Hatfield: Celebrity

Submitted by alangraf on 5/15/2014

Where Purchased: Arthur's Shop

Year Purchased: 2014
Price Paid: 3100 (bought USED) historic exchange rates / currency converter

Sound

I have been looking for a true blue grass banjo for a while and the Hatfield is an incredible sounding instrument. The intonation is perfect, it stays in tune, its loud and its notes wring with clarity. The sound is even up and down the fret board and players remark to me that it sounds just like a pre-war, the highest compliment you can get. I have some other banjos, but this one stands above them for a true bluegrass sound

Sound Rating: 10

Setup

The banjo was set up and it was a used banjo that was returned to Arthur because it was on loan and the player ended up doing something other than playing banjo (I feel sorry for him)

Setup Rating: 10

Appearance

The Celebrity has gold plating on the metal, Gill resonator and is just in great shape. I was really happy that Arthur had a used banjo as I saved a few hundred dollars from the new one---although a new Celebrity would be worth the money. I also tried out some other banjos that were made by individuals and the Hatfield stood out to me, as the best sounding instrument.

Appearance Rating: 10

Reliability

I have brought the banjo to jams and everybody I play with wants to try it out. I have to swat them away from it.

Reliability Rating: 10

Customer Service

Arthur and Bev are two of the nicest folks you ever want to meet. All the past reviews here say so, and its true. Arthur says as long as he is alive he will back up his banjo, and I believe him. Its a true pleasure getting to meet them and help them continue their art of banjo making

Customer Service: 10

Components

Seems like everything on the instrument is quaility. Its interesting that with other banjos I have had I always had to change the strings at least once a week after playing them a lot. I told Arthur that and he seemed puzzled saying he doesn't change his strings that often. After taking home Arthur's Celebrity and playing it for about three weeks, I noticed I did not need to change the strings as the banjo retained its tonal quality. I have no idea why Arthur's banjos can do this, but I will assume its the Hatfield magic.

Components Rating: 10

Overall Comments

I am one of those tone nuts always in search of the instrument with the coolest, nicest sounding tone.  I have been that way with guitars and now with banjos.  Owning a Hatfield banjo puts me at ease.  Its a joy to play and look at.  Thanks Arthur and Bev for your wonderful contribution to bluegrass.  Check out Arthur on Youtube, he is also an accomplished banjo player.

Overall Rating: 10