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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:
Year Purchased: 2013
Price Paid: 525 (Pounds)
historic exchange rates / currency converter
Old Time / Clawhammer (well trying anyway).
A very nice plunky sound - which is just what I was after.
Sound Rating: 10
All I had to do was to insert the bridge, at the marked location.
As for the action, Andy knew what I wanted to play on it, so it has been set-up to suit.
Setup Rating: 10
This Banjo doesn't scream out 'look at me'. But then that is not what I wanted. It's all about the sounds. A true wolf in sheeps clothing.
Appearance Rating: 10
From what I can see, this Banjo is absolutely rock solid.
Reliability Rating: 10
I had previously dealt with 'Andy Banjo', when I previously purchsed a Gold Tone Long Neck. As always, the customer service was first rate. There is not many companies, where you can order something at 17:00 and get it at 07:30 the next morning. Brilliant!
Customer Service: 10
All of the Hardware. looks like it will outlast myself. Andy is well known for building only quality Banjos.
Components Rating: 10
I can not recommend this company enough. This is the only one that I will ever use. 1st Class Instruments matched by a 1st Class Customer Service. The price that I paid also included 5th String Capo Spikes, Capo for the 4 long strings, 2 sets of string, Hard-Shell Case (you don't get much better than that!).
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: www.andybanjo.com/
Year Purchased: 2011
Price Paid: £450 ()
historic exchange rates / currency converter
I play mostly old-timey frailing mixed with a bit of fingerpicking for contemporary rock and this is a very versatile banjo - it has the 'scoop' in the lower neck by the pot which is good for me - i dont get up so high on the fretboard when I'm playing and i can rip into the strings when i need more volume in a louder context without worrying about bashing my knuckles!
Slides, hammer-ons and pull-offs are all very responsive - there is a bit more sustain since its a frailer and I really love the tone. It has quite a mellow sound I's say, kind of 'plunky' which i like, with good volume I would say - I tried a Deering 'Good Time' in a shop a while back and found the sound not as rich or complex and the playability not as pleasing as this.
Sound Rating: 9
Played beautifully out of the box - the bridge arrives unattached but the correct position was neatly indicated by masking tape and I was easily able to set it up in minutes. The action seems absolutely fine to me.
Setup Rating: 9
This is a plain-jane white lady! No frills - which I don't really care about I'm more concerned with the sound. I may buy a fancier one down the line when my playing merits it.
Appearance Rating: 6
Had it 6 months now and seems like a warhorse to me - stays in tune well and no visible degradation of anything really.
Reliability Rating: 8
Not had any issues as of yet so no complaints. The item was delivered promptly and the email notifications were friendly and 'human'.
Customer Service: 7
As i said this is not a visual stunner - its all about the sound and the playability and everything works really well from that point of view. I have noticed the back of the neck gets kind of sticky after playing a while for some reason - moreso than other instruments i have played for sure but nothing a cloth with some cleaning solution cant remedy. There's nothing I would upgrade really unless it was damaged.
I bought this in a package deal with gigbag, strap, spare strings and tuner - it all came in i think at 500 pounds and great value i would say for the quality of the things on offer.
Components Rating: 8
If you are into starting playing old-timey and clawhammer then I can't recommend this model highly enough. It's not a beginner instrument by any means but it's one that's utterly solid, very giggable (with a pickup or mic), sounds great and will give years and years of pleasure. I haven't been able to put it down anyway since buying 6 months ago!
Overall Rating: 9
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