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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: Acoustic Corner
Year Purchased: 2013
Price Paid: 750.00 ($US) (bought USED)
Fantastic sound. Strung with Aquila strings, Chicago tuning, Shure 57 through a Roland Micro Cube. I've just started using it in a weekly solo gig and am very happy with it.
Sound Rating: 10
It was a one owner banjo that had originally been purchased at Acoustic Corner...it came to me ready to play.
Setup Rating: 10
It is a Ramsey that had been well taken care of by the previous owner. The star inlays on the headstock and fretboard are simple, tasteful, and beautiful.
Appearance Rating: 10
It was made in 2002 and is as solid as a rock...I am already gigging with it.
Reliability Rating: 10
It is off warranty, but I foresee no problems.
Customer Service: not rated
There are no cheap parts.
Components Rating: 10
This banjo is very well made, and I am very happy with it. I believe that I will be playing it for a long time. It is a quality, handmade instrument.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Dean Johnson's Music
Year Purchased: 2012
Price Paid: Don't Remember
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This banjo suits my needs perfectly. I play a hybrid style with a plectrum - crosspicking rolls, Reno single string stuff, Stanley B string chokes -anything goes, and The Crow delivers the goods. Loud enough to hang with my partner's Martin dreadnoughts, but not twangy...just a nice sounding banjo.
Sound Rating: 10
Setup was perfect. Dean Johnson's had went over the factory setup, and between the two I am very well pleased. I owned and played an original "Gumby Goodtime" for a number of years and never changed anything but the strings - the tuners, bridge, and tailpiece all worked fine so I saw no reason to change them...I am expecting The Crow to be the same way.
Setup Rating: 10
I like the newer peghead design and the bowtie position markers which I didn't have before. And "The Crow" logo is way cool in my book...not overpowering but enough to set it apart. Fit and finish are perfect.
Appearance Rating: 10
Very nice and solid, I haven't found anything that I foresee a future problem with. I bought it to perform with, and it delivers the goods.
Reliability Rating: 10
I never had any problems with my first Deering, and with the company's reputation for customer service I am quite comfortable. The six year warranty just makes it that much better.
Customer Service: 10
All of the accessories in the Crow package are top shelf, and totaled up make for a good value when bought at anything below MSRP.
Components Rating: 10
A slightly unique, good sounding banjo that suits my style and needs...I am well pleased with The Crow, and if it ever flew away I would definitely look for another one.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Backyard Music
Year Purchased: 2012
Price Paid: 109.00 ($US)
I have assembled kit instruments in the past, and wanted a simple banjo that I can play around the house, take camping and on trips, etc. My Fireside is more than capable of doing what I want it to do, it has a warm quiet "woody" sound. Musical style is very eclectic...I use a flat pick and play tunes like a tenor and chord up the neck like a plectrum. Works for me.
Sound Rating: 10
It was ready to be finished, assembled and played. No issues whatsoever.
Setup Rating: 10
I kept it simple in the spirit of the old mountain banjos...Danish Oil finish. The wood was great, and the head has some striking grain patterns that came out very nicely during finishing.
Appearance Rating: 10
Solid as a rock, the tuners hold well, and since I built it I see no future problems that I couldn't take care of myself. I am by no means a primary banjo player, but I would have no fear of playing the Fireside through a hot mic if the situation called for it. It is stone reliable, and for me, delivers the goods.
Reliability Rating: 10
I have no doubt that Backyard Music would back their product 100%
I spoke personally with the owner when ordering my banjo, and that meant a lot to me..
Customer Service: 10
I was well pleased with all of the components and their fit. No problems whatsoever.
Components Rating: 10
I have a flat top Mill Creek kit mandolin that I assembled some years back, and now I have the banjo to go with it. Simple and solid, and made by my hands. Instruments like that are keepers.
Overall Rating: 10
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