Submitted by Mike Casey (see all reviews from this person) on 6/9/2004

Where Purchased: Fuller's Vintage Guitar, Houston

Year Purchased: 2004
Price Paid: Don't Remember historic exchange rates / currency converter

Sound

This is a new banjo and has not been played in yet, but it is a very strong banjo. It has that distinctive Gibson two piece flanged, 40 hole archtop sound. I played it over the PA at a recent festival and it was very much a presence. A veteran banjo picker who knows I usually play a flathead asked me after the show when I'd switched to a archtop. He was not listening where he could see the stage during our show.

Sound Rating: 9

Setup

The banjo setup from the factory was excellent. All that was needed was a tweak to the head tension. New heads tend to loose some tension during transit.

Setup Rating: 8

Appearance

This is perhaps the best looking banjo Gibson makes. The superior grade woods, the bindings and the gold plating and engraving all combine on this banjo to make this a special banjo. Even the inside of the rim is bound with the wood purfling. It is a striking banjo in every sense of the word

Appearance Rating: 10

Reliability

This banjo is so well made it is totally reliable. The metal parts are engraved beautifully and they are of the highest quality. The finish and gold plating are beautiful to behold and are well done. The inlays are tight with little if any filler that I can detect. It is a very solid, well made banjo.

Reliability Rating: 10

Customer Service

Haven't had to use it. Don't know.

Customer Service: not rated

Components

The metal parts, the woods, the bindings, the finish and the workmanship are all superior. I do not believe any shop anywhere could do a better job. This is an outstanding banjo.

Components Rating: 10

Overall Comments

This is a reissue of the historical and famous RB-5 Deluxe archtop from the late 20's. It is only available from Fuller's Vintage Guitar in Houston, Texas. If you like the archtop sound and great workmanship you might consider such a banjo. It is a one fine banjo from headstock to tailpiece.
And the neck plays like a dream.

Overall Rating: 10