Gold Tone Bob Carlin BC-350 submitted 9/3/2008 Submitter Scanbran Where Purchased Frailers (UK) Year Purchased 2008 Price Paid 659 (GBP) historic exchange rates / currency converter Sound I was upgrading from a very poor grade starter banjo, and from my favoured style of play, I was recommended a 'frailing banjo'. This Gold Tone BC-350 did not disappoint. A very loud sound for an open back banjo, but also slightly plunky for that old time tone. Sound Rating 9 Setup The banjo was selected by the shop tech as the best set up and most playable of the models available. It arrived with a very nice, playable action (not too low). I'm none to experienced with banjos so far, but it played like a dream right out of the box for me. Setup Rating 10 Appearance I love the look of this banjo - attractive blonde maple rim and neck, and beautiful striped ebony fretboard and headstock faceplate. The fretboard is not overelaborate with too much inlay work - instead it has simple MoP dot inlay fret markers, with a star inlay at the 5th fret, and a star motif on the headstock. I like the fact this banjo does not have the makers name emblazoned on the headstock - it's very understated and classy. Appearance Rating 9 Reliability It seems very solid and well put together. I've only had it a month, so it's hard to judge, but the top quality materials used suggest it will last just fine. Reliability Rating 9 Customer Service Frailers in Runcorn, UK were good to deal with. Helpful over the phone in making a selection, and very quick with delivery too. The banjo arrived in good order as described, with a hand written note from Dave asking me to call him if there was a problem. There was even a complimentary pack of strings in the case, in the event that any strings were broken in transit. I think the warranty is the standard Gold Tone Limited Lifetime, but I'm not sure. Customer Service 9 Components The fretboard is beautiful and the neck is easy to play being a little wider than normal. The flesh hoop was bent slightly, but makes no difference at all. The banjo was supposed to come with a Remo Rennaisance head, but instead has a Weatherking head. Don't really know the difference, and the Weatherking sounds great. Very good quality components as far as I can make out. Components Rating 8 Overall Comments I would certainly recommend this banjo for those looking for a frailing banjo with an old time sound, but not too soft and great volume levels if required. I paid a little too much, but the price included a top quality Gold Tone branded TKL hard case, specifically designed for a 12" pot and overnight shipping. So, looking at it that way, the banjo may only have cost me about £550. I love this banjo, and would definitely get another if it needed to be replaced. Overall Rating 9