Epiphone MB-100 Open Back Banjo

I should say that this is the first banjo I've ever owned, and I've never mastered/invested a decent amount of time in learning any other [string] instrument.Delivery was within the last two days of the estimated time frame, but the banjo arrived well-protected in a large box. It came fully assembled with the strings installed. Shipped with it were an Epiphone sticker, a bridge, and head tightening tools. The wood on this is a lovely bright orange-red color with a matte finish. tuning pegs are pearlescent white plastic. day after delivery, I took this downtown to the string shop to get the bridge set in and the strings tuned. Now, while I was there the guy asked how much I bought my banjo for, he was surprised and showed his coworker; "Hey, check this out! $200 bucks and it's almost just like your Gold Tone!" this evening I sat down and figured out some basic frailing and chords. this is a great sounding, beautiful banjo. I have no complaints thus far and I'm having fun learning to play.Now, If you're looking at '5-string armrest open-back' banjos on here, you're probably also considering the Gretsch G9450 Dixie. My friend has that banjo and it's just wonderful. I would recommend both to anybody looking to pick up a killer banjo at a sweet price. If price is your concern, this one's $40 less and the quality does measure up. You'll have a blast with both options!

Great Banjo . Holds tune Solid feel. Good value.

Most instruments that come at such a low price for beginners look, feel and sound just as cheap as their price tag. The MB-100 however sounded AMAZING right out of the box (after the required bridge setup and tuning). I'm new to the banjo and I'm sure a seasoned banjo player would be able to find things they don't like, but I sure can't. It is a little on the quiet side, so if you're looking to really project, you may want to pick up a model with a resonator (the back) but for what I'm doing, this is perfect! Hope you all enjoy yours as much as I do!

This banjo comes with the bridge not set. Once set it intonates ok.Mine had fret buzz on the 2nd fret. No amount of neck relief corrected this. I was able to sand the fret down with a fret file so no buzz nowThe Banjo sounds like an inexpensive banjo. It projects poorly and sounds a bit thin and muffled. It's ok for a travel instrument or just trying a banjo. I would not be happy with it as a primary instrument.I have a Deering Goodtime to compare. It's twice the price, and twice the instrument. It came set up perfectly and sounds a lot better to me.

I can't play worth a crap but the instrument is very nice. My son is a virtuoso and says this banjo plays very nice, looks nice, built very well. He claims this banjo sounds much better than you would expect for such a low price. Epiphone has a great starter/beginner banjo here and very well suited for more advanced players as well. I and my son would definitely suggest this instrument to anyone who wants a well made and great sounding banjo on a limited budget. Just starting out? Get one of these and you won't be disappointed.

This here banjo is mighty good. I have never even picked up a banjo before I got this one, so I might not know what a good banjo is, but it sounds exactly like every other banjo I have ever heard. I haven't one lick of trouble with its quality. It takes several tunings over the days and weeks to let the strings stretch, which is normal (I hear), but after that it holds its tune just fine. Occasional tuning will be required, but not much has been needed with this one yet. I'm perfectly happy with this banjo, which in my opinion is easily worth twice what I paid. If you are a beginner like me, this banjo should make your banjo learnin experience very fun.

Had to return as it was off pitch/tone. Defective instrument.

It's an ok banjo but not for $200...my first words were literally "this looks like it came straight from the toy shop". The neck is one solid piece. Notice how I didn't say wood, that's because I honestly don't think it is wood. I put a shubb tuner on it so I had to drill holes. The shaving turned white just like plastic does when you distress it. I actually just ordered a Washburn b16 off eBay to replace it.