Stelling Bellflower submitted 12/5/2002 Submitter tpulver Where Purchased eBay Year Purchased 2002 Price Paid 1700 ($US) (bought USED) Sound All the above - it is rich, full, loud and bright. I love it! Somehow, it reminds me more of an old time sound, although it's nothing like an old Gibson (which I also love, so no Gibson slam intended). Sound Rating 10 Setup Setup was fine, as it arrived from another player, however it has started to develop a bit of a buzz on the 1st string. It probably is due for a maintenance setup. Setup Rating 8 Appearance I think it's a great-looking, classic style. Rich walnut color. Very nice, not overdone, with a bound headstock (which was discontinued on the Bellflower sometime after '86). The woodgrain on the resonator is awesome. Wavy and full of depth. Appearance Rating 10 Reliability This banjo seems to be built to last forever. I bought it 16 years old and besides the usual armrest wear it is in terrific condition. Like all Stellings that I have ever seen, it's craftsmanship is rock solid. Reliability Rating 10 Customer Service No experience. Customer Service not rated Components Top notch components. I like the tuners better than the Grovers my Gibson had. They don't need as much adjustment. Everything else is very solid (which is probably why this thing weighs a ton!). Components Rating 10 Overall Comments I love this banjo and will keep it forever. I knew it the second I played it. Just a terrific, bright, happy sound, I can't help but to smile everytime I play her. I would definitely recommend it, however I would also recommend you play a Stelling before you purchase one. They have a unique sound. Overall Rating 10

Gibson J.D. Crowe RB-75 submitted 2/14/2002 Submitter tpulver Where Purchased Elderly Instruments Year Purchased 2002 Price Paid 2000 ($US) (bought USED) Sound Nice sound. Excellent tone up the neck. Very warm mahogany sound overall, but still able to punch out the sound in a crowd. Sound Rating 9 Setup Setup by Elderly and then shipped to me. Just had to set the bridge and tune. Good low action and overall good setup, however after playing it for a couple months I feel like taking it in to be re-setup to address some minor buzzing/ringing. Might be me, though. Setup Rating 7 Appearance Great looking banjo, it gets a lot of compliments. The inlays are very nice - fancy but not overly ornate. I also really like the ivoroid buttons instead of the more common pearloid ones, and the concentric rings in back are a nice extra. Good traditional-looking banjo. Appearance Rating 9 Reliability I've only had it for a bit, but it seems very well made and sturdy. Reliability Rating 9 Customer Service No experience. Customer Service not rated Components Has the Shubb 5th string capo, which I really like. Easy to use. Components Rating 9 Overall Comments Overall a great banjo, but not my cup of tea. I ended up selling it and replacing it with a Stelling, which I find easier to play and brighter sounding. Just my personal preference, as I know that many players love this model. Overall Rating 9