Gibson: Earl Scruggs Standard

Submitted by mchinn on 2/9/2004

Where Purchased: Pioneer Music

Year Purchased: 2003
Price Paid: Don't Remember historic exchange rates / currency converter

Sound

I love the sound of this banjo. It has a great bluegrass bite, but can sound mellow when played in the “Y” position (away from the bridge). I only play bluegrass, and it is perfectly suited for that style.

Sound Rating: 10

Setup

The people at Pioneer did a great job of setting up my banjo. It has a low action, which I like, and the head was tensioned perfectly. The only changes I have made were to replace the stock Presto tail piece with a Price, and the stock Groover bridge with a Scorpion bridge.

Setup Rating: 10

Appearance

The banjo is beautiful. If you know banjos, you will know what this one looks like! Maple, MOP, nickel, and all the trimmings. All workmanship was perfect!

Appearance Rating: 10

Reliability

This banjo seems to be built like a tank. I’ve only had it a while, but everything seems to be built to last a lifetime and maybe more.

Reliability Rating: 10

Customer Service

Never dealt with Gibson, but the people at Pioneer Music are great!!! Helpful, friendly, and eager and able to please.

Customer Service: 10

Components

The neck feels great, and plays the same. I really like the way the tuners feel, they are smooth as silk and beautiful. I wasn’t impressed with the bridge or tail piece. I don’t understand why Gibson puts those cheap ones on as stock parts.

Components Rating: 8

Overall Comments

I think this is a great banjo, and would certainly replace it with the same thing if it were ever stolen. The sound, and the playability are both great. It was a little pricey, but it is such an improvement from my 1970’s Iada that I think the price was worth every penny. It just makes me want to play more, which makes me play better, which makes me want to play more…

Overall Rating: 10