Submitted by Pigeontown Banjo Co (see all reviews from this person) on 11/23/2013

Where Purchased: Directly from Glenn Carson

Year Purchased: 2013
Price Paid: 3200 ($US)

Sound

This is a very special banjo - a collaborative project between master engraver Glenn Carson and master banjo builder Will Fielding. I'll talk a bit more about the aesthetics in the other fields but the banjo sounds PERFECT. I've owned so many original and modern Dobson-ringed banjos I'm ashamed to count but this stands out as one of the very best. Sounds as good as a banjo can.

Sound Rating: 10

Setup

The banjo was setup with a Renaissance head with perfect wonderful action. I've recently switched to a skin head just because I'm preferring that right now. Incredibly easy to switch out because the components are all perfect

Setup Rating: 10

Appearance

This was the banjo I coveted the longest. Glenn Carson's engraving work on banjos is as good as anyone working today and I especially appreciate his creative touch. No slavish Fairbanks copying here! This banjo was made in trade for Glenn's engraving work for Will Fielding and he then engraved the copper inlays over a long period of time. The banjo has a very subtle appearance (doesn't scream bling) until you get up close and see how masterfully each piece of the banjo was put together, decorated, etc. It is a stunner.

Appearance Rating: 10

Reliability

Beautiful customized brass hardware - much of it modified or engraved by Glenn Carson. The scoop plate alone is worth the price of admission.

Reliability Rating: 10

Customer Service

Glenn was a delight to deal with - a wonderful and passionate guy who wanted to make sure I knew the details of the banjo and was comfortable with all aspects of the purchase before going ahead.

Customer Service: 10

Components

The components are all the best out there and most have been gussied up by Glenn in the building/engraving process. The woods are just first-rate all the way.

Components Rating: 10

Overall Comments

What can I say? I've admired Will Fieldings banjos for a long time but this particular banjo was the apple of my eye. It was engraver Glenn Carson's personal banjo and I figured it would never be for sale. Then one day, I saw a vague reference in a thread about Clifftop that he might be bringing it to sell. A harassment campaign ensued! I bothered Glenn for about two weeks until he'd asked all his friends if they wanted the banjo. I was the one with cash on hand and I feel honored to be the caretaker of this incredible muscial work of art. My love for this banjo can be expressed very simply: I'm saving up money to have Glenn and will collaborate on another - a fretless brother to this one!

Glenn sold this banjo to invest in a more serious shop to build his own banjos and I can say without hesitation that I would LOVE to own another piece of his work. His attention to detail is stunning and his work surpasses any more superlatives that I can muster.

Overall Rating: 10