Cajun_Hillbilly - Posted - 11/17/2009:  19:45:54

Now that I am committed to getting into the banjo, I am only waiting on the holidays to arrive to give my wife an excuse to throw that kind of money my way. I was curious, with so many who have seen the holidays come and go you could tell me, could I expect any holiday specials from online Banjo dealers? Something like a Christmas special or Black Friday deal?

Since I didn't win the sweet Sullivan in the drawing, my plan was to get the Gold Tone CC-100R+ and hard case. The best overall deal I found was through banjoteacher.com, but that was going to put me somewhere around $560+. Ideally I would like to see that number at or below $500. Now, if some really holiday special on a different banjo of comparable capability, I might take that course.

The Mrs and I will be anxiously awaiting your posts.

Edited by - Cajun_Hillbilly on 11/17/2009 20:12:22

mebacon - Posted - 11/17/2009:  20:24:35

I think Ross Nickerson gives you a lot of value for your money. I bet you would be very pleased to deal with him and he seems really committed to helping you learn the banjo.

Good luck and have fun,

Marty

Poppy - Posted - 11/17/2009:  20:35:54

also call around and talk to different dealers(there's some great ones in the links section here),check the classified ads here, some super deals in there. Good luck and let us know what you get.

"What kind of man would live in a world where there is no daring? I don't believe in taking foolish chances, but nothing can be accomplished without taking any chance at all." -- Charles Lindberg

Bill Rogers - Posted - 11/17/2009:  21:01:00

I would think you'll see those deals on banjos only if the dealers want or need to get them off the floor. They're already heavily discounted, and I doubt anyone can afford to sell at a loss. It's not like Wal-Mart where they can at least hope the folks coming out for Black Friday will see something else to buy at a more normal price.

Bill

oldwoodchuckb - Posted - 11/17/2009:  22:17:55

Is that really a serious price on the Gold Tone. The CC 100R was about 300 bucks a couple years ago. At that price you have no reason not to buy a Good Time - even the resonator model is probably going to cost you less. The Good Time is a solid banjo.

You don't really need a hard shell case unless you expect to be gigging or taking the banjo into the Andes. A 30 dollar gig bag will do the trick - and if you are thinking about shipping damage -- don't. Any good dealer knows how to pack a banjo so it gets to the destination in one piece. I know nothing of that particular dealer, and his price might be good for a "package" but I'm completely unimpressed with these "packages" where you get a 20 dollar strap, and a 30 dollar book , etc etc.

Just get the banjo, a cheap gig bag, and an Intelli 500 tuner. Then got to Amazon and get the book YOU think is best, don't pay extra for all the useless gumph they put into the packages. When you've been playing a couple years and are thinking about standing up with the banjo, go to the local music store (or army navy) and get the strap that works for YOU. I use a 3 buck equipment strap from the army navy - it came with clips that attach to the hooks on most banjos. When you start touring and need to keep your banjo in the baggage compartment of the airliner that's the time to spend some serious cash on a really well made case.

No matter what you plan to play - download a copy of Rocket Science Banjo and read the chapter on Accessorizing your banjo. There are things you need to study banjo - like tab paper - which you can make from my template pages, and notebooks etc. They aren't the real "cool" stuff but they do what you need done.

http://www.rocketsciencebanjo.com
Rocket Science Banjo - Advanced Clawhammer Techniques for beginners and long time players alike. Plus videos and 25-40 EZ Clawhammer Tunes.
Updates at:
http://groups.google.com/group/rock.../files?hl=en
& check out "How To Mold A Mighty Pinky" at banjo brad's great banjo site:
http://www.pricklypearmusic.net

RaYhOLio - Posted - 11/17/2009:  23:12:39

I have to say, I own the cc50rp, and I have owned the 250f goldtones.. I paid about $500 for the 250f with hard case.. but more importantly, I can't really recommend either of them.. they just left me dissapointed. I've been VERY happy with my $750 recording king, and I've also played the deering goodtime in stores...

I think the Goodtime is the best deal under $500, and that's what I would buy until you're ready to spend around $1000.00

Also, I would HIGHLY consider buying used.. there are some GREAT deals coming up right now.. saw a $3500 stealth go for $1600 on ebay last sunday.. and Recording King RK80s have been seen as low as $650 recently.. that's a $1000 banjo new.. Your $$$ will go a LOT further with a used instrument.. I think used ones sound a little better too.. like a break-in period is needed.

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

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

Edited by - RaYhOLio on 11/17/2009 23:16:29

scooter46 - Posted - 11/18/2009:  05:42:19

Check out this link the cc 100 R 374.00 with free shipping. I have bought a lot from them in fact the last two items ibought from Inst. Savings were shipped from goldtone. Larry

http://www.instrumentalsavings.com/...-cc-100r.htm

Learning a new skill takes time, patience and practice. Also it is very important to stay hydrated

Helix - Posted - 11/18/2009:  06:29:51

I can help you. I'm 64, on a Santa Claus path, no Scrooge need apply. My new website just went up a few weeks ago.

www.helixbanjos.com

I like to repurpose vintage woods, I have a new 50-year guaranteed BAMBOO flooring banjo WITH a tone ring and a real fretboard, same Helix type rim as all the ones I build. No 2-ply, no latitudinal grain.

I'm a custom builder, I have the competitive price range, you don't have to buy a Walmart mirage, I wouldn't, why should people HAVE to do that?

You get a banjo that plays like something. I play these in public myself, I know.

Call me up, I can deliver by Christmas. You've been Very good this year.

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

Edited by - Helix on 11/18/2009 06:30:42

Va Picker - Posted - 11/18/2009:  06:58:49

Oldwoodchuckb's advice is the best I've read of late for a beginner...good common sense.

dpete210 - Posted - 11/18/2009:  08:55:40

Having read glowing comments from some of the hang out members about the Helix rims/banjos, I'd recommend you read through this recent thread http://www.banjohangout.org/forum/t...IC_ID=162048

You might also want to read the glowing remarks of a fellow that goes by the handle 1fourfive on the hangout. http://www.banjohangout.org/forum/t...IC_ID=161084

Based on what I've read about various banjos I would definitely give the Helix a close listen and look, especially if you are on a restricted budget. I realize there are limits to a sound file comparison test due to recording quality issues, however, if you listen to the comparison done by rvrose with his Deering Calico, a banjo that lists in the $4000 range, and the Helix, which is significantly less, you have to be impressed with what you are hearing and the possibilities of a Helix banjo. Helix has a banjo model in your price range. Good luck in your decision.


Any day playing music is a GOOD day.

Cajun_Hillbilly - Posted - 11/18/2009:  12:42:57

Lotta good feedback here.

I had initially considered the Goodtimes, but with features I wanted or didn't want, that left me with the Goodtime 2 Classic or Special and those were $700+.

A resonator is a must for me, so that leaves out the Helix jo's, but they are nice and sound pretty good from what I have heard.

I wanted the hard case, because I have a little one who goes all over and likes to climb on things, and a soft case wouldn't give me as much piece of mind.

In the end, it came down to the Gold Tone CC-100R Plus, the Morgan Monroe MNB-1 (or one of its other marketed name brands: Mastercraft Classic, Recording King RK-20) While the MM and its clones are prettier, I hear the quality control was a little less than the Gold Tone. Additionally, the convertible feature on the GT might make it sell better if and when I can upgrade, as it might appeal to a person just getting started who is unsure of the style they want to play. The MM however with the case and additional goodies sells for about $420 through BanjoHut. I certainly would have preferred to get something with a real tone ring, but I realize that in my price range, not gonna happen. I will keep my eyes on the classifieds here for such or one of the others I was considering.

Helix - Posted - 11/18/2009:  14:55:37

If I may, I have one set of tube and plate hardware in stock and I know how to use them. I like a 4-point resonator kit if you are using a flange. I'm using magnets to hold the resonator on. Bolt ups are ok.

I have one bluegrass flange banjo with rez, and a shoe banjo with rez option.

Both of those people are playing without resonators because they play in many different rooms in a week, now they have an option.

I appreciate the kind words.