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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: Janet Davis Online
Year Purchased: 2012
Price Paid: 2000 ($US)
I love this banjo. I bought it because a player in a group that I like (Ruth Moody of the Wailin' Jennys) plays this model, and she makes it sound wonderful. I'm no where close but I have something to shoot for. I originally bought a Hohner as my first banjo, then moved up to a Deering Little Wonder, and now have the Juniper. This is a very well-built banjo and is quite loud compared to the others. I want to experiment a little with the tone by trying different strings, etc., but I think this banjo will be just fine for many years to come
Sound Rating: 10
Unfortunately, it was not set up well by Janet Davis. I had a problem with the middle (G) string playing sharp as I went up the fret board and was told by Janet Davis that I needed a compensated bridge to fix it. Got Tanya at Ome involved and she referred me to a local guy here in San Diego. Long story short(er), after spending $40 on a compensated bridge that I didn't need, he set it up fine and off I went
Setup Rating: 4
The appearance is just fine. Has a maple pot and mahogany neck. Nice inlays on the neck and fret board, but not overly fancy. There were no flaws on it at all . . . it is a very solid banjo.
Appearance Rating: 10
If you've ever had a cheaper banjo, you know a quality instrument when you get your hands on one, and this Ome is a quality instrument. It's the heaviest open back of the banjos I've owned and seems, to me anyway, to be built like a tank. I'm not going to worry one second about the reliability of this Juniper
Reliability Rating: 10
I've only had the banjo for a few months and, other than the initial difficulties of the set up, haven't had any problems. I initially contacted Ome regarding the problems with the "G" string but, after talking with Tanya at Ome, she referred me to a master player right here in my home town and, the problems were fixed. I would say their customer service is excellent . .. they have always responded quickly and with good info. There is a lifetime warranty on this Ome . . . doesn't get any better than that.
Customer Service: 10
There's nothing cheap about this banjo. It seems very rugged and solid to me. The tone ring sounds especially loud to me but still has a very nice sound.
Components Rating: 10
All in all, an excellent banjo for the money. I would heartily recommend this banjo to anyone looking for a quality, middle-priced, open-back banjo. As far as I'm concerned, you can't go wrong with any of the Ome product line.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: San Francisco
Year Purchased: 2010
Price Paid: 1250 ($US) (bought USED)
I really like the sound of this banjo. I play a little clawhammer and old folk music and this banjo sounds great on both. It has a rich, "woody" sound" that sounds especially good on the folk music. It's plenty loud (if that's what you're looking for) but still has a very pleasant tone. Frankly, I was pleasantly surprised by the sound from an intermediately-priced banjo.
Sound Rating: 10
I bought this banjo used, so I knew I would have to make some changes. The action was fine but I did lower the tailpiece in search of the sound I was looking for. I also had to change the strings to medium gauge, which also helped a lot. But, like I said, I bought it used so I expected to make some changes.
Setup Rating: not rated
This is a very attractive banjo (at least I think so). It has a satin finish on the neck and rim and is stained a rich brown finish. It has an ebony fingerboard, Mother of pearl position markers, and is nickel plated. I certainly wouldn't be ashamed to show it off to anyone.
Appearance Rating: 10
I haven't had ANY problems with this banjo. It seems very durable and well-made. I've had some slight tarnish on the armrest but, that's because I play it in short-sleeves during the summer and I probably sweat on it. No troubles with the tailpiece, brackets, or bracket shoes and it seems to respond well to any adjustments I've had to make.
Reliability Rating: 10
I bought it used so, there wasn't any warranty. I've contacted Deering a number of times and they have always responded quickly and cordially. I haven't had any problems with it so I haven't had to send it to Deering but, I wouldn't hesitate to if I had to.
Customer Service: not rated
Everything I can see on the banjo is of good quality. Although I didn't have a warranty, I understand Deering has a lifetime warranty to the original buyer. Doesn't seem that they would offer that if it wasn't a quality made product.
Components Rating: 10
This is an intermediately priced banjo so, I wasn't expecting professional quality sound from it. I am more than satisfied with the sound, appearance, and quality of the instrument and would heartily recommend the Little Wonder to anyone looking for a great openback banjo. I expect to keep it a very long time.
Overall Rating: 10
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