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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: from the maker, Dean Robinson
Year Purchased: 2012
Price Paid: 1100 ($US)
This is a lovely maple and cherry banjo with a turned wooden flange which eliminates the brackets next to the body. With a unique integral wooden tone ring, the banjo has a warm and sweet sound, yet clearly brings out the bass and treble strings. Despite being one of Dean's "light weight" instruments, it has a full sound, and it's not drowned out in a jam.
Sound Rating: 10
I found the banjo perfectly set up for clawhammer playing. I may eventually change out the Ren head for a skin head, but right now i'm plenty satisfied.
Setup Rating: 10
the maple and cherry sections are beautifully finished, and the French polish makes the neck easy to hold and move along. Great care has obviously been taken with the quality of the wood and its sanding and finishing.
Appearance Rating: 10
I have only had the banjo for a short time, but there's no reason to believe the finish will not last. The hardware is new.
Reliability Rating: 10
Dean is very friendly and accommodating. I can recommend him highly.
Customer Service: 10
The banjo came with 5-star tuners, a Ren head, and a neat hand made bridge which is Moon-like.
Components Rating: 10
overall, i am obviously very pleased with the sound and workmanship reflected in this banjo. I know there are many fine craftsman, and, indeed, i have many of their banjos. Dean Robinson is in that company.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: from craftsman
Year Purchased: 2012
Price Paid: Don't Remember
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It is risky to purchase a banjo sight unseen--and unheard---but i heard wonderful, informal reviews of Bill Van Horn's Blackfork [B&P] banjos. The sound is exactly what i wanted, full with deep bass and rounded treble. The 12" pot has a real presence in a jam.
I appreciate the ! and 3/8" at the nut , widening to about 2" at the heel.
Sound Rating: 10
I made no changes. The builder uses top-quality hardware and accessories. The banjo comes with Bill Rickard all-brass hardware, including Dobson-style tonering, moon bridge, and Elixir strings.
Setup Rating: 10
Beautifully finished and eye catching. Mesquite with "Texas ebony" fretboard [cherry also available). Pot is satin black, stunningly setting off the neck and brass hardware. Indianhead penny in the headstock. Classy look with pearl star at 5th fret and pear dots 3,7,10, and 12. S-shaped scoop and bone nut.
Appearance Rating: 10
top quality hardware used, and there's no reason to doubt it's longevity. Van Horn uses 10-12 coats of Tru-Oil for the finish.
Reliability Rating: not rated
Van Horn is easy to deal with, friendly, and makes terrific banjos that are clearly a wonderful value
Customer Service: 10
all parts are top quality--no upgrading necessary or, perhaps, even possible.
Components Rating: 10
Bill Van Horn has thus far flown under the radar but, as noted above, he makes fine instruments. There is no risk as he permits a week's trial with the banjo. Few, i'm sure, would return one.
Overall Rating: 10
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