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moosers
Published on 02/10/10 at 19:55
The Carlo Robelli B1G 6 String Banjo is a unique instrument that has the body and sound of a banjo, but has six strings like a guitar. The tuning and the size of the strings is just like a guitar, so this is made for the guitar player who wants a banjo sound but doesn't know how to play a standard five string banjo. The build of the instrument isn't the best, but for what I want to do with it, it gets the job done.
UTILIZATION
Playing the Carlo Robelli B1G 6 String Banjo is pretty easy overall, as I find that I can play up and down the neck with ease. Reaching the top notes isn't an issue, but I generally will play chords on the lower part of the neck. The instrument is pretty heavy as the resonator adds a lot of weight to it, as is the case with most banjos. While I wouldn't say that the neck of the instrument has the nicest feel out there, but it is certainly more than playable.
SOUNDS
The sound of the Carlo Robelli B1G 6 String Banjo is certainly that of a banjo. While I could probably tell the difference between the sound of this and a real banjo, it would be pretty close. I've used this for recording on numerous occasions, as well as for a few live shows. It has a sound that will cut through a mix very well, but since I'm not an expert with 'git-jos', I don't know how this would stack up in terms of tone to other models in this price range. However, I can say for sure that if you're a guitar player looking for a six string banjo to get basic banjo tones without having to learn the instrument, this will certainly do the trick.
OVERALL OPINION
I really haven't seen too many Carlo Robelli B1G 6 String Banjos out there other than the one that I own. It wasn't the type of instrument that I sought out either, I saw it in a store and really liked playing it. However, mine now needs to be fixed up in terms of the intonation. I'm not sure that this would be a common problem with these, but mine does need some work. All in all, I'd encourage those interested in getting a six string banjo to check out this one, but also to check out others out there, as getting your hands on one of these would most likely be pretty difficult.
UTILIZATION
Playing the Carlo Robelli B1G 6 String Banjo is pretty easy overall, as I find that I can play up and down the neck with ease. Reaching the top notes isn't an issue, but I generally will play chords on the lower part of the neck. The instrument is pretty heavy as the resonator adds a lot of weight to it, as is the case with most banjos. While I wouldn't say that the neck of the instrument has the nicest feel out there, but it is certainly more than playable.
SOUNDS
The sound of the Carlo Robelli B1G 6 String Banjo is certainly that of a banjo. While I could probably tell the difference between the sound of this and a real banjo, it would be pretty close. I've used this for recording on numerous occasions, as well as for a few live shows. It has a sound that will cut through a mix very well, but since I'm not an expert with 'git-jos', I don't know how this would stack up in terms of tone to other models in this price range. However, I can say for sure that if you're a guitar player looking for a six string banjo to get basic banjo tones without having to learn the instrument, this will certainly do the trick.
OVERALL OPINION
I really haven't seen too many Carlo Robelli B1G 6 String Banjos out there other than the one that I own. It wasn't the type of instrument that I sought out either, I saw it in a store and really liked playing it. However, mine now needs to be fixed up in terms of the intonation. I'm not sure that this would be a common problem with these, but mine does need some work. All in all, I'd encourage those interested in getting a six string banjo to check out this one, but also to check out others out there, as getting your hands on one of these would most likely be pretty difficult.