Backyard Music: Basic Banjo

Submitted by charliechoo on 1/22/2015

Where Purchased: Online direct from Backyard

Year Purchased: 2014
Price Paid: 135 ($US)

Sound

In my experience, the volume of this banjo is low, which does not bother me at all, as I've always loved older plunky banjos. The tone is warm and satisfying, but not bright. I wouldn't expect that from a traveling banjo. The pitch up the neck is amazingly dead on, so the neck is straight and the frets accurately placed. Though the gears seem to be a basic type, they are easy to use and have never slipped nor are they too stiff. These last two, the very warm tone and the accurate pitch are what is most important to me.

Sound Rating: 8

Setup

The setup was perfect upon arrival. After many months, I have raised the bridge the thickness of a coke can fragment to eliminate a slight buzzing on the highest frets: successful. The neck is still straight and true but would be difficult for me to adjust; it has no metal rod.

Setup Rating: 10

Appearance

The neck is a lovely dark red wood that I do not recognize. Instead of a skin, there is a thin wood laminate, colored to a soft cream tone that resembles a natural skin. It looks sort of old-timey.

Appearance Rating: 8

Reliability

Rather than making a prediction, I can say that after putting it in no more than two thick plastic bags (that came with the shipping material) and carrying it on my back for almost 1000 miles on the Camino de Santiago for three months this past Autumn in France and Spain, playing most nights for the amusement of fellow travelers, carrying it through several severe rainstorms, and now in hot, and dusty India, it is still in nearly new condition.

Reliability Rating: 10

Customer Service

Don't know about the warranty. Initially I ordered the Basic Kit but finding I didn't have the time before departure, I exchanged it without any hassle. Turnaround was quick.

Customer Service: 10

Components

This is a basic banjo. After months of rough treatment, the geared tuners work just fine, as when new. The thin plywood head and the lack of metal clamps saves weight, which is essential for me. I think it weighs about one kilo, or a bit more than two pounds.

Components Rating: 8

Overall Comments

I've looked at other traveling banjos online. I've seen none that play so well, so easily and such an attractive price. It is also very pretty.

Overall Rating: 10