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Barbapapa - Posted - 10/28/2009: 14:03:44
Hey!
I just joined this site, and you all seem very nice. I think you know a lot about banjos! Well, me and my dad have decided to buy a banjo. I have been around in a lot of music stores, where I have tried Eastone BJ30, Epiphone MB100, Goodtime banjos, Tanglewood TBDLX, Cort CB-55, Fender FB54, and Fender FB55. I liked the FB55 best, it's a closedback banjo. I've heard though that it's mostly for bluegrass playing, but I'm not really sure of what I'm supposed to play later. I also liked a Goodtime Classic openback banjo, but I'm not really sure that's very good.. The reason I'm buying a banjo, is because I like the sound, and it would be great for recording. I'm mostly interested in 5-stringed banjos! They seem funnier to play with!
I really want your opinions as well, that would've been great! Any other suggestions? Which one should I choose?
Sincerly, Adam
/AA
Edited by - Barbapapa on 10/28/2009 14:13:10
Brian - Posted - 10/28/2009: 14:11:45
The Deering Goodtime banjos are regarded by many (professional instructors included) to be among the best starter banjos out there! They stay in tune and are very easy to play. They certainly won't hold you back as far a progressing to a competent player.
I have a Fender Deluxe and it is also a decent instrument given its relatively inexpensive price.
Brian
EggerRidgeBoy - Posted - 10/28/2009: 14:17:41
What type of music do you want to play on the banjo? Is there any particular artist or album or song that led to your interest in the instrument, or do you just like the sound of it in general? Knowing what you sound you want to create will help suggest what type of banjo to buy.
Barbapapa - Posted - 10/28/2009: 14:20:16
Ok, thanks for replying!
Of the Goodtime banjos I have seen, most of them are openback! I think that means they have no resonator! Will that be an advantage if my reasons are playing banjo in ensemble?
Are closed back banjos generally more expensive than closed back? I'm looking for a banjo costing 400-450$. I found the FB55 for 450$, and I found a Goodtime openback for 350$,
http://elderly.com/new_instruments/...GOODTIME.htm
The only artist who inspired me playing banjo was Sufjan Stevens,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLFZ...ture=related
AA
Edited by - Barbapapa on 10/28/2009 14:23:20
EggerRidgeBoy - Posted - 10/28/2009: 14:33:44
quote:
Originally posted by Barbapapa
Ok, thanks for replying!
Of the Goodtime banjos I have seen, most of them are openback! I think that means they have no resonator! Will that be an advantage if my reasons are playing banjo in ensemble?
Are closed back banjos generally more expensive than closed back? I'm looking for a banjo costing 400-450$. I found the FB55 for 450$, and I found a Goodtime openback for 350$,
http://elderly.com/new_instruments/...GOODTIME.htm
The only artist who inspired me playing banjo was Sufjan Stevens,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLFZ...ture=related
AA
The usual term for closed-back banjos is "resonator" banjos (the solid wooden disk on the back of the banjo is the resonator). They are more expensive than equivalent quality open-backs. Bluegrass music is usually played on resonator banjos. The more folk-y style that Sufjan Stevens uses can be played on either resonator or open-back (I think he uses both, although I have usually seen him with a resonator banjo). As for ensemble playing, it depends upon what kind of ensemble. If you are playing with bluegrass musicians, you would need a resonator banjo to create the volume and punch associated with that music. If you are playing clawhammer at an old-time jam, you would generally use an open-back. If you are playing Sufjan Stevens' tunes in a more eclectic setting, well, that's more of an open question. If you think you will be playing a wide range of music alongside a variety of instruments, a resonator banjo might be better able to "hold its own", as far as volume is concerned. But you can learn to play any type of music on either a resonator or open-back banjo. You could listen to a lot of each type just through the sound files here on the Hangout, and decide which sound you like better - that of a resonator or an open-back banjo.
Edited by - EggerRidgeBoy on 10/28/2009 14:48:20
Axeman79 - Posted - 10/28/2009: 14:55:29
If you're not sure what type of music you want to play, you might think about a resonator model. that way, you can take off the resonator and play it as an openback. Deering makes a great beginner resonator banjo, the Deering Goodtime II Banjo for around $500.
You might want to check around on some of the Internet sites and see if you can negotiate price. many dealers will deal.
Best of luck. As a beginner, you'll probably find that being a member of the BHO was the best move you'll make...I have.
Axeman
If the minimum wasn't good enough...it wouldn't be the minimum.
brundecarli - Posted - 10/28/2009: 14:58:49
Hello
I had a Goodtime open back and a Goodtime II with resonator.
If you play in a bluegrass jam the open back is to quiet. For me the best banjo for beginners is the Deering Goodtime II Special ( with tone ring and resonator) is easy with high volume.
Bruno
KANINJACK - Posted - 10/28/2009: 15:29:18
With that much to spend you could also find a nice Epiphone MB-250, which is a major step up from the 100 you played. Decent quality for a nice price.
Big Dan - Posted - 10/28/2009: 15:46:32
I'd be a bit cautious about some of the banjos you mentioned. The Tanglewoods and Epiphones are okay and look good, but you'll find better quality workmanship on the Goodtimes. They'll play better, too. Best thing is to work out what style of banjo you want to play and that'll narrow it down. Good luck!
Flailing since 2008
Oalbrets - Posted - 10/28/2009: 15:55:09
I would go with the Goodtime and you can allways upgrade in the future.
Poverty Ridge Bluegrass
1four5 - Posted - 10/28/2009: 16:09:14
quote:
Deering Goodtime II Special ( with tone ring and resonator) is easy with high volume.
Deering makes a Goodtime "II" and a Goodtime "Special", but not a "Goodtime II Special"  Just don't want you to get mixed up. The "II" does NOT have a tone ring, and the "Special" does. I've played them both, and the Goodtime Special with a resonator will get you the furthest of all you mentioned. it is very jam and gigworthy. I have one and love it. Dean
rvrose - Posted - 10/28/2009: 16:17:14
Another vote for Goodtime.
banjobud - Posted - 10/28/2009: 16:17:47
Forget about the Goodtime. You can get a very decent sounding used Gold Star banjo for about 600-700 dollars. They are far better quality than the lower priced Deerings.
Barbapapa - Posted - 10/28/2009: 16:27:39
quote:
Originally posted by banjobud
Forget about the Goodtime. You can get a very decent sounding used Gold Star banjo for about 600-700 dollars. They are far better quality than the lower priced Deerings.
Where did you find these banjos? Btw- I've also heard about Gold Tone banjos, which should be good. quote:
Originally posted by 1four5
quote:
Deering Goodtime II Special ( with tone ring and resonator) is easy with high volume.
Deering makes a Goodtime "II" and a Goodtime "Special", but not a "Goodtime II Special" Just don't want you to get mixed up. The "II" does NOT have a tone ring, and the "Special" does. I've played them both, and the Goodtime Special with a resonator will get you the furthest of all you mentioned. it is very jam and gigworthy. I have one and love it.
Dean
Oh, that's not good.. The Goodtime Special is 700$! What is the differrence between a banjo with and a banjo without tonering? Should I go for Goodtime II anyways? AA
Edited by - Barbapapa on 10/28/2009 16:32:42
MrJakers - Posted - 10/28/2009: 17:06:58
Adam,
I am not sure what your budget is I would look at the resale in saying that I would say look at Guitar Centers used site .
EggerRidgeBoy - Posted - 10/28/2009: 17:52:53
quote:
Originally posted by Barbapapa
quote:
Originally posted by banjobud
Forget about the Goodtime. You can get a very decent sounding used Gold Star banjo for about 600-700 dollars. They are far better quality than the lower priced Deerings.
Where did you find these banjos?
Btw- I've also heard about Gold Tone banjos, which should be good.
quote:
Originally posted by 1four5
quote:
Deering Goodtime II Special ( with tone ring and resonator) is easy with high volume.
Deering makes a Goodtime "II" and a Goodtime "Special", but not a "Goodtime II Special" Just don't want you to get mixed up. The "II" does NOT have a tone ring, and the "Special" does. I've played them both, and the Goodtime Special with a resonator will get you the furthest of all you mentioned. it is very jam and gigworthy. I have one and love it.
Dean
Oh, that's not good.. The Goodtime Special is 700$!
What is the differrence between a banjo with and a banjo without tonering? Should I go for Goodtime II anyways?
AA
Gold Tone banjos are another excellent possibility. They make several very good, reasonably priced beginner banjos. The Maple Classic (MC-150R) model is "convertible", meaning it has a resonator that can be easily removed for open-back playing: http://www.goldtone.com/products/de...aple-Classic . As for the difference between a banjo with a tone ring and one without, it is difficult to make any absolute statements, since there are so many variables and so many different types of tone rings. In very general terms, a tone ring banjo will be louder and will have a somewhat sharper sound than one without.
Edited by - EggerRidgeBoy on 10/28/2009 18:06:05
brundecarli - Posted - 10/28/2009: 23:17:24
quote:
Originally posted by 1four5
[quote]Deering Goodtime II Special ( with tone ring and resonator) is easy with high volume.
Deering makes a Goodtime "II" and a Goodtime "Special", but not a "Goodtime II Special" Just don't want you to get mixed up. The "II" does NOT have a tone ring, and the "Special" does. I've played them both, and the Goodtime Special with a resonator will get you the furthest of all you mentioned. it is very jam and gigworthy. I have one and love it. DeanYes,sorry for mistake, not Goodtime II Special but Goodtime Special with resonator ( and tone ring)!!!
Barbapapa - Posted - 10/29/2009: 07:07:53
quote:
Originally posted by EggerRidgeBoy
[quote]Originally posted by 1four5
Gold Tone banjos are another excellent possibility. They make several very good, reasonably priced beginner banjos. The Maple Classic (MC-150R) model is "convertible", meaning it has a resonator that can be easily removed for open-back playing: http://www.goldtone.com/products/de...aple-Classic .
As for the difference between a banjo with a tone ring and one without, it is difficult to make any absolute statements, since there are so many variables and so many different types of tone rings. In very general terms, a tone ring banjo will be louder and will have a somewhat sharper sound than one without.
Ok, thanks for all replies! I was recently in a music store, where I tried Goodtime Special, which cost 1400$. It's a lot cheaper on the internet, but I can't afford it anyways. The Goodtime II cost 500$ or something, and I could pay for that. Will the difference between the Goodtime Special I tried and the Goodtime II banjo? AA
Cajun_Hillbilly - Posted - 10/29/2009: 18:05:57
Hey Adam,
I'm have been in the market for my first banjo for three months now. I don't commit to anything over $100 lightly, so I have been in constant search-comparison mode. Like myself, a resonator banjo seems like the ticket for you. Considering it will be a entry level, Deering Goodtimes withstanding, you are going to have to choose from amongst Asian made models. American made drive entry level cost up too much IMO. From the remaining choices, Gold Tone seems to be a hybrid option. Their parts are made in Asia and then assembled in the USA. This gives them a chance for greater quality control. Gold Tone's, like Deering's entry level banjos, lack much in flare or that classic banjo look with inlays and all.
After all my months, I decided that the Gold Tone CC-100R Plus was the best banjo for me and my budget. This not only sounded nice from all the video and sound clips I sampled, but also it is convertible, meaning that the resonator is removable. This gives you the option to try different styles or just practice on your own at a lessened volume. It also has some sort of tone ring or hoop.
Ross Nickerson from Banjoteacher.com has video samples of Gold Tone banjos, and his price for the Gold Tone CC-100R Plus with soft case and professional setup for $449. You can get that with all the beginner stuff like tuner, instructional material, picks, strap and one year access to his online video instruction for $479. http://www.banjoteacher.com/GoldTon...ekRPPlus.htm (I am in no way affiliated with Gold Tone, Ross Nickerson or Banjoteach.com) These are all my opinion and suggestion considering the similar situation. I haven't made my purchase of the CC-100R Plus yet. I am waiting a little closer to Christmas. It is going to be my wife's gift to me. :)
Good luck on your purchase, and keep us posted.
Edited by - Cajun_Hillbilly on 10/29/2009 18:20:54
1four5 - Posted - 10/29/2009: 19:45:08
quote:
The Goodtime II cost 500$ or something, and I could pay for that. Will the difference between the Goodtime Special I tried and the Goodtime II banjo?
There is a big difference. The tone ring in the Special will give you the punch/ring/drive/volume to survive in a jam. The II model is all wood and sounds nice and bright for what it is, but in a jam you'll be pulling the strings off it to be heard. From actual personal experience, my opinion is that a well set up Gold Tone CC100R can equal a Goodtime II, but the Goodtime Special would be the clear winner for going from starting out, to jamming or playing with a group. Also, don't overlook the Helix banjos. He builds his rims differently and the difference is striking. I've recently gotten one of his open backs, and it's doing some serious spanking to my other banjo! It's that good! Dean
Edited by - 1four5 on 10/30/2009 08:34:26
Barbapapa - Posted - 10/30/2009: 02:46:46
Helix banjos seem nice. Will they ship to Sweden?
Gold Tone seems like a good idea, but I really want to try it first, to be sure it sounds ok! Maybe that's not necessary, if I could read some reviews somewhere to be really certain it's good!
Gold Tone or Goodtime?
AA
Edited by - Barbapapa on 10/30/2009 02:48:00
maxmax - Posted - 10/30/2009: 04:07:06
Hi Adam!
My first banjo was a Washburn B-9. I played for about a year, and when I upgraded I gave it to my friend who wanted to learn how to play. He never played it though, so it just stood there collecting dust a few years, before I finally took it back a few weeks ago. I'd be happy to sell it to you with a nice hard shell case for 1000 kr if you'd like.
It's not a great banjo, but it plays well and has good action. Might be good to start out on before you know what kind of banjo you would like to spend more money on.
If you're interested, send me an email: maximilian@filmmakers.se I live in Stockholm, and would really prefer not to ship it.
Best,
Max
maxmax - Posted - 10/30/2009: 04:28:13
You know what… I just took it out and played it for a while. I notice the frets are a bit rusty (doesn’t effect the playability at all though) and the fifth string pip is a bit to low, so it kinda makes a buzzing sound when digging into the fifth. I’m sure this can be fixed really easy and cheap if it bugs you, but I just wanted to let you know. I’d be happy to sell it cheaper with this in mind. Or I could just pack along some bluegrass books, DVD’s, strings and stuff that I’m not using. I’d just be happy to get rid of the stuff anyways… moving soon.
Max
Barbapapa - Posted - 10/30/2009: 08:07:36
quote:
Originally posted by maxmax
You know what… I just took it out and played it for a while. I notice the frets are a bit rusty (doesn’t effect the playability at all though) and the fifth string pip is a bit to low, so it kinda makes a buzzing sound when digging into the fifth. I’m sure this can be fixed really easy and cheap if it bugs you, but I just wanted to let you know. I’d be happy to sell it cheaper with this in mind. Or I could just pack along some bluegrass books, DVD’s, strings and stuff that I’m not using. I’d just be happy to get rid of the stuff anyways… moving soon.
Max
Thanks a lot for the offer, Max! Unfortunately I'm not sure if I should invest to a used banjo, since it may have some faults as you told (thanks a lot for being honest!). I think that could really cause some trouble, when I'm about to record :/ If I visit Stockholm sometime, maybe I could check it out (if I still haven't bought one!) Thanks anyway! AA
1four5 - Posted - 10/30/2009: 08:33:29
quote:
Unfortunately I'm not sure if I should invest to a used banjo, since it may have some faults as you told
I really hate to tell you this, but in the price range you are looking at, new banjos are often in worse shape than used banjos that have had the kinks worked out of them. ESPECIALLY if you buy them on line from a warehouse retailier. I have owned 13 banjos (4 new, 9 used), and have had to do more basic set-up and quality related work on the new ones than the used ones. Dean
Big Smokey - Posted - 10/30/2009: 09:48:19
I had a great beginning experience with the Recording King RK 20. The neck feels great to the point that I am ready to upgrade but I may just upgrade the rim/tonering pot assembly and keep the neck and resonator from my RK...
Not sure if Recording King is available in Europe however...
http://www.bigsmokey.com
maxmax - Posted - 10/30/2009: 10:44:48
quote:
Originally posted by Barbapapa
If I visit Stockholm sometime, maybe I could check it out (if I still haven't bought one!)
You are more than welcome to stop by anytime. I also have a number of different kinds of open backs you could try out just for reference if you'd like. Best, Max
kingfisher78 - Posted - 10/30/2009: 11:38:20
quote:
Originally posted by maxmax
You know what… I just took it out and played it for a while. I notice the frets are a bit rusty (doesn’t effect the playability at all though) and the fifth string pip is a bit to low, so it kinda makes a buzzing sound when digging into the fifth. I’m sure this can be fixed really easy and cheap if it bugs you, but I just wanted to let you know.
Max
I got a new banjo a few weeks ago and about week ago the 5th string started to buzz followed a couple of days later by the others. A quick re-tension of the head and all's well again. Shane.
Helix - Posted - 10/31/2009: 03:51:00
Hello Sweden, welcome to the eng oot!
You can talk to me even if you don't buy through me.
I have the Helix Jackrabbit @$499. I make each one myself. I play them in public, I know what all the others sound like, weigh and perform like.
Yes, there is something very fun, and VERY different about how easily my banjos compete with others. Less effort from your right hand, more fun, more music.
Don't frustrate yourself with a banjo that sounds terrible, free trade and sailor's rights.
Yes, in fact, I started the thread last year on shipping, I had to find a way to get these special banjos to the customer unbroken. I've done so 17 times in a row without problems, I pack them nice. I require a $50 Guardian styrofoam black canvas shipping case
So.....International shipping by FedEX or UPS, NOT the U.S. Postal Service.
I'm new at this, I've sold 36 rims and banjos in 36 months. Mostly musicians who NEED what the Helix can do: play.
Oh yes, it weighs 5 pounds WITH a Helix tone ring, and a Rosewood fretboard, it isn't just bamboo, I remanufacture vertical bamboo flooring, hard as Maple. The sound is astonishing compared to the competition.
I have jammed weekly for the last two years with all the other banjos, I know their voices, I know what they weigh to get that voice.
Buy a five string, you can always play 4-string music on it, but not vice versa.
Also, I use a magnetic resonator mount, it's too easy.
I make a lot of innovations to the banjo and how it's built.
NEVER listen to anyone who tells you it's always been done this way, if that were true where would all the small builders on the hangout be?
I'm a custom builder who bamboozles the factory grind, I've worked in factories, I know.
I also have a return policy so your satisfaction is guaranteed. Have some fun.
Play on.
http://www.helixbanjos.com
(_)===='===::}
Edited by - Helix on 10/31/2009 16:17:16
Barbapapa - Posted - 11/05/2009: 12:56:18
quote:
Originally posted by Helix
http://www.helixbanjos.com
(_)===='===::}
Dude, your banjos are insane. It's an option, but I have some questions. 1st: How do I know it's safe to buy from you? I'm pretty new at this forum, but I guess you're pretty popular here. 2nd: Do you have any closedback below the 500$-limit? Anyways... I have decided to order my banjo before Monday 9th November, and I have absolutely no idea, whether I'm supposed to buy the Goldtone, or the Goodtime  Or maybe I'm just at the complete wrong price-level, when it comes to buying my first banjo. I've thought maximum 500$, and I will split it with my dad. But I have decided dead-line Monday, because I really want my banjo. And I think this discussion might keep on all time, hehe  Thanks everyone for helping me! AA
Helix - Posted - 11/06/2009: 13:21:54
It's safe to buy from me because I make myself openly accessible to my customers and curious people, sneaky people come and go, I'm here all the time.
Look around your environment, a resonator is sitting right in front of your new eyes, use your brain, make a new kind for all of us.
I am glad to hear you gave me a look, you've been very good this year.
Good luck, glad you chose to play banjo.
You should hear a Helix, then decide if you need to have a resonator, if you need one, it's easy to add one later. The volume and tone of the Helix is 'more', just more. Have fun this year.
http://www.helixbanjos.com
(_)===='===::}
Edited by - Helix on 11/06/2009 15:34:09
1four5 - Posted - 11/06/2009: 13:58:21
I can vouch for Helix, I LOVE mine!
Dean
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