Sound and playability are the two most important components in an instrument. But very few will deny that a standout visual aspect enhances your performance. The appearance and sound of these unique instruments were designed for the player who is looking for a completely new and different voice. You won't find anything else quite like the Kay Golden Liberty.... even among banjos that are much more expensive.
Since 1890, Kay has been making instruments for both students and professionals! This is Kay's Top-of-the-line model, a manufacturer that has 11 different banjos in their line-up. Players with all levels of experience will appreciate the bright , full and loud sound that this banjo produces, which is just what you would expect from a top-quality bluegrass banjo.
This Deluxe 5-string banjo is the professionals' first choice. As you can see, the Golden Liberty is unique and unlike any other banjo you've seen! The mother of pearl inlays and black Remo head add to the distinctive look. The banjo has 30 Gold brackets, a gold geared fifth peg, gold armrest and is totally adjustable. The Gold plated shell adds to the vibrance of it's hauntingly memorable tone! The KBJ100 has a beautiful, bound mahogany resonator.
Here's a Review of the Golden Liberty by Gary Carrier on BanjoHangout.org :
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Sound - Bluegrass banjo with very good drive for a banjo without a tone ring. Sounds like it has one and is Kay's top of the line retailing at $649. Loud, full, and bright sound. Huge upgrade from a beginner banjo. Consider it a strong intermediate. Sound Rating 8
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Setup - The banjo was set up by the music store with new Gibson Earl Scruggs medium strings. Much easier to play than my entry Morelli bluegrass banjo with 1/16 inch more between strings. Also very easy to fret. My instructor likes it and makes it sound very good. Totally adjustable. Setup Rating 8
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Appearance - Absolutely gorgeous banjo with gold hardware, distinctive black head, rosewood fingerboard, mother of pearl inlays, nickel silver frets, 30 gold plated brackets, gold plated armrest, gold plated geared 5th peg, gold plated shell, medium stain wooden resonator with eagle graphic on the back. Appearance Rating 10
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Reliability - Deluxe 5 string banjo. Hardware top of the line. Quality finish. Black Remo Weather King head will not show wear. Totally dependable. Reliability Rating 8
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Components - None of the components appear cheap. 30 brackets unique. Geared, encased tuners, 5/8 bridge, gold plated tailpiece. Banjo is definitely intermediate level at a very good price. Components Rating 10
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Overall Comments - I love the appearance. It is an absolutely gorgeous instrument unique to all other banjos. My first banjo was a entry level Morelli bluegrass banjo and I've played my instructor's Gibson Mastertone. I would consider this banjo about 3/4 between the two. Overall Rating 8
