Finger picks : Dotson, Hoffmeyer, Roy's Own picks.

Submitted by wally2frank on 6/13/2023

Where Purchased: from the source

Overall Comments

First: this is my comparison of three sets of picks. not comparing them to anything else on the market present or past. 1: Roys own named after the late Roy Lewis. my favorite that are no longer in production. the softest metel of the three. bend easy and have the brightest sound. 2: Dotson 8s, very close to the Roys but a bit stiffer. very well made and polished.3: Hoffmeyer, stiffest of the three with a little darker tone. very well polished and with the custom band are a bit wider. the most comfortable for long wear times. Are they worth the cost? Only to those who don't mind spending the money. They will not make you a better player but may make you play longer.  I will not recommend one over the other because everyone may have a different experience. I will say that they are all very good and do what I want. I can't speak on the gauge and metel breakdown of each. with so many choices now its a buyers market. 

Overall Rating: 9

Straps: Huber Banjo strap

Submitted by wally2frank on 2/14/2023

Where Purchased: Banjo Ben clark

Overall Comments

Now the neotech is the most comfortable strap you can get. This huber is just full of character and nostalgia. connects with no metal or plastic. they sell out quick. Being a bit older and having more metal in my shoulders than the banjo it can be quit heavy. quick fix was to get a seat belt cover and slip on it for some padding. $5 at walmart. the strap is high quality and a little narrow. Wish it was at least 2inches wide. Its old school and just looks great. since I cant stand for long periods of time it dosn't really bother me. I'm 5'9 and 175 ponds so the shorter one fits fine with plenty of room for adjustment. When I was over 300 lbs and a 50 inch waist would have probably needed the long one.if you like old school look this is the one for you. I got the brown and it looks great with deep basket weave embossing. will last longer than me.The back is slightly textured for some extra grip. can be used over one shoulder like the young Earl did or over both.

Overall Rating: 9

Banjo Bridges: moon bridge

Submitted by wally2frank on 2/7/2023

Where Purchased: elderly

Overall Comments

Have used many bridges for many years. always like snuffy smith both compensated and not. even the pegged one.still think they are some of the best.  Bought a moon bridge and things changed. just awesome. the do take a little more to get just right. I found that one I get that third string in tune and intonation just right the others just seem to fall in place. cant use a mute because of the curvature but that's ok. they sound great and are so stable. if you are happy with what you have that's great. If you need a new bridge and have a compensation issue like many of us then this is a great option. They do set back further to the bridge but its all in the design. elderly music is where I got mine and they are made in Ohio. cant give it a 10 cause nothing is perfect but its as close as ive found so far.

Overall Rating: 9

Recording King: MADISON RK-R35

Submitted by wally2frank on 2/7/2023

Where Purchased: reverb

Year Purchased: 2023
Price Paid: Don't Remember historic exchange rates / currency converter

Sound

Luv it, has the traditional bluegrass sound that many are looking for.

Sound Rating: 8

Setup

Almost in tune

Setup Rating: not rated

Appearance

Has a satin finished but I Sprayed some poly on the resonator a few times between sanding cause I like the shine. also gave it a bit more depth and base. sealing some of the pours in the wood. just a personal preference.

Appearance Rating: 9

Reliability

Build quality is first rate. will hold its own against all but the very top end banjos out there. And maybe those also.

Reliability Rating: 10

Customer Service

Ordered and got it next day UPS

Customer Service: 10

Components

The parts are what makes it stand apart. the tone ring has to be one of the key components of this banjo.

Components Rating: 9

Overall Comments

I have a Gold Tone and it sounds really good but the Rk35 is far superior in tone and playability. You would have to spend double or triple the money to get close to this type of quality and sound. I did replace the bridge with a Moon. and will try a few of my snuffy smith latter on. the stock bridge is  pretty good and useable. I don't see myself ever wanting to buy another unless i just had money to burn. A Stelling would be nice but way out of my budget. I'm a Virginia guy so that's why Im partial to them. and they are the best sounding I have ever heard. I recommend the rk35 or 36 to anyone looking for a high quality banjo that could be used anywhere with anyone. 

Overall Rating: 9