Mike's Mute Mike's Mute submitted 7/5/2008 Submitter scruss Where Purchased rom Mike Stidd via Banjohangout.org Overall Comments Slightly easier to fit than the Fielding-Cutler, and sounds a little better when installed. There are some rough edges on the aluminium bracket, though, and the nylon bolts may not survive heavy use. Overall Rating 7

Gold Tone Bob Carlin BC-350 submitted 11/21/2007 Submitter scruss Where Purchased The Twelfth Fret (Toronto) Year Purchased 2006 Price Paid $899 (CAD) historic exchange rates / currency converter Sound Loud, plunky sound - just about right for clawhammer. Initially there was too much sustain, so some foam between the head killed the brightness just right. Sound Rating 8 Setup Rather nice - Grant fitted spikes while I waited, which is a tough job with this banjo's very low (mandolin) frets. Head tension just right, and likewise action. Only major change I've made was shifting the armrest around. Stock, it's just plain in the wrong place. If you shift it round one bracket towards the tailpiece (which requires you to release some brackets and swap the shoes) it's much more comfortable. Setup Rating 8 Appearance It's a very dignified, simple banjo. Big wide black fretboard, single star inlay on the peghead, and basic dots on the frets. Translucent head and dowel stick make for a handsome banjo. I'm not wild about the high-gloss lacquer on the neck. It isn't the most enjoyable to play in hot, sticky weather. Appearance Rating 8 Reliability Tuners have a little more play in them than I'd like, but I haven't had it go wrong so far Reliability Rating 7 Customer Service No dealings with the company, but The Twelfth Fret are great.. Customer Service 8 Components Tuners are of middling quality, and no-knot tailpiece is rather flimsy. Components Rating 7 Overall Comments It's a nice instrument and good value, but if you want more plunk for your buck, try the Enoch Tradesman. Overall Rating 8