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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!
7235 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased: Private
Year Purchased: 2009
Price Paid: 1500 (UK £) (bought USED)
historic exchange rates / currency converter
For a 100 year old banjo the sound is lovely and bright and I find it great for clawhammer/old time.
Sound Rating: 9
Setup is just fine but cannot use the last three frets near the pot as the rim is too high. No problem as Old Timey stuff never goes this far up the neck (does it). very well worn banjo with really deep finger wear holes at the first fret but doesn't cause any problems playing.
Setup Rating: 9
Lovely original nick with obvious wear for its age. Was refretted in the 70's! Seeing as it went to Australia and was then busked back to the UK in the 1930's it looks pretty good for its age and hard life
Appearance Rating: 7
It's lasted 100 years so far so no problems there. Totally original apart from the afore mentioned refret.
Reliability Rating: 10
Not applicable
Customer Service: not rated
As in reliability - cannot beat 100 year old parts still going strong - can you?
Components Rating: 10
Always wanted one of these. Got this well worn one but sound, action and playability made it a great purchase. It has a really interesting history also (what I have found out so far)
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Nate Calkins Direct
Year Purchased: 2008
Price Paid: 257 (UK £)
historic exchange rates / currency converter
Very nice - rich and sonorous. Fairly loud when played over the head and more toneful(!) when played at cutout.
What kind of sounds can the banjo make? Depends who is listening and what they think! Personally I think it sounds nice.
Sound Rating: 9
Well set up and ready to play. Action is just spot on
Setup Rating: 9
Plain, unfancy finish with no inlays etc. Very very nice overall with good wood and excellent workmanship.
Appearance Rating: 9
Haven't had it long enough to comment but realistically there is little or no hardware compared with a normal banjo. Finish is good and I am sure it will last.
Reliability Rating: 9
Nate was a pleasure to deal with. Not aware of any warranty but as I am half way around the world I would probably sort myself if anything went wrong or I damaged it while unsober at a festival!
Customer Service: 10
All seem good quality but there isn't much to speak of due to the nature of the instrument!
Components Rating: 9
For £257 (inc carraige) this instrument was fantastic value. Quality of workmanship; sound; service are first class and I cannot fault Nate's work and helpfulness!
I just love this instrument and would make it my No2 banjo behind my Clifford Essex. I just love giving it welly (Scottishism) and am so glad I bought it.
If it was stolen I would buy another but who in the world would steal a banjo unless the were not the full 5 string in the head!
Cannot compare with my other banjo's or others I have played as this is the only tackhead I have played. I would buy another tomorrow but know the wife would probably insert it up my anal sphincter as 7 banjos is far too much for anyone (I would disagree).
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Mandolin Bros
Year Purchased: 1998
Price Paid: 1200 ($US)
Very nice sound but must admit it is getting better with age. I have tried various heads with renaissance head now which is by far the best. Fibreskin was good but like the new one more.
Sound Rating: 8
Set up was no problem and ready to play. Changes have been the heads only apart from strings. Use LaBella 730M strings with a second on the fifth for better sound (less bright 5th for Old Time)
Setup Rating: 8
Inlays nice and general finish is pretty good. Only fault is one of the tuning pegs is not exactly in the right position but doesn't affect the sound.
Appearance Rating: 7
After 11years everything seems fine. I have used it for a few concerts and it is always reliable. Only minor complaint is the 5 star tuners aint the best to tune up.
Reliability Rating: 7
Mike Ramsay was helpful after I bought the instrument. I am sure I could get it repaired if it was damaged but would tend to get done in the UK rather than send back over to the States.
Mandolin Bros whenre I bought it were very good albeit a bit dearer than others (hadn't heard of Elderly when I bought it and just happened to be in NY for honeymoon)
Customer Service: 8
Only dislike the tuners as said above.
Components Rating: not rated
A nice instrument which as said is sounding better with age. I was going to buy a Bart Reiter Grand Concert (internal tone ring) at the time and wish I had but don't get me wrong the Chanterelle is just great.
If it was stolen it would be so difficult to get rid of in the UK that I am certain I would get it back.
Overall Rating: 8
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