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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!
7232 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased: Directly from Companion Custom Banjos
Year Purchased: 2020
Price Paid: $2000 ($US)
The banjo has a full, rich sound with a lot of sustain. I play mostly folk and old time, but I wanted a resonator banjo to complete my collection. I also dabble in some Scruggs style playing now and then. This banjo suits me perfectly, as it was made to my specifications.
Sound Rating: 10
The set up was great. Chris set it up with the bridge I had requested and the intonation is spot on. He also made the neck a bit wider than standard, as per my request.
Setup Rating: 10
It is more beautiful than I expected. I originally just wanted a lighter resonator banjo with a bit of wide neck. I didn't really care about the looks, but Chris encouraged me to personalize the design (It didn't cost any more). I ended up with a beautiful and tasteful "Dragonfly" banjo. The woods, finishes, hardware, and inlays are just awesome.
Appearance Rating: 10
I haven't had it very long, but I believe that it will be my forever banjo. Maintenance will be easy enough. Chris encouraged me to keep in contact with him and he would help with any changes I wanted to make in the future (like the bridge or head).
Reliability Rating: 10
Chris was great. He has a day job, but he always answers emails promptly and sends pictures. He was patient with me when I wanted to make changes during the design process.
Customer Service: 10
They are great. The pot, neck, and resonator are custom and are made from beautiful woods. The hardware is good, especially the flange, hooks, and tailpiece. I don't expect that I will upgrade anything, expect maybe the tuners. But tuners are always an option for upgrade :) I won't be doing that anytime in the foreseeable future however.
Components Rating: 10
I am very happy with this banjo. It has the warm sound I wanted. It is very lightweight and as a bonus, it is real nice to look at :)
If you are interested in a having a beautiful, great sounding banjo made just for you, I recommend that you contact Chris.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Directly from Ken LeVan
Year Purchased: 2019
Price Paid: 1400
historic exchange rates / currency converter
It has a nice, full sound. I like round sounding bass notes, and this banjo has them. But I also feel like it has a balanced sound. I mostly finger pick on nylon strings with no picks. This banjo was specially made for that. I have done some simple clawhammer on it and it sounds awesome played that way as well.
Sound Rating: 10
My banjo is a New Vintage model; however, Ken made so that I could put nylon or steel strings on it. Its neck is bit wider than standard. Ken made a special tail piece that could be used with both types of strings. The pitch and tone are great up and down the neck. The banjo is easy to fret and I love the wider neck with the modified v profile.
Setup Rating: 10
It's beautiful. It is cherry, with a clear stain. The hardware is custom made by Ken and has a beautiful patina. I was an art student in college, and I took metals. I admire Ken's work.
It has a vintage-y look to it, but it also unique enough to stand out.
Appearance Rating: 10
So far so good. It is solid.
Reliability Rating: 10
Ken is very easy to deal with. We emailed back and forth throughout the process, and he sent me detailed schematics of the design. I had a problem with the 5th string tuner that was not Ken's fault. He sent me a new one right away and answered my questions about how to install it properly.
Customer Service: 10
There are no parts that need upgrading. The custom tailpiece is really awesome. And I love the cherry it was built from. Ken said that it came from a large log that he found near his home. It is truly a one of kind banjo.
Components Rating: 10
I would highly recommend ordering a banjo from Ken. It will be well made, and it will sound and look great.
Overall Rating: 10
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