So far I have not.īart builds fantastic banjos, there is no denying that. It sounds like you had an overall disappointing experience. There is no reason for me to repeat my opinions about the construction again. It was also important for me to include photographic evidence about all the details I found as well as my observations. I did read your previous postings and will admit that you influenced my posting a review. Givens later made Givens mandos, which are some of the best ever made. Givens, who along with Tut Taylor, supervised the construction of these mandos and did most of the difficult work. But these Ode mandos are a bargain because they were designed by Robert L. I would suggest buying a Reiter as an alternative.īetter instrument, better materials, better workmanship, better customer service. After buying Ode banjos, Baldwin/Gretsch just used the name 'Ode' on its mandos. or five 4 one eight 4 six 1 three seven 3 I can be reached at jefe46 at earthlink dot net. I have repeatedly asked John Bernunzio to contact me and discuss it, and he has not. Inferior instrument, substandard customer service, grossly overpriced. It cost me just under $200 not to own one. In my personal experience the Eastman Banjo is not a "quality" instrument and the distributor/seller did not meet their own claims. I am thoroughly delighted with the feel and sound of my EWL and would recommend it to anyone. I have never seen an original except in pictures.
I am not a professional and play strictly for my own enjoyment. I currently have a Pursel ambrosia maple bridge on it after trying several different bridges. Mine came with the double bump case I would have preferred the case that came with yours but mine does its job. I have also changed all of the tuners to StewMac Waverlys and changed the tailpiece to the NoKnot cam type tailpiece from Elderly that you mentioned in your review. Mine came with GHS light steel strings and I have since switched to mediums.
I had Bernunzio install a wire armrest and change out the tuner buttons with ebony buttons. I found no flaws with the instrument but have made several changes to it to satisfy my own personal tastes. I received mine in November of 2012 and have been very happy with it.
I was pleased to find someone that agrees with me about the WL. I read your review of your new Eastman Whyte Lady.