The Entry-Level Openback Banjo

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The Thrifty Banjo

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If you choose used over new, do your own repairs, balk at big purchases, or just love a good deal--welcome!

77 Members, Created 2/9/2011 -

Administrators: xixiant (owner) , Klondike Waldo

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From xixiant on 4/19/2011 8:01:23 AM

The Deering Goodtime is a great first banjo, and easily the one most recommended on BHO. I just heard (on BHO) that the new Carolina Chocolate Drops member plays the Goodtime!

A few days ago, I had the chance to play the Recording King Madison. It had a great sound, and was right in that same price range:

http://www.recordingking.com/banjos_rko25.html

Food for thought!

10 Comments
	mike gregory says: 4/19/2011 9:21:46 AM I've played both, but not on the same day, so it's not fair for ME to say one is better than the other. I'd be happy recommending either to a beginner. And, if possible, I'd recommend used over new, simply because of the lower price.
	xixiant says: 4/22/2011 8:41:29 AM They're both fine banjos--either one would be great, depending on the person's taste. I totally agree about buying used. I also sort of get a kick out of knowing my purchase doesn't count toward GDP...
	xixiant says: 4/30/2011 9:10:24 PM Here's another entry-level that looks like good sound for the money: backyardmusic.com/Welcome.html Just ordered one to use as a loaner--will let you know how it looks assembled!
	mike gregory says: 5/1/2011 6:04:10 AM Gee, a hundred thirty-five for a kit. Being an OLD person, I get to grumble about how $49.95 used to buy a whole darn banjo. And since the builder's supply stores sell cardboard tubes (for pouring concrete into) and hobby stores sell thin Baltic plywood, and a set of cheap guitar tuners is under $20, and Stew-Mac's site will give you fret positions for any scale length you like, you should be able to cobble together a reasonable copy of their unit for under $60.
	xixiant says: 5/1/2011 6:48:58 AM That ocurred to me, but the fanciest saw in my fleet is a hack saw. Until I get ugraded, it's worth fifty bucks to me (the fireside kit is $109) to pay someone for the labor and a good idea. But only until you start selling your creations, Mike. :)
	xixiant says: 5/16/2011 1:43:02 PM Hey Mike--I just saw on your bio that you sell your banjos! I'm an idiot. Where do you sell 'em?
	mike gregory says: 5/16/2011 2:38:59 PM I sell them wherever I happen to be, when someone says they want one. Got an art & craPft fair Fri & Sat May 20 & 21, over in Delafield. But, any BHO member wants to mail me a check, I'll mail him, her, it, or them a banjo. And toss a buck or two into the HangOut pot.
	vernob says: 7/17/2011 4:13:41 AM From what I've seen on the Hangout and Mike's site, I'd say he has some of the most innovative ways to make a banjo. I'm sort of a cobbler too, but for someone who would rather have someone else put it together, I'd recommend Mike. This is not a paid advertisement!
	mike gregory says: 7/17/2011 5:46:10 AM Vernob, go right ahead and pay me. I don't mind at all! =);{ )
	xixiant says: 7/18/2011 8:45:02 AM Having gone and seen many of Mike's creations, finally--I don't know many people who are as creative as Mike on any front, let alone with our favorite instrument!
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