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The banjo reviews database is here to help educate people before they purchase an instrument. Of course, this is not meant to be a substitute for playing the instrument yourself!
7232 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased: EBAY
Year Purchased: 2010
Price Paid: 800 ($US)
This banjo sounds incredible. Its very loud and bright. I have many other banjos is this is the best for Bluegrass sound along with my RB250. I have played a friends Earl Scruggs gibson and the Alvarez blew it out of the water but I'm sure that has ALOT to do with setup.
Sound Rating: 10
Setup was OK from shop that i purchased from on ebay. Action was a little high and the head was not tight. Bridge was a little dark. Now with a head at 91 on drum dial and kateyez pruple heart bridge it sounds perfect.
Setup Rating: 8
This banjo is B E A utiful. Be far the best looking banjo I have seen in person. Vine inlay is very well done very little filler. Orange finish is unique and pretty. Only visual issue was a small amount of finish checking on upper part of back of the neck below headstock. Not an issue to me.
Appearance Rating: 10
Very dependable. Hardware is holding up very well as well is the gold plating. Finish seems thick and is flawless with the exception of the checking on back of the neck.
Reliability Rating: 8
Tried to ask the company what year it was made and never got a response via email.
Customer Service: 1
Tuners are ok nothing fancy but stay in tune well. Bridge was poopoo. Everything else is as would be expected on a very high end import.
Components Rating: 8
If you have an opportunity to get your hands on one of these banjos for under 1200 I would def. suggest you pop on it. Best banjo I've laid hands on. Hard to believe its an import and a banjo from a company not known for 'jos.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Musicians Friend
Year Purchased: 2009
Price Paid: 799 ($US)
Traditional bluegrass banjo sound and setup. Bright, loud, and full tone at any position.
"Rich" only comes with age. I'll get back in a few years
Sound Rating: 9
Action playable right out of the box, although I did tighten the head some. Strings surprisingly low, yet no fret buzz!
Intonation good enough, although I'll probably adjust to my favorite strings - D'Addario J61 Med. I compensate my own bridges. May add a Grover bridge later.
Setup Rating: 9
Beautiful Instrument! All maple, flame maple resonator. Neck and resonator "almost" orange - UT fan, I like it! Woodwork gets a "10"
The inlays are exquisite - "Tree of Life" on the ebony fretboard, very smooth, although a little "black filler" shows and rubs off on fingertips. Very intricate headstock inlays. All iridescent mother of pearl, almost abalone. Inlays get a "9-1/2"
Metal - everything except the frets plated bright gold - Including the tone ring, even the coordinator rods. A few small nicks on the flange. Metal gets a "9"
Appearance Rating: 9
Concerned about gold plate, from past experience - time will tell.
Fit and finish excellent, a very solid banjo.
"Made in China" sticker easily removed!
Reliability Rating: 9
No direct experience, but a couple of concerns:
Alvarez web site is dated, last update in 2007.
Online registration dated, would not let me select "2010"
I bought the B1 as a closeout special.
Lifetime warranty - hope Alvarez stays around to honor it.
I don't anticipate ever needing service, anyway.
Customer Service: 6
Std. "Mastertone" style hardware, planetary keys pearl/gold, geared 5th peg. Remo Weather King head.
Bell brass tone ring is gold plated, I wish it wasn't for tone's sake, but that's just me.
Overall, best I've ever seen for under $1000
Upgrade only for personal preference.
Components Rating: 9
$799 is closeout price. Worth much more.
Now discontinued at Musicians Friend, but other sites had it listed.
Buy one if you can!
Overall Rating: 9
Where Purchased: Krazyals, Commerce, Ga
Year Purchased: 2007
Price Paid: 1025.00 ($US)
AWESOME bluegrass sound and needs no help (amp) getting attention in a large group. Other than the setup that was done locally, the B1 plays super out of the box. The comment from our local Luthier was, "you have a cannon here". Very bright,full ring playing snuggled up to the bridge or close to the neck.
Sound Rating: 10
As with ANY new (or used) banjo, I always recommend taking it to your local, trusted, Luthier for the setup YOU prefer. The B1 is no exception, added new strings, action was too high, arm rest too close to body, etc.
Setup Rating: 10
Alvarez pulled all the stops on thier new B1. From the bright gold finish to the tree of life on the ebony fret board and Flame maple resonator, this is the most gorgeous Banjo I have ever played, much less owned.
You may not see the Bell brass tone ring, but you can sure hear (feel) it when you play.
Appearance Rating: 10
I haven't had it long enough to tell how well it will hold up under the pressure of daily use but if it is anything like my old Alvarez 4280, it will not be a concern. Besides, this is the best high end workhorse that Alvarez has produced to date.
Reliability Rating: not rated
I have never had to deal with the Alvarez company but the B1 does come with a lifetime warrenty.
Customer Service: not rated
The standard features that come with this Banjo:
3-ply maple rim, Bell brass tone ring, maple neck, Flame maple resonator, Ebony fingerboard, Gold hardware, and of course, the AWESOME Tree of Life inlay, Planetary tuning pegs.
Includes hardshell case and Lifetime warranty
When I picked this Banjo up at the store, I tried my best to find some flaw but alas, none was to be found. (hey,that might make a song) :-)
Components Rating: 10
Alvarez has a real "bluegrass winner" with this new Alvarez B1 Banjo. Even at the full retail price of $1,799, I would highly recomment it. The B1 holds its own with Gibson, deering, and other "professional" models that cost upward of $3,500.00. Be prepared though, you might want to go to the gym for a while before playing this golden nugget, VERY heavy....
Overall Rating: 10
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