Ramsey: Amish

Submitted by FScholle on 6/11/2008

Where Purchased: ZEPP

Year Purchased: 2007
Price Paid: 1000 ($US)

Sound

I have had this banjo now for about 7 months and have played it every day so I'm past the honeymoon stage and can give a fair review.
This banjo gives back what you put into it. Nice and soft or loud and punchy. I really like the balanced sound across all five strings. Gives a nice bass, good midrange and treble without sounding tinny. I have had many people at jams and festivals comment on how good it sounds.
I don't give 10s because there could always be something better.

Sound Rating: 9

Setup

Was set up with a Ramsey bridge, Renaissance head, no knot tail piece and light strings. Nothing wrong with that. I have changed out the bridge to a heavy moonbridge because I like them. Might have improved the sound a little but not much. I also run a strip of leather through the strings right above the tailpiece and have a small sock stuffed lightly under the tailpiece end of the dowelstick. This cuts down a bit on overtones but is just my personal preference and not necessary.

Action suits me very well. I have an 11/16 bridge on it which gives plenty of room for the right hand without making it uncomfortable for the left hand. The neck is a bit clubbier than those of other makers but it feels great in my hand and I got used to it very quickly. Intonation is perfect.

Setup Rating: 9

Appearance

This banjo is unique in that it has a star inlay at the fifth fret. Normally the Amish only comes with dots. While this was a goof-up in the Ramsey workshop I like it because it makes the banjo unique.
There are a few very minor flaws in the grain filling of the mahagony neck but nothing that distracts. One hook is different from the other ones. I guess they grabbed one out of the wrong bin. Again to me that is more endearing than annoying and shows me that it is a banjo built by hand.

I like understated looks and that is what you get with this banjo. Despite the minor flaws I will give it an 8.

Appearance Rating: 8

Reliability

No problems here

Reliability Rating: 9

Customer Service

Customer Service: not rated

Components

Components are good. Changing the tuner buttons to black might improve the looks.

Components Rating: 9

Overall Comments

I love this banjo and anticipate that I will play it for a very long time. The sound and (to me) playability are its standout features.

Overall Rating: 9