Brooks Masten: Silver Spun L30

Submitted by PCone on 9/10/2008

Where Purchased: Portland Oregon

Year Purchased: 2008
Price Paid: 2100 ($US)

Sound

I'm a novice to the banjo scene and after using a cheap resonator for a couple of years i really wanted an old time open backed banjo. I chose the Brooks Masten Silver spun L30 purely on the basis of some recomendations and some sound files that Brooks sent to me. The banjo i collected some 5 months later simply took my breath away.
Not only was it the most attractive instrument I had ever seen, with its beautiful brass rim and 30 attractive lugs, flamed walnut neck, scooped fingerboard, clown peghead with commemorative coin embedded it sounded divine.
The banjo plays like a dream with each note being both crystal clear and mellow at the same time. It has that lovely old time plunky sound that i demanded from my new banjo.
I have not heard a nicer instrument.

Sound Rating: 10

Setup

I took the factory option as Brooks is the builder and i am no expert in this field. However there is absolutely no problem with the banjo set up in this default mode as every note is clear, no resonance exists nor is there any other interfenece of any kind that comes into play

Setup Rating: 10

Appearance

The banjo is perfect in appearance - its like a modern antique. The dark calf skin head really stands out well against the muted colours of the brass rim and mahogany fingerboard. Its quite simply stunning in an understaetd way. The whole object of this banjo is to reflect simpler times. Therefor the only ornamentation that exists is a period Indian head penny (i think thats what it is). Ornate inlay would detract from its beauty, even though the presence of the marker dots and fretts are pleasing to the eye.

Appearance Rating: 10

Reliability

This banjo is heavier than my previous resonator banjo which means its a substantial piece of craftsmanship and built to last. Brooks has given me a lifetime guarrantee and i hope something goes wrong so that i have an excuse to go back to Portland (what a wonderful city). However I get the impression I'm never going to get this excuse.

Reliability Rating: 10

Customer Service

Dealing with brooks is a delight. he is a gentleman. I have no woriies about after sales care.

Customer Service: 10

Components

When you pick up a Silverspun L30 , you know that you have got hold of a quality instrument. Everything about the banjo shouts the finest attention to detail. The craftsman ship and the materials are to the highest standard. My only little bugbear was that with everything being brass i got a small steel/chrome tailpiece which to me looks a little odd and i would have preferred it to be the consistent with the other brass fittings. This however is a petty observation and doesnt detract from this fine instrument.

Components Rating: not rated

Overall Comments

If you don't have a Brooks Masten silverspun L30 banjo - get one. If you cant get one - try one and im sure you will end up getting one.
If you want to buy mine - FORGET IT. They are going to have to bury me with this

Overall Rating: 10