Post by Martin on Apr 18, 2013 14:18:51 GMT
Manufacturer & Model: Deering Goodtime Special Open Back (Custom) Banjo
Year Purchased: 2010
Sound:
I bought this banjo as a second banjo and as back-up to my main instrument. I wanted something with a tone ring to give a different sound to my existing rosewood ring banjo, since selling (regrettably) my Gold Tone BC-350.
I'm glad I chose the Special model, as I really can tell the difference in tone, and this banjo has quite a bright, zingy ring to it, tempered somewhat by the renaissance head and no-knot tailpiece.
I play only clawhammer/frailing, so I like the fact this Goodtime Special offers something different, which I hope will cut through better in a jam.
Sound Rating: 8
Setup:
Set-up was near perfect when I received the banjo. Very low action, which suits me fine for my style, although due to the fifth string spike (rather than a nut), catching the fifth string over the fingerboard is very difficult. Bridge placement was fine, and the head was nice and tight.
Setup Rating: 8
Appearance:
Beautiful banjo to look at. This one was an Eagle Music custom banjo, termed 'The Southern Queen', which means it deviates a fair bit from a standard Goodtime. The peghead is the new fiddle shape, and it is branged 'Leader' with a burned in Eagle motif, which is very classy and striking. Nice planetary tuners give it a classic look, and I love the natural satin blond maple finish. The renaissance head just completes it, and the bow tie inlays are quite nice too.
Appearance Rating: 9
Reliability:
Hardware looks bomb-proof and the finish is lovely, although might possibly mark/scuff easily given the light satin look.
The banjo feels very solid to play, and adfter only a week, although it;s hard to judge, seems very substantial.
Reliability Rating: 8
Components:
I don't know which brand of tuners are used on this banjo, but they feel solid and consistent and there is no slipping at all.
The neck is simply incredible - so smooth and fast and a delight to hold.
I changed the bridge pretty much right away to a Sosobee select maple, but the stock bridge seemed ok.
Components Rating: 9
Pre-sale Customer Service:
Dealt with Eagle Music and the owner Steve Noon, who answered all my queries pleasantly and promptly.
Even though I only ordered the banjo on 23.12.10, I found it had been delivered to me less than 24 hours later, which is superb customer service, and amazingly it arrived in time for Christmas, which was a great bonus.
Pre-sale Customer Service Rating: 10
Overall:
A very fine, good looking and great sounding banjo, which with the addition of a 5th string nut and a scoop I'd be happy to use as my main banjo in any circumstance.
Once again, I regret selling this instrument on - it was done to pay for something else, but someone else (the buyer) got one hell of a bargain buying this!
Year Purchased: 2010
Sound:
I bought this banjo as a second banjo and as back-up to my main instrument. I wanted something with a tone ring to give a different sound to my existing rosewood ring banjo, since selling (regrettably) my Gold Tone BC-350.
I'm glad I chose the Special model, as I really can tell the difference in tone, and this banjo has quite a bright, zingy ring to it, tempered somewhat by the renaissance head and no-knot tailpiece.
I play only clawhammer/frailing, so I like the fact this Goodtime Special offers something different, which I hope will cut through better in a jam.
Sound Rating: 8
Setup:
Set-up was near perfect when I received the banjo. Very low action, which suits me fine for my style, although due to the fifth string spike (rather than a nut), catching the fifth string over the fingerboard is very difficult. Bridge placement was fine, and the head was nice and tight.
Setup Rating: 8
Appearance:
Beautiful banjo to look at. This one was an Eagle Music custom banjo, termed 'The Southern Queen', which means it deviates a fair bit from a standard Goodtime. The peghead is the new fiddle shape, and it is branged 'Leader' with a burned in Eagle motif, which is very classy and striking. Nice planetary tuners give it a classic look, and I love the natural satin blond maple finish. The renaissance head just completes it, and the bow tie inlays are quite nice too.
Appearance Rating: 9
Reliability:
Hardware looks bomb-proof and the finish is lovely, although might possibly mark/scuff easily given the light satin look.
The banjo feels very solid to play, and adfter only a week, although it;s hard to judge, seems very substantial.
Reliability Rating: 8
Components:
I don't know which brand of tuners are used on this banjo, but they feel solid and consistent and there is no slipping at all.
The neck is simply incredible - so smooth and fast and a delight to hold.
I changed the bridge pretty much right away to a Sosobee select maple, but the stock bridge seemed ok.
Components Rating: 9
Pre-sale Customer Service:
Dealt with Eagle Music and the owner Steve Noon, who answered all my queries pleasantly and promptly.
Even though I only ordered the banjo on 23.12.10, I found it had been delivered to me less than 24 hours later, which is superb customer service, and amazingly it arrived in time for Christmas, which was a great bonus.
Pre-sale Customer Service Rating: 10
Overall:
A very fine, good looking and great sounding banjo, which with the addition of a 5th string nut and a scoop I'd be happy to use as my main banjo in any circumstance.
Once again, I regret selling this instrument on - it was done to pay for something else, but someone else (the buyer) got one hell of a bargain buying this!
Jo whoever he is.
