Submitted by Ianinuk (see all reviews from this person) on 3/21/2013

Where Purchased: Eagle Music (UK)

Year Purchased: 2012
Price Paid: 1160 (GBP) historic exchange rates / currency converter

Sound

I 'm a reasonably competent clawhammer player. Because I wanted an ebony fingerboard the banjo became a custom order and meant a wait of several months but in the end was worth the wait.
I'd gone to the shop to try out a Deering Vega Senator, but having tried one back to back against a mahogany Prucha, the latter just felt nicer. Being in the UK, a European made instrument is considerably better value than a US made one due to the import taxes, so it seemed to make more financial sense.
Also, the Vega I tried had a frosted head fitted, which didn't help the sound to my ears. I've subsequently tried a Senator with a Renaissance head and it sounded just as good as the Prucha. I opted for the maple version as I like a brighter sound.

Sound Rating: 9

Setup

I've now been playing it for four months and I haven't altered anything. I'm a renowned tinkerer, so that says a lot! I'll soon be replacing the stock strings for my preferred D'addario mediums, but that's pretty much all I'll do.

Setup Rating: 10

Appearance

It's a fine looking instrument. Having decided I wanted a Prucha, I thought I'd like the more ornate (and costly) Griffin model, but in the end opted for the understated looks of the Old Time. It's just dots and stars but it's impeccably done. There isn't a single blemish or imperfection whatsoever anywhere on the banjo.
I've only ever owned Gold Tone and similar banjos in the past and although I have a nice guitar and a pretty good mandolin, I've never seen workmanship like this before.

Appearance Rating: 10

Reliability

As stated, it's only four months old but it seems solid enough to warrant a 10.

Reliability Rating: 10

Customer Service

Jarda Prucha himself responded to every email I sent, no problems there and Eagle Music are pretty good too.

Customer Service: 9

Components

Everything is top notch, much of the hardware is made by, or made specially for, Prucha. Tuners are as good as anything else I've ever seen and the armrest is probably the best there is IMO.

Components Rating: 10

Overall Comments

Truly flawless craftsmanship, great sound, although the brass tone ring is perhaps the most basic component. I'd like to think, in the future, my children may appreciate it as I do. And, rather spookily, seeing as this was a fiftieth birthday present to myself, the serial number is the same as my birthday!

Overall Rating: 10