Bridges: Tim Purcell Banjo Bridge

Submitted by siemion on 10/11/2012

Where Purchased: Tim Purcell

Overall Comments

I just bought Red Maple bridge form Mr Tim Purcell. It's not compensated at all however I'm surprised how much it changed in sound of my Deering Goodtime banjo. It's like turning from basic to semi-pro. All parts are original apart of this bridge. Sound is even in high positions, mellow, thicker, fuller. I'd say "more calm" than it was. When I look at its design this bridge is a bit different than original Deering basic bridge. Of course it is five times more expensive but hahaha it's only 25$ as Deering costs 5$ :)
I would recommend it to anyone who wants to change sound of his/her banjo.
Well Done!

Overall Rating: 10

Deering: Goodtime

Submitted by siemion on 10/11/2012

Where Purchased: Eaglemusic Shop

Year Purchased: 2012
Price Paid: 295 (£) historic exchange rates / currency converter

Sound

Sounds great for the money. Firstly I bought Ozark 2113G Walnut banjo. Looked great with all features that expensive pro banjos have apart of sound. So I returned it to shop and bought online Deering Goodtime. Sound is very open. It was maybe a bit too wild for me so I bought Tim Purcell's Bridge. Definitely great instrument. It looks like it's gonna sound better with time. It doesn't have truss rod in neck. I'm classical guitar player and I can't imagine good sounding classical nylon string guitar with truss rod! Overall great banjo. Coming with nothing (not even gig bag), just with good sound.

Sound Rating: 10

Setup

Eaglemusic Shop sent it to me set up completely. It was even tuned so I could play straight out of the box. Fantastic. I found some guys are complaining set up here however notice this: they mostly bought used Goodtime so I can suspect someone did something wrong with set up before selling.

Setup Rating: 10

Appearance

It looks like I would make it by myself in garden shed haha.... My favorite Gibson was Junior! Simplicity so you pay only for sound. Inlays are OK. Only one thing I don't like is the way I can see that headstock is glued to the neck. Some cosmetics could be done to improve this. Anyway I love that simple wood look. Nice.

Appearance Rating: 9

Reliability

It looks solid if you look after it :)

Reliability Rating: 10

Customer Service

Eaglemusic is that shop I would recommend. Very professional help!

Customer Service: 10

Components

I would recommend upgrading bridge - first of all. Than I would think about maybe better tailpiece however not necessary. Overall it sounds as it sounds - really good so if someone wants something else I would suggest to buy something else :)

Components Rating: 10

Overall Comments

Great banjo for that money. If you buy it you will never regret it. Just remember what is important for you: sound or features.....

Overall Rating: 10