Washburn: B-14

Submitted by Happy Picker on 5/5/2007

Where Purchased: Guitar Factory, Gladesville, Australia

Year Purchased: 2007
Price Paid: Don't Remember historic exchange rates / currency converter

Sound

Nice tone and is perfect for a banjo that is my first one. I give it a 10/10, but being new to banjo, others might think I'm a bit ambitious. Still, I'm happy with it. The sound is crisp and bright.

My sister's cheaper Martinez, is much tinnier in it's tone, yet mine has a recommended retail price three times her banjo's. She hadn't been playing mine long, and she wanted to buy herself one.

Sound Rating: 10

Setup

Set up was set up from the shop, and was easy to play from the start. It feels really nice all along the neck. My sister's banjo is a much cheaper Martinez, and she loved the B-14 moment she started playing it. She said it was much faster to plasy than hers. I won't be changing anything on it.

I've played guitar for many years, and while the banjo is new to me, the feel of the banjo inspires confidence the moment you begin to play it. While there are other much more expensive banjo's on the market, I'm very happy with mine.

Setup Rating: 10

Appearance

While it's no show pony compared to other banjo's, it's still a nice instrument. The finish is wonderful, and while it may not have the fancy inlays and fancy engraving of others, it is a beautifully finished instrument. I'm not one for the fancy stuff anyway, so I'm not worried about the lack of expensive fancy bits. It's a great looking instrument for a plain looking instrument. It's a 10/10!!!

The chrome work looks great, and the finish of the timber is first rate. I know those who love their American banjo's, but I can't afford one of those. This one was made in Korea and is really nicely finished off.

Appearance Rating: 10

Reliability

Everything looks great on it, and it looks solid. I'm confident there will be many years of trouble free playing with this instrument.

Reliability Rating: 10

Customer Service

Excellent service from the shop. I went to them because they had an experienced banjo player there who could set it up properly. The recommended retail price in Australia is $1100, so I got a good price on the banjo, which is always nice.

I've never had to deal with Washburn yet.

Customer Service: 10

Components

Everything looks strong, and I'm careful with how I look after my gear. There's nothing about the components that look dodgy in the eyes of a new banjo player. I've been around various musical instruments for about thirty years and seen some very ordinary finishes on instruments in that time. This one feels solid, looks good, and features nothing which makes me sorry I own a B-14

Components Rating: 10

Overall Comments

For sure! I'd seen quite a few of the B-14's competitors and this one is a stand out in every way. Other reviews of this banjo on this site helped make the purchase of a banjo a lot easier than it may have been otherwise, and I'm very grateful to those who made comments on their B-14's. Thanks to those who have taken the time to do that. I really appreciate it, and would encourage others looking for a new banjo to look at the B-14.

I love my instrument, and for a first banjo, reckon it's a great one to own for a first time banjo owner.

Overall Rating: 10