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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!
7003 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased: The 5 String Music Studio
Year Purchased: 08
Price Paid: 4,000 ($US)
I pick Gillis style. This banjo has some serious power behind it. You've gotta learn to tame this beast. You can get a good Stanley tone out of it or Jimmy can do a single string run and make it sound like Reno, it can be harsh and sweet. The back up is good and the 22nd fret rings true
Sound Rating: 10
I was in there in the shop when my banjo was put together. I did a little work on it myself before I decided to buy it, as for the setup. Over 40 years of experience speaks for itself
Setup Rating: 10
The gold plating goes great with the ebony fretboard and darker finish. A beautiful curly maple neck and a beautiful quilted maple resonator. I love the inlay pattern on this one. Its very simple but looks excellant. Simple.
Appearance Rating: 10
Every piece of hardware was machined at Jimmy's shop. You know you are only getting the best. 100% USA made! The plating on this batch seems to flake very minor underneath the hooks, not that this hurts anything nor is it noticable unless you take a hook off. Parts are %100 garunteed, if it breaks you get a new one no questions asked
Reliability Rating: 9
I've known Jimmy since I started playing. Customer comes first.
Customer Service: 9
Most of the parts on the Fairchild banjo are brass compared to stainless steel or even aluminum on other banjos. (Not Cox) all of the materials are top notch and this does not falter with the lower priced, not cheaper, models.
Components Rating: 10
This is an incredible instrument, it can sound how you want it to sound. I'd get another one if I didn't need it
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Jimmy Cox's Shop
Year Purchased: 08
Price Paid: 3,500 ($US)
The sound on this banjo is different compared to other banjos. This has a "semi-raised-head" (The Carolina) tone ring in it, some people have compared it to older Gibson banjos although this is a tone ring entirely of itself. This banjo is loud, it rings out quite a while, and it has a higher tone but with a good bass on the 4th string. I like the sound, seems like it would be good for studio work. Reminds me of a Sammy Shelor Sound.
Sound Rating: 10
Banjo was set up with over 40 years of experience, that speaks for itself. The action was high, but that's how I requested it, one piece flange was flawless, I like it
Setup Rating: 10
Jimmy Cox created the inlay pattern for this one, not to gauddy, easy on the eyes, looks good. mahog resonater, no rings, mahog necks, all stained one solid color. Looks good, simple.
Appearance Rating: 10
All the hardware is 100% American. Jimmy Cox stands behind his work
Reliability Rating: 10
Jimmy's a great guy to deal with. I am unsure of the warranty on this but I've brought in my other banjo many times and he is always happy to help.
Customer Service: 10
Everything is top of the line.
Components Rating: 10
I love the tone ring, I'd say there's no comparision to a Gibson
Overall Rating: 10
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