Straps: Lakota Banjo strap

Submitted by Steph_Five on 10/9/2010

Where Purchased: Lakota Leathers website

Overall Comments

Strap is very soft and comfortable. Made of buffalo hide, it very soft and supple; Brand new out the box, it was extremely comfortable for a new strap. Workmanship was a little disappointing however as the strap looked to be cut rather haphazardly and uneven. It wasn't so disappointing that I would return it...just something that could use improvement. Overall...I am very satisfied with this strap and would order another one.

Overall Rating: 8

Huber: Lexington

Submitted by Steph_Five on 1/7/2009

Where Purchased: Gryphon Strings

Year Purchased: 2009
Price Paid: 4025 ($US)

Sound

Rich and full of low end repsonse. I'm surprised by the bass that pours out from the 4th string on this banjo. Yet it is very bright and clear all the way up the neck. Can be very loud if wanted..would be great on stage. Veyr typical of a maple bluegrass banjo.....yeah....it has the sound!

Sound Rating: 10

Setup

Banjo came all the way from Palo Alto, CA to West Virginia. Wen I unpacked it, took it out of the case..it rocked right from the start and it was IN TUNE! I particularly like Steve Hubers choice of string gauges. No changes made, none recommended.

Setup Rating: 10

Appearance

Beautiful flamed maple neck, sunburst flamed resonator with Vintage metal finish, no gold. It gives this banjo a unique look, and I found it appealing from the pics on Gryphons website. I was sold. Looked even better when I got it.

No flaws at all. I looked, inspected, and can't find one single, even minute flaw. Steve Hubers craftsmanship is right up there with Stelling...the best of the best.

Appearance Rating: 10

Reliability

Hardware seems solid quality, looks great. I like the tailpiece on this banjo. I've read posts by Gibson owners that buy hugh end banjos and the tail piece seems cheap, not so with Huber. Not even remotely considering changing anything. Looks, great. performs great, if it ain't broke....you know.

Reliability Rating: 10

Customer Service

No worrys here. Huber will be around. I've only used Hubers customer service once, with regard to my Huber Jim Mills, and they responded adequately, Friendly people...that will back their product.

Customer Service: 10

Components

Nothing weak on this banjo. Standout.....the whole banjo is such an example of Huber quality, its like asking waht part on a Ferrari would you change? Nah...Huber knows there product and they take no shortcuts.

Components Rating: 10

Overall Comments

Awesome banjo. I also have a Huber Jim Mills. This lexington is my favorite. It has that Early Bluegrass sound, very bright sounding with a boomin' bass. Compare it to other banjo's....I can't knock any of them. I love the Gibsons sound. Love Stelling's workmanship. Hubers are Stelling workmaship with Gibson sound.; Just can't beat that. I'll own these banjos ....forever. I faithful to Huber....try one...and you will be too.

Overall Rating: 10