Mike's Banjo Mute: 5-string Standard Model

Submitted by wfeisele on 4/16/2017

Where Purchased: From Mike's Banjo Mute

Overall Comments

Best banjo mute that I've tried so far and well worth the money.  Can still hear the individual pitches of the notes without the loud volume to keep the wife up past her bedtime.  I can get a lot more practice in that way.  And, the design is very kind to bridges without any damage whatsoever.  Not like the chunky metal mute that you push down onto the bridge.  Extremely well made.  Highly recommended.

Overall Rating: 10

Pisgah: 12" Walnut Possum

Submitted by wfeisele on 9/8/2016

Where Purchased: Direct from Pisgah Banjo Company

Year Purchased: 2016
Price Paid: 1195 ($US)

Sound

Perfect for clawhammer and other OT styles. It has a warm tone with the 12" Renaissance head and persimmon tone ring, but also has a bright, crisp "pop" to it, especially played over the scoop. It's also amazing loud for a wood tone ring (no banjo playing in the house after 10 PM).

Sound Rating: 10

Setup

It was set up just right for me. I haven't made any adjustments so far and don't anticipate making any adjustments in the future. The action as shipped works for me and I like the medium gauge strings that came with the banjo. The stock bridge also seems good to me and I don't think I will change it.

Setup Rating: 10

Appearance

Walnut rim and neck, cherry rim cap and trim, and persimmon fingerboard. Brass hardware. Standard Pisgah star inlay on paddle headstock. To begin with, the Pisgah banjo design is simple and elegant. All the woods and hardware are of high quality. Fretwork looks and feels very clean. Overall, a very clean build.

I added a BanjoMate Slimline Armrest in curly cherry and it really pairs well with the banjo both in looks and comfort. Highly recommended.

Appearance Rating: 10

Reliability

The banjo itself appears to be very sturdy. The hardware looks to be very reliable. The finish appears to be a simple satin finish, which really complements the overall look of the banjo. the finish looks like it will stand up to a lot of playing. While the banjo is not heavy, it looks like it will stand the test of time. I would certainly take it to a gig without a backup

Reliability Rating: 10

Customer Service

Patrick is easy to work with and very responsive. My wife and I visited him at his Warren Wilson College banjo building workshop this past summer and played a couple of banjos he had on hand (also played some Pisgah banjos at Acoustic Corner in Black Mountain, NC - a great musical instrument shop) and decided to order the Possum 12". Patrick quoted a specific build time and delivered within that time frame. No concerns or repairs anticipated at this time. Banjo has a limited lifetime warranty.

Customer Service: 10

Components

All of the components are of high quality - Balsam Banjoworks. And, the tuners are Gotohs, which appear to work really well. I'm glad that Patrick uses Gotohs on his banjos. Nothing needs to be upgraded.

Components Rating: 10

Overall Comments

Overall, a simple, handmade, yet elegant banjo with a warm, but crisp tone (not sure how that is possible, but that's what is sounds like) delivered at a reasonable price - with components made in the USA (with exception of Gotoh tuners).  I really like the idea of Pisgah Banjo Company's sustainable business approach with the use of the Appalachian hardwoods and solar power to run their shop.  And, it's great to do business with and support young and upcoming banjo makers, such as Patrick and his crew.

Overall Rating: 10