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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!
7219 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased: www.bluechippick.net
I recently began using a BlueChip JD Crowe thumb pick. I really like this pick. It's shaped in a way that it hits the string straight on, instead of at an angle like most thumb picks do. The metal part of the pick wraps all the way around the side of your thumb, so it never catches on the strings. Another thing I like is the fact that I feel like I don't have to play as hard as I do with other thumb picks. I feel like I can relax my right hand more, and that helps me to get better tone.
I would highly recommend the BlueChip. You don't ever want to lose one, though!
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Rob Bishline
Year Purchased: 2012
Price Paid: 1,995 ($US)
I play bluegrass, and this banjo is PERFECT for my playing style. It is KILLER for hard driving, traditional bluegrass. It is also very good for soft, melodic playing. The volume is great! It's a very dynamic banjo. It can produce a wide variety of tones and volumes.
Sound Rating: 10
The banjo was set up very well when I got it. It plays like butter and the intonation is PERFECT all the way up and down the neck.
Setup Rating: 10
This is a very nice looking banjo. It has a burl walnut resonator and a straight grain walnut neck. It has a satin finish which is actually very nice, and more durable than gloss. All the mother of pearl inlay is beautiful. The hardware is all of excellent quality and looks great.
Appearance Rating: 10
This is a very reliable banjo. It's the only banjo you'll ever need! The tone is PERFECT. The finish looks looks like it should last well. I would definitely use it without a backup. This is a pro banjo.
Reliability Rating: 10
I talked to Rob Bishline several times. He was very friendly and was always happy to answer any of my questions. He even installed a Shubb 5th string capo. He is great to deal with! He even sent me pictures while he was building it. The banjo comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Customer Service: 10
The whole banjo is AWESOME! The tuners are great, and the presto tailpiece is nice also. I've had the banjo for a few months, and haven't noticed anything that should be upgraded.
Components Rating: 10
This is an incredible banjo! It's as good as any I've ever played, and is very reasonably priced for a professional grade banjo.
Overall Rating: 10
