Bridges: dam spillway bridge

Submitted by nuncanunca on 12/28/2012

Where Purchased: Mail Order

Overall Comments

I ordered a 3 pack of the spillway dam bridges -- two with the raised 5th string. Noticed a big difference over the generic bridges I was using before. Very happy with the quality and well worth the price. Thanks Don!

Overall Rating: 10

Gold Tone: CC-OT

Submitted by nuncanunca on 8/26/2012

Where Purchased: ebay

Year Purchased: 2/2012
Price Paid: 290 ($US) (bought USED)

Sound

Sounds excellent for an entry level banjo. Plenty of volume and clarity. I haven't experienced any echoes or overtones. My rating is for a banjo in the $400 price range with a brass tone ring. I have other inexpensive banjos and this one blows them all away.

Sound Rating: 10

Setup

Banjo was set up very well when I received it. Mine was used, but likely plucked only a few times and put away. Or maybe it was an unwanted gift, because it looked untouched. Setup likely hadn't changed from original. Action is perfect height for clawhammer.

Setup Rating: 10

Appearance

Dark wood finish. Unassuming, nothing fancy. There were a few very minor finish flaws on the inside of the pot, but I suspect this was originally sold as a "blemish" because of them. Simple dot inlays with a star at the 5th fret.

Appearance Rating: 8

Reliability

I have played the heck out of it almost daily for the last 6 months, and have never had a single problem. Mine came with inexpensive planetary tuners - not great, but they get the job done.

Reliability Rating: 9

Customer Service

I have spoke to gold tone reps on the phone on several occasions because they are the distributor for my area. They are always friendly and helpful, and willing to go the extra mile. I have a cc-50 as well and I asked them about putting a CC-OTA neck on it. They were open to the idea and quoted me a price range that was very reasonable. Everyone I have spoken to that has dealt with Gold Tone has the same high opinion of their customer service - it is top knotch.

Customer Service: 10

Components

There isn't anything I can complain about at the price point. I would prefer nickel plating to chrome, but I wouldn't be willing to spend the extra $$ to pay for it. This banjo feels very solid and after six months of daily use and knocking around, it plays the same as when I first got it. No indication that any parts are wearing out.

Components Rating: 10

Overall Comments

For a beginner/entry level banjo, I can't say enough positive about the CC-OT and Gold Tone.

Overall Rating: 10