I would like to buy a new bluegrass banjo in the $3500 price range and welocme any suggestions. So far, I like the Deering Black Diamond.

Thanks,
Dan


Banjoman Dan
Poetry blog - http://dancampbell.blogspot.com
Digital Art blog - http://campbelldb.eyefetch.com

Posted - 09/28/2009 :  09:40:56      

There are a bunch of great used ones available in the classifieds. I know when I got mine a few months ago people were recommending used because you get more for your buck.

Posted - 09/28/2009 :  09:46:01    

My suggestionm would be a Stelling, first choice. Second choice would be Sullivan. I've been reading a lot of good stuff on the Yates, as well...any of those would be a great jo in that range...

Posted - 09/28/2009 :  09:47:55            

i'll toss in my vote for a nechville. tons of tone and innovating design. i love my nechville.

Posted - 09/28/2009 :  09:48:39        

I like the Deering brand also, probably because I own a Deering.

I agree with mountiepicker. Used is usually a good deal, but.... I like to try before I buy, so unless the seller lives in my neck of the woods, I'd be hesitant. $3,500 worth.

Good luck, I can't wait to hear more inquiries.

Posted - 09/28/2009 :  09:55:16      

nothing better than a hatfield banjo. Great price and awesome tone.

Posted - 09/28/2009 :  10:14:54        

Yates RS

Posted - 09/28/2009 :  10:22:48    

Nechville Vintage.... wow.

Stelling Red Fox. Played one at Mandolin Bros. in Staten Island, NY and just loved it. Wish I was in the market, but that's definitely the place to go if you want to be able to try all the best makers under one roof. They have a black diamond as well.

Good luck!

Regards,

Matt

www.myspace.com/slowdeathandloneliness

Edited by - slowdeath on 09/28/2009 10:23:18

Posted - 09/28/2009 :  11:39:11        

I bought one in that price range, but chose a 1927 archtop conversion. Were I buying new, I'd have saved another $500 or so and bought a Huber.

Bill

Posted - 09/28/2009 :  11:54:06      

Hello,I would look at that Fitch banjo Cliff has for sale. Good luck with your choice

"Blue Country Bluegrass"

Posted - 09/28/2009 :  13:06:18        

Huber, or one of my conversions with a Huber ring in it Ha! good luck that is a good price range for several different 'jos

Stay Tuned! gDGBD

Posted - 09/28/2009 :  13:28:36          

quote:

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Originally posted by jesseroberts

nothing better than a hatfield banjo. Great price and awesome tone.

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Posted - 09/28/2009 :  14:16:15    

My first and only choice would be a Stelling Virginian..

STELLING MAN

Posted - 09/28/2009 :  14:22:51      

Sullivan

Posted - 09/28/2009 :  15:01:30      

Make a grocery "wish" list of all the features that you expect to get. Start window shopping (free, as far as I know) and be ready to pounce on the deal.
I buy shotguns that way.

We do not know where we are going.
Nor do most of us care.
For us, it is enough that we are on our way.
Le Matelot

Posted - 09/28/2009 :  15:31:34          

quote:

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Originally posted by flake

quote:

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Originally posted by jesseroberts

nothing better than a hatfield banjo. Great price and awesome tone.

---

Amen!

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Posted - 09/28/2009 :  15:54:07        

Stelling, and you wan't be sorry.

Posted - 09/28/2009 :  16:19:17      

In mahogany banjos, I think I would go for a Huber Lancaster.

The Yates Ron Stewart model is also an excellent choice.

Posted - 09/28/2009 :  16:57:20        

There are lots of great choices.Road test as many as possible.

Posted - 09/28/2009 :  17:32:52          

The only way to pick out a banjo is to sit down and try them. Some banjo's I thought I would love turned out to be duds in the sound and neck department, but I must say that on my last trip to Toronto Canada I was fortunate to try out the whole Huber line at the Twelfth Fret Store and I fell deeply in love with the Huber Berkshire . Man what a sound and the neck was to die for. That is most definitely my next purchase. I am going down in October and if it is still there I am bringing it home with me.

That's my story and I'm sticking with it!

Robert.

Posted - 09/28/2009 :  17:55:52      

I second the Burlile powered Fitch that is for sale, or anything Arthur Hatfield puts his name on.

cardinbanjo

Posted - 09/28/2009 :  19:16:36          

Another Hatfield fan here.

http://www.hatfieldbanjos.com/

"If the woman is alive at the end of the song, it ain't Bluegrass".

2007 Hatfield Walnut Custom

1976 (?) Aria Pro Tree of Life

Posted - 09/28/2009 :  20:54:53        

quote:

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Originally posted by SJL

Another Hatfield fan here.

http://www.hatfieldbanjos.com/

"If the woman is alive at the end of the song, it ain't Bluegrass".

2007 Hatfield Walnut Custom

1976 (?) Aria Pro Tree of Life

---

Posted - 09/29/2009 :  06:03:25      

There are so many good ones in this price range. I prefer Sullivan but that is my preference and only after a great deal of searching. My advice is to not be in a hurry; play as many as you can and listen to as many as you can. There are some fairly good stores in your area that carry a decent selection of banjos. The one that I have experience with is Picker's Supply in Fredericksburg. Go to jams where you can see and here other banjos and, perhaps, even get to play one of them. Don't be in a hurry ...... the right one will find you.

Froggie
"Courage is Fear that has said its prayers.

Posted - 09/29/2009 :  10:45:06        

Lot's of great choices once you hit that price range.
My completely biased opinion of course would be a mahogany 75 clone from Frank Neat.
http://frankneat.com/Home.html


http://www.seanray.com

Posted - 09/29/2009 :  12:03:16        

I'd like to own one from each builder.

I perfectly happy with my Cox and Gibson/Cox.