DVD-quality lessons (including tabs/sheet music) available for immediate viewing on any device.
Take your playing to the next level with the help of a local or online banjo teacher.
Weekly newsletter includes free lessons, favorite member content, banjo news and more.
Premier Sponsors
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: Willie's American Guitars
Year Purchased: 2003
Price Paid: 900 ($US) (bought USED)
Beautiful sound - bright and loud. I personally find it much more pleasing to the ear than many Gibson banjos I've heard, though I prefer a Deering Golden Era's sound.
Sound Rating: 8
Setup was bad from Willie's - Had Tom Nechville get it into playing shape for $110 or so (new bridge, spikes, 5th string adjustment, neck adjustment, etc.) and now it's great. The tailpiece on this model is lousy, in my opinion...it's difficult to restring.
Setup Rating: 8
Very pretty banjo - walnut adds a nice touch and the inlay is tasteful. Nickel plating on the hardware is definitely showing the wear, but I think that adds character!
Appearance Rating: 9
No problems thus far, other than the tailpiece design that I dislike. I definitely trust this thing to last me a long, long time.
Reliability Rating: 9
N/A
Customer Service: not rated
Components Rating: not rated
I am still ecstatic at purchasing such a beautiful sounding, beautiful looking banjo for under $1000. As far as I'm concerned...there are better banjos out there but absolutely none for anywhere near this price range. You get the "cool factor" of having a banjo that's a few years old, but they were made recently enough and there are enough of them out there that with a little effort you can obtain one at a reasonable price. I highly recommend, if that's not obvious.
Overall Rating: 9
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Privacy Consent (EU/GDPR Only)
Copyright 2026 Banjo Hangout. All Rights Reserved.