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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!
7234 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased: Sam Ashe in Raleigh, NC
Year Purchased: 2004
Price Paid: Don't Remember
historic exchange rates / currency converter
I sold it today after 5 years as a practice banjo. I am using a Vega SS-55 "folklore" (not Pete Seeger) as my practice and performance banjo.
The Vega is much more enjoyable to play and to listen to.
The Fender is too "bright" for my current tastes.
I also owned a Fender "Leo." Its action was too fast for my skill level.
I now lay mainly unusual chord progression, and very little single string work.
I guess age really does change one's taste in musical styles.
Sound Rating: 9
All aspects were improved by Joe Hinchliffe, the person I know who hs the best ear and the most skill in setting up banjos, guitars, and fiddles.
Setup Rating: 10
A mint condition 1962 Vega Longneck is a joy to own, play, and have.
Appearance Rating: 9
If I played in public, I would use a more powerful sounding banjo, e.g. a Fender "Leo."
Reliability Rating: 10
n/a
Customer Service: not rated
no bad parts
Components Rating: 10
I count myself blessed to have owned both the Fender FB 55 or the 1962 Vega "folklore". That I kept the Vega and sold the Fender is simply a matter of personal preference.
Overall Rating: 9
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