| Build Quality: |  |
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| Sound: | |
| Value: | |
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Pros:
- Mellow, sweet sound
- Great price
- Lightweight, well-balanced construction
Cons:
- Not the best volume
- Like with a lot of cheaper models, there are inconsistencies (some people receive damages or wrong models)
The ultimate goal of every banjo player is to find the one instrument that feels and sounds like you have had a long-standing, deep connection with it. Granted, a lot of the time we settle down for something that sounds okay while dreaming about one day owning your dream banjo. As a beginner, the chances of hitting a jackpot and ending up with a top-notch quality instrument is very thin (unless you have hundreds and hundreds to put into it, right away). BUT if you are looking for a perfect symbiosis of quality and price, look no further than Jameson Guitars 5-String Banjo 24 Bracket with Closed Solid Back.
Build
In case you are looking for your first banjo but don’t really associate “first” with cheap and low quality, you are in a good place. This Jameson 5-string banjo offers some quality craftsmanship for the much lower price than what is usually offered on the market. First of all, you get 24 brackets with a closed solid back that produces amazing, resonant sound. The mahogany resonator along with smooth 7 ply maple neck offers amazing playability and comfort. The look is completed with a high-gloss finish that adds to the overall polished look of the instrument. Once you compare this 5 string model with instruments in its price range, you will see that you are getting a bargain. The construction and material used for construction are the backbones of the overall performance and sound of the instrument and this banjo has a very sturdy backbone.
Hardware
When it comes to the hardware, what you will see on this model is maple bridge, adjustable hinged tailpiece as well as a geared 5th tuner. The 5th tuner part is probably the most exciting feature on this model as it is rarely featured in the more affordable models. While usually, beginner banjos have friction tuners, geared 5th tuner relied on a sturdy peg that pretty keeps the tune longer. Unfortunately, a lot of people still have has issues with tuning. Most times the issue goes away the more you play, in case it does not you can adjust it at a shop.
Jameson 5 String Banjo Sound
This Jameson Guitar’s model combines a sweet, mellow tone with nice volume. It is an amazing instrument for bluegrass and a lot of other styles like folk and country. Since this is a banjo with a resonator, the sound is directed forward, allowing for nice volume. I still would not say it has an amazing volume, but nothing to complain too much about. The other nice addition to this instrument is that the resonator can be removed. This allows for more versatility in sound.
Conclusion
You can definitely find a banjo that sounds better than Jameson Guitars 5-String Banjo 24 Bracket with Closed Solid Back. But you will probably find it in the top-end categories of banjos that no man dares to look into (mostly because of price). For what you are paying for this instrument, you are definitely getting a bang for your buck. Nice craftsmanship, decent hardware, and sweet, mellow sound are just a few things that make this a solid contender in the best banjo category (in its price range).
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