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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!
7198 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased: First Quality Music
Year Purchased: 2004
Price Paid: 600 ($US)
Real good sound for clawhammer. i put a little pad between the head and coordinator rod because i rings out a bit much with the White Ladye tone ring. Pretty nice tone, i play over the frailing scoop that i made and that gets the best sound for this instrument.
Sound Rating: 8
Set up just fine from FQMS. The action is fine even with the 1/2" bridge. Soon after getting it, i scooped the fretboard above the 17th fret. They should start making them this way. the action is nice and low over the 1st 7 frets. Oh, and i added a "no-knot" tailpiece.
Setup Rating: 9
Nice cloud inlays, it's a handsome banjo. The rosewood is a nice color for the fretboard since the banjo is stained dark. The only thing i don't like is the 'fiddle' peghead shape. too fancy and i like a simpler look.
Appearance Rating: 8
Never had anything go wrong with it. it's built real sturdy. the finish seems thick and won't wear off. I've been going to jams with this one for 3 years and it's nice and strong.
Reliability Rating: 10
never tried to contact GT for any reason.
Customer Service: not rated
The tuners are nice and nothing needs upgrading, i did put a "no-knot" tailpiece on though just personal preference for the sound.
Components Rating: 8
Great banjo for learning clawhammer. better than a "beginning" banjo. this one is good but if you can spend a few hundred more you can get a handmade or custom banjo maybe. Great price for a clawhammer banjo with a WL tone ring. i've played bart reiters with the WL tone ring at the store and can't tell that they sound any different.
Overall Rating: 9
