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!
7235 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased: Spruce Tree Music
Year Purchased: 2006
Price Paid: 1100 ($US)
This banjo has a very full sound. The Whyte Ladie Tone ring add a lot of punch without a lot of metal sound that I was used ot with my previous banjo
Sound Rating: 8
Item came set up and ready to play. Just a little tuning and off I went the only thing I added was of course a strap
Setup Rating: 9
Beautiful craftmanship! Dark Mahogany drum and neck with a ebony fretboard. The back edges of the drum are painted black.
Appearance Rating: 10
This seems like a very good and durable banjo. Bart's instruments have a good reputation for quality and this new model is of that tradition.
Reliability Rating: 8
Spruce Tree was excellent to deal with and very friendly. I wanted to visit personally but had to change plans at the last minute. They were very accommodating and shipped the banjo to. With teh shipping a personal email was sent advising me of the status of the shipment.
Customer Service: 9
Comes from Bart Reiter with Whyte Laydie tone ring. Five Star frosted head on 11" diameter rim (24 brackets). Ebony fretboard, pearl star in peghead & dots on fretboard, planetary tuners, adjustable truss rod. Bottom edge of rim painted black. Banjo is named for the town of Galax, Virginia, which hosts a renowned yearly fiddle and banjo competition. The only thing I may add is some sort of armrest. The banjo can be ordered with an armrest as an option.
Components Rating: 9
I am still a newbie but this was a significant upgrade form my Deering Goodtime Special. The sound is much more mellow but just as loud. The sustain is much greater and the tolerances tighter. I am really enjoying the upgraded tuners
Overall Rating: 9
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