[FAQ] Recommendations for Banjo's under $2000
Michael T. Peterson
I'm looking for recommendations for a reasonably high quality banjo for
under $2000.
I know this must be a FAQ, but I'm ready to move up to a better sounding
banjo. I currently have a Gold Tone (cripple creek model) and, while it's
been a great learning instrument, I'm unhappy with the sound when I play up
the neck.
I'm interested in either used or new - I don't really have a preference as
long as it's manufactured by a vendor who stands behind their instrument.
There seems to be no shortage of banjos for sale (eBay, various on-line
music sites, here in the local area, etc.). But my lack of experience with
a wide range of banjos is making me somewhat hesitant.
Any advice and/or recommendations would be greatly appreciated...
Cheers,
Michael
wygyg
1700....which was killer....
you can also try www.gregboyd.com for a pruska....they are
wonderful.....from what i hear....you can buy a student model for about
1500....
roger (seemingly the only damn banjo teacher in central illinois)
"Michael T. Peterson" <mtp...@attbi.com> wrote in message
news:7SRk8.50281$702.17500@sccrnsc02...
anonymous
recent Stelling (Red Fox or Bellflower) . I've had both Stellings and
Gibson and love them both for their individual sound characteristics. You
have to try both and find the one that "floats your boat".
The Gibsons of the 70's/80's were not as well constructed as the ones made
today. Also some of the early Stellings had block rims (good or bad?) and I
hear some used a resinoid fretboard that was known for "popping" frets.
Be careful of "prewar" Gibson offers. The real ones are a pure thing of
joy, but I've seen many reproductions that look great, but used infererior
materials. One of the reasons my latest banjo is a Stelling, is that I
wanted the savings of a used quality banjo, but figured the chance of
getting stuck with a reproduction Stellings was minimal in comparison to a
reproduction Gibson.
I hear some Deerings and other late model quality banjos are also great
values, but am not intimately familiar with them. In my area the Gibsons
and Stellings rule.
One last word. Resale value. A quality unit will likely increase in value
over time. A marginal unit will likely decrease.
Eat, Sleep and Pick
Marsh H
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Michael T. Peterson wrote in message <7SRk8.50281$702.17500@sccrnsc02>...
Vernon Ursenbach
for around $1999. Talk to them and they might be able to drop the price
just a little if it's been hanging around for a while. I just received mine
and love it. I had changed the finish to the Cremora Sunburst stain, all
metal parts were chrome plated, new Deering Kevlar head and Hot Spot bridge.
If you could afford just another $400-500 more adding extras might be well
worth it.
Let me say to all of you, I LOVE IT. My wife asked what I named her because
she saw me romancing it. *g* :-)
"Michael T. Peterson" <mtp...@attbi.com> wrote in message
news:7SRk8.50281$702.17500@sccrnsc02...
Brittles
<< I'm looking for recommendations for a reasonably high quality banjo for
under $2000.>>
<<I know this must be a FAQ, but I'm ready to move up to a better sounding
banjo. I currently have a Gold Tone (cripple creek model) and, while it's been
a great learning instrument, I'm unhappy with the sound when I play up the
neck.>>
You don't mention what style you play (or want to play) and whether you are
looking for a resonated banjo or an open-back.
Aside from the usual Gibson/Stelling/Deering "Axis of Evil" (Sorry, Stanger -
couldn't help it ;-)
You should look into OME - they have a number of choices in both resonator, and
openback, styles within that price range.
Their web site is www.omebanjos.com
Also, If you check their "inventory" list they often have a used G/S/D's for
sale, that they've taken in trade.
They are also handled by a few select dealers around the country. Both Janet
Davis, and Zepp Music handle them.
Since I do design work for them - you have to take everything I say, with a
large block of salt. ;-)
But I got involved with them because of their superb quality, and tone -
especially up the neck.
Other good openback makers to check, are Mike Ramsey, Bart Reiter, Wyatt Fawley
(conversions) - and at the more "custom" end - Kevin Enoch, and Bob Flesher.
Good luck - let us know what you decide upon.
Best-
Ed Britt
Please Remove *UNSPAM* from my address, to e-mail me.
Tim Dellinger
>I know this must be a FAQ, but I'm ready to move up to a better sounding
>banjo. I currently have a Gold Tone (cripple creek model) and, while it's
>been a great learning instrument, I'm unhappy with the sound when I play up
>the neck.
I'll offer a completely different perspective: don't buy a new banjo.
I've played exactly two Gold Tone CC-100s in the last 6 months or so.
One was set up by the people at the Different Strummer music store that
is part of the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago. It had a
nice, satisfying tone, but the tone completely died if you played any
note above about the 5th fret. There were about a dozen other banjos
in the store, and almost every one that I played was set up poorly.
The other Gold Tone CC-100 that I played was set up by Folk of The Wood.
It sounded nice all the way up the neck. I thought I was playing a
completely different banjo! I couldn't believe the difference in tone
as I played up the neck.
The best banjo in the world will sound like crap if it's not set up
properly. If you're really gonna learn the instrument, then you should
be able to tell me how the tone and playability change when the head
tension is raised or lowered, higher or lower bridges are used, the
coordinator rods are adjusted, a different tailpiece is used,
different gauge strings are used, the truss rod in tightened or loosened,
or the neck is shimmed.
--
Tim Dellinger www.ews.uiuc.edu/~tdelling
tdel...@uiuc.edu
wbwhite
Your remarks create a question for me about my banjo's tone. I removed my
resonator and I noticed that some of the nuts on my head tighteners felt
loose, that is to say, when I applied my tightening tool to them, some of them
turned with little resistance. So I began to tighten them, using a light
torque in a 180 degree alternating pattern. I continued until I felt all the
nuts offered about the same resistance.
As a result the tone of my banjo is brighter, but I believe I am now
getting more overtones, less of the clear plunk-like sound I associate with
Scruggs on the Mercury sessions. Also, my action feels higher. It currently
measures between 3/16 and 5/32 on the first string at the 12th fret. Any
suggestions would be appreciated.
Bill
Michael T. Peterson
By the way, I did have my Gold Tone looked at by a well-respected shop
(locally) who specialize in stringed acoustical instruments - with lots of
banjo repair/adjustment expertise. The did all kinds of rude things to the
instrument, but alas, it only sounded marginally better.
But the advice is great - I've got a lot to think about and learn.
Cheers,
Michael
"Michael T. Peterson" <mtp...@attbi.com> wrote in message
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