Backyard Music: Fireside 5 String Banjo

Submitted by IH Banjo on 8/1/2014

Where Purchased: Private Party

Year Purchased: 2014
Price Paid: 100 ($US) (bought USED)

Sound

I have only been playing for approx 3 years now and have aquired 4 inexpensive Asian made Banjos, $150 -$300 price range, in that time, None of them sound anywhere near as good as the Backyard Fireside Banjo. The Rich Sound and ability to stay in tune is simply amazing. I play Mountain Style and Clawhammer and for my needs, it is perfect.

Sound Rating: 10

Setup

I purchased it from a Guitar player friend who bought it fully assembled and set up at a Music Festival on an impulse and later decided it wasn't for him. His Loss turned out to be my gain. I have not done anything to it at all.

Setup Rating: 10

Appearance

The appearance of this Banjo is very decieving. At First Glance, it Almost looks like a Cheap Toy Banjo but once you look closely at the fine wood used and the simplicity & Balance of the Craftsmanship you will be amazed. Backyard Music Makers have broken the complexity of Banjo Making down to a Simple Yet Incredibly Beautifully Sounding Instrument which is a absolute pleasure to own, while being unbelievably Inexpensive. . Upon Playing it for the first time, I was 100% Hooked. I may possibly dress it up a little with a custom finish or woodburning just to personalize it but as it comes, is truely is a Simple Beauty that in my opinion, deserves as much respect as any Open Back Banjo out there in it's Price Range

Appearance Rating: 10

Reliability

I'm just a Novice Player but I've been playing mine for 2 weeks straight now, every day and it has stayed perfectly in tune. I see Nothing about the construction of this Banjo that concerns me. In fact I think it's much more dependable than some Asian Made full size Banjos I own which cost me more money.

Reliability Rating: not rated

Customer Service

I've emailed them with some questions and recieved an answer within 24 hours!!!!! That's what I call Old School Customer Service, which is absolutely Priceless.

Customer Service: 10

Components

I can not think of anything I would change with this Banjo.
This Little Girl is Built like a David Bradley Walk Behind Tractor! Tough, Simple Yet Dependable Construction, Very Reliable, Small in Size , yet capable of doing anything it's Bigger Counter Parts can do.
There's Nothing Cheap about it as I can see.

Components Rating: 10

Overall Comments

One Thing is For Sure....Had I known about this Company when I first started playing, I'd probably would own at least 3 of these by now. I would very highly recommend it to anyone starting out learning the Banjo or anyone who needs a well made reasonably priced quality back up or practice Banjo.     

                Bottom Line is...This Banjo is a Winner

Overall Rating: 10