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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!
7232 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased: Thad Bateman, BHO classifieds
Year Purchased: 2013
Price Paid: 300 ($US)
Nice fretless for clahammer style. Has good tone with good "plunk" and resonant bass. Better volume than I expected. Has a solid sound without being too hollow or tubby.
I have another tackhead from a well known maker and it sounds as good.
Sound Rating: 10
Set up was good for this type of banjo. Ebony fiddle pegs that are well fitted. Handmade bridge that suits the banjo well in appearance, and provides comfortable action over the frailing scoop. Only reason I would change the bridge would be for skin head changes with humidity changes. Nicely hand carved marblewood tailpiece mounted to end of dowelstick.
Setup Rating: 10
Thad did a great job on the woodwork. Neck is two piece walnut with Dobson style heel and a modified double ogee. Fingerboard and peghead are marblewood with an amazing grain pattern. The pot is wood block--walnut? with marblewood rim cap. Natural splotchy skin head with antique brass tacks. Finish is well done with no flaws. The beautiful woodwork and appearance of the marblewood are what caught my eye in the ad.
Appearance Rating: 10
Finish is well done. Matte vs glossy like you would want on a tackhead, so it may show some usual wear with play, which is not a negative for me. Should last a long time.
Reliability Rating: 10
Thad was really good to deal with. Answered emails promptly and even sent a sound sample for me to hear the banjo. Shipped it quickly and I received it well-packed.
Customer Service: 10
The components are well made. The marblewood fingerboard was the standout for me.
Components Rating: 10
This is a great tackhead banjo. It is easy to play and has good volume and nice tone. It is an oustanding value given the quality of the wood and the work
Thad did on it to make it so beautiful. Fun to play and a looker to boot! Haven't seen any other banjos made by Thad, but if they are like this one, would definitely recommend them.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Robert Browder
Year Purchased: 2013
Price Paid: 475 ($US)
Nice, full sound, good deep bass but ample treble. The nine & 1/2 inch gourd gives a great sound and has plenty of volume when played solo or with other instruments. Wonderful "gourdy" tone!
Sound Rating: 10
Nice set up by Robert. Shipped well and ready to play after tuning it up. Set up with heavy tension nylon strings, so tuned up easily to G. Robert says can also tune up to D and A.
He sent two bridges to allow for head changes with humidity/temp changes, one maple and one walnut--nice, hand-carved bridges that fit the look of the banjo well. Action higher than my other "modern" Ramseys, Reiters, etc., but perfect for a good plunky sound. Unique tailpiece designed by Robert to alleviate pressure on the edge of the gourd, seems like it is sturdy and will hold up well. Nice, splotchy skin head; rosewood friction pegs that are well fitted.
Setup Rating: 10
Beautiful curly maple neck that caught my eye in his ad! No fingerboard, so the curly maple shows on the front too and is as beautiful to look at and admire as it is smooth and buttery feeling to play. I'd rather play on the maple itself vs a fingerboard on this particular banjo.
His curly maple neck is much nicer than some other shop built banjos I have. Nicely carved scroll on the peghead and double ogee on neck. Tacks are well placed around the side of the gourd opening vs on the front of the head, which I liked better, to not detract from the beautiful skin head. Has two f-shaped sound holes on either side of gourd body, well carved and a nice touch. Dowel stick is a continuation of the curly maple neck and is an eye-catcher, too. Was impressed by this banjo in the photo and was not disappointed when it arrived, It had me at "hello".
Appearance Rating: 10
Banjo seems well-crafted and solid. Hardware should last. Like the thought behind the tailpiece, to preserve the structure of the gourd for a long life. Will be curious to see how the finish on the front of the maple neck will last after playing on it for a while, but really enjoy the feeling of my fingers sliding on it, and how it looks from the front.
Reliability Rating: 10
Robert was great to deal with. He assured he would cover anything that happened due to any fault in the workmanship, and would work with me on anything else that might need repairing or replacing in the future. He is willing to take returns after 14 days, to make sure the customer is pleased. He communicated well with me during the transaction. I think if I ever need any service from him, he will work hard to make it good.
Customer Service: 10
All components seem well made, sturdy, and support the function and appearance of a gourd banjo. This one will be used for historic demonstrations, so I am pleased with the components he chose.
Components Rating: 10
This banjo is a beauty and is wonderful to play and to look at! It sounds great. The experience I had dealing with Robert during the transaction couldn't have been easier. He seems like a great guy and builds a quality gourd banjo. Would definitely recommend him to others, and would deal with him again!
Overall Rating: 10
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