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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!
7210 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased:
Year Purchased:
Price Paid: 500 ($US)
I bought it to learn on, and it's easy to play and sounds better than it should at this price point.
Sound Rating: 9
Setup was great, I just started playing.
Setup Rating: 9
Everything is nicely finished, but the nature of the banjo is that it's an unstained pale wood. Good feeling of quality, but it makes no attempt at looking fancy.
Appearance Rating: 7
Appearance is kind of no-frills, and it feels like what's there is up to the job.
Reliability Rating: 8
Customer Service: not rated
It's a very light banjo, and yet very playable.
Components Rating: 8
I can see why everyone recommends this banjo to beginners - it's just a fun instrument to pick up, and easy to play.
Overall Rating: 9
Where Purchased: Erm, online somewhere. Maybe direct from the manufacturer?
I've tried a couple of mutes, and this is by far the best I've found. It's easy and quick to install and remove, and it does a good job of muting things. The sound of the banjo does change - it takes on an almost nasal quality, with more sustain; a bit guitar-like.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Direct from Bishline
Year Purchased: 2013
Price Paid: 2200 ($US)
The sound is great, and exactly what I hoped for. Powerful!
Sound Rating: 10
I pulled it out of the case and it played wonderfully. It was even still in tune after being shipped from the other side of the world!
Setup Rating: 10
So very nice to look at - I can't get enough of the swirly walnut on the resonator. I had the truss rod cover engraved as part of my order, and that came out even better than I hoped.
Appearance Rating: 10
Solid, professional, and beautifully finished. Bishline call it a bluegrass workhorse and that name fits well.
Reliability Rating: 10
I wish I had an 11 to rate customer service. I was already impressed with the customer service when talking through my options with Rob Bishline, and dealing with the administration through Andy, but when shipping to Australia proved to have significant issues, they really looked after things admirably. I couldn't have asked for better treatment.
Customer Service: 10
I really love the overall aesthetic - dark, feature-rich wood, satin finish, and understated inlays. Everything is quality, and there are no corners cut. It feels like it should cost more than it does.
Components Rating: 10
I couldn't be happier!
Overall Rating: 10
