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Rock & Reel - Posted - 10/31/2009: 09:40:09
Howdy y'all,
I've been playing guitar for over fifty years but I've always wanted to learn the banjo. I figure that if you start with a great instrument, you can't blame your equipment. I have a small collection of about 36 instruments. In acoustics I have a few Gibson's and Taylor's, but my first passion is Martin guitars. I'd like to get a 5-string banjo and I've been looking at previously owned Gibson Granadas or Stelling Staghorns (I'm from Virginia). Any help or opinions would be much appreciated. I can talk guitars with you but you'll have to talk banjo to me like I just landed on the planet. Thanks in advance!
Rick Bowles
www.RBscrim.com
DaveOmega - Posted - 10/31/2009: 10:08:32
Obviously just like with guitars, once you get into the $1000+ range you'll probably be getting a quality banjo. If you're brand new to the banjo you might want to start with something a little cheaper like a Deering Goodtime 2 (around $500ish). They're great banjos, good sound, good quality. But if money is no object then by all means go with a Gibson, Stelling, or even a higher quality Deering.
Dave
I pick for money & I pick for free & I'll pick for you but I pick for me!
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^KatEyz ^Gumby
Surveyor - Posted - 10/31/2009: 10:12:47
Gibsons and Stellings are both great. As you already know, the more quality of an instrument you can afford with help with learning. Welcome to the site. There are lots of wonderful folks with deep knowledge on the banjer and their makers.
Pick them up, feel the neck. and try them out. You know the routine. Gibson, Stelling, Deering, Huber he list could go on and on. Listen to the different banjos and see how they feel. You'll find her....
Mr. B
Wind me up and watch me go!
ifish - Posted - 10/31/2009: 10:15:47
It sounds like your ready to put a lot more into this than most beginners can afford. Since it seem like most you are looking at are used, & probably sold by players, why not ask them to play a little to find what sound you like. PS: I love my Martin too.
Mike
Lonesome Will - Posted - 10/31/2009: 10:16:10
I suggest that you do not rush to buy an expensive banjo until you have developed your banjo ear to know the sound that appeals to you. You mentioned both Gibson and Stelling banjos. Both top quality banjos but a world of difference in tone. As a new player it may take awhile and a lot of listening to develope your preferences. There are many other top notch banjos out there but each one has its own voice. Good Luck!
Lonesome will
youdye - Posted - 10/31/2009: 10:29:30
WELCOME!!!!
4+1=Hootnanny!
O=='={::}
Docmhc - Posted - 10/31/2009: 11:55:03
I have both a Gibson Granada and a Stelling Bellflower (a walnut banjo). They're worlds apart in tone and volume. To my ears, the Gibson has the nicest sound and all around balance of tone and volume. If it was all about volume, I'd play the Stelling, but it has a LOT brighter tone. Not well balanced to my ears, but that's just my opinion. Others feel the exact opposite. They love the Stelling brightness and volume. It's all a matter of personal taste.
By the way, I'd be willing to negotiate a price on the Stelling.
Don
Rock & Reel - Posted - 11/03/2009: 15:42:12
Thanks everyone for the info and the warm welcome. I researched makers all weekend and I was still torn between the Gibson and the Stelling. I asked my wife if she had an opinion. Her answer showed me yet another reason why I married her. She said "It doesn't matter which one you choose, sooner or later you'll have to have one of each!" I bought a Stelling Staghorn. Amazing walnut and abalone purfling that reminds me of my D-45. I'll post some images when I figure it out. Thanks again!
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