Dear Wayne and Robyn,
I just bought a new MC-150R and I wanted to tell you that I am literally *stunned* at the quality of tone, playability, and materials. I was shopping for a travel/throw in the back of the car banjo, and I played all of your competitors. The usual no-tone or cheap-feeling neck or non-wood pot, etc. Then I ran across one of your Cripple Creeks and was amazed at how much was in it for so little money. I tried to buy one, but no one has them in stock. So I decided to spend another 130 and get the one First Quality did have in stock--the MC-150R. So I had never actually played this model before buying it, taking it on faith that since the Cripple Creek was already so much nicer than banjos costing more, moving up a level would get me an even nicer banjo.
When I got it out of the box and tuned it up and played on it, I was literally stunned. This is too loud, too solid a neck, too tightly put together to be a $400 banjo. (Just to let you know my frame of reference, I have been playing pro and semi-pro for twenty years and have played or owned every kind of new and old banjo on the planet. Seriously. I am very demanding in what I need from a banjo, in terms of tone, volume, and neck quality, and until now the only banjo I have kept for longer than two years is my 39' RB 12. It is a keeper not because it is collectable, but because it is the only banjo that has *everything* I need.)
So the bar your MC 150 flew over is very high. It has incredible bass and treble pop for its price point, and sustain as well. I couldn't put it down once I started playing it--I was late making dinner. It is just a delight to play, all the time. And it looks great as well, something I wasn't really expecting.
I wish you had been around twenty years ago--you would have saved me a lot of time and money as I moved my way up the banjo-quality ladder. You are making tremendous banjos at jaw-dropping prices, and I wanted to let you know how impressed I am by your products.
Most sincerely,- TJ Sutherland |
First of all, I have to say thank you, thank you, THANK YOU! I received my maple classic banjo today and, while I’m enjoying the hell out of it – it sounds fantastic, plays even better, and looks mighty fine too – I’m kicking myself in the arse for having waited so long to upgrade. And what an upgrade it is! I paid just about $500 for my old banjo 13 years ago, and there is just no comparing the two instruments. Lot’s of companies hype “real value” for your money, but I can’t think of any product that has delivered on such a claim to the extent Gold Tone has. I am truly blown away, so thanks again. Bob - Bob |
