Recording King: ne plus ultra 036

Submitted by george kraushaar on 11/30/2007

Where Purchased: the music link

Year Purchased: 2007
Price Paid: Don't Remember historic exchange rates / currency converter

Sound

I play mostly traditional clawhammer (I live in western north carolina), although I occasionally will play 3 finger bluegrass style. I use a standard 5/8 bridge and a fairly loose head. The banjo has a very precise, silvery tone with very clear articulation. Although not as inherently loud as my old banjo by Daniel Lee, it will really bark if you lay into it. Although not as adept for pure old time woody tone as some, it is very versatile for a wide variety of uses. I am finding that I like it more and more as I play it. This banjo has a Whyte Laydie tone ring, which seem a little harsh on some banjos, but it works well in this application. The rim is pretty deep, which probably gives some more fullness to the sound.

Sound Rating: 9

Setup

I work as a set/up quality control person for The Music Link so I will have to say that it is set up perfectly. I set it up! I got the banjo at a reduced price as a company benefit. I could tell you the price, but then I'd have to kill you.

Setup Rating: 10

Appearance

The banjo has an incredibly beautiful fingerboard and headstock inlay by Greg Rich. I try not to be a vain person, but the fingerboard did have something to do with my decision. The neck is blond hard rock curly maple with a nice uniform curl. Some of the banjos I checked out had western big leaf maple, but I went with the hard stuff. The banjo has a stacked heel which on some of the banjos was glaringly obvious. I picked mine out because the stacking was well matched.

The metal plating is nice but not as nice as the plating on the new RK bluegrass models which come from a different factory.

I could not find any apparent flaws on this banjo.

Appearance Rating: 10

Reliability

The banjo is made in Korea in a very workmanlike manner. Everything is tight and neat. The finish is gloss poly which will probably last forever. I would take this rig to a gig without a backup; but I would take some extra strings and picks.

Reliability Rating: 10

Customer Service

I'd say the company is pretty friendly while I work for them, but who knows afterward. That Greg Rich can be a mean son of a gun.

Customer Service: 10

Components

Everything is fine.

Components Rating: 10

Overall Comments

I was playing a Daniel Lee banjo with a thick, deep rim and a Whyte Laydie. It was great for old time but did not really work for 3 finger. This banjo suits a variety of styles better.

I got the banjo at an incredibly good deal as an employee. I would have paid twice as much for it and been satisfied.

I love the beautiful inlay and the musical tone.

Overall Rating: 10