Submitted by David Wadsworth (see all reviews from this person) on 1/13/2015

Where Purchased: First Quality Muaic

Year Purchased: 2014
Price Paid: List is around $2300 ($US)

Sound

The sound is wonderful and unique: loud and rich, powerful and toneful on every fret. Sounds like no other new banjo I've owned or played.

Sound Rating: 10

Setup

Eric had the banjo set up very well. I substituted one of my roasted maple bridges that was just a few tenths of a gram heavier than the Sullivan roasted bridge that came on the banjo. I did this only because my ears are tuned to my bridges.

Setup Rating: 9

Appearance

Flawless high gloss finish on the resonator. The neck has a speed finish that feels smoothe as the shaft of a billiards/pool cue stick. Curl in both neck and resonator is tight and very attractive

Appearance Rating: 10

Reliability

Hardware seems to be of very good quality. Finish has no stain just lacquer to let the rich light brown beauty of roasted maple shine through. I would play this banjo anywhere without a back up.

Reliability Rating: 10

Customer Service

Eric and Jeff got their customer service credentials from their late dad, Bill. They certainly treated me right as I believe they would treat others.

Customer Service: 10

Components

At the price point for the banjo the parts are as good as can be expected. I found nothing weak or cheap about it.

Components Rating: 10

Overall Comments

I have not played a new banjo with better fit and finish, better wood components or a better feeling neck.  The sound is something special.  The best way I know how to approach describing it is to say this.  If you like what a roasted maple bridge does for the sound of the new or old banjo you play every day, I believe you will absolutely love the sound of a Sullivan Roasted Maple Festival.  I certainly do love the sound of mine.  It has rich, tone full, old/mature type sound with power to spare. 

When I first heard about the roasted maple concept I was skeptical, thinking it was just the latest fad or hype.  I was curious enough to purchase some roasted maple and make some bridges, which impressed me.  I had some conversations with Eric about the effects of roasting on wood and asked if he'd considered making a complete banjo of roasted maple.  Of course he was toying with that idea.  Maybe a year later Eric invited me and I'm sure others to come to the shop to play a roasted maple prototype banjo.  When I played it, I ordered one on the spot.  Having played mine nearly every day for a few months now I am even more impressed.  I believe Eric and Jeff have an outstanding instrument in this new roasted maple banjo.
 

Overall Rating: 10