Digital Tuners: Robert "The Tuner Man" Smith UniTune Adaption

Submitted by Brian Murphy on 5/30/2026

Where Purchased: Robert Smith

Overall Comments

I was curious about what this was when I saw one on KSB's banjo.  A number of members pointed out that it was a tuner from Robert Smith of Van Wycke, S.C.  I found some endorsement videos, and reached out to him.  What a great guy.  Tuner was about $89, which at first sounds pricey.  But this product is built on a UniTune clip noir tuner, which works really well.  The magnetic attachment Robert developed works great on several banjos.  The magnets grip the tension hooks really well.  There is no slippage once they latch on.  The screen pops up.  The tuner is very good and provides a tight reading (none of the jumping around you get from older digital tuners).  And this can stay on the banjo without causing any problem with fit for case closure.  Since it attaches to metal parts, there is no worry about it discoloring anything like a tuner left on a headstock.  Robert is a joy to deal with.  Very trusting and interested in feedback.  He has already put his phone number out there, so I don't mind repeating it:  (704) 634-5776.  There is no web site or e-commerce.  You mail him a check, and he'll mail you a tuner.
 

Overall Rating: 10

Davis: '49 Classic (Maple) Prototype

Submitted by Brian Murphy on 11/22/2017

Where Purchased: Direct

Year Purchased: 2017
Price Paid: Don't Remember (bought USED) historic exchange rates / currency converter

Sound

Crisp, well defined, and very balanced. No dead zones. Really pops up the neck.

Sound Rating: 10

Setup

Tim did a full set up. I have not tinkered.

Setup Rating: 10

Appearance

Beautiful workmanship. Great attention to detail. Fit and finish both awesome. Inlay work is fantastic. Bowties on the fretboard and the H&F peghead all very precisely cut.

Appearance Rating: 10

Reliability

This banjo has been played a good bit before I obtained, and it has held up very well. Finish well done.

Reliability Rating: 10

Customer Service

Tim was extremely responsive and went beyond what I asked for to make sure I was happy. Great communication.

Customer Service: 10

Components

All components are top notch.

Components Rating: 10

Overall Comments

Communication was excellent.  Packing was great.  Banjo was well packed inside the case and the case was very securely packed with packing noodles in a large box so the case did not stress the cardboard at all.

Tim was very responsive and provided all the information I requested.  Shipping was lightening fast.

I am choosing to not post the price because each banjo is different and Tim offered a very fair deal on this used banjo.  I gladly paid full asking price because it was a good deal.  In my opinion, the banjo may have sold for more and as more people play and hear his instruments, I believe they will sell for more.

You can buy with confidence. He delivers what he represents. And most importantly, you will get a top notch professional instrument.  Your tastes may change, but you'll never "upgrade" from a Davis.

Overall Rating: 10

Kyle K Smith: Legend

Submitted by Brian Murphy on 4/17/2008

Where Purchased: Another Hangout Member

Year Purchased: 2006
Price Paid: Don't Remember (bought USED) historic exchange rates / currency converter

Sound

My model is mahogany. Sound is very full and sweet. Great note definition Reaches down very low, but not the least bit tubby. The bass notes are incredible, but there is excellent balance both across the strings and up the fingerboard. Great volume.

Sound Rating: 10

Setup

I don't have the courage to alter a Kyle Smith setup.

Setup Rating: 10

Appearance

Workmanship is exceptional. Very rich mahogany. His fleur de lis inlay pattern looks very nice

Appearance Rating: 10

Reliability

Only top components were used.

Reliability Rating: 10

Customer Service

I have not had to deal with Kyle regarding any issues with the banjo, but I have had several very pleasant exchanges with him. Although he did not sell me the instrument, he maintains an interest in it and I have no doubt would help me resolve any issues if I ever had one.

Customer Service: not rated

Components

TN20 Ring; Pass Rim; Prucha parts. The neck is wide and v-shaped. Very comfortable. top of the line stuff

Components Rating: 10

Overall Comments

I would recommend this banjo without hesitation. If I ever bought another banjo, I would want the same neck.

Overall Rating: 10