I just sold my Enoch Tradesman because I discovered that a 12 inch just isn't comfortable for me to play. I am sad to see it go (I am packing it up today) but trying just to look forward to buying the next banjo--and I have no idea what I want at this point. I need something fairly lightweight, 11 inch, open back, I love the sound of my current Goldtone with a white ladye tone ring and ren head, but maybe I should get something a bit different? I thought about an A-scale because I do have smallish hands, but is it difficult to switch back and forth between that and a longer scale?

Price range $700-$900. (Upper end if I part with my Prust tackhead too--since it is also a 12 inch.) I always prefer used instruments.

Please, I would love to hear any recommendations.

Posted - 11/03/2009 :  07:07:33    

I am quite partial to my Vega little wonder pot and new neck. Very light weight, excellent sound (volume and sustain). It is certainly easier to travel with than my Vega Tubby or Gold Tone WL.

SoggyBottom

Posted - 11/03/2009 :  07:18:33        

Yes, Vega little wonder is very good for weight, volume, and easy to play.
A very, very good american made banjo.
Bruno

Posted - 11/03/2009 :  07:24:58    

I can...third the Little wonder. It just feels....right. Surprising volume. I added a Sullivan bridge...nice addition as well
I like my Goldtone OB 250, but it is a...pig by comparison (no offense to the pig officianados in the group).

Life is hard. Being stupid makes it harder--John Wayne

Posted - 11/03/2009 :  09:37:02      

It all depends on what your willing to pay but Handmade Stacy banjos are lightweight with a loud plucky sound. There quite deer though so you might want a factory banjo.

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Posted - 11/03/2009 :  19:21:05        

Value emerges in a depressed market. www.helixbanjos.com
This banjo weighs 5 pounds WITH the tonering, real fretboard, adjustable neck, so on. $499. This is the Helix Jackrabbit, just being offered,

Edited by - Helix on 11/03/2009 19:27:41

Posted - 11/03/2009 :  19:28:56        

I'll have to second the Helix, mine has exceeded any expectations and then some!

Dean

Posted - 11/04/2009 :  10:46:10  

Abbey, I'm not sure if you have any music stores in the area which stock banjos for you to make a side-by-side comparison. Well stocked banjo emporia seem to be few and far between but I think it would be worth taking a day trip out of town to visit one if that's what it takes. Be sure to bring along your own tuner and picks, if they have a bunch of banjos hung on the wall chances are that most of them are out of tune.

I'm fortunate to have a fairly well stocked music store where I take my banjo classes, with some Nechvilles and Omes and Deerings and others of different quality. I went in there with preconceived notions of what I'd like based on what I'd read on the forum. What an eye opener to try the different models side-by-side! Some sounded good but were too heavy for comfort or didn't fit well against my body, some seemed to be more poorly or well costructed that I would have expected based on cost alone. I came into the store expecting to see a closer coorelation between rave reviews and costs.

To be fair we can't expect banjos on display in a store to have had a really professional setup. But it really cured me of my desire to save for a top of the line banjo at this point in my journey. Instead I found a couple of less expensive intruments that sound good to me and are comfortable to hold and play. I saved so much money and frustration by playing those different models side by side before I bought another banjo that I'd recommend it to anyone even if it takes a trip out of town and a night in a hotel to find a well stocked banjo store to visit.

John Piper

Posted - 11/04/2009 :  11:52:57            

How far is Knoxville to Nashville? lots of banjos to try there.

Your problem with 12" banjos being uncomfortable just goes to show - if you can't play em' in person you are in for surprises - and those could be good or bad. However, I have, also found some store set-ups really lousy, Or, just different than I would like the banjo set-up. I don't like old dead strings for one thing.

Sorry, I have no recommendations in your price range - I just have not tried enough of what's out there... and even if I had tried everything - it would be wrong for you - I have smallish hands - but love the 12" pot - and long scale.

Howard

Posted - 11/05/2009 :  08:55:00        

Hi Abbey-In your price range, there are LOTS of "Golden Age" original 1890's banjos that are the original inspriation for all/most of the new makers. These banjos languish on ebay or hangout classifieds for a FRACTION of what the new replicas sell for.

This is a GREAT time to buy an original old banjo, and when the sweat equity/luthier's fee is added on top, you will still likely have more resale equity in it compared to what you spent on it than buying a "new maker" instrument.

TO ME, having an original old banjo is very special and a feeling/inspiration that just cannot be captured with a new instrument.

There are lots to choose from in MANY head sizes with these banjos, and the spun pot banjos from this period usually weigh 3-5 lbs.

There are issues with going about procuring an instrument like this second hand and then restoring it to playing condition, but if you are careful, you can end up with a great situation within your price range/budget.

Many choices here....Gatcomb, Luscomb, Fairbanks, Cole, SS Stewart, etc...

The trick is commissioning a luthier you can trust to get it restored and set up for you properly.

I just bought a Luscomb 1890's banjo on ebay for less than $300, and it just needs cleaned up, a few hooks and nuts, a little fingerboard reagluing, and it's done and serviceable. Current dealer price on something like this is $600-800, and not set up any better than the one I just got. I could relate many more like that.

Currently in my shop in the Q for restoration are 2 Fairbanks Special #4's, and an SS Stewart Thorobred. When done, those will likely be listed for more than your budget at the moment, but not by too much.

Just some thoughts for you on your journey.




Info/commentary on me & my banjo repair & set up shop services:

http://www.banjohangout.org/topic/152453
http://www.banjohangout.org/topic/160041

Chris Cioffi
(615)382-1376

Edited by - tubeandplate on 11/05/2009 09:00:36

Posted - 11/05/2009 :  23:47:23          

An "A" scale banjo would just feel like your current banjo capoed to the 2nd fret. Reiter is a pretty good maker and his instruments start at pretty reasonable prices. Most of his banjos are 11 inch rims.

Watch for used Ramsey Special, Standard, or Student, in 11 inch. Or check the internet frequently for new ones. Ramsey makes a percentage of 11 inchers and they tend to wait around for customers longer because most Ramsey people are looking for 12 inchers. I bought a Special 12 a few years ago and it quickly became Banjo Numero Uno for me. I have to admit that I haven't heard that much difference in 11 inch Ramseys - just a bit less bass response and perhaps a trace of brighter treble - but I've never had a chance to A-B and 11 and 12 inch Ramsey so who is to say. They are hard to find but if you really look, you will find one.


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