Bishline: Cimarron

Submitted by thirdstone on 12/4/2012

Where Purchased: Direct From Bishline

Year Purchased: 2012
Price Paid: 2,000 ($US)

Sound

Rob Bishline describes this as a bluegrass "workhorse" and indeed it is. The tone is fantastic, just right. It is loud to be sure but it is very responsive to the player's touch and picking position. You can take this banjo from warm to bright very easily.

Sound Rating: 10

Setup

The action was very nearly perfect. I tightened the head 1.25 turns. The tension rods nuts were lose probably from shipping vibration. I had to tighten them up. There was also one nut on the resonator ring that was the incorrect size and didn't fully seat. I called Bishline and they promptly sent me a replacement which fit perfectly.

Setup Rating: 8

Appearance

This is the satin finish burl walnut. It looks great. The fit and finish are excellent. The grain on the neck is nice and straight. The inlays are perfect.

Appearance Rating: 10

Reliability

This banjo is rock solid in every way.

Reliability Rating: 10

Customer Service

If I could give them an 11 I would. The Bishline team is exceptionally helpful. Rob himself is responsive. During the manufacturing process, they sent me pictures of the banjo. Needless to say I was surprised and delighted when I received them!

Customer Service: 10

Components

When I ordered the banjo the only upgrade available was the tuners. I opted to do this for something like 60 or 90 bucks. I feel this was well worth it. The banjo stays in tune very well. There is nothing cheap about this instrument. Considering it was a 2k purchase there really should not be. That said, I was very pleased with all the components.

Components Rating: 9

Overall Comments

I have played this banjo for about 2 months . I have buddies who own prewar Gibsons and they also love my banjo. Everyone comments on the sound. The tone is wonderful, the feel and playability is great. It looks super, simple and elegant. It is a fine handcrafted instrument made by people who care about their customers and support their products. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Overall Rating: 10