Shelby: Shelby Whitewater

Submitted by Society Hill on 1/5/2026

Where Purchased: Banjo.com

Year Purchased: 2025
Price Paid: $5595 ($US)

Sound

Rich, full tone all the way up and down the neck. No tweaking needed for my taste, this banjo had the sound I was looking for from the first note picked.

Sound Rating: 10

Setup

I have not made any changes to the setup. Barry and his folks already had this in great shape but, as with other banjos I have had, I'll probably need to do a bit after everything settles in.

Setup Rating: 10

Appearance

This is a beautiful mahogany banjo with top shelf parts, wood, finish, and fit. I'm a fan of the wreath inlay as well.

Appearance Rating: 10

Reliability

Yes, finish and hardware is top notch and I have zero concerns about it's longevity.

Reliability Rating: 10

Customer Service

Barry Waldrep is extremely helpful, friendly, and accessible. Lifetime warranty.

Customer Service: 10

Components

No weak or cheap parts on the Shelby banjos, they have purposely held to the top tier of parts and workmanship. Super nice fiberglass case as well as some interesting touches with respect to engraved owner's card to go with it.

Components Rating: 10

Overall Comments

I cannot say enough good things about this Shelby Whitewater banjo. It will be one of my best banjos ever and in my possession until I'm gone and the kids have the farm sale...you cannot go wrong with one of Barry's banjos.

Overall Rating: 10

Ron Coleman

Submitted by Society Hill on 7/7/2013

Overall Comments

I have had an opportunity to buy a banjo and a neck from Ron. The banjo was excellent, just as described and the price was more than fair. I also bought one of Ron's necks that he built. The neck is the best that I have had on one of my banjos, the finish work excellent, and the fit to the pot is perfect. I will be keeping this instrument without a doubt. Anything else is a step down. I highly recommend his work and have enjoyed making a new friend in the banjo world.

Overall Rating: 10

White Mountain: Bluegrass Special

Submitted by Society Hill on 12/19/2011

Where Purchased: Individual on BHO

Year Purchased: 2011
Price Paid: 685 ($US) (bought USED)

Sound

Sound on this banjo is excellent and compares to instruments that I have owned costing several hundreds of $$$ more. This includes Gibson, Sullivan, RK, Gold Star (old and new), & Rich & Taylor, all of which I like. The WM has a very nice "round note" sound without the hollow sound that many of the inexpensive mass produced instruments have. Also, excellent volume from their tone ring and Hickler maple block rim.

Sound Rating: 9

Setup

No setup so far, although I will likely switch out the bridge. I like the Snuffy Smith III but the bridge that came with it was fine too. No brand stamped on it. Also partial to the Sosobee bridges.

Setup Rating: 8

Appearance

One of the nicest looking banjos I have owned. It has a flamed maple resonator and 2-piece neck that are all highly flamed and stained with a "honey" stain. A slight "run" in the finish on the neck but spoke with the maker and that problem has been cleared up in their process. VERY nice wood, hardware in very good condition. Inlaid is the nicest I have seen in abalone.

Appearance Rating: 10

Reliability

This was a mid-2010 banjo with standard fare hardware that looks like it will last just fine. Their new releases now have Prucha hardware and a Tennessee 20 tone ring set on a Hickler rim.

Reliability Rating: 8

Customer Service

No warranty now because I bought it used. Visited via e-mail with maker and he was very friendly, helpful, and candid about the instrument and how it was made.

Customer Service: 10

Components

Nothing weak to report but they have upgraded most of the hardware since this one was made. Standout would be the inlaid and choice of figured maple for the neck and resonator. Also am fond of a block rim.

Components Rating: 10

Overall Comments

Excellent instrument and it was made during their stage of developing and selecting tone rings, etc. I would love to play one of their new models. I like the fact that it was made in Arizona by someone who made the wood parts on-site and put a lot of thought and effort into making their instruments without mass production.

Overall Rating: 9