beardedbanjer - Posted - 09/18/2013:  08:23:09

Just snagged a Washburn B19 off of ebay. It arrived yesterday and I'm thoroughly in love with this thing (not hard, as I was playing a beginner Fender FB300).

I don't know much about the B19, but wondered if anybody on here did?

beardedbanjer - Posted - 09/18/2013:  08:38:13

I guess some pictures might be in order:

B19 Collage

REarl - Posted - 09/18/2013:  11:43:31

I have never seen one, they appear to be fairly rare. From what I have heard they are heavy, you already know that. It should be a good banjo for you for a while, and it will give you some strong shoulders. I don't think you could have done much better for the price that you paid.

On a personal note, I think it is a really attractive banjo. The sound isn't what you would get with a Recording King, but then you would be paying more.

beardedbanjer - Posted - 10/18/2013:  20:19:50

It is definitely heavy. Waaayyy heavier than my starter Fender FB300, but I think there's good reason for that ;)

banjonz - Posted - 10/18/2013:  21:45:22

The B19 was the top dog of the Washburn range at the time. We had a few of them here that made it to New Zealand. I play them. Didn't really like the tone nor the feel. The tone was very Asian if you know what I means ( sort of ringy and tinny) and the neck was very chunky. That my opinion only.

beardedbanjer - Posted - 12/14/2013:  19:47:45

banjonz - any idea which range of time we're talking about here?

banjonz - Posted - 12/15/2013:  11:22:33

quote:

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Originally posted by beardedbanjer

banjonz - any idea which range of time we're talking about here?

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Late 80's - 90's.

beardedbanjer - Posted - 12/21/2013:  21:10:20

I take it not too many people know much about the B-19?

xnavyguy - Posted - 12/22/2013:  04:34:21

Except for the embellishments, I suspect, from viewing your photo, it's a lot like my Fender FB-58 and quite possibly was built by the same folks that built my Fender.  If it is like the Fender, the deep resonator and bridge position, due to the extra space between the 22nd fret and the head, will make it lean toward the tubby side.  If this is the case, it will need a very tight setup and light bridge (around 2 grams) to have any focus & clarity.

Understand these comments are purely speculative, based on your photo and my personal experience with my Fender.  I don't play my Fender very much because it is too darn heavy.  Your FB-300, if set up properly could very well be a better alternative if you like to play bluegrass.  For reference, I've attached an audio file that I recorded recently after doing a setup on an FB-300.  The other banjo in this recording is a 1993 Gibson Earl Scruggs Standard.

John Hardy Banjo Comparisons

smoky - Posted - 12/22/2013:  14:56:28

Hi Beardedbanjer,

Not sure how many folks on the BHO are playing Washburns.  So comments are sparse...  however, the ones already posted I agree with.  I bought my B-16 in 1978 as my first banjo to learn on.  The little I know is the B-19 is the step up with a bit fancier inlay, carved heel, and I think an arch top versus my B-16 flathead.  They are considered a middle of the road banjo at best having a multi-ply (versus 3 ply) rim.  My neck is thicker than I would like.  However, it It is a very pretty banjo.  I would not suggest buying one new as there are, IMO, better options out there.  But used at good price, they can be a great step-up from a real entry level.  Start with putting a quality bridge on it and play the heck out of it!!  Have fun!!

Smoky