Musima Banjo 5 cordes

(Originally written by cykklop/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
Made in East Germany.

22 frets.

Low-quality machine heads. I replaced them with a Schaller B4 set.

Unknown head size.

UTILIZATION

Comfortable neck. It's my first Bluegrass banjo so I cannot compare it with better quality instruments. I like the playability. The neck allows an easy playing, the body has a standard size and you feel comfortable with this instrument.

SOUNDS

Typical banjo sound... It sounds like a banjo!

But I did notice several cons (it's a low-end product). When you stop playing you can hear some annoying overtones. Like a loud feedback. The low-quality of the wood rim (I know it's not a Gibson but I expect a minimum quality, like the wood used by Harley Benton for example) explains the poor sound quality.

OVERALL OPINION

I've owned this banjo for many years. The body quality is very bad (unlike the neck, which is PRETTY good). It seems it was made in a hurry on a Sunday afternoon... Another problem is the head, which can't be replaced because of its special size.

Before buying it I tested a Fender FB54 (excellent sound) and a FB59 (looks wonderful) but they were too expensive (although much cheaper than Gibson or Sullivan). That's why I chose this banjo (which is about 10 years old). I bought it secondhand at a very low price (including a wood hard case). I thought it wouldn't be that bad but it was a mistake because it's not pleasant at all!! I keep it because of a family thing...!

UPDATE: This open-back banjo is ok considering it's an old-time instrument. The unpleasant overtones are not audible anymore and it's ok to play clawhammer. I also play an excellent 17-frets Saga Travel and they complement each other!