BobbyC. - Posted - 02/08/2009:  20:20:35

Hello All, I'm new to this great site and having been away from music for over a decade I'm looking for advice on getting a new banjo.

I had an Aida banjo that I bought back in the 70's that was nice but I was never really happy with it, particularly in a festival jamming situation, just to tame for an acoutsic gathering, particularly when next to a bunch of mastertones. ;o)

I started playing in bands in the mid 70's and played pro (mostly country and top 40) through most of the eighties, mostly guitar and keyboards, occasionally pulling out the banjo, with a pickup, it was fine on stage but still I was never really happy with the sound.

Anyway, about 6 years ago I bought a cheapie K at the local music store and it's just basically a toy but I've been able to keep my chops up with it. Now want to start getting more serious about picking again and need to move on to something I can get more excited about trying to kick it up a notch and advance.

I'm just not real familiar with everything out there these days and would like a nice bright loud banjo in the 800.00 or so range, so I am asking for advice (There are so many out there that I'm not real familiar with). I know I can't get a mastertone but I would like something good and bright and loud to get back into some jamming and be able to step up in a group and be heard when it's my time.

Thanks in advance for any advice.
Bobby

lazyarcher - Posted - 02/08/2009:  20:32:24

Bobby--the Recording King banjos are in that range (esp a used one), and they just have everything that banjos 2-3X the price have. They benefit from a good setup man, but all of the parts are there. The ones I've setup and played were killer....one mahogany RK80 just about floored me with its volume. Chris Quinns Deco blew me away, and Dick Browns Aloha Special was...oh so special!

Dave Jack

JohnTheWhite - Posted - 02/08/2009:  22:20:35

I agree - Mahogany RK80 used. Lots more money to get something better.

===
This is bluegrass type advice; you can do what you want to with it.
The advice is, "Don''t let your deal go down."

BobbyC. - Posted - 02/09/2009:  10:24:55

Thanks guys, I'm already checking them out. Just the kind of info I was looking for.

Any opinions on the R50? Seems I can either get a new one of those or a used R80 in the same price range.

grm405 - Posted - 02/09/2009:  11:36:56

The R50 lacks a tone ring. The R80 has one. Get the R80. Or expand your range to include the Gold Star banjos. The GF200 I played was a terrific banjo by any standard. I recently saw a used one in the classifieds for under $1000.

Gerry

BanjoSKP

Bradskey - Posted - 02/09/2009:  11:42:17

I think I've heard Cliff Fitch can do wonders with an R50 (not surprised), so I'd get one from him if that's what you want. For all I know he can even fit a tone ring in it, although that would be extra $$. My preference would still be the RK80, even used, if you can get it for your price. The R50 is still just a beginner banjo while the RK80 has the same high-quality tone ring found in all the other fancier RK models. In fact for all intents and purposes it is just as good and just as amazing a banjo as any of their more expensive dressed up models.

Also Gold Stars have gotten even better in the past couple years (healthy competition), so you might also consider a used recently-manufactured GF-85, if you prefer a more traditional "dress", although the RK appearance grows on you (at least I like it). They're both very good pre-war style masterclones.

BobbyC. - Posted - 02/09/2009:  12:22:53

Thanks again guys, I agree I'd rather have a tone ring as well.

Now off to shop!

Helix - Posted - 02/09/2009:  15:02:54

Hi Bobby, welcome to the forum. I just finished using an Iida neck I had left over from a 6-string banjo project. The Cherry rim is below, the customer sent me Gibson hardware. I do changeouts to a hardwood rim I designed and build, you've got all the hardware you need.

I know WHY that banjo doesn't sound that good, I took one apart, but with a little bit of help, you have consumer options that you can explore with a small custom builder like myself, the changeout is priced at $350 + shipping. There are a bunch of other perks. Please look at my photos, you are welcome to contact me off-forum even if you don't buy through me. You are already a player, you'll know when you hear what you want to hear. What woods do you like? That's black Walnut on the right, Curly Maple on the left, Wishbone is taking a nap. Just a note, I'm offering a complete custom banjo with case on another thread for $700 plus shipping.





(_)====''===::} Leave the music in a better place than you found it.

Edited by - Helix on 02/09/2009 17:49:27

RacingStude - Posted - 02/09/2009:  16:25:49

quote:

---

Originally posted by BobbyC.

Hello All, I'm new to this great site and having been away from music for over a decade I'm looking for advice on getting a new banjo.

I had an Aida banjo that I bought back in the 70's that was nice but I was never really happy with it, particularly in a festival jamming situation, just to tame for an acoutsic gathering, particularly when next to a bunch of mastertones. ;o)

I started playing in bands in the mid 70's and played pro (mostly country and top 40) through most of the eighties, mostly guitar and keyboards, occasionally pulling out the banjo, with a pickup, it was fine on stage but still I was never really happy with the sound.

Anyway, about 6 years ago I bought a cheapie K at the local music store and it's just basically a toy but I've been able to keep my chops up with it. Now want to start getting more serious about picking again and need to move on to something I can get more excited about trying to kick it up a notch and advance.

I'm just not real familiar with everything out there these days and would like a nice bright loud banjo in the 800.00 or so range, so I am asking for advice (There are so many out there that I'm not real familiar with). I know I can't get a mastertone but I would like something good and bright and loud to get back into some jamming and be able to step up in a group and be heard when it's my time.

Thanks in advance for any advice.
Bobby

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Edited by - RacingStude on 02/09/2009 16:26:56

BobbyC. - Posted - 02/10/2009:  06:42:43

Helix, I forgot to mention that my Aida suffered an untimely demise of which we never found out what happened, but the neck snapped in half at the heel, hence the reason I went and bought the cheapie Kay just have something to play on every now and then. I'm going to take a look at your other thread.

Stude, I've always liked the sound of Washburns so I'm on the lookout. Is there a particular Morgan you recommend.

I'm now scouting for a RK80, or a B17

Thanks again to everyone.

RacingStude - Posted - 02/10/2009:  13:14:37

Unfortunately, there's none listed in the BHO classifieds. I'd keep watching there Bobby. Heck, if you watch ebay, even the new, high end MM banjos go on sale. I don't think that a fella can beat the BanjoHut if you're gonna buy new. I'll keep an eye out for ya too. Here's some ebay suggestions...

http://cgi.ebay.com/Perfect-Morgan-...1%7C294%3A50

http://cgi.ebay.com/Morgan-Monroe-M...1%7C294%3A50

Here's a couple that still may be for sale...

http://www.banjohangout.org/classif...asp?cid=8248

http://www.banjohangout.org/classif...asp?cid=6996

Mebbe you can haggle a little?

Oh! Stick with a B-16 or B-17 Washburn.....


Sonny
Fast cars, Ford diesels, food, women or pickin'' --> ALL good!

Edited by - RacingStude on 02/10/2009 13:23:37