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The banjo reviews database is here to help educate people before they purchase an instrument. Of course, this is not meant to be a substitute for playing the instrument yourself!
7238 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased: Blaylock Music
Year Purchased: 1982
Price Paid: 2650 ($US) (bought USED)
The archtop tonering in this banjo gives this banjo a very bright (punchy), tight(?) sound. It sounds great. I've recorded with this banjo on several occasions and it's always wonderful to work with.
Sound Rating: 8
The banjo was ready to play when I got it. It was Clyde Blaylock's personal banjo at the time.
Setup Rating: 9
I'll try to keep this brief - not exactly sure what sort of limits may be set for the amount of text. :)
The banjo is beautiful burled walnut with a maple cross overlay on the resonator. Every edge thinkable is bound and in most instances there is purfling. A few years ago I found purfling on the shell, but under where the resonator sits (an obvious "easter egg").
The metal parts are all hand engraved and gold plated. Inlays are of abalone and mother of pearl.
Appearance Rating: 10
I couldn't imagine ever needing to replace any hardware on this banjo. Everything is top notch! I did have to replace a lag screw in the neck (operator error). A few years ago I got around to putting 4 Keith Tuners on it. It's had several heads and has been refretted a time or two.
Reliability Rating: 9
Geoff and Sherry have always been a great help. They have answered many questions for me over the years. I consider them my friends.
Customer Service: 10
Banjo is built from the very best components available.
Components Rating: 9
This banjo was made for and owned by Ralph Stanley. There were several promotional pictures made of Ralph with this particular banjo - see Masters of the 5-String Banjo
For some pictures check out the following link:
http://webpages.charter.net/jhpankey/gospel.htm
Overall Rating: 9
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