Steve Stroot - Posted - 11/16/2009:  20:01:06

I'm thinking of upgrading. However, prices range from reasonable to astronomic. I have yet to win the lotto so my funds are limited. Many suggest that you get what you pay for but I have to think that there are manufacturers who can assemble a reasonably priced good quality instrument (5 string resonator) that rivals the tone, sustain, etc. of the high priced banos. Or, is this a pipe dream? Does anyone know of any companies that make a good quality instrument for a reasonable price?

eddie83 - Posted - 11/16/2009:  20:05:23

When you build an instrument and see the work (and precision) that goes into a good looking well playing instrument, I promise you will start to appreciate the prices. Or at least understand why they are so expensive. I know I do.

RaYhOLio - Posted - 11/16/2009:  20:14:53

What's your price range?

I suggest buying used.. you'll save upto half or more..

Most banjos can sound pretty good with a great set-up and maybe a few replacement parts.. make sure to get a banjo that is adjustable, and upgradable.

I think for under $1000 it's hard to beat a recording king.. for under $500 it's probably hard to beat a deering goodtime. Over $1000 you get into the realm of personal taste more than actual value.

-RayHoLiO
Makin' grass grow in Joplin, MO
www.joplingreenscape.com

Want a bail out plan that actually works??
www.fairtax.org

chaosfrailer - Posted - 11/16/2009:  20:29:52

Gold Star is an excellent banjo, and for the sound, you can't beat 'em. I just got a GF-100 from Janet Davis Music last week, and I can't stop playing it. It sounds every bit as good as a newer mahogany Gibson IMHO.

Take care, but take it!-Harold Hausenfluck

Bill Rogers - Posted - 11/16/2009:  20:45:35

"Inexpensive" is a relative term, of course. It's different from "cheap." You can get a used RK or Gold Star for well under $1,000. That's as inexpensive as it gets for pro-quality bluegrass banjos.

Bill

Surveyor - Posted - 11/16/2009:  21:28:29

Bill nailed it. What is your budget?

Mr. B

Wind me up and watch me go!

snapjackson - Posted - 11/17/2009:  00:40:09

quote:

---

Originally posted by Bill Rogers

"Inexpensive" is a relative term, of course. It's different from "cheap." You can get a used RK or Gold Star for well under $1,000. That's as inexpensive as it gets for pro-quality bluegrass banjos.

Bill

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banjoy - Posted - 11/17/2009:  00:46:08

Look on the BHO classifieds and you'll see lots of good deals there. It does depend on your budget.

I agree, buy used. You'll get much more bang for the buck.

I see Deerings all the time for about $2000 or less. $1500 or so should buy you plenty of banjo, used.

If you want to assemble your own banjo, I think Gold Star used to make a great kit (do they still?). Or, just talk to the folks at First Quality Musical Supply which sells every single part, down to the last nut or bolt, that it takes to makes a banjo so it's not like re-inventing the wheel. That's what I did. I had First Quality make a neck and then bought the tonering, rim flange and hoop and assembled it myself.

Good luck and have fun!

--Frank

jemathieson@talktalk.net - Posted - 11/17/2009:  01:58:47

Steve Earle, on stage at Warwick University here in the UK, told the audience "The trouble with new guitars is they think they're still trees". Used can be very good, the woods have matured and any faults should be visible. But do seek specific advice - what you're doing now.


John

John Allison - Posted - 11/17/2009:  06:13:42

Like many have said before me, buy used to get a quality banjo for a good price. But, buyer beware: I would buy from a reputable store after looking it over, playing it and having someone else play it for you. I do not buy from e-bay but my wife has made several quite successful purchase. I just do not buy what I cannot touch, feel, play .....etc. Good luck and welcome to the Hangout.

Froggie
"Courage is Fear that has said its prayers.

Helix - Posted - 11/17/2009:  06:42:14

Quick, welcome to the hangout, don't publish your budget, keep going with those cool specs.

Everyone tries to make an inexpensive quality banjo. But see how easy it is to impress people with shiny lacquer. So what's underneath may be poplar or worse, you don't have to play a thing like that.

I've had my website up for just a few weeks. We invite you to confer with us even if you decide to buy something else. It's better for the general knowledge, informs and empowers the consumer.

I'm plenty busy. I have a great return policy, I play what I build in public. We get pelted with..........applause. Oops.

http://www.helixbanjos.com
(_)===='===::}

Janet Deering - Posted - 11/17/2009:  07:22:41

Steve, Your question is exactly what prompted Greg to start the Deering Banjo Company. He wanted a better banjo and could not afford it. So he made his own.

If the banjos we are making now were available to him then he would not have gone into the banjo business. Especially the banjos we are making this year with our new red maple rims and the new '06 tonering. I honestly feel privileged to be manufacturing banjos of this new calibre.

Our prices range from $499 on up. And our banjos are made in the U.S.A.

Find a dealer that sells the full Deering, Goodtime and Vega lines that we make and I'm sure that if you play a selection of them you will find the right banjo at the right price.

You can find a dealer at www.deeringbanjos.com

If you need advice and details you can also call Carolina at 800-845-7791.

I'm sure you will find what you are looking for. We are here to be of service and provide the most banjo for your buying dollar.

Janet

Big Joe - Posted - 11/17/2009:  09:12:44

The Deering banjos are good banjos. In addition, the Recording King is a great banjo...not just for the money, but especially for the money. Gold Star makes some good ones as well. Depending upon your budget and expectaions you can find a quality product at most any price range. The next step is to make sure whatever banjo you buy is well set up and able to perform at its best. Good luck on the search. Sometimes that is more fun than the acquisition.

"Big Joe" Vest

Crowman - Posted - 11/17/2009:  12:49:49

Sounds like just where I was a few days ago. I searched and searched and was very lucky to find a very nice banjo local. Its assmeblied from quality parts so its just a parts banjo but it sounds awesome and will last a long time. The name on the banjo does not mean anything to me, its the special sound and ease of playing that I was after. You might find one like this, I could not build one for what I paid for it, and even if I could I bet I could not duplicate the sound. I am a true beginner so its just my 2 cents.
Crowman

snakeherd - Posted - 11/17/2009:  13:14:04

The Sullivan Jam banjo might be worth a look if it's in your (mystery) budget.

Scott