Morgan Monroe: MB-10

Submitted by bornold on 3/5/2014

Where Purchased: Used

Year Purchased: 2012
Price Paid: 100 ($US) (bought USED)

Sound

For a $100 banjo it can sound good after it's set up. It's got a nice mellow tone and sounds good for clawhammer styles. Not really the best sounding Travel banjo out there, but good for the price.

Sound Rating: 7

Setup

This banjo was used, and the owner had the action set up fine for clawhammer. I tightened up the head a wee bit, and replaced the factory bridge with a dam spillway bridge. Sound good now.

Setup Rating: 7

Appearance

This is not a stuuning banjo by any means, but it is not ugly. No inlays except for some plastic fret dots.

Appearance Rating: 5

Reliability

If this banjo is one thing, it is reliability. I have experienced any damage, and I take it on campin trips.

Reliability Rating: 9

Customer Service

Never delt with company.

Customer Service: 10

Components

This banjo has really basic components. Guitar style tuners, plastic remo head, every thing you see on a cheap banjo. Replace the bridge and you are good to go!

Components Rating: 7

Overall Comments

If you can get it used for under $150 this makes a great travel, camping, and beater banjo.  Not the best but It sounds good for clawhammer.  I recommend a dam spillway bridge and a new set of strings.

Overall Rating: 8

Bridges: dam spillway bridge

Submitted by bornold on 3/1/2014

Where Purchased: From Don

Overall Comments

I wanted some new bridges for my banjos, so I found out about the dam spillway bridge, so I ordered the combo pack of 3 for $30.  I have to say these bridges produce excellent sound.  Most sellers charge $30 for one bridge, Don will give you 3 that sound just as good for the same price!

Overall Rating: 9

Washburn: B120

Submitted by bornold on 2/8/2014

Where Purchased: Private Store

Year Purchased: 2012
Price Paid: $600 ($US) (bought USED)

Sound

This Banjo has very nice mellow tone (it does have a resonator) and sounds very good with clawhammer, seeger style, and Scruggs style. This banjo has a frosted head. very pleased!

Sound Rating: 9

Setup

Like all banjos it needed some basic setup. I bought it used so the person who had it had it setup for Scruggs style. I put a high bridge on it to suit my playing style and some new strings. That was all that was needed.

Setup Rating: 8

Appearance

This is a part where this banjo really shined. It has amazing pearl inlays and nice ingravings on the metal parts. The finish is wearing on the armrest but it just makes it look more rustic.

Appearance Rating: 10

Reliability

I have had this banjo for around 2 years and have had no problems.

Reliability Rating: 8

Customer Service

Not dealt with washburn for this banjo, but washburn has very good customer service.

Customer Service: 8

Components

This banjo has very nice componets in general, it just need a new bridge.

Components Rating: 8

Overall Comments

Overall this is a wonderful intermediate banjo with wonderful tone.  This banjo is also great for those who know multiple banjo styles, this banjo versatile.  I got it used with a $200 fishman so it was a great deal.  I highly recommend this banjo.

Overall Rating: 8