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laser - Posted - 03/30/2009: 07:40:55
I'm considering buying a new mahogony instrument and have currently shortlisted Huber and Yates based on reviews and endorsements. Does anyone have views, please, comparing and contrasting these makers, their products and service.
Regards,
Brian.
Topic moved from Banjo Bulding, Setup and Repair
Ian Quayle
Edited by - Ian_banjo on 03/31/2009 07:44:47
Gomer - Posted - 03/30/2009: 07:54:27
You might look at the reviews on the upper left tab. Good Luck!
"ever searching for that special post-war / pre-submerged sound"
( )=====’==::
FXHERE - Posted - 03/30/2009: 08:01:24
Listen to both and decide for yourself.. Even if you buy both you can sale what you dont like and get 90 percent of you money back, which is a cheap price to pay to have the one you want instead of always wondering if I should have bought the other...Buy used and you might even make a buck...I prefered the Huber...and traded the Yates..Good luck, Doug
Pre-War Picker-----New Banjo
Edited by - FXHERE on 03/30/2009 08:04:01
mralph - Posted - 03/30/2009: 08:04:43
I've heard only one Yates, but I've heard several Hubers, and I think the Hubers are the best new banjos around right now.
steve davis - Posted - 03/30/2009: 08:09:02
Try them out and see what you like.
I'm sure they're both fine banjos.There isn't a one list of banjos that are rated 1 through 20 or something.
Pool
Edited by - steve davis on 03/30/2009 08:10:50
prewartb3 - Posted - 03/30/2009: 08:19:05
Huber, why even ask.
Look at the list of endorsements alone. 10 to 1
PrewarTB3
jbalch - Posted - 03/30/2009: 09:09:52
You are likely to get lots of biased opinions based on whatever banjo the responder owns...The best advice is to play one of each and decide. But I realize that might be difficult in the UK.
I don't own either. But I've played both. They are both truly great new instruments. But I think they are very different choices. Here is my two cents worth:
Huber banjos are fantastic, pro-grade instruments that sound and play great! Steve's attention to detail in the design and construction is magnificent. There is no-doubt Steve knows a thing-or-two about pre-war Gibsons. He goes to great lengths to reproduce "pre-war" components and construction. Every one I've seen was well finished and quite beautiful. I think they sound as good as any major-brand, new banjo available today (better than most).
The Yates (Ron Stewart model) banjos are quite different from any other new instrument I've seen. They are designed and constructed to look and sound "old." They have a "dry", "punchy" sound ... with less ringing sustain than any other new banjo I've played. They really do sound like some of the old Gibsons (warning: not all old Gibsons sound the same). The brand-new "distressed" models look old, worn and a little dirty. If you want a new shiny banjo...this is not it. But if you want something that looks and feels very old...from day one...Eureka!
disclosure: I play a Williams Kenny Ingram model and a 1929 Gibson TB-1 conversion by Arthur Hatfield.
I hope that helps! Good Luck.
www.johnbalchmusic.com
www.myspace.com/johnbalch
Edited by - jbalch on 03/30/2009 10:06:28
richmondgeorge - Posted - 03/30/2009: 09:18:20
For my money I would say Yates. The number of endorsements is directly related to the number of banjos made. There are many more Hubers than Yates out there right now.
“A restitution of the Union has been rendered forever impossible.”
steve davis - Posted - 03/30/2009: 09:22:38
Everybody has their own idea of what sounds best to them.
Pool
lazlo191 - Posted - 03/30/2009: 09:33:08
I play a walnut Huber and of course am quite partial to Hubers in general. Have not played Yates, but the Stewart model gets some rave reviews. I like Doug's idea of buying both. There is a nice Huber 3 copy in classifieds here on BHO at a nice price. Good luck, and I don't think you can loose either way. Les
TMarshall1 - Posted - 03/30/2009: 10:04:09
Huber has a very loyal following as does Warren Yates (albeit a smaller one, because he is a relative newcomer). I am kinda partial to the Yates. Aside from being a "local" here, he has some pretty innovative and fresh design approaches. I am assuming that being in the UK makes playing each before buying, not much of an option. I think you would be well pleased with either. Go to their repective websites and do some serious research.
It''s a gDGBD (Gosh Darn Good Banjo Day)!
Tony
Proud Member of
The Gibson Chapter
"...if ya got time to breathe, ya got time for music..."
Briscoe Darling - Apr.29,1963
pickNgrin - Posted - 03/30/2009: 14:02:59
They are both top grade, professional quality banjos. Both are routinely played by professional banjo players in the top echelons of bluegrass, on stage and in the studio. J.D. Crowe and Ron Stewart have played a Yates on stage, and Jim Mills and Sammy Shelor have played a Huber on stage. None of those guys is going to fool around with second rate equipment. You can hardly go wrong with either banjo.
I think what matters most, as others have said, is how the banjo responds in your hands. To find a good banjo, you can either:
1) Try before you buy, and get the one that speaks to you.
2) Buy, try, evaluate.
2a) Sell as needed and repeat step 2.
-matt
Edited by - pickNgrin on 03/30/2009 14:41:01
Forrest - Posted - 03/30/2009: 14:12:57
quote:
Originally posted by pickNgrin
2) Buy, try, evaluate.
2a) Sell as needed and repeat step 2.
Hey! I resemble that remark!     "Run, Forrest, Run!"
pickNgrin - Posted - 03/30/2009: 14:25:24
quote:
Originally posted by Forrest
quote:
Originally posted by pickNgrin
2) Buy, try, evaluate.
2a) Sell as needed and repeat step 2.
Hey! I resemble that remark!
There is no shame in that. I think it is a pretty good way to find your soulmate banjo, because the "try" period is extended for as long as you want, and you can play the banjo a variety of settings. It wouldn't work well for me though because I fall in love too easily and would never be able to sell.  The key to approach (2) is to make sure you don't lose too much every time you sell. As long as you take good care of your banjo and are fairly well tuned into what used banjos are worth, I think (2) is a great way to find a great banjo. -matt
Edited by - pickNgrin on 03/30/2009 14:32:07
jbalch - Posted - 03/30/2009: 14:38:49
quote:
Originally posted by pickNgrin
1) Try before you buy, and get the one that speaks to you.
2) Buy, try, evaluate.
2a) Sell as needed and repeat step 2.
-matt
That approach has led me to trade more than fifty (50) banjos over the past three decades. I can testify that it works! One more comment regarding Huber and Yates...I'd like to have one of each!  www.johnbalchmusic.comwww.myspace.com/johnbalch
Edited by - jbalch on 03/30/2009 14:40:13
vincentbanjogh - Posted - 03/30/2009: 16:02:36
I have a Huber and have played several. Great instruments. I've never played a Yates, but I have one of Warren's rings in a mahogany banjo. I love the sound files of the Yates on Ron Stewart's website, and my Yates ring sounds very good. The Huber is everything that's already been said. Either is a no lose situation.
www.keithkline.com
lightgauge - Posted - 03/30/2009: 17:09:06
I find the Hubers to be deeper and more "tubby" sounding, and the Yates RS mahogany to be sweeter--more my idea of "prewar".
My personal preference is the Yates
Forrest - Posted - 03/30/2009: 18:28:29
I've played a Yates Rattlesnake with his original ring and a TB-11 with a V-33 ring and the latter of the two was a fantastic banjo and the former a good one. I've played 2 dozen Hubers and all but 1 were excellent banjos. I own a Huber Vintage and it's my one keeper banjo, being the best banjo I've ever played or owned.
"Run, Forrest, Run!"
pick it - Posted - 03/30/2009: 18:54:26
quote:
Originally posted by laser
I'm considering buying a new mahogony instrument and have currently shortlisted Huber and Yates based on reviews and endorsements. Does anyone have views, please, comparing and contrasting these makers, their products and service.
Regards,
Brian.
don't listen to reviews and endorsements, find each one and pick them yourself or you will always wonder it you made the right choice for you.
banjodr - Posted - 03/30/2009: 19:03:18
I have several Hubers obviously but played 3 different Yates models while in the mountains at Smoky Mountain Guitars. They were good also. I still liked the feel of the Huber neck and wasn't crazy with the distressed "look". Try em both if you can. I say Huber.
Stay Tuned! gDGBD
double E - Posted - 03/30/2009: 19:25:47
I own a Huber Lancaster and have played (2) Yates Ron Stewart models. I agree that the Yates is a little more "punchy" than the Hubers I have played. I like the sound of the Yates, but I agree with what the Banjodr said, I like the feel of the Huber necks a little better, they seem to play smoother to me. Both are really great banjos.
double E
figmo59 - Posted - 03/30/2009: 19:33:24
i bought the yates wl5. warren was very good to work with. best sounding banjo that i have played. aiso have one of his rings in a deering golden wreath. a great improvement. i have never played a huber. its on my to do list. i happen to like the distressed look , makes me feel more at home. good luck in ypur quest.
Youth and enthusiasm are no match for old age and treachery.
89GranadaHF - Posted - 03/31/2009: 04:44:43
I have played 2 Yates banjos and they are good. I have played many Hubers and love the feel, look and sound of them. As far as my pick I ordered a new Huber custom last week.
Beardog - Posted - 03/31/2009: 10:24:34
You can get a Yates Ron Stewart banjo without the distressed look.
I ordered mine without it, and got a brand new looking, shiny banjo. Top notch instrument, all the way.
My wife is resigned to the fact that I am going to buy banjos, so a Huber is on my short list of "next banjos". I have not heard a Huber yet that didn't sound good.
Beardog
Bow-tie75 - Posted - 03/31/2009: 12:51:38
Hey Brian, I'm another Yates owner that will speak up (so yeah, i'm bias) I've only picked half a dozen or so Hubers, for short periods of time. Great feeling instruments, and great sound...if that is the sound your looking for. Just wasn't the banjo for me. The first time I picked up the yates...i knew it...done deal. It was the sound I was looking for. As far as feel, I think it's great, the fact that I don't think about how it feels and just play it, answers that question for me. If you have any specific questions about the Yates I'd be happy answer.
Cheers,
D'Arcy
HighFive - Posted - 03/31/2009: 13:05:05
Maybe there are people in your area that have one of these that you could go play for a couple of hours?
I have a Huber Roanoke and it is my go to banjo whenever I go to a pick and want tone, volume, snap, projection, and up the neck performance. It's got everything I could want. I would like to play a Yates, but haven't had the chance yet.
BillyH - Posted - 03/31/2009: 17:31:28
Both are great. I have a 1 week old Yates RS model. I just sold a Huber Lancaster. Both are really really good banjos. If you can do it, sit down and play both and don't limit yourself to those two. The Hatfield Buckcreek is right there with them as well as the Fitch, Sullivan and a few others. That Deering that Terry Baucom is playing sounds good too.
hey cmon....I was only pickn...
www.myspace.com/refdrumz www.fricasseecajunband.com
banjodr - Posted - 03/31/2009: 17:42:26
You know, one of each might be a trend we could start!
Stay Tuned! gDGBD
laser - Posted - 04/01/2009: 08:02:28
Appreciation to everyone for their input into this discussion. Not a bad word against either instrument. I've also had some interesting personal emails pointing me toward makers I had not considered or even heard of! Not sure I can stretch to one of each, though.....even without the dreaded dollar/sterling exchange rate, import duty and purchase tax.
Thanks, again.
Brian.
renofan52 - Posted - 04/01/2009: 14:52:44
i played many hubers down at spbgma and like most of them very good. i did not play a yates, but i played with a boy i know and he was playing a ron stewart model. I love the traditional sound, and it may have just been the way he was beating on it like a drum %), but that ron stewart model didn't even sound as good as my banjo, and them hubers i was playing were all around probably a better banjo than mine was.
"This is what happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object."
-Heath Ledger, "The Dark Knight"
slowlybutsurely - Posted - 04/09/2009: 16:15:50
I currently have a Huber Lancaster and I am in the process of aquiring a Yates RS model. Both of these banjos sound really good and the quality of workmanship is very high in both. Both builders are super good guys with a comittment to excellence in their products. I would recommend either...or both of these fine instruments.
Tim Nash
Happy pickin''
bigmr_clean - Posted - 05/28/2009: 08:14:18
Play both of them for 15 or 20 minutes and one of them will jump out a little more than the other for whatever reason it may be. Your personal taste is your own and the banjo will reach a different place in you than it will anyone else. Play both and then make ur decision and then you will not have any regrets or after thoughts :). Both are amazing builders in my opinion..I own a huber and it's good..I wish I had a yates.
Mike Smith
1935tb-11 - Posted - 05/28/2009: 13:13:27
i have one of hubers old rings in my pre war, 95 or 97 model i cant remember, but
it sounds awesome in that banjo. played several hubers that sounded good. forrest
here on the BHO has a huber VRB that is buy far the best huber i have played.
i was over a warrens last year and while he worked on my banjo he let me play his
yates banjo, and it was very impressive, hit hard and dry but had kind of a sweetness to
it also, i was very impressed with it. i haven't had the chance to play a ron stewart model yet,
maybe next month in virginia i will , they are on the same line up with our band at a show so
maybe he will let me try it there, hope so.
terry m
n.c.
4 longs and 1 short=banjer ring
lethegoodtimesroll - Posted - 05/28/2009: 17:03:51
quote:
Originally posted by lightgauge
I find the Hubers to be deeper and more "tubby" sounding, and the Yates RS mahogany to be sweeter--more my idea of "prewar".
My personal preference is the Yates
Take that Huber and tighten the head....
hardcase - Posted - 05/28/2009: 17:34:07
I have played several Hubers. Good banjos. Then I played a couple of Yates R/S models.
I ordered a R/S about a week ago. It has the sound I am after.
Good Luck.
Dave
granderman - Posted - 05/29/2009: 03:33:45
what Dave said , we actually ordered twins except mine will be better looking and his be played better !
"for those of you who think you hold the cards , I send to you my kind regards
For those of you who love and care I''ll see you down the road somewhere "
SteelDrivers
www.4everBlue.net www.nucraftdental.com
aloha T
moses - Posted - 05/29/2009: 10:25:42
I owned a Huber Lancaster and I now have had my Yates RS for month. There is no comparison to me. The Yates is by far the better banjo in every way. IMO.
jeremy blankenship - Posted - 05/30/2009: 14:24:37
Ok this thread could go on and on but I have to chime in. I have played both and own a huber. The huber is very clear and punchy sounding. It rings like no other banjo I have ever had. GREAT BANJO! The yates is very dry and poppy sounding. played very nice and looked super cool being distressed. I would have sworn it was 50 yrs old. GREAT BANJO!
Get the point :) Both are great. But Both are very different. You need to try and play them to see what you like. Clear and bell like or dry and punchy?
Good luck. P.S.- If I cant find the right old gibson for my next one I will own a yates R/S model. They are excellent.
Jeremy
shut up and pick!!!
Forrest - Posted - 05/30/2009: 18:37:54
I think Jeremy hit the nail on the head! His description of Huber vs. Yates mirror my own observations exactly. The 2 Yates I played last weekend (maple and mahogany) were awesome banjos and had a very dry, thick, poppy sound. I own 2 Hubers (maple and mahogany) and to my ear, they have a clearer, more focused sound. I wouldn't say one was better than the other, but they're definitely different. I wouldn't part with one of my Hubers for a Yates, but I am considering adding one to my stable.
"Run, Forrest, Run!"
granderman - Posted - 05/31/2009: 04:39:56
Forrest , you are truly the champion banjo Ho , i am adding a Ron Stewart model mahogany , however i just can't keep pace with you. .For me i have not found a Huber that caught my ear yet.
"for those of you who think you hold the cards , I send to you my kind regards
For those of you who love and care I''ll see you down the road somewhere "
SteelDrivers
www.4everBlue.net www.nucraftdental.com
aloha T
strang - Posted - 05/31/2009: 05:49:12
quote:
Originally posted by jeremy blankenshipThe huber is very clear and punchy sounding. It rings like no other banjo I have ever had. GREAT BANJO!
The yates is very dry and poppy sounding.
Jeremy
shut up and pick!!!
Oooohhhh..... I'll take dry and poppy for $500, Alex - = - = - = - = - = - = - = - = - = - = - = - = - Bluegrass -- THE Original Country Music!
jeremy blankenship - Posted - 05/31/2009: 08:34:51
Strang,
LOL I will take them both! I luv my huber. The clarity of sound is amazing to me. But the poppy dry tone of the yates is very addictive. now if I could get a banjo that was clear and dry and poppy and etc. I would be set. :)
Jeremy
shut up and pick!!!
Westvon - Posted - 05/31/2009: 09:08:23
quote:
Originally posted by granderman
Forrest , you are truly the champion banjo Ho , i am adding a Ron Stewart model mahogany , however i just can't keep pace with you. .For me i have not found a Huber that caught my ear yet.
"for those of you who think you hold the cards , I send to you my kind regards
For those of you who love and care I''ll see you down the road somewhere "
SteelDrivers
www.4everBlue.net www.nucraftdental.com
aloha T
The Ron Block Huber model is the best I've ever played of the Hubers. David Russell www.reverbnation.com/hardlinedrivewww.georgiamountainmedia.com
Forrest - Posted - 05/31/2009: 09:14:55
Haha T. I've seen photos of some of your stash and I'm not sure I have anything on you!
I was very impressed with the Yates and I'm thinking about getting a mahogany Yates RS model too.
"Run, Forrest, Run!"
JimmyBobby - Posted - 05/31/2009: 14:10:07
another proud yates owner....love it and also think that warren is awesome to work with. i guess he's not doing custom work now but he basically built a banjo exactly how i wanted it. i might be naive in saying so, but i don't think i'll ever own another banjo
Jim Bob
granderman - Posted - 06/01/2009: 02:58:10
Forrest , yes you are correct , maybe we feel each others pain ! that is why i am trying a RS mahgony model buy ,play, trade, experiement repeat, isn't it fun. i guess i am a banjo ho as well.
Dave remember i said i haven't played a Huber that caught my ear , i have Rons DVD and his banjo sounds great , i haven't played it . Then again i don't really know squat a bout banjos , but i am staying at a holliday inn express in Elijay this week end. I look forward to playing a your festival and jamming friday in Elijay aka JellyDay festival . i'll bring a couple of banjos so we can check out my set up
"for those of you who think you hold the cards , I send to you my kind regards
For those of you who love and care I''ll see you down the road somewhere "
SteelDrivers
www.4everBlue.net www.nucraftdental.com
aloha T
Ron Stewart - Posted - 06/01/2009: 06:35:38
I shouldn't chime in on this post since I play Yates banjos, but here's my advice. Play both, and decide based on what YOU hear and like, not what anyone else says. Opinions are good, but just like personalities, everyones's is different. Steve builds great banjos with a certain sound, and Yates builds great banjos, with a certain sound, as well as several other makers, each having their own sound. Play them both yourself and make the decision based on what you like! As for finding a Yates to try, Smokey Mountain Guitars carries them(call before you drive so you're sure they have one in stock), or play mine anytime at a show, or Jason Davis(Grasstowne), Trent Callicut*Kenny and Amanda Smith), Justin Moses(Dan Tyminski Band), Joey Cox(Doyle Lawson), or call Warren Yates. Again, make a decision based on YOU trying them both!!!!
jeremy blankenship - Posted - 06/01/2009: 17:23:48
Ron thats why you rock man! You didnt take the side of your signature model. You gave the right advice. Thats awsome to see you are really doing it for the right reason. TO HELP. By the way my dad says Hi and is loving his new fiddle.
Jeremy Blankenship
shut up and pick!!! Page: 1 2 3
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