Gold Tone: White Ladye Plus WL-250+

Submitted by Scrubbing Monkeys on 12/24/2021

Where Purchased: Palm Bay Music

Year Purchased: 2010
Price Paid: $650.00 ($US) (bought USED)

Sound

Having very limited experience ( on banjo) I can only say that it is inspiring to hear. The set up was fine it had/has the same Remo fiber skin head after 11 years. It also has a no knot tail piece that was installed later. The fret edges were a bit rough but easily buffed down. To describe the sound would be to say....clear and articulate with a warm flavor. It suits me great for my style of claw hammer. I did add a KnK Sound Hot Spot piezo pick up on the under side of the head near but not under the bridge. It sounds nearly the same recorded or amped as it does acoustic.

Sound Rating: 9

Setup

It was used. It had one fret that wasn't seated. I lived close to Gold Tone in Titusville FL. I took it in and Wayne himself had a tech reseat it and level it out. He also recommended a different bridge and a no knot tail price based on my experience and desires. (True salesman that guy) I haven't really done anything but buff out some fret ends since then. Honestly and the reason I am writing this is that I Am amazed at how stable this thing is. I live in a semi arrid climate near the equator that gets monsoon rains in season. Very different extremes. I have never had to adjust anything!! It holds tuning extremely well. I have Gibson, Martin and Music Man Instruments and this banjo sits proudly among them as far as stability and performance

Setup Rating: 8

Appearance

The WL 250+ has the tree of life inlays and is truly spectacular to look at. Way more bling than I would normally choose but is sure is nice to look at. The inlays are done very well. No filler. The Ebony fret board has some faint brown grain but fits in just fine. The chrome work on the hardware is a bit inconsistent but functions perfectly fine. I don't expect nickel at this price point. The gloss poly is unexpectedly smooth on the neck. Better than the satin nitro on my Martin D62. I can't begin to explain that but from start to 2 hrs in my hand never sticks to the neck.

Appearance Rating: 10

Reliability

I have worn through the chrome where my arm rubs the tension hoop. I am pretty sure I would have worn through anything plated. I think the poly finish on the wood will last forever. It shows no wear. I play alot and sweat all over this banjo. It is sturdy and stable I would take and use this thing anywhere without a back up.

Reliability Rating: 10

Customer Service

I didn't get a warranty as it was used but see my earlier description on the fine folk at Gold Tone. It's my opinion these guys are in business to stay in business and act accordingly

Customer Service: 10

Components

The inlays work and stability of the neck are amazing at any price point. IfI were to up grade anything it would be to nickel hardware but that is merely a finiky desire not a need. The tuners are a bit touchy but that may be normal for a planetary style tuner.

Components Rating: 9

Overall Comments

I truly believe we are in the time where asain made products can compete in quality with products made anywhere else if there is someone at the top that understands the quality expectations of the customer and can demand it from manufacturing.  I learned on this banjo. It is the only one I have ever had. Sure I would buy a custom build if I had the money but I would not sell this and unless something just blows me away ( like this did) for less than $1000.00  it will be the only banjo I ever have. If something happened to it, I would look at some different things but I would probably end up at Gold Tone.

Overall Rating: 9