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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!
7235 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased:
Year Purchased: 2002
Price Paid: Don't Remember
historic exchange rates / currency converter
Bright and loud. However, beacuse it has a tone hoop rather than a tone ring, it lacks rich tone, but still has some growl. Not bad at all considering the price and lack of a tone ring (which also makes it weigh less)
Sound Rating: not rated
All stock components plus railroad spikes. I sanded the bridge down to about 21 grains, which really gave it some punch, but dropped out a little on the bottom end.
Bridge sanding and tailpiece height are two simple adjustments that really impact the RB sound.
Setup Rating: not rated
The appearance is great. Beautiful curly maple with clear finish. No frills. Nice simple snowflake inlay pattern, no neck binding. Has a very balanced nice natural look and feel.
Appearance Rating: not rated
Craftsmanship is of a very high quality, similar to other Gibson models, just lacks a tone ring, which keeps it out of the mastertone class. Note: this is not a pro-level banjo, but one of high quality and craftmanship. The addition of a good tone ring, would make this a hard driving maple banjo.
Reliability Rating: not rated
Never needed to rely on customer service for this banjo.
Customer Service: not rated
Maple is of a very high quality and appearance. The entire neck seems very nice.
Components Rating: not rated
This is not a pro level banjo, but it suited my needs for 10 years before I upgraded to a Gibson ESS. I felt reviews of this banjo were sometimes unfair. True, it does not have a tone ring. If I had kept the banjo I would have added one. It is a great banjo for someone looking for Gibson quality, but may not have the funds for a higher end banjo. Add a tone ring after you have saved a little longer. No need for a new banjo, just slowly make the RB better. Add a tone ring. For the price, a very nice intermediate banjo.
Overall Rating: 8
Where Purchased: BHO
Year Purchased: 2012
Price Paid: 2850 ($US) (bought USED)
Great Sound all round. The banjo took a couple days to acclimate after shipping. I was amazed when it woke up on day two after receiving it in the mail.
Sound Rating: not rated
All stock components except added Keith tuners on 3 and 4. Kulesh tone ring, 5/8 Grover bridge, GHS custom light strings (for now). I may sand the bridge slightly and work over the next 60 years to milk it to perfection, though it sounds amazing now.
Setup Rating: not rated
curly maple and sunburst finish. Hard to ask for more.
Appearance Rating: not rated
This banjo will probably out last me
Reliability Rating: not rated
My experience with Gibson is that their price for repair work seems to say: "you might as well just buy another banjo, or Guitar for the price we are going to charge you." At least in my experience with a Guitar. Aside from Gibson, it was a true pleasure working with the BHO member that sold me the Banjo.
Customer Service: not rated
Tone, playability and appearance. Presto tailpiece buzzes slightly, but this is an easy fix.
Components Rating: not rated
I watched the market for an ESS for a couple years. Content that the ESS would be my banjo for a lifetime, I decided to take the plung just before Earl Scruggs passed. Consequently, the market seems to have become quite competetive. If I could only own one banjo, this would be it. I think the ESS may have Granada appeal someday down the road, especially if Gibson remains dormant on banjo production.
Overall Rating: 9
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