coreyowen - Posted - 10/19/2009:  14:55:58

I see that there are some excellent banjo makers building beautiful minstrel style banjos at very reasonable prices--Jeff Menzies and John Bowlin come to mind immediately. While I would love to order one of their instruments, the price range is still a little beyond that which I can reasonably ask my wife for a Christmas present.

My first question is, are there makers who are producing good quality work and perhaps just starting to sell their work commercially?

My second question is, tackhead or brackets? I love the look of a tackhead, but are brackets overall a better choice? Is there any sound difference?

Thanks!!
Corey

trapdoor2 - Posted - 10/19/2009:  15:58:54

Tackheads seem to produce a tonally darker tone, probably because there are limits to how tight the head can be...you can't crank it down tighter (though there are some internally adjustable ones out there). Then, there are the temp/humidity issues (head sag). Still, they are wonderful things, usually light and simple.

OTOH, the tension-head banjo is somewhat more versatile, allowing changes in head tension (duh!) and subsequent changes in tone. Beware that many of the early bracket types (such as Boucher style) have folded sheet-metal brackets that dig into your leg when playing seated.

The sound differences aren't all that huge (at least, to me). You'll get used to the quirks of either pretty quickly.

===Marc

"If banjos needed tone rings, S.S. Stewart would have made them that way."

Bill Rogers - Posted - 10/19/2009:  16:34:03

I would try very hard to find an existing banjo for sale. I gave up after waiting 4 years to get the one I commissioned from a well-known maker.

Bill

bnjoplr - Posted - 10/19/2009:  17:18:50

I've got a great Ramsey minstrel, and as I recall, it was very reasonably priced.

Bobbi
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Edited by - bnjoplr on 10/19/2009 17:19:25

maryzcox - Posted - 10/19/2009:  18:05:58

If you can get a Bowlin--just tell your family to give it to you for Christmas, birthday, and anniversary--even for 2 years if that's what it takes. You won't be sorry.

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If you suspect you need a new banjo--you do. Trust your musical instincts. If a banjo calls to you to buy it, don't fight destiny. It was meant to be. :)
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