Tranjo: Standard Maple

Submitted by Dragonnail1 on 12/31/2008

Where Purchased: This is the Tranjo #100

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

Sound

This is a well made jo.............pretty quiet compared to my Gibsons, Great for practicing on and not disturbing others in the house or at work. It has a bright sound, and is much lighter than my other banjos. I usually keep it next to the couch when I'm home. Took a little getting used to the peg head not being where it usually is.

Sound Rating: 10

Setup

Sam set it up before he shipped it. All I had to do was tune it up and i've been playing it since it arrived

Setup Rating: 10

Appearance

Very nice looking. I believe its a cherry body and a maple neck. with a very nice finish............smooth as a baby's b..............ebony finger board, and a samson bridge. and gold tuners around back. It has a six inch frosted head.

Appearance Rating: 10

Reliability

The hardware is high quality also the finish looks very well done. I am not playing in a group so I am only playing for my own enjoyment, I would think it would have to have a pickup to be heard in a gig, or a microphone

Reliability Rating: 10

Customer Service

I have talked to Sam Farris a few times and he seems to want to help anyone that might have a problem with their Tranjo. There is a 5 year warranty on all his instruments.

Customer Service: 10

Components

I was used to my own metronome so I am probably not going to use the one on the back of the Tranjo that covers the pick and capo compartment. Once this is in tune it stays that way

Components Rating: 10

Overall Comments

I won this in BHO drawing,If it was stolen I would most likely replace it with the same. Its light easy to carry, not as loud as my other standard banjos, compact design to set on floor against the couch so its always close by when I want to play.I know this will work out good around the campfre playing

Overall Rating: 10