Submitted by Paddlehead (see all reviews from this person) on 3/10/2021

Where Purchased: Direct from builder

Year Purchased: 2021
Price Paid: 1000 ($US)

Sound

I prefer Old-Time clawhammer style and this banjo fits perfectly. Not using any effects or amps. Sound is warm and mellow. I like everything about it.

Sound Rating: 10

Setup

Setup was nice, but I'll probably experiment with bridge heights as I usually prefer a slightly lower action (occasional light fret buzzing doesn't bother me). Swapping bridges is super-easy, and I look forward to trying out a few different sizes and styles.

Setup Rating: 9

Appearance

IMHO, this instrument is gorgeous. Cherry-Maple-Cherry neck and Cherry pot with Maple cap. Maple headplate, armrest and heel cap. I prefer a clean fretboard so have side dots only. The banjo is finished with a matte oil finish and it feels great to the touch!

Appearance Rating: 10

Reliability

Nice quality brass Gotoh tuners. 4 planetary and 1 angle-geared for the 5th string. The matte oil finish should only get better looking over time. It is VERY solidly built, and I would use it at a gig without a backup.

Reliability Rating: 10

Customer Service

Luthier Steve Gerritsen is the owner of Stone Banjo Co. He was EXTREMELY easy to work with, and made sure that we had multiple phone conversations during the custom build. He also sent dozens of photos so I could see the progress of the build.

Customer Service: 10

Components

First of all, I love the WOOD in this banjo. Steve found a piece of light-toned Rosewood with a subtle "swoop" in the grain that goes from the 5th fret to the heel. He also used vintage-style round brass brackets, and a brass tension hoop that he drilled for hooks. Everything about this banjo is heavy-duty, and I love the look of the brass parts with the warmth of the Cherry wood.

Components Rating: 10

Overall Comments

I learned about Stone Banjo Company from Mandy Tyner, who is a banjo teacher on a youtube channel called Banjo Lemonade. She had good things to say about her Stone and I appreciate that she posted her informative review.

Steve was open, honest and very responsive to my questions. He advised me in a few areas where I wasn't sure - such as suggesting a black Buffalo Horn nut rather than typical bone. This nut adds some visual contrast with the Maple headplate and the light Rosewood fretboard.

Steve posted photos of my custom banjo at his website, in case you are interested in seeing it: www.stonebanjo.com - #21044X 

 

Overall Rating: 10