Banjo Hangout - Shopping Advice Forum Feed

Jim Pankey and his new Madison Openback

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 09:39:00 CST

Here's a sound clip of Jim Pankey playing a new Madison Openback

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3p78YuCtyY

A tuner that lasts ?

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 02:52:18 CST

My tuner, a FZone FT 77, only lasts about 2 weeks. I tune the banjo no more than once or twice a week and always switch it off. It never lasts more than 2 weeks. Is this normal ?

Banjo Calendar

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 00:41:39 CST

I have been searching for a banjo calendar with no luck. I would particularly like one with girl banjo pickers. Has anyone found one yet.

Bill.O
http://www.motleyminstrels.co.uk
http://www.elohim-ufogods.co.uk

Gibson (?) on eBay?

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 20:54:07 CST

Something's not right about this. Could it be the label is upside down???

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gibson-Mastertone-Banjo-Hardshell-Case-/160732280751?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item256c63f7af

vega question

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 19:52:07 CST

What would be the maximum amount of value for either a galaxy made vega or a vega knockoff. Its in good shape, Im pretty sure theres no tone ring, no case, but it is very heavy. It could possibly be a real vega but I havent seen the model ANYWHERE. Simple dots, single rod on the inside and its a 5 string resonator. I am going to make the purchase tomorrow for $250 or trade for an old epiphone with its OHSC and I just want to make sure I get teh good end of the deal. It looks 70s to me. So please fellow pickers, help me out on this mystery vega! Thank you.

String advice

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 16:33:40 CST

My RK 025 Madison arrives tomorrow and I think the first thing I should buy is a spare set of strings. Assume light strings for a beginner (don't know what Elderly has put on)? Would appreciate a brief primer on strings, materials they are made of and what is best for frailing, preferred brands, anything to avoid, etc.

RK80 vs Deco King

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 16:10:20 CST

Besides the appearance what is the difference in the sound and quality between the two. I know the RK-80 is has a Mahogany Resonator and the Deco King I think is maple would there be much difference in tone due to to the wood. The style I like to eventually be playing is somewhat of the JD Crowe/ Scruggs sound. Thanks

Gibson buying advice

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 13:51:28 CST

Hey all, I'm torn between several banjos and need some help. I've finally decided to buy my first Gibson banjo, but I can't decide which one, and unfortunately there are not many stores nearby to test these banjos, so I'm forced to by online. Anyway, I can't choose between a 2002 RB250 for about $1600, a 2007 Earl Scruggs Standard for around $2700 and a 1989 Earl Scruggs Standard for about $2500. They all look to be in great condition and are all/mostly original. Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

-Glen

Looking to buy a RecordingKing RK-35

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 13:40:12 CST

Who has the best price?

Fiddler turned picker

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 13:26:39 CST

I've been playing the fiddle my whole life and am looking to start up on the banjo. I'm wondering what kind of banjo would be good for me to purchase for bluegrass playing. What do I look for? I usually pick up on instruments pretty quickly so I don't want my purchase to be super cheap. I'm also not looking to spend a WHOLE lot of money. I do know I want a 5 string/resonator.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Chief Engraved Banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 13:20:28 CST

Hi to all Chief pickers

Just wondering how many engraved banjo's were made in each type of wood

thanks

Another Banjo qestion from a newbie!

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 12:53:17 CST

I ask about the goldtone and a deering in a early post and got good responces to
My qestion I did listen to the RecordingKing RK-35 it sounds awsome but I had
a freind tell me about a Wasburn B16 8 years old been setting in the. case for 7
Under a bed the man just never learned to play it for $400.00 is that a good deal and
Is it a good banjo

Need a Grover USA Pat Pending tuner from the 60's-70's

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 12:45:23 CST

Hope I am in the right forum division. One of my Grover tuners stopped winding so I sent it back to Grover to collect on their lifetime guarantee. The rep asked me to call him... "Oh-oooh..." Seems I have a tuner set last made in the 60's (maybe 70's?). Nothing they can do.... He said the set was worth 3 to 400 dollars! He advised me to look for another one or get this one fixed. Can anyone help? (PLEASE can anyone help!)

My banjo: http://www.secondlifebanjo.com/sold-and-happy-banjos.php 4th one down .. the Regal

Gold tone wl-250 openback

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 10:27:34 CST

I would like to here from anyone who has played or owned one of these banjos. I am on the verge of purchasing one. Any help pos. or neg. would be helpfull.

Thanks

Paul

Stainless steel wound strings

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 07:09:21 CST

I'm interested in trying a set. Does anyone have experience with stainless versus phospher bronze?

Regards,

Milo

Problem with new banjo? Opinions, please

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 06:52:01 CST

Yesterday, I received a new banjo, and it is truly "new," i.e. built for me. The quality of construction is superb, the fit and finish are impressive, and the sound is incredible....however, there is one small issue that I would like to get opinions on before mentioning this to the maker (who will remain unnamed).

The fifth string tuner is not perpendicular to the neck. I've never had a banjo that was this way before. My understanding was that the tuner should be perfectly perpendicular.

I've never installed a fifth string tuner, so I would imagine that it is done by first drilling a hole with a drill press, and then reaming by hand the remainder of the hole. Thus, if a drill press is used, it should be perfectly perpendicular. Therefore, I am wondering how it could be drilled NOT perpendicular, unless that was the intention. Again, everything else on this banjo is top notch, so I would not expect carelessness on one area.

I ask this so as not to be critical of the maker if sometimes they are actually installed at a slight angle on purpose. Please give your opinions.

This is not a low-end banjo. I've included some pictures for your review.

The maker is top-notch, and has been wonderful to work with. I'm very impressed with his product, and so I'm just wanting to make sure I have a valid issue before I complain.

Yet another "first banjo" quest

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 06:26:00 CST

Hello forum,

I realize there are a lot of similar threads, and I have read many of them, but I'm looking for a little personalized advice.

I am a newcomer to the world of banjos though I've been playing other instruments (guitar, bass, piano, tin whistle, a little accordion) for years. As far as banjo music, I don't really have a favorite style, though I'm taking the approach of starting out by learning bluegrass scruggs-style playing. I'm a big fan of that type of music, though I'm a bigger fan of some of the less-mainstream banjo players as well (i.e. Bela Fleck).

I've finally gotten my wife's approval (today being my birthday definitely helps) and so I'm shopping for my first banjo. Based on the above, I'm looking at resonator banjos. I have a slight preference for shopping locally if possible, but I'd be OK with ordering via the internet with a trusted vendor. I'd love to stay at or below a $400 price point. I don't really have any aesthetical preferences and I'm going to be playing mostly for myself, at home, or in settings with other quiet instruments. I'm mostly looking for an instrument that will be easy to learn on vs. one that's loud, for instance.

Oh, and I'm left handed, and pretty much only interested in learning "correct" technique on an actual left handed instrument. I made the "mistake" of learning guitar on an upside-down right-handed instrument and I don't want to repeat that.

All that said, there is a semi-local vendor who has the Cripple Creek CC-50R and Morgan Monroe MNB-1 instruments in stock, left handed, both under $400 with a gig bag, finger picks, and the usual beginner accessories. That's all I can find locally. What I'm looking for is advice on choosing one over the other, or advice on other instruments in this price range that I should consider as well.

As in any musical instrument purchase I'm keen to play as many instruments as possible to allow my own personal preferences to weigh appropriately, but given that I'm totally new to the hobby I'm also looking for input from others with more experience.

Thanks!

Banjos in Boston

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 04:59:53 CST

Anyone know of a music store in Boston that carries banjos?

bilt rite capo

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 02:21:18 CST

I really want to buy one of the new bilt rite capos but they don't seem to have a website or anything. Can anyone point me in the right direction?
Cheers

New Deering Deluxe

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 7 Feb 2012 23:53:17 CST

Hello members,

Are there any members out there that own the newer Deering Deluxe 5 string banjo model? (the one with the colored inlays and gloss finish) Visually, I think it's a handsome banjo. But I would like your opinions about the sound and "playablity" of this model. I haven't been able to locate one near to me so I would like to get a feel of what others like or dislike about it before investing in a long journey to try one for myself. Thanks for any comments.

Looking at getting an open back,,,question,,,,

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 7 Feb 2012 22:23:50 CST

I have been listening to open backs, and I've really got a taste for that mello "old timy" sound. I'm thinking I might want that sound.

So. I am looking around, but I have a question. When I played someones open back a while ago, I was standing up. And I mentioned that I couldnt hear it very well. He said "sit down. I could here it then. It had the Old timey sound that I like.

When I got to thinking about, I guess it makes sense. With no resonator, if you are standing up, the sound has no place to go. its trapped between my stomach and the head. But when I sat down the sound can escape because its no longer FLAT against my stomach.

So do you pretty much have to sit down when playing an open back? (May sound like a stupid question, I know..)

Decisions, Decisions.....

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 7 Feb 2012 20:47:06 CST

Of these three banjos what order would you rank tonal quality, best to worst. Need to make a decision. Don't worry, you won't hurt my feelings.

Banjo#1

http://direct.hangoutstorage.com/banjohangout.org/storage/audio/20/banjo1-20910-404619722012.mp3

Banjo#2

http://direct.hangoutstorage.com/banjohangout.org/storage/audio/20/banjo2-20910-234719722012.mp3

Banjo#3

http://direct.hangoutstorage.com/banjohangout.org/storage/audio/20/banjo3-20910-74819722012.mp3

The Elderly Music Thread Update: Shame on you FedEx!

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 7 Feb 2012 19:30:20 CST

For some reason the original thread i s"under review". I had posted a "Shame on You Elderly" about a bad experience I had with elderly, which was subsequently resolved. However, now FedEx .

A short summary: I ordered a banjo head from elderly on the 24th but I miscalculated the arrival date. It was scheduled to arrive the day I left for a trip to the East Coast. I called elderly and they "Re-directed the shipment which was supposed to arrive today (2-7-12)..didn't happen.

Still no head but Elderly has made all the rtight moves and gets an A++ BUT FedEx...Oh FedEx!!??

This is an e-mail from Corey at Elderly...

Hello Bob,

I spoke with FedEx about your package, and someone there really dropped the ball on this one. Of course, Murphy's law, anything that can happen will happen....

Basically what happened was that they had the correct address as provided by me for the re-direct. However, nobody attempted to ever actually deliver to this address, but instead brought it to an arbitrary city in Masachussetts (don't ask me how this even could have happened, because nobody there could figure it out). They then, at the request of nobody, decided it would be best to just send the package back to Tucson instead, and that is where we apprehended this situation. I do not have a clue why any of this happened, but FedEx did have the updated address in their system, and it was accurate. There is no good excuse for this delay, and for this, I sincerely apologize.

What I have done is asked FedEx to just stop the delivery, and send it back to us. I have issued a free replacement order for you, and set it up to ship out via Overnight shipping. It will leave the building tomorrow, and arrive on Thursday. You will receive email confirmation when this replacement package ships.

Again, I am terribly sorry for all of this. We both did what we could to make this situation work, but FedEx completely dropped the ball every step of the way. I hope that in the future, your experiences with us will be more positive, as this circumstance from top to bottom was very unusual. Please let me know if you have any questions, otherwise, expect to see your replacement package on Thursday. Thanks!

I am staying in Salem but they put it on a truck in Bellirica...(I don't know where that is but it's not that close) . Package was shipped on the 25th.....sounds like the Keystone Cops trying to run an airfreight operation...

Cya!

Bob

Stewart Model 3 E-Bay Watch

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 7 Feb 2012 18:28:49 CST

There's a S. S. Stewart Special Thoroughbred Model 3 now being offered up for bid on e-Bay that is well worth a look and a little drooling: http://www.ebay.com/itm/SS-STEWART-SPECIAL-THOROUGHBRED-5-STRING-BANJO-1898-CARVED-HEEL-VERY-ORNATE-/380408652540?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item58921f62fc#ht_500wt_1219

Starting bid is around $1900 which should not be especially surprising. In a good market a Stewart banjo like this one should sell for about $2500 but maybe someone will get a good buy.

The banjo looks as if it's in excellent condition, with the exception of some missing MOP inlay in the fingerboard and a substitute bracket or two.

What makes it a Model 3 is the deeply carved heel, the veneer strips under the fingerboard, the very elaborate MOP inlay on the fingerboard and peghead itself, the mosaic veneer inlay on the inside of the rim, and the chased border around the outside of the rim.

Too bad I'm maxed out on resident banjos.

Ome juggernaut banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 7 Feb 2012 17:43:56 CST

Hey hangout, I am very new to the banjo but I am hooked! My wife bought me a fender beginner banjo, but I met someone wanting to sell their Ome Juggernaut banjo to get a guitar. It is a 2007 in great shape, and it sounds incredible. Any idea what questions I should ask about it, and what is a good price? I am new but don't want to pass up this banjo if its a good deal. Any comments would be appreciated!

Gibson banjoelle value?

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 7 Feb 2012 16:23:42 CST

I have a friend with a nice clean little Gibson banjoelle. Can anyone give me an idea of the value? He wants to sell. thanks in advance. D

Vinyl To CD

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 7 Feb 2012 14:22:10 CST

If anyone has good vinyl 33 rpm albums and would like to convert them to cd, I found a place here in Phoenix that is doing my Foggy Mountain Banjo album for $15, and that includes the disc, album cover graphics and all songs listed on the cd too. It's AZ Digital Transfers - 602-548-8493, and the lady is Jenna. http://www.azdigitaltransfers.com. Takes about 2 days. I suppose if you are mailing it in, then you have a little postage going back. Don't know about quantity discounts.

What Brand of Banjo to buy?

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 7 Feb 2012 13:02:21 CST

Hello to all I am just starting on the the road to play a banjo. And I have question to the pros and to the beginners If you didn't have a banjo and was going to buy one which of the 2 would you buy? 1 a Deering ( Classic Goodtime Special ) with the resonator or 2 a ( Gold Tone BG-250=F ). Thank for your help and suggestions.

5-Star Planetary tuners / Where can I get em?

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 7 Feb 2012 09:24:33 CST

Hi guys I am wanting some 5-Star planets for my Crow banjo, any other places besides Stew-Mac I can get em from? Also any of yall out there that use em, how do they hold up? Do you like them? And compared to the Waverlys what do you think? Maybe Waverly planets might be too much bling for a Goodtime Crow no? Also they have to be a 3/8 size to fit the holes in my peghead..

GO!

New Little Maggie Picks

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 7 Feb 2012 07:01:39 CST

Hi folks. I purchased a new set of Little Maggie picks from Miss Judy last week after conversing with her through email over the past month or so. I'm 6'3" but have slender fingers and I haven't been able to find a pair of fingerpicks that don't overlap over my cuticles. The Little Maggie picks fix that problem, are extremely comfortable, yet have a full size blade. Take a look at the pictures below which compare traditional dunlops to the Little Maggie picks:

http://www.banjohangout.org/classified/26482

http://www.banjohangout.org/classified/24542

http://www.banjohangout.org/classified/26481 I forgot that you can get them in brass as well. I haven't tried these yet. (Hint, Hint, Miss Judy!)

Bought my first banjo!

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 7 Feb 2012 06:33:14 CST

I started taking lessons about a month ago from Richard Matteson here in Louisville, KY. I had been using a Marquis Harmony that he was renting to me for $5 a month. Not too bad for something to just sit around and learn on. Over the weekend I picked up a Deering Goodtime 2 Bowtie. Picked up the banjo, a gig bag, and a floor stand for a little over $500. I'm still learning all of the nuances and tuning tricks, but I'm having a blast with it so far. My wife and teenagers might disagree if you ask them. I may be killing their poor ears.

I downloaded the cleartune app for the Ipad to assist me with the fine tuning. I have it tuned to the standard bluegrass G as that is the style that I am learning. The chords themselves sound right, but occasionally there is a heavy after twang that I have to figure out. Oh well, that is part of the journey!

Happy picking.....

David

bridges

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 18:00:18 CST

I just want to post a public note of appreciation to Stringbean45. Six days ago I contacted him regarding bridges for two gourd banjos I'm constructing. He made some very worthwhile suggestions and I subsequently ordered three of his Spillway bridges. They arrived in today's mail (2/6/12). The workmanship is superb and, as I told him, I'll have to kick up my level of construction on my banjos so the bridges won't look out of place. Thank you, Stringbean45!

Deering Parlor banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 13:45:18 CST

Does anyone have experience with this particular banjo. It is the Goodtime with a shorter neck. I have owned 3 or 4 Goodtimes and they were excellent banjos. I still own one that I practice on. I bought my grandson (11 years old) the parlor model because I thought it would be easier to fret with the short neck. My experience with it from the start is that the sound is far inferior to the regular Goodtime. I assumed that with the shorter neck that came with the territory. But I also find that this banjo is very difficult to stay in tune. I have had the banjo about 2 years. I must say it is quite diasappointing compared to all other Deerings I have owned. Could it have a problem such as warped neck or something. The music store from which I bought it had it displayed in the window. Could heat from the sun have damaged it in some way? If so, is there a way to improve it?

plectrum advice

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 12:14:33 CST

Hello all, I'm Mike from England and very new to this place although I have lurked for a while.

I have been playing Plectrum banjo for about a year now and have decided to stick with it after falling out of love with bluegrass. I have been playing a lower end of the market Goldtone and more recently an Ozark PB3, but I now have an incredible urge to buy a superior instrument and have given up food for a few months to be able to afford one.

I have decided against buying another new instrument and am currently looking at two different banjos but I am finding it impossible to make a decision.

The first is a Pietsch which I understand used to belong to Sean Moyses and the other a Vegavox IV. Here are the links:

http://www.buddysbanjos.com/detail.asp?IID=225

http://www.banjocollector.com/vega

Both are no doubt quality instruments and I am instantly drawn to the looks of the Vega, but I have been told the Pietsch is just "something else". Quality of sound is probably most important to me, but I also want something that will last me for the rest of my life. In addition, being a lefty I will need to get which ever one I decide on switched.

I don't expect anyone to make up my mind for me, but some advice would be greatly appreciated as I expect both will sell shortly if I don't make my mind up.

Mike

Beginner Tenor Purchasing Advice?

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 10:45:18 CST

Hello, My names Harlan and up to this point I've pretty much exclusively played jazz guitar, but my friend recently had the idea of starting up a dixieland jazz group, and I became interested in purchasing a tenor banjo. Does anyone have and brand suggestions or advice? I'm looking for a good quality banjo for around 600-1000$. Thank you in advance!

Deering Banjo cases

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 08:44:23 CST

does anyone know who makes these great banjo cases ?.

what ring in a 97 earl scruggs

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 08:11:43 CST

hi fellas, what tone ring was gibson putting in the 97 earl scruggs models? anybody know? seems like i remember it being a kulesh but im not certain.

Banjola

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 07:11:01 CST

Thinking about buying a Banjola. I like my BC350 but would like a different sound as well. I have read the reviews, but was wondering what others thought.

Davidson Banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 06:23:04 CST

I am looking for any information on a brand of banjo known as Davidson. I assume made in England. Anything would help.

Thank You,

Recording King at SPBGMA !

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 5 Feb 2012 21:58:48 CST

I just wanted to give everyone a fair warning about this thread ...... it's going to get ugly so don't say I didn't warn you ................

To cradle or not- that is the question

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 5 Feb 2012 21:09:26 CST

I am still trying to decide whether to purchase a cradle or non cradle strap. I was recently at a bluegrass festival and all the banjo players were using non cradle straps.
I have contacted a couple of places that sell straps and they tell me that the cradle straps are far more popular.
Any advice? is it just personal preference or are there certain reasons for choosing one or the other? I'm a new player just trying to learn. Thanks for your help.

On Board Snark Tuner Bracket

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 5 Feb 2012 15:31:19 CST

I am sure that most of you know about the Snark tuner and how nice the are just the way they are when there are sold, but I wanted to share one of my SPBGMA experiences with you. Steve Gill, the maker of fine wood resonators also makes a bracket that converts the Snark portable tuner into an on board tuner that stays put on the top side of the banjo pot.

You remove the head clip from the tuner and snap it onto the on board bracket that fits just under your banjo brackets. It is very nice and I would recommend taking a look at these if you have not already. The on board tuner makes it very user friendly and visible. It stays in place and is always there when you need it. Steve is very creative as well as being a great guy.

Thanks Steve for providing the banjo world with another great optoin.

Help on a beginners banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 5 Feb 2012 06:27:07 CST

Hi, I have searched the Internet for a beginners banjo and got totally lost. I am new to this but after playing the trianglefor 40 years I have decided to give the banjo a go, I am looking at a 5 string bluegrass banjo with a resonator, if that helps. Cam anyone advise on a good beginners banjo. I don't want to buy cheap and nasty and regret it the next day, just something to play, practice and get used to. Thanks in advance.

PRESTO tailpiece 1934

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 5 Feb 2012 03:38:58 CST

Guys,

When telling in the past, that I´ve often given away prewar Presto´s for cheap projects over here - or - if in any way the TP has been bowed, cracked a little etc. - dumped it for recycling - many BG players here at BHO have almost shouted at me.

So here´s another example - it came with a 1934 Bacon tenor in near mint condition two days ago - I´ll replace it with a stiff type more suited for a tenor.

This Presto TP has never been bended and/or re-bended as often seen - only it´s missing the original lid and the adjusting screw. It´s absolutely original to my banjo. Do notice the Bacon type nut.

I´ve noticed, that MusicMan pt. is asking 115 bucks for an identical un-punched example - also without the lid, though having the adjusting screw, but bended very much - I take, that my example due to its non-bended condition will be somewhat more costly. Or not?

Guys - please advice me - I want this TP to go into the best possible direction - what´s the appr. value and are there any of you guys interested? The postage f.ex. DK->US for it - carefully wrapped and packed in a small cardboard box plus marked as a gift (free of customs duty/fee and sales tax) - will be 14-15 bucks.

Thanks in advance

Polle

Gibson TB2 Serpentine flange tenor

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 5 Feb 2012 02:13:55 CST

Tempted by this on eBay, is £750 about right for one of these?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-Gibson-Tenor-Banjo-TB2-c1925-/290664066451?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Sting_Instruments&hash=item43acedad93#ht_598wt_922

Anybody Wanna Jump on This? What a Bargain!

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 4 Feb 2012 20:47:26 CST

Free Shipping, too!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fender-Artist-5-String-Banjo-/110820393253?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19cd690125

Fretless, metal plate or not?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 4 Feb 2012 15:00:54 CST

So here's one to pick your minds on:

I am getting my first fretless. I have been in line with a builder for a short eternity, and time is drawing nigh.

I ordered a fretless with a metal plate. I have since wavered back and forth in my mind. Unfortunately, where I live, there aren't many opportunities to try fretless banjos out.

I nead to hear about the pros and cons. As far as I can tell, a metal plate ought to be good for durability (right?). It also does the zingy slides, which is a plus. Here's what I'm wondering:

I fear, as in all things, there must be a compromise. What does the metal plate take away? I'm imagining there's a loss of "sweetness"? Am I being delusional?

This will be a steel-stringed 5-string.

Please help me with any insight you can offer to help me make up my mind.

Gibson RB for a beginner, your thoughts?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 4 Feb 2012 12:44:55 CST

Ok, so I was at a music store purchasing odds and ends and this Gibson RB was in the corner and whispering my name. I gave it a look over, and just for the hell of it, tuned it up and had a little go. It is worlds better than the Asian rig I am playing now. I've had my banjo for 30 years but only started playing 6 months ago. I am having a blast and don't think there is any doubt I will stick with it. I can't wait to get home from work and practice.

Anyway. This RB has been in that shop for a LONG time and they have sharply cut the price. I can't find a used one for the cost they are selling this new one at. Still, it's a lot of money for me and I would have to raise the funds by selling other stuff I have. I am wondering if this is too much rig for me as a beginner. It sounds so much different from my current rig. I like the taller frets, they work better for me from what I can see. I would avoid putting any more money into my current banjo, which I am working on as funds permit. Next would be a fret job (poor original work with the top frets being too short), then some decent tuners and a new head. I can't even believe that I am seriously thinking about spending this kind of money, or that my wife didn't outright shoot me on the spot when I 'casually mentioned it'.

While I wait for my instructors thoughts on this I thought I would put it up to this group because I often hear new thoughts which would never occur to me. What do you think, am I spending too much, too soon? I don't think I'll ever see a deal like this again, and you notice I haven't mentioned the price, because frankly I don't want anybody here to whisk it away while I am collecting the funding.

If I do move forward, I have asked my instructor if he would come take a look at it before I buy. It just seems like good sense to me. That's a lot of money.

Tom

BAS is a serious disease

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 4 Feb 2012 12:33:01 CST

I thought I was stronger than this. I thought I was the picture of perfect banjo health, already owning an awesome bluegrass banjo, and awesome openback, and a great tackhead---but alas, BAS has struck again. I could no longer resist the pull of one of John Bowlin's 1865 fretless banjos....so I'm sending my deposit on Monday to patiently wait for a fretless work of art from the shop of John Bowlin.

---I need help.

Mandolin Strap Recomendations

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 4 Feb 2012 07:08:04 CST

Hello all,

Can anyone recommend a strap for an F style mandolin. I love Lakota straps on my banjo but their mando straps seem like they might be overkill for this tiny thing. Any help would be much appreciated!

Thank you!

Dan

(I posted this under the 'non-banjo related forum' but I think it should have been here. Sorry for the double post)