Some 50+ years ago, I played an old ukulele and have great memories of the fun. I recently had an urge to play one again, but with a twist. I have always appreciated the sound qualities of banjos. When I realized that a banjo ukulele was available and within financial reach for a casual, fun instrument, I elected to get one.
After researching the market, I settled on the AKLOT, which is the higher grade instrument in the Kmise line. Both trade names were favorably reviewed, but the AKLOT was generally preferred for it's louder projections and excellent fidelity for an affordable uke.
I have been very please with the AKLOT product! It arrived in two days in a double-packed shipping box. I think it was packaged to survive importation as well as UPS! Well done, AKLOT!
I unwrapped it, inspected the contents, and everything in the kit was pristine. The banjo uke was strung, but not tightly. I checked the location of the bridge using the supplied gauge, which proved to be a great method of checking the setup. The bridge was right on!
The electronic tuner made it easy to bring it up to the "my dog has fleas" tuning. Over these past weeks, retuning has been needed less frequently as the strings and neck settled in to their longer-term stable positions. I still check it often, as it's quite a lot of fun to use the tuning tool!!
It has a great sound! No, not as abrupt as steel strings on a full-sized banjo, but also much sharper than a ukulele, with that great banjo twang!
It has a fine, uniform and blemish-free finish, and great workmanship all around. No burrs on the metal parts, especially the frets, and no hint of roughness or splinters anywhere. The banjo head has a consistent tension over all sections, and I haven't had to touch the neck or head tensioning.
After a couple of weeks, the electronic tuner became intermittent, so I called Amazon and emailed with the supplier. A couple of days later, a new tuner showed up in the mail. No muss, no fuss, no disagreements. They just took care of me with great customer service!
The strap is very comfortable and has a silky consistency. Much better than I expected. I planned to buy a new strap, expecting a pretty cheap crap strap, but I had a great surprise with the strap included in the package.
The bottom line is this: It's been a great purchase and I'm having fun with my new banjo uke! It sounds great, easy to tune, and I have a great supplier behind me if I should need additional assistance. It doesn't get much better than this in today's rather mixed up market. Thanks, AKLOT!
AKLOT 5 String Banjos Full Size Open Back Banjo Adjustable Maple Body Remo Head with 2 Tuning Wrench, 4 Picks, Strings, Tuner
4.5 | 552 ratings
Price: 159.99
Last update: 08-04-2024
About this item
【MAPLE WOOD BANJO】AKLOT 5 string banjo is made of all maple wood material, the sound is very bright and clear. Especially the head adopt tiger maple wood imported from Europe, compliment with Remo drum head.
【OPEN BACK & REMO HEAD BANJO】The open back and professional high-quality Remo head can get a more professional sound. The head is fixed by 18 brackets, which can make the head more stable and easier to adjust.
【ADJUSTABLE BRACKETS & BANJO NECK】There are 18 consolidation brackets around the drum which can be adjustable to your desire sound. And you need adjust the drum several times for a certain sound. The banjo also has a 2-way truss rod to adjust the neck and drum head.
【BANJO STAYS IN TONE BETTER】The solid wood bridge is matched with the bull saddle, which can make the strings get better vibration and better sound. The con-sealed pegs can better protect the gears, keep the tone better, and make tuning easier.
【AKLOT BANJO KIT】AKLOT 5 string banjo kit comes with full size banjo x1, strings set x1, tuner x1, tuning wrench x2, finger pick x1, strap set x1, cleaning cloth x1 and gig bag x1. All accessories can meet everything what you may need for new beginners and professionals. 2 years warranty.
【OPEN BACK & REMO HEAD BANJO】The open back and professional high-quality Remo head can get a more professional sound. The head is fixed by 18 brackets, which can make the head more stable and easier to adjust.
【ADJUSTABLE BRACKETS & BANJO NECK】There are 18 consolidation brackets around the drum which can be adjustable to your desire sound. And you need adjust the drum several times for a certain sound. The banjo also has a 2-way truss rod to adjust the neck and drum head.
【BANJO STAYS IN TONE BETTER】The solid wood bridge is matched with the bull saddle, which can make the strings get better vibration and better sound. The con-sealed pegs can better protect the gears, keep the tone better, and make tuning easier.
【AKLOT BANJO KIT】AKLOT 5 string banjo kit comes with full size banjo x1, strings set x1, tuner x1, tuning wrench x2, finger pick x1, strap set x1, cleaning cloth x1 and gig bag x1. All accessories can meet everything what you may need for new beginners and professionals. 2 years warranty.
Product information
| Item Weight | 8.2 pounds |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 41.34 x 5.91 x 16.93 inches |
| ASIN | B08NPC27SV |
| Item model number | MI3317 |
| Batteries | 1 CR2032 batteries required. |
| Customer Reviews |
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars
552 ratings
4.5 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #8,574 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments) #7 in Banjos (Musical Instruments) |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | November 16, 2020 |
| Back Material | Maple |
| Body Material | Maple |
| Color Name | Clear |
| String Material | Stainless Steel |
| Top Material | Maple |
| Neck Material Type | maple |
| Number of Strings | 5 |
| Material Type | Maple |
| Musical Style | world-music |
| Size | 5-String Banjo |
| Proficiency Level | All |
| Battery type | Lithium Manganese Dioxide |
Top reviews from the United States
danimal7777
Most Excellent Package!! And Excellent Supplier!
Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2020
Poetic Justice
Big Banjo Joy!
Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2022
Poetic Justice
Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2022
Just initially bridging and tuning this AKLOT 5-string, open back banjo is an overwhelming experience. I'm shocked at the beauty and substantial heft of the instrument as well as the ugly import of its cultural weight.
This AKLOT feels sturdy, solid and well-crafted. At 38" from top to bottom, the banjo is slightly longer than many other models -- which works for me, since I have long arms. The tiger stripe maple wood head, honey-colored maple body and distressed REMO drum head give the instrument a bright, new, clean yet old-timey vintage look.
While the thin carrying case, bizarrely colored neck strap and other accessories aren't much to speak of, that doesn't diminish the excellent price -- or the elegant sound quality of this beauty.
Unlike the tinny, jangling twang of most inexpensive banjos, this model has a modest, mellow and almost muted sound. Perfect for late-night playing at home. Although I've only had it for a few weeks, the banjo seems to hold its tuning well -- and its solid construction assures me I'll have many years of strumming, stroking, plucking and playing around. To say that I'm happy with this baby is a big understatement. I'm beyond thrilled with my new banjo!
Images in this review
Anthony Manthey
The banjo works nice and easy to set up. worth the money
Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2024
Anthony Manthey
Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2024
Images in this review
Cod the pug
Does the job
Reviewed in the United States on December 27, 2023Claire Stelly
I love it
Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2024E. H. Lutz
Great value!
Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2023