jwestx4 - Posted - 03/10/2008:  23:09:14

First I would like to say that I really enjoy the Banjo Hangout, I have learned alot being a beginner player. I knew nothing and still know very little. Anyways I know you guys probably get tired of answering these types of questions, but here goes. I have been shopping for a few weeks for a good basic beginner banjo, that I would be proud of. I have narrowed down my search to three, basically because of price and location of the banjos to were I live. I have put my hands on many and played many. I am torn between the Fender FB-55, Deering Goodtime II, and the Gold Tone MC-150. They all are in the same basic price range. The Deering=USA and thats a plus, however I was a little disapointed in the overall appearance. I'm inexperienced and I can't tell much difference in the sounds. Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks!

Bill Rogers - Posted - 03/10/2008:  23:18:27

The Deering will hold it's value better. It's also better made--despite its appearance. I would tend to see the alternative as being the GT--I look askance at Fender. But these are my opinions. Others will differ. [IMO, best is to find a decent used banjo, but that's hard without someone to help.]

Bill

BobbyE - Posted - 03/11/2008:  03:08:37

I go with the Goodtime as well. In a beginner banjo, appearance should not be all that important since it is a stepping stone to something better in a few years. Most folks agree that Deering is quality conscious and like you said, 'it is USA made.' If the thing will note half-way decent, sounds good for the money, and the neck is straight and is relatively easy to fret, that should probably be your considerations for a beginner banjo.

Bobby Elliott

eruannu - Posted - 03/11/2008:  04:20:18

i would hesitate to recomend the fender
have played a bit on both the good time II and gt mc-50 really i recomend the deering even though it lacks a truss rod i have never seen one warped there is no problem really with the gold tone i would probaly just gravitate to the usa product

"Try not to become a man of success, but rather, try to become a man of value." -- Albert Einstein