Anthony_N_Ky - Posted - 11/19/2009:  18:02:47

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Since the price on these two banjos are around the same which one would be considered the better bargin? Has anyone played both of these banjo that would care to give thier opinion of which seems to be a better over all banjo? By the way if anybody has either one of these models and would like to trade even for a Morgan Monroe Cascade please let me know. Ha HA HA . In my dreams, right!

plunka5 - Posted - 11/19/2009:  18:17:01

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Anthony, you have the great fortune of being close to both of these fine makers of banjos. I would just set aside a day drive down to Glasgow, KY and then to Louisville, KY and play both! You'll be more than happy with either, but I think that I would give Mr. Arthur Hatfield the edge in the value department. Arthur makes his instruments one at a time, and will make sure you are satisfied before you leave his shop at the end of Burton Ridge Road. Good Luck!

Tim-mater - Posted - 11/19/2009:  19:00:18

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Well - I can guarantee you that you won't make a bad decision. Two fine banjos there.

Ronnie - Posted - 11/19/2009:  19:31:58

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Have played both and both are great banjos. I would give the edge to the Hatfield.

mastertone250 - Posted - 11/19/2009:  20:12:18

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I agree, you couldnt go wrong ethier way. Sullivan makes a Fine banjo,but my Taste and Heart rests with the Hatfield. Arthur will work with you to make sure you get the sound you want!

BvilleDon - Posted - 11/19/2009:  22:36:00

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What a great problem to have!

Banjowen - Posted - 11/20/2009:  02:16:41

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I've played both, and as it's already been said they are both fine banjos, I own a Greenbrier and absolutely love it, so therefore I may be bias here but I'd say Sullivan, but if you have the chance to play both that would be the best way to find out for yourself.....good luck.

john m - Posted - 11/20/2009:  03:25:51

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Anthony

Like everyone else has said...take a day & go play/listen to each of them. I have a Hatfield & Sullivan, both are great instruments with different sounds. As far as value goes, your comparing gold vs nickle. On price, the edge would go to the Hatfield on value. However, it really boils down to the sound you like the most...spending 3500.00 is alot of money, if it were me, I'd be kicking both those tires. Having owned 5 different high end banjos over the past two years I have to say that the Hatfield is second to none in crasftmanship and attention to detail.

John

vtyankee5 - Posted - 11/20/2009:  04:34:13

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Both are good banjos. There's more to comparing a banjo than looks. Get in to the details of the construction of the banjo, then compare. Compare the neck, resonator, rim, tone ring and hardware to each other. Add in craftsmanship & customer service also. Only then will you be able to make a decesion that fits your needs and value for your dollar.

It's your responsibility as the buyer to ask the questions.

Banjowen - Posted - 11/20/2009:  07:07:04

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quote:

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Originally posted by john m

Anthony

Like everyone else has said...take a day & go play/listen to each of them. I have a Hatfield & Sullivan, both are great instruments with different sounds. As far as value goes, your comparing gold vs nickle. On price, the edge would go to the Hatfield on value. However, it really boils down to the sound you like the most...spending 3500.00 is alot of money, if it were me, I'd be kicking both those tires. Having owned 5 different high end banjos over the past two years I have to say that the Hatfield is second to none in crasftmanship and attention to detail.

John

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john m, I noticed in the classifieds that you were selling your Hatfield ,...hope you got a decent price for it.

uncledelphi - Posted - 11/20/2009:  10:03:18

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Both are wonderful banjos, and you won't go wrong with any of them. However, I must say that if I bought a Sullivan banjo, the first thing I would do is take it to Arthur Hatfield for a thorough setup!

rjanecek - Posted - 11/20/2009:  10:10:27

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Ive had a Radcliff and now own a Hatfield

Both are fantastic banjos

stringman711 - Posted - 11/20/2009:  10:37:36

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I am playing the Celebrity with Bobby Osborne. Arthur won't rest until your 100% satisfied, and I am. It's one of the best I've played.
Dana

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Edited by - stringman711 on 11/20/2009 10:40:04

Forrest - Posted - 11/20/2009:  10:43:25

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The Sullivans are great folks, but there's nothing any better than a Hatfield banjo. Arthur is the man and I agree with Dana 100%; Arthur won't be satisfied until you are and will make things right.

banjostan - Posted - 11/20/2009:  11:02:13

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Hey forrest, glen was telling me you have got a good band right now. i like arthur's work and banjos.he is very likeable person to be around with . and always like 's talking banjos and full of knowledge.cant go wrong with a hatfeild or a sullivan they are both great.... both will go out of their way to make you happy.stan.

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Edited by - banjostan on 11/20/2009 11:04:32