kirbonite - Posted - 11/17/2009:  20:08:00

I've been looking at the tranjo's

It seems that gold tone is carrying a korean made model to sell at a lower price.
however the tranjo website's price is $720.00 and gold tone's price is: 719.00
Hardly seems worth it for $1.00

Also, was wondering if anybody has tried the new economical version coming in at $350.00 was wondering what the sound is like on it..

thanks.

K.

company_man - Posted - 11/18/2009:  00:29:41

I don't think $1 is either here or there. The point is, that the difference was previously some $110's and now Gold Tone have a similar model at a competitive price

Grinnin&Pickin - Posted - 11/18/2009:  03:22:17

I don't think the Tranjo Express model has shipped yet but looking at the design I am be concerned about how exposed the tuner buttons are at the bottom of the banjo. I could easily see them getting damaged over time. I have a Tranjo 6.0 and really enjoy playing it.
- Jeff

sdfarris - Posted - 11/18/2009:  10:53:46

The $720 model on www.tranjo.com is the Gold Tone version, now made in China not Korea, and includes 5th string spikes, a strap and a capo (and a complete setup by the inventor of course). Prices for American-made Tranjos run from $800-900 depending on wood and options.

The new Tranjo Express model sounds pretty good, not quite up to a regular Tranjo but pretty close. I am preparing a demo video comparing the models and I hope to have it posted on the website shortly.

The exposed tuners on the Tranjo Express are a design compromise to reduce cost and complexity. They are not protected like a regular Tranjo, but they are no more vulnerable than tuners on a Good Time or other "travel" sized banjos. The Tranjo Express includes a padded nylon gig bag, and I am working on a removable tuner protector which should be included once the production models begin shipping (1-2 weeks hopefully).

Sam Farris
www.tranjo.com -- Tranjo travel Banjo
www.electricbanjo.com - TranjoCaster electric banjo
www.silentbanjo.com - Silent Practice system for any banjo

kirbonite - Posted - 11/18/2009:  14:48:05

thanks for the response.. I look forward to the video comparison.

Grinnin&Pickin - Posted - 11/18/2009:  14:52:01

Hi Sam,

Good idea about the tuner protector! I'm looking forward to seeing the videos.

sdfarris - Posted - 11/18/2009:  20:22:53

The demo video is now posted at http://www.tranjo.com/txpictures.php