 10
This is an area that is very important to me. When you deal with a company you have to be able to rely on the service that they are going to provide to you.
Due to his reputation on the hangout I decided to contact Greg Rick directly. Well he lived up to his reputation. He got back to me incredibly quickly and hooked me up with Steve Smith from Cumberland Acoustics.
Both Steve and Greg were just incredible to deal with. I had a million questions and concerns and they helped the entire way.
I am truely grateful for all of their assistance and would suggest them to anyone looking for a Recording king.
Customer Service: 10
No weak or cheap components at all!
Components Rating: 10
I think I've conveyed my opinion of this banjo. I have to admit I was a little skeptical about what I've heard about this banjo. I took a leap of faith and couldn't be happier. If there is any doubts in your mind go for it. It's really an incredible instrument!!
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: 12/04/2011
All of the information you have heard about these mutes is true. This product is incredible. The banjo is muted perfectly. I am one of those people who really enjoy picking away while watching my favorite TV show. My girlfriend doesn't exactly appreciate an incredibly loud instrument being played in her ears while she watches TV. This mute is great. It dampens the sound without any impact to the instrument. You lightly tighten it to the top of the bridge and you're set. The mute has no negatives to the banjo. It doesn't make the bridge move, the banjo stays in tune. I just can't tell you how much I love it. You can pick all night long and no one will notice.
Let's talk about service for a minute. I ordered this mute directly from Mike's website. This was a very easy process and had it completed in minutes. Now I was ordering from Ontario, Canada. Mike being in Utah that little mute had to quite a distance to go. I had the mute in a week! I was so happy and surprised to received it.
Price. $34.50 (includes worldwide shipping). I couldn't believe this. $34.50 including shipping. No hidden cost, no charges at the border it was incredible. The mute is built from quality parts and could easily last forever I will never need a new one unless I lose it. If I did lose it I would buy 5 more just to make sure I never go without again!
This is an incredible product that is a necessity for any banjo player. Give the family a bit of a break and buy one of these amazing products.
Thank you!
Overall Rating: 10
