DVD-quality lessons (including tabs/sheet music) available for immediate viewing on any device.
Take your playing to the next level with the help of a local or online banjo teacher.
Weekly newsletter includes free lessons, favorite member content, banjo news and more.
Premier Sponsors
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.
I Recently purchase a 1929 PB 3 Chris Made a new neck for it, And completed several other things for this banjo including a neck set stainless frets . He is a master craftsman,all around good guy. With several conversations as to what needed to be repaired it turned out like a new complete banjo.I am extremely grateful for the work he put into this banjo He is truly one of the best Luthiers out their.
Thank you Chris !
Dannie Cashwell
Overall Rating: 10
Banjo: 1984 Gibson-Earl Scruggs Model and vintage Granada. I previously had some work done on my banjo before contacting Chris Cioffi for new restorations. I was still having some issues with the banjo before I contacted Chris. A friend of mine and I went from North Carolina to Tennessee to spend the day with Chris at his shop. There we met him and his wife and they treated us like family. Chris did an excellent job restoring my banjo to impeccable condition. Chris rebuilt my "old" banjo unto a "new" banjo. He did a complete rebuild/restoration on it. Chris replaced a rim, resonator, gave it a new neck and added stainless steel frets. The banjo plays and sounds amazing now. I could not have asked for a better job to be done on my banjo. I have had lots of work performed on many instruments of mine in the past and he by far has done the best job of all. Chris is an excellent choice when choosing someone that takes the time, has the knowledge and the expertise in this business. Chris also did a neck reset on my vintage Granada, replaced the head, bridge, added a neck set, strings, and replaced a 5th string nut. When he completed this banjo as well, the sound, playability, and tone increased dramatically.
The character and integrity that Chris has for his craftsmanship are things that are hard to find these days. He displays interest and effort with whatever project that he is completing. Whether it be restoring a vintage banjo or correcting problems, he takes his time and puts forth effort that is hard to come by sometimes. He is never too busy to sit and answer questions about the instrument and to explain the work that he has completed. I encourage and recommend others to seek out Chris when in need of someone to work on their instruments.
At this time, he has my 1925 Gibson 3, he is in the process of building a new neck for the banjo. At the same time he is repairing everything that needs to be replaced to be in perfect playing condition once again. I trust him to do these things on my instruments. I hold my instruments very dear to my heart and he is the kind of individual that treats my instrument as I would. I have complete faith in Chris that he will restore my 1925 Gibson 3 banjo into working order just as he has already completed my 1984 Gibson –Earl Scruggs Model and vintage Granada.
I have read other previous reviews about Chris Cioffi and they are correct. A big thank you is in order for Chris and all of his hard work. Thank you for all of the time and effort you have put into all of my banjos. I give Chris a rating of an overall 10!
Dannie R. Cashwell
If you have any question please contact me on banjo hangout, user name DRC.
Overall Rating: 10
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Privacy Consent (EU/GDPR Only)
Copyright 2026 Banjo Hangout. All Rights Reserved.