revellfa - Posted - 11/20/2009:  09:43:33

I have recently learned this valuable lesson.

When I decided to start my own band a few months ago, I discovered that I would need to sell my best banjo to raise some capital. So, away went my Fitch Palomino.

After purchasing some band necessities, I still needed a good banjo. I had already acquired a Cox Rim/JLS #4 (fitted by Hatfield) Pot assembly with 1960s Gibson Hardware and a new American Banjo Company Head from another hangout member, so I purchased the following parts out of the remaining capital:

Gold Star GF-85 neck and resonator, and Grover Champion Friction Tuners

This banjo really rocked when I put er' together. I think it gives the most bang for the buck of any combo around.

Here is a link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKUIORgRA1A

I know, I know, I need to invest in some better tuners, but that is coming...

Still, I learned a valuable lesson--with a little know-how and the knowledge that I have gained from being a hangout member, I was able to put together a low-cost jo' that can stand up to any other banjo in town!

Many thanks to all who made this joy possible.

p.s. a little thanks also to Jason Skinner for providing the framework for what would become my version of "Keep My Skillet Good and Greasy" in the above video!

Let me know what you all think

big bird - Posted - 11/20/2009:  09:57:37

Hey Frankie, Great job on the tune and your banjo sounds really sounds great too!

Big Bird

Bradskey - Posted - 11/20/2009:  10:28:23

Sounds great! The parts may not be expensive but they're not junk either -- all quality stuff makes a good banjo. Didn't you have enough left for an armrest? lol

revellfa - Posted - 11/25/2009:  14:24:05

Ha, yea the armrest will also have to wait.

PeterJ - Posted - 11/26/2009:  05:48:34

Nice job, Frankie -- the banjo sounds great and so does your playing. Excellent ingenuity, too.

mrbook - Posted - 11/26/2009:  07:34:58

I know I wouldn't sell my best instruments (banjo or other) for other band equipment, but it worked for you. I have sold my some to pay other bills, and I know that you can make fine music on good, well-made instruments, even if they are not the top names that everyone talks about. It is the playing that counts.

Edited by - mrbook on 11/26/2009 07:36:27

Kenneth Logsdon - Posted - 11/26/2009:  08:36:21

Welll.................The truth is that you can change out the rim and ring in any of the cheaper instruments as long as the other components are fairly decent... and have a sound "equitable" instrument comparable to the higher priced ones.. It will never have much more resale value, but the sounds the thing.. The name on it adds very little to sound...

Edited by - Kenneth Logsdon on 11/26/2009 08:39:14