Thumb Pick Red Bear Thumb Pick submitted 9/2/2008 Submitter irunnoft Where Purchased Red Bear Overall Comments I was somewhat skeptical of this purchase. Like most banjo players, I've got a drawer of knick-knacks that I've purchased over the years. I got tired of the raspy sound of failing plastic thumbpicks. I've been playing the multi-colored Golden Gates and have been fairly happy with them up until recently. I decided to try one of the Red Bears since a genuine tortoise pick wasn't an option at the time. Glad I took a chance. It's a good pick. The sound is much better with this pick than with the Golden Gate regular plastic pick. The pick fits nicely and doesn't cut off the blood flow to my thumb. It isn't constrictive, but it also doesn't feel as though it will fly off, either. Time will tell with regards to how long this pick will last. My only concern is where the metal is joined to the pick material. That, to me, seems like the weakest point. If that holds, I believe the pick will last a long time. I would recommend this pick. Overall Rating 8

Huber Jim Mills submitted 7/27/2008 Submitter irunnoft Where Purchased Buffalo Brothers Year Purchased 2008 Price Paid 4650.00 ($US) (bought USED) Sound This banjo has an amazing spectrum. It has plenty of crack and is very snappy. However, it also has a good rattle and hollow bell-like quality in the up-the-neck position. This is a very lively banjo. Sound Rating 10 Setup The banjo was delivered very well setup, however, I might have to check and see if the bridge is a 5/8 or 11/16. I prefer a 5/8 and it seems like the bridge might be just a bit higher than I prefer. However, that has nothing to do with the setup. So far, I've not made any changes to the setup. The only thing I may change is the Huber bridge to a 5/8 Huber (if needed). Setup Rating 10 Appearance My banjo, even though used, arrived in what I would call "mint, unplayed" condition. I could see no signs of visible fretwear. The finish on this Mills is absolutely beautiful. They look great online, but they look even better in person. Appearance Rating 10 Reliability Huber, IMHO, makes one of the best built banjos on the market today. I have no worries about the hardware or finish. Reliability Rating 10 Customer Service Tom was great to deal with throughout the entire transaction. Customer Service 10 Components I like the double hump tailpiece, the gold engraved parts, the speed neck and the Mills tone ring. Components Rating 10 Overall Comments I love this banjo and thought it was a great value for the price I paid. I also wouldn't hesitate to purchase a new Huber Mills model if this one was ever stolen. If it was stolen, I'd hunt down the rascal that did it and string him up by his shoelaces! This banjo, like other Hubers I've owned, does not disappoint. All the Hubers I've ever owned or played have been consistently amazing. Overall Rating 10