Post by scanbran on Jan 12, 2011 16:51:00 GMT
Manufacturer & Model *: Gold Tone Bob Carlin BC-350
Where Purchased: Frailers (Runcorn)
Year Purchased: 2008
Sound *: I was upgrading from a very poor grade starter banjo, and from my favoured style of play, I was recommended a 'frailing banjo'.
This Gold Tone BC-350 did not disappoint. A very loud sound for an open back banjo, but also slightly plunky for that old time tone.
Sound Rating *: 8
Setup *: The banjo was selected by the shop tech as the best set up and most playable of the models available. It arrived with a very nice, playable action (not too low).
I was none too experienced with banjos at the time, but it played like a dream right out of the box for me.
Setup Rating *: 8
Appearance *:
I love the look of this banjo - attractive blonde maple rim and neck, and beautiful striped ebony fretboard and headstock faceplate. The fretboard is not overelaborate with too much inlay work - instead it has simple MoP dot inlay fret markers, with a star inlay at the 5th fret, and a star motif on the headstock.
I like the fact this banjo does not have the makers name emblazoned on the headstock - it's very understated and classy.
Appearance Rating *: 8
Reliability *: It seems very solid and well put together.
I had no problems with this banjo whatsoever, and the neck and ebony fingerboard appear to be extremely high quality.
Reliability Rating *: 9
Components *: The fretboard is beautiful and the neck is easy to play being a little wider than normal.
The flesh hoop was bent slightly, but makes no difference at all.
The tuners were a bit flimsy and I changed them to Five Star tuners from StewMac, which made an incredible difference.
I also changed the tailpiece and bridge, but the stock items were okay.
Components Rating *: 7
Pre-sale Customer Service: Frailers in Runcorn, UK were good to deal with. Helpful over the phone in making a selection, and very quick with delivery too. The banjo arrived in good order as described, with a hand written note from Dave asking me to call him if there was a problem. There was even a complimentary pack of strings in the case, in the event that any strings were broken in transit.
I think the warranty is the standard Gold Tone Limited Lifetime, but I'm not sure.
Pre-sale Customer Service Rating: 8
Post-sale Customer Service: N/A
Post-sale Customer Service Rating: 1
Any Other Information: I would certainly recommend this banjo for those looking for a frailing banjo with an old time sound, but not too soft and great volume levels if required.
I paid a little too much, but the price included a decent quality Gold Tone branded TKL hard case, specifically designed for a 12" pot and overnight shipping.
I love this banjo, and would definitely get another if it needed to be replaced.
Note: I regret selling this last year, and would buy it back if I could!!
Where Purchased: Frailers (Runcorn)
Year Purchased: 2008
Sound *: I was upgrading from a very poor grade starter banjo, and from my favoured style of play, I was recommended a 'frailing banjo'.
This Gold Tone BC-350 did not disappoint. A very loud sound for an open back banjo, but also slightly plunky for that old time tone.
Sound Rating *: 8
Setup *: The banjo was selected by the shop tech as the best set up and most playable of the models available. It arrived with a very nice, playable action (not too low).
I was none too experienced with banjos at the time, but it played like a dream right out of the box for me.
Setup Rating *: 8
Appearance *:
I love the look of this banjo - attractive blonde maple rim and neck, and beautiful striped ebony fretboard and headstock faceplate. The fretboard is not overelaborate with too much inlay work - instead it has simple MoP dot inlay fret markers, with a star inlay at the 5th fret, and a star motif on the headstock.
I like the fact this banjo does not have the makers name emblazoned on the headstock - it's very understated and classy.
Appearance Rating *: 8
Reliability *: It seems very solid and well put together.
I had no problems with this banjo whatsoever, and the neck and ebony fingerboard appear to be extremely high quality.
Reliability Rating *: 9
Components *: The fretboard is beautiful and the neck is easy to play being a little wider than normal.
The flesh hoop was bent slightly, but makes no difference at all.
The tuners were a bit flimsy and I changed them to Five Star tuners from StewMac, which made an incredible difference.
I also changed the tailpiece and bridge, but the stock items were okay.
Components Rating *: 7
Pre-sale Customer Service: Frailers in Runcorn, UK were good to deal with. Helpful over the phone in making a selection, and very quick with delivery too. The banjo arrived in good order as described, with a hand written note from Dave asking me to call him if there was a problem. There was even a complimentary pack of strings in the case, in the event that any strings were broken in transit.
I think the warranty is the standard Gold Tone Limited Lifetime, but I'm not sure.
Pre-sale Customer Service Rating: 8
Post-sale Customer Service: N/A
Post-sale Customer Service Rating: 1
Any Other Information: I would certainly recommend this banjo for those looking for a frailing banjo with an old time sound, but not too soft and great volume levels if required.
I paid a little too much, but the price included a decent quality Gold Tone branded TKL hard case, specifically designed for a 12" pot and overnight shipping.
I love this banjo, and would definitely get another if it needed to be replaced.
Note: I regret selling this last year, and would buy it back if I could!!