Gold Star GF-85 submitted 7/20/2008 Submitter dorse Where Purchased Individual Year Purchased (2003 Model) 2008 Price Paid 700 ($US) (bought USED) Sound Sounds as good as any (better than some) modern Gibson banjo. Rich mellow tone, with plenty of crack. Sound Rating 10 Setup It was setup just fine. Setup Rating 10 Appearance Looks very good. Appearance Rating 9 Reliability It's as dependable as any much higher priced instrument. Reliability Rating 10 Customer Service Never tried to contact them. Customer Service not rated Components No problems that I can think of. Components Rating 10 Overall Comments I helped a friend pick out this banjo. You get a great banjo for a fraction of the price. If you like Gibson style instruments and can't afford the Gibson price, then this is your answer. Overall Rating 10

Gibson J.D. Crowe RB-75 submitted 7/20/2008 Submitter dorse Where Purchased Individual Year Purchased (2002 Model) 2008 Price Paid 2400 ($US) (bought USED) Sound Rich, full sound, with a small amount of brightness, and great crack. Sound Rating 10 Setup This banjo had mostly sat in its case since it was made. I had to do a complete set up on it, i.e adjust neck pitch and adjust truss rod. I changed the original Remo USA head to a Snuffy Smith because the Remo was very lightly frosted. Setup Rating 6 Appearance Absoultely handsome banjo. Perfect in every way--not one scratch. Appearance Rating 10 Reliability I expect this instrument to be around for many generations to come. Reliability Rating 10 Customer Service I'm not the original owner so the warranty does not apply to me. I've never tried to send it in for repair. Customer Service not rated Components This banjo sat around in its case for most of its life. The tuners turned very hard and rough because of this. However, after an application of 3 in 1 Oil, and almost constant use, they've loosened right up and are working as they should be. Components Rating 10 Overall Comments This banjo seems to weigh less than other Gibson models that I've played. The neck is smaller and feels better than other Gibson models. It has the tone that one would associate with J.D. Crowe. I'm very happy with this banjo and hope to get a lifetime of use from it. I got an incredible deal on this banjo. These are hard to find and to get one in mint condition is unheard of. I prefer the standard looks of the RB-75 over the too flashy Blackjack. (If you can't afford a Gibson, a Gold Star is almost as good in quality and if it's setup right will sound just as good.) Overall Rating 10