ATL newbie - Posted - 06/18/2009:  19:35:08

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Never have played a banjo in my life (up to this point!) but I'm ready to take the leap. I've looked at the Fender FB54, the Washburn B9, and the Savannah SB-100 as starter banjos. All are in my price range. Any suggestions on which one (or other) to go with?

beegee - Posted - 06/18/2009:  20:05:59

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I'd avoid the Savannah. The other two are virtually identical, OK banjos for a 1st banjo. You might find more banjo for the money by buying used. Ypu can buy a banjo like the Washburn or Fender used for less than 1/2 new price/ Might be under a different name, but the name is just a name.

__________________________
"It is better, of course, to know useless things than to know nothing." -Seneca

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Edited by - beegee on 06/18/2009 20:19:51

kirbonite - Posted - 06/18/2009:  20:07:07

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I've had a similar washburn .. it's a good banjo for a starter but if you have a feel that you'll stick with it. Go ahead and save up for something nice. I think all of these are fine. Washburns and fenders are both good if you have larger hands. If you have smaller hands.. You may like a thinner neck like a deering.

The Deering goodtime is a good banjo to learn on.. It's easy to play and comes with a manual that easily explains how to set it up. If you keep at it.. The goodtime can become your travel banjo. If you stick with it.. You'll soon be drooling over Gibsons, and Hubers and Nechville's like the resto of us.

Kirby

Tank772 - Posted - 06/18/2009:  20:36:27

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For about the same price as your high-end choice the Fender, less if you buy used, you can get a Gold Tone CC-100R. You didn't mention a music preference, the Gold Tone has a resonator but it can be removed easily for the open-back sound as well. Of the three you mentioned I'd say the Washburn. As Beegee said it and the Fender are for all intents and purposes the same banjo and the Washburn is cheaper. I have an Epiphone MB-200, which is essentially the same as the Fender and Washburn, and like it quite a bit, but I also have a CC-100R and it's my main player. I played the Epi until I got the Gold Tone then it became my traveler.

Parker

youdye - Posted - 06/18/2009:  21:22:50

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I think for the money you should look into the gold tone cc100r. I have one as well and it would be a GREAT starter banjo. Welcome to the "addiction" and hope you have a wonderful time! Relax, and most importantly HAVE FUN!!!!


Mike Montgomery

4+1=Hootnanny!
O==''={::}

Gold Star GF-85 - Posted - 06/19/2009:  05:09:13

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Welcome to the Banjo Hangout ATL newbie, you have already recieved some advice as to what others recommend, whatever you choose I say check into buying used as you can get more Banjo for your dollar than you will by going new. And assuming you are going to stay with Banjo playing you will probably get rid of your starter Banjo in a few years to upgrade anyway, so why take a hit from a new purchase.

My 2 cents worth for the day.

Good Luck



Big John,
1987 Gibson Earl Scruggs Standard
1986 Stelling Sunflower
1980''s Iida Arch Top

ATL newbie - Posted - 06/19/2009:  06:00:26

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Thanks all. Good advice. Yes, I'm looking at used. My choices have been driven by what I'm seeing on ebay at the moment as much as anything else. I will look into the CC-100R too.

jharbourmusic - Posted - 06/19/2009:  06:50:45

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I had a Wasburn B9 for my 1st banjo, it's good for starting out on but that's it.

Jake

Tank772 - Posted - 06/19/2009:  10:41:15

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You may check this out. It's along the lines of the Fender and Washburn.

http://www.banjohangout.org/forum/t...IC_ID=148914

Parker

Klondike Waldo - Posted - 06/19/2009:  16:32:01

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quote:

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Originally posted by ATL newbie

Never have played a banjo in my life (up to this point!) but I'm ready to take the leap. I've looked at the Fender FB54, the Washburn B9, and the Savannah SB-100 as starter banjos. All are in my price range. Any suggestions on which one (or other) to go with?

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The Washburn B9 is the same banjo as the Fender FB54 at $100 less retail.
Take the Fender, change out the stamped tailpiece for a waverly, the guitar tuners for planetaries and drop the price by at least $75 and you have an Epi MB250.
My local music store has a handful of Epi MB200, new, for $200 each.

I have an overview of aluminum rim banjos on my archive blog page on my BHO homepage.


I''ll never play like Earl Scruggs or sing like Luciano Pavarotti, but I''ll pick better than Luciano and sing tenor better than Earl
deligo ergo renideo,
Bob Cameron

BRIAN MUNDAY - Posted - 06/20/2009:  18:36:37

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Deering Goodtime!!!! Hands down the best entry level banjo on the market if set up properly. And it's made in the USA

Good Luck on your purchase,
Brian