All Banjo Reviews (By Submitter)

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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!

7170 reviews in the archive.

Backyard Music: Fireside (Assembled)

Submitted by jrhone on 9/28/2011

Where Purchased: Backyard Music

Year Purchased: 2004/2008/2011
Price Paid: Don't Remember historic exchange rates / currency converter

Sound

The sound is understandably light, given it's design, but intonation is decent and has an overall sweet quality.

Sound Rating: 7

Setup

There is attention to detail that you might not expect to find in a "kit" model. The woodworking is quality, the design is well thought out - the 5th string tuner being arranged straight up from the fingerboard shows the maker's ingenuity.

Setup Rating: 9

Appearance

Again, this is more than just a simple kit model. Attention is paid to aesthetic design to a degree beyond expectation for this type of banjo.

Appearance Rating: 9

Reliability

Surprisingly durable. Like any instrument, do not expose it to extreme cold, heat or dry air.

Reliability Rating: 7

Customer Service

Very friendly, reliable, easy to contact and quick to respond to inquiries. Maker takes pride in his work and wants to make things right.

Customer Service: 10

Components

I've dealt with multiple Fireside banjos assembled and kit models since 2004. The maker has consistently upgraded and tweaked the design, materials used, etc. These banjos continue to get better and better.

Components Rating: 9

Overall Comments

I've used these banjos to teach children and adults in college classes. Across the board, students find them easy and friendly to use. Beginners appreciate their size and light feel, while more advanced players appreciate their portability, sweet sound, consistent string action (all the way up the neck) and overall design. Personally, they make great travel banjos and are handy to keep around the house (or workplace) when a quick frailing or fingerpicking fix is desired!
Essential and highly recommended.

Overall Rating: 9