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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 Builder
Year Purchased: 2021
Price Paid: Don't Remember
historic exchange rates / currency converter
Fits my style perfectly. I went with a skin head, which a generally avoid. This one has stayed solid. The Silverspun tone ring gives the banjo lots of volume without any harshness or unwanted overtones. Then neck profile is perfect for me. The finish is great.
Sound Rating: 10
Purchased from the builder. I took it back after about 3 months for a tune up. It's now better than when I originallly got it. I guess things settle in with time, especially the skin head
Setup Rating: 10
It is a beautiful banjo - flamed maple neck. None of his banjos are stock. No flaws
Appearance Rating: 10
Hardware appears as good as it gets. Sames with the finish. My only issue is that I would not take it out to a high humidity gig without a back up due to the skin head. That's the head, not the banjo.
Reliability Rating: 10
Dean has been great to deal with. I went to his shop to design and buy the banjo. That probably took 3 hours. 3 months later I took it back for a tune up and he spent a couple of hours checking out everything he could find.
Customer Service: 10
The neck is a standout. I love the silverspun tone ring. I'm quickly becoming a major fan of skin head.
Components Rating: 10
One of the best banjos I've ever owned. Customer service is over the top. I'm considering getting a 12" electric with burled walnut nut wood.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Banjo Hangout member
Year Purchased: 2019
Price Paid: Don't Remember (bought USED)
historic exchange rates / currency converter
This model was made to sound like a 1930's Kel Kroyden brass hoop model banjo. The seller and I met at Robin Smith's shop. Jim Britton was there with an original Kel Kroyden brass hoop banjo (with a new neck) so I had a chance to compare the Appalachian to the original. Remarkable close, given that the Appalachian only had a month or so of playing time. Given some playing time I have no doubt it's going to sound like the original it was meant to copy.
Sound Rating: 10
Set up was great. I would not change a thing.
Setup Rating: 10
It looks like an old Gibson but new. How can you go wrong with that?
Appearance Rating: 10
Robin has been building banjos for many years. I don't have any doubts that the banjo will be around longer than me and in far better shape than me.
Reliability Rating: 10
I live in Nashville and have dealt with Robin a couple of times in the past. His customer service has been top shelve every time.
Customer Service: 10
The banjo is new to me but I don't see anything but top notch components and construction.
Components Rating: 10
Looks great. Sounds like an old Gibson. Great builder and great components.
Loud or sweet as I want it to me.
Weighs about 8 pounds.
Priced remarkably fair as new.
What more could you ask for?
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Spruce Tree Music
Year Purchased: 2018
Price Paid: Don't Remember
historic exchange rates / currency converter
It fits the mold of Bart's standard banjos. Feels and plays like a Bart. I couldn't find any Videos or sound clips about this banjos when I got so I it was a bit of a gamble but I've never gone wrong with one of Bart's banjos. The sound is loud with a strong fundamental that is very consistent across the entire fingerboard. I've recorded a couple of very amateurish sound clips I'll post on the Reiter group or on my home page. I do plan on replacing the stock head with a John Balch skin head to take a little of the hard edge of the sound (but that's just me). Overall I am very happy with the banjo
Sound Rating: 10
Set up is just fine. I may change the bridge down the road, but that's just what any banjo player does
Setup Rating: 10
It's a banjo. I bought it to play, not to put on display. It does it's intended function exceeding well
Appearance Rating: 10
What's to say about a Bart Reiter banjo? I've never heard of one going back for a warranty problem
Reliability Rating: 10
I send Bart an e-mail asking a question he responds almost before I hit the send button.
Customer Service: 10
I can't imagine how the parts could be any better. We'll I guess I could but certainly not anywhere near the price point on the banjo.
Components Rating: 10
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Elderly Instruments
Year Purchased: 2017
Price Paid: 1195 ($US)
Excellent. Does everyting I need out out of an old time banjo
Sound Rating: 10
Excellent. Bart always does a great job. Of course we all set our banjos up to our own tastes. I went with lighter gauge strings and a .656 bridge, but that was personal prefence
Setup Rating: 10
A basic banjo but it's old time.
Appearance Rating: 10
Bart's banjos have stood the test of time
Reliability Rating: 10
I've e-mailed Bart a couple of times and it seems he replies almost before I hit the send button
Customer Service: 10
Again, his banjos have stood the test of time. What more can you say
Components Rating: 10
I held off getting a Buckbee until the 12" model came out. I love this banjo.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Carter Vintage
Year Purchased: 2017
Price Paid: Trade ()
historic exchange rates / currency converter
What a great sounding instrument. Loud and deep but still has the high end. Chuck makes the perfect instrument without going the custom route
Sound Rating: 10
Action is always subjective, But Chucks banjos have a way to adjust the tilt of the neck without a neck set so you can change the action without change bridge height. I was easily able to lower the action to wear I wanted it in minutes.
Setup Rating: 10
It's pretty simple cosmetic wise but it his all the right buttons for me.
Appearance Rating: 10
No doubts at all
Reliability Rating: 10
The best. Always wiling to answer my questions no matter how stupid or silly.
Customer Service: 10
I replacce the bridge with a moon bridge because I like the intonation a bit better with this type of bridge, Was it necessary - probably not. This banjo has the mechanical violin type pegs, which gave me a bit of concern at first. Now they are 2nd nature.
Components Rating: 10
I've owned a couple of Chuck's banjos, I go back and forth between 11" and 12". I' think I've finally settled on the 12" pot with the wood tone ring. That combination does it for me. Really easy to get the chuck out of the Chuck. My favorite banjo to date.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Direcly from Mike Ramsey
Year Purchased: 2017
Price Paid: Don't Remember
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Can't tell
Sound Rating: 1
Can't tell
Setup Rating: 1
Can't tell
Appearance Rating: 1
Can't tell
Reliability Rating: 1
Mike took my money didn't build me a banjo and then wouldn't reply to my phone calls, emails or texts. He defrauded me.
How's that for customer service
Customer Service: 1
Can't tell
Components Rating: 1
I sent Mike a check in Jan 2017. He promised to have my banjo ready when I came down in April 2017. When I got there he said he didn't have it, but would have it in a month. I called in a month and he said he was waiting on parts. That same day I happened to see that Elderly had a new Ramsey banjo they had just gotten in. Parts are not specific to these banjos, I sent an e-mail to Mike and haven't been able to reach him since. I've since found at least one other person he's pulled this on.
IMHO he's turned into a liar and a thief and is no better than a pile of dog sh*t.
DON'T SEND HIM ANY MONEY! YOU WONT GET A BANJO AND YOU WILL LOOSE YOUR MONEY
Just my experience and opinion
Overall Rating: 1
Where Purchased: directly from Access
I had been looking for a high quality gig bag for an open back banjo. The best product I found was an Access Stage One gig bag. This is a fine bag, but the Stage Three bag is built a bit more substantial and has a neck support. Unfortunately, it is built for a resonator size banjo.
I had decided to get the Stage Three and order high density foam supports cut to size retrofit the gig bag to fit my 11 inch open back banjo. Before I did this I thought I’d call Access and see if they had any suggestions.
Turns out they were prototyping an insert exactly like what I was going to create except their product has Velcro tabs to hold everything in place. I ordered a Stage Three gig bag from them and one of their (I think) prototype removable inserts to retrofit the bag to fit an 11-inch or 12-inch open back banjo.
I believe they are planning to market these inserts separately and they should fit in any gig bag or case. I don’t know what the packaged unit will cost, but they are worth it if you want a great gig bag for an open back banjo.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Elderdy Instruments
Year Purchased: 2015
Price Paid: 2300 ($US)
I wanted either a 12" pot in walnut or curly maple model. Couldn't find one in curly maple. Elderly had one in walnut so that was an easy decision. I love the deep sound that the 12" pot and walnut produces. This is my first Ome. I see why folks speak so highly of them.
Sound Rating: 10
Action was great. Almost too low, but that's personal preference and can be adjusted with a new bridge should I decided to do so.
Setup Rating: 10
What can I say. It looks great.
Appearance Rating: 10
All I can go by is Ome's reputation. I don't have any reason to doubt that this banjo will last longer than me. If there are any problems I am sure Ome will take care of them.
Reliability Rating: 10
I've called Ome twice with minor questions. Both times Tanya either answered the phone immediately or called me back within an hour.
Customer Service: 10
No weak parts on this banjo. It's an expensive banjo and it's made with the best stuff on earlh
Components Rating: 10
I've really pleased with this banjo. Glad I got the 12" pot instead of the 11". Produces noticeably more bass response. The neck is a pleasure to play. This is one of the best banjos I have ever owned. I can't imagine ever second guessing myself for what I spent for it.
Overall Rating: 10
I purchased a Gold Tone BC350 from Bob. It came it today, better than Bob described. I've had several dealings with Bob over the years. He has always exceeded my expectations.
Thanks Bob
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: direct
I got his Prowler bridge, made from submurged wood with the pegged top. I'm using it on a 12" Ramsey open back with a rolled brass tone ring and a John Balch skin head. The bridge I was using was making the banjo sound muddy with no note separation.
The Prowler bridge made the banjo brighter, louder and gave it better note separation, all the things I was hoping for.
I told Mike what I wanted and he hit a home run.
The bridge wasn't cheap ($38), but most any good bridge is $25+ these days. And how often do you change a bridge.
I'm a big fan of these Prowler bridges made by Mike Smith.
BTW, Mike also makes Katzeye bridges and the new Snuffy Smith bridges so I'd say he knows what he's doing.
My 2 cents worth, and worth every penny.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Morgan Music
Year Purchased: 2014
Price Paid: Don't Remember
historic exchange rates / currency converter
Paul has gone to great lengths to make his tone rings sound like a prewar RB75 he used as model to work from when developing his tone ring. I have been fortunate in being able to visit Paul on several occasion and compare his banjos to the "real deal". IMHO, he has captured the sound.
Sound Rating: 10
The banjo need minor set after travelling from Morgan Music to Nashville. Paul invited me to his shop to go over the banjo to make sure everything was perfect, just like when it left his shop.
Setup Rating: 10
The banjo is completely stock and looks great. I wouldn't change a thing.
Appearance Rating: 10
It will outlast me and whoever gets it after me. What more needs to be said on that.
Reliability Rating: 10
Paul is the company. I spoke with him before I purchased the banjo. He invited me to Shelbyville so that he could go over the banjo and make sure everything was just like when it left his shop. How can you ask for better customer service than that.
Customer Service: 10
Components are the best you can get. No weak points on this banjo.
Components Rating: 10
Paul's work is top notch, both is sound and construction. Top that off with customer service that is over the top. He treats his customers like family. What more can you ask. This is a banjo that I could probably live with a an only banjo (but probably won't) and be quite pleased with it. The sound is great and the quality is top notch. It ranks among, if not better,, than the best banjos being made today.
Anyone looking for a top of the line 5 string resonator banjo should check out the Hopkins line of banjos.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: dierctly from builder
When I received my RB75 style from Ron (Earl5) on BHO. It came with one of his custom armrest. This one is madagascar rosewood to match the fingerboard.
I am delighted with the armrest. Not only does it
1. look good (not my bigest concern), but it has the additional benefits of
2. being easier on my arm and
3. it puts my arm in a better playing position. I think it gives me more arch in my hand by raising my arm.
I am totally delighted with this armrest and highly recommend them.
My 2 cents worth, and worth every penny
Overall Rating: 10
I ordered a Dogwood Designs banjo strap on line on Thursday and had it on Friday. That's customer service. I know they can't control the Post Office but it does indicate how quickly the get an order out the door.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Ron Coleman
Year Purchased: 2014
Price Paid: Don't Remember
historic exchange rates / currency converter
The sound is exactly what I wanted. Since this was a custom build, the hardest part was putting into word what sound I wanted. Ron obviously listened to what I was saying and was able to translate that into a wonderful banjo
Sound Rating: 10
Set up was excellent. Ron included a couple of extra bridges of different heights to allow me to change the action. Fret ends were perfect
Setup Rating: 10
The appearance is exactly what I expected. No surprises. A local professional player commented that the finish work was a good as any he had seen.
Appearance Rating: 10
I don't expect any issues. The same professional player who commented on the finish went through the banjo very closedly when he was doing the set up and commented on how well made the banjo was.
Reliability Rating: 10
Ron (Earl5 on the BHO) has been first rate all the way. He let me know where the banjo was at during the entire construction process. I have no doubts he will support his if the need ever comes up
Customer Service: 10
I wouldn't change a thing
Components Rating: 10
Rone Coleman (Earl5) is known on the BHO for his necks. He also makes one of the best complete banjos I have ever played. A local professional commented that it was one of the best new banjos he had ever played.
I highly recommend Ron's work. His work is outstanding and his ability to translate what you can describe into a finished product is equally outstanding.
Overall Rating: 10
I purchased a Gold Tone White Lady OT banjo through Ross. I spoke with him on the phone because I was using 2 different credit cards to pay. The transaction was very smooth. The banjo arrived within a week in perfect condition.
Thank you Ross
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Came with banjo
The case came with the banjo. It still has the hang tag on the case and no wear marks so I'm pretty sure it's just about new.
The case itself is fine, but the rivets that hold the top shell to the bottom shell are already loose. I can move the top about 1/4 inch. And this is a new case. Makes me distrust the case completely. What's going to happen as the case ages?
I sent Guardian an email explaining the situation including the bard code number from the hand tag. I should be interesting to see what they have to say, if anything.
Overall Rating: 4
Where Purchased: Diect from Sonny
Year Purchased: 2013
Price Paid: 4350 ($US)
Sounds like a prewar Mastertone. Loud, woody with the right amout of midrange hollowness and pop
Sound Rating: 10
Couldn't be better
Setup Rating: 10
Perfect in every way
Appearance Rating: 10
I any imagine any issues ever coming up that would make me doubt this banjo
Reliability Rating: 10
Sonny said he intened for the Chief banjos to be the best of everything that was available. He backs that up in evey was. He said if i ever had any issues with anything on the banjo to email or call him and he would take care of it. I don't think you can get a better warranty than that.
Customer Service: 10
I don't intend to change a thing
Components Rating: 10
I took up most of Sonny's Saturday but he truly didn’t seem to mind a bit. He wanted to make sure I got the banjo that was right for me. I really wanted to get the gold plated maple Chief that was the copy of his Granada. I really liked all the bling. But the sound just wasn’t right to my ear. He also had a used mahogany version of the same banjo that he would have been perfectly happy for me to get, but it still didn’t fit quite right. When I tried the mahogany Rocky top, it was just right (beginning to sound like a familiar story). We probably spent the next 2 hours going back and forth talking, and me playing those 3 banjos again and again. I just kept coming back to that Rocky Top model. I really wanted the bling, but the sound of the Rocky Top overcame everything else. We both ended up agreeing that the Rocky Top was the banjo that fit me. What more can you say about that.
I can’t say enough about the time that Sonny spent helping me find the right banjo that I plan to be with me the rest of my banjo playing life. It’s not often you find someone who is truly more interested in helping you find the right product, than simply selling you something. And I can’t say enough great things about the time I had sitting and talking with Sonny about things related and unrelated to banjo playing. That’s a memory that priceless.
The Rocky Top banjo is absolutely great, and I will treasure the time I spent with Sonny in a one on one environment.
If anyone is looking for their top of the line forever banjo, I highly recommend that they contact Sonny and check of the Chief line of banjos.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Direct
Year Purchased: 2013
Price Paid: Don't Remember
historic exchange rates / currency converter
The sound is a very good balance between a modern old time banjo sound (now there’s and oxymoron) and an archaic sounding banjo, at least to my ear. I find this to be a very good balance between all the various ranges of sounds, especially given the primitive appearance of their banjos using local woods.
Sound Rating: 10
I’ve owned lots of open back banjos. I had tried an early Pisgah and found the action too high for my taste and had passed on the banjo, but had seen lots of potential in Patrick’s work. A few months ago my wife and I were in Ashville and decided to look up Pisgah banjos and check out their current work. Patrick graciously showed us around the shop and how they did things. I noticed a banjo that was set up exactly how I wanted, low with a 5/8’ bridge. I asked Patrick if he could make me a banjo with action just like that. He assured me he could. The banjo came in exactly as promised.
Setup Rating: 10
I really like the appreance of the instrument. It has a primative sort of appreance, while still have all the technical advantages of modern techology
Appearance Rating: 10
I don't have any doubts about the quailty of the instrument
Reliability Rating: 10
I don't know specifically what the length of the warranty is, but I believe Patrick will fix any problems that come up with the banjo
Customer Service: 10
I think the Dobson tone ring is really nice. The only things that I would change are things that I didn't think to ask them to do in the first place. Thant's my fault, not their's.
Components Rating: 10
I really like this banjo and intend for it to be a long term keep for me. I ordered it with an Access III gig bag, a really nice accessory for an open back banjo. Communication has been first rate. I look for these folks to be around a long while and make a real impact on the market
Overall Rating: 10
I just got back from my second transaction with Clyde. I couldn't be more delighted doing business with him. It's more like dealing with a friend. I truly believe he's looking out for my best interest, not just selling product.
I got a prewar Gibson from him on this trip, but anyone looking for a Stelling should check his prices. I don't think any dealer can beat his prices.
And he has such a cool name for his business on top of everything else, what more could you ask for?
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: James Shelton
I order the strap via e-mail. We exchange a couple of e-mails and I had the strap in about 3 days. I had no idea it was possible to get a custom made leather banjo strap so quickly. And the fit and finish is perfect to boot. That's a mystery to me. It's like magic.
I'm one happy camper.
Thank you.
Joe
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased:
Year Purchased: 2012
Price Paid: 1595 ($US)
I love it. I'm a clawhammer player learning bluegrass and it does everything I need. Plus it's light
Sound Rating: 10
I got it from a major mail order shop that I've dealt with for years and still do business with (that's why I have chosed not to mention the name here) Evey one can have a bad day.
The set up on this banjo was crap. I called Rob and he waked me through how to get it playable. I was fine with it for 3 months until I started playing up the neck.
Setup Rating: 3
Excellent. It's not designed to be a Granda and it's priced accordingly. It's a great USA made instrument at a great price - no complaints at all
Appearance Rating: 10
Great all the way
Reliability Rating: 10
Rob is great to deal with. I just sent it back to him for set up after 3 months. I didn't want to send it back to the shop I got it from even though the have a 1 year warranty, and I'm sure they would honored it.
Rob was glad to see what was going on and turned it around in very short order. As my playing improves, I'm sure my next banjo will be a Bishline
Customer Service: 10
I can't think of anything i'd change
Components Rating: 10
Rob is first rate to deal with. I assume the shop tech had a bad day. I still deal with them. Things happen.
It's not a $5,000 20 pound banjo, but it is great for a lightweight bluegrass banjo. Rob's customer service is the same for his entry level banjo as it is for his highest end banjos
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Chuck Lee
Year Purchased: 2012
Price Paid: Don't Remember
historic exchange rates / currency converter
Loud with lots of cut. I play with a loud fiddle player and this thing cuts right through.
Sound Rating: 10
Perfect
Setup Rating: 10
I ordered it with the Ovilla vintage peghead that looks great
Appearance Rating: 10
Appears to be rock solid
Reliability Rating: 10
Chuck has been great with phone support. Haven't needed anything else
Customer Service: 10
Everything is top rate
Components Rating: 10
It was a lot of money, but everything I wanted
Overall Rating: 10
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