Build Quality: | |
Hardware: | |
Sound: | |
Value: | |
Average: |
Pros:
- Amazing option for people who play guitars
- Quality and simple hardware
- Great price
Cons:
- Not the best fretboard job
- Buzz on certain strings
Jameson has been around for a year or two and has delved into the crafting of many different string instruments. They have some of the best beginner and intermediate ukuleles, guitars, and banjos. So if you are looking to get yourself a banjo but you are not that sure where to start, might I suggest looking at a couple of Jameson models. With this 6-string banjo guitar, the company offers a little something for players who have some experience with guitars but still would love to get their toes wet in the world of banjos.
Build
First things first, as you might have figured out by this point, this is a guitar/banjo hybrid model with 6 strings. So this model feels and tunes like a guitar but it sounds, you have guessed it, like a banjo. The mahogany resonator and maple neck provide some solid foundation for an amazing, vibrant sound. The mahogany resonator/back is pretty nice quality for this price range and it delivers on the sound.
With the open-back banjos, you expect a more mellow sound, but resonators are here to punch some nice sound. The 7 ply mahogany/maple neck beds a rosewood fingerboard. While the neck itself is well made, I would not say the same about the fingerboard. There are some models I have seen with pretty sloppy craftsmanship. This beauty is topped with some gloss finish that adds vibrancy to the tonewood while also allowing it to vibrate.
Hardware
When it comes to the hardware, Jameson went with a simple yet elegant choice of tonewood. You will not get an instrument that is overbuilt and over-equipped just to jack up the price. While some people enjoy extra specifications and high-end newest developments on their instruments, I am more of a believer in basic but functional hardware. So, what you get with this 6 string banjo are die-cast enclosed steel tuners that hold the tune pretty decently, 24 brackets, a maple bridge and an adjustable hinged tailpiece.
Jameson 6 String Banjo Sound
If you have done any research on banjos you know that $200 is not the regular price of the instrument. Most of the quality, intermediate to pro-level banjos come at a much higher price. So when you are getting an entry-level $200 (approximately) banjo you cannot have an expectation that is will be the best sounding instrument in the world. That being said, this 6-string banjo, considering the price, has a nice tone and great forward sound. There is a little bit of buzz on certain strings but it is fixable. I would also recommend changing the strings. Maybe that is it just my quirk, but with cheaper instruments, I find that small changes go a long way.
Conclusion
Ugh, how I envy anyone who recently decided to embark on the adventure of learning any instrument, especially banjos. There are so many (sometimes it feels like too many) banjos for any level of proficiency, any need and any budget. The Jameson Guitars 6 String Banjo Guitar with Closed Back Resonator is probably one of the best and most solid instruments in its category and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who does not want to invest too much money yet but at the same time do not want to ruin their experience with the bad quality instrument.
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