I had been looking at 6 string banjos for quite a while and most of what I found was instruments with narrow necks that played like cheap guitars. After years of playing I figured out the best size neck for my hands is 1 3/4" nut width. I have never played one but I read that a Dearing Boston 6 has a 1 3/4" neck for about $2500. I ran across this Dean Backwoods 6 online, the Guitar Center ad said this instrument had a 1 3/4 inch neck at the nut and had a built in pickup and sale price I could afford so I took a chance and ordered online and had it sent to our local GC store. This a beautiful instrument but has the same 1 5/8" neck as the $200 models I having seen I the stores. Disappointed I had planned on returning it but it sounds so good ( especially pugged in) that decided to keep it. Shaving the bridge and changing the strings has helped the playability of it and I'm working on getting use to the neck. I highly suggest you try anthing before you buy or order online if at all possible.

Nice sounding banjo.

Bought it just for a party and can't put it down should have got one a long time ago so much fun to play

Everything about this banjo-tar is amazing and can really invoke the soul, a great piece with many dynamics and equally pluck friendly. Banjo players may even be more of a rarity then before, as this really bridges the gap to allow guitarist to play banjo style blue grass with ease. Info... banjo head is actually clear allowing you to see hardware...really nice plus to the design.

Played this in the store and was impressed with the quality of sound, playability, and look. I was skeptical of how the electronic pickup would sound and it was better than I expected. However, it was being played through an acoustic amp. It did hold tune and intonation for the short demo within the store. I did notice that it does NOT have strap connectors. Looks like one would have to fabricate an S hook piece in order to use a strap. The bridge piece is quite high but should be able to be shaved down without much effort. I went ahead and purchased the instrument but not the floor demo. I got a new sealed-package from stock in the back. This does take some time to set up. This is a good buy if you're looking for that banjo sound without having to learn the five string chording and picking. The 6 string banjo is strung and tuned just like a guitar. However, you can't play it like a guitar with lots of heavy strumming. You need to pick it and use occasional strums.

I wanted to like this, but you can't use a pick. you strum 1 down strum and the low e string pops out. its not very easy to play. the string tension is very high so fingerpicking is virtually impossible. the pickup wasn't very good either and it didn't stay in tune very well. overall, I didn't like this.