billcheatum - Posted - 01/17/2008:  18:21:04

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were all Ibanez artists made in Japan or were some later ones from Korea

Ray Soulard - Posted - 01/17/2008:  21:23:42

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I think they were all made in Japan, but I'm really not certain. Desert Rose (Scott) and Stanger will know for sure.

stanger - Posted - 01/17/2008:  21:42:17

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Yup. All were Japanese. Ibanez ceased banjo production before it moved things to Korea, and now, China.

Ibanez was one of the first Japanese companies to produce good American-style banjos in Japan, and was one of the first to abandon the market when banjo sales went dead in the early 80's. Scott worked for them, and I did a couple of prototypes for them, but as an independent designer. I was never an employee of the company.
regards,
Stanger

The pen is mightier than the pigs.

banjogud - Posted - 01/18/2008:  14:17:54

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Weren`t they the first to get "Flak" from Gibson (for looking too much like a Gibson) ???

Life is like a banjo,..ya never know what you`re gonna get !

..wellll,..I got me a skillet an I got no lid,.....
my ashcakes taste like sh

stanger - Posted - 01/18/2008:  15:05:04

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Hi, Larry...
I don't know if they were the first, but they were one of the first. Several different Japanes companies all made close copies of Gibson stuff at the same time. Gibson wasn't the only company who was copied- Guild, Martin, Fender, Rickenbacker, and many other less known makers all were copied.

Ibanez got it's early reputation from making a Flying V electric guitar copy that was much more faithful to the original 58's than Gibson's own re-issue. Both companies offered th eir guitars at the same time, both inlimited edtions, and Ibanez sold out. Gibson didn't.

Ibanez was also one of the most successful Japanese companies with it's original-designed products. The Ibanez Iceman electric became a 70's icon, as did many of their other products. Bill Monroe garnered a lot of attention when he endorsed Ibanez mandolins. There were a lot of famous players who endorsed Ibanez stuff throughtout their entire line.

This combo of successful originals and copies was one of the big reasons Gibson, under Norlin management, started the lawsuit. The suit never reached court, and was dropped by both parties, because Ibanez was already well underway in making changes to their guitars. Their original stuff was selling very well, and they didn't need to copy Gibson or any others any more.

The banjo production was much smaller than the guitars,as always, and was never a major part of the lawsuit. Ibanez changed the peghead shapes and inlays anyway, then a few years later quit making banjos and mandolins.

For a few years in the mid 70's, they were a wonderfullly innovative company. They were the last guitar makers to use Mario Macafferri's skills- he was hired as a consultant. Stephan Grossman was another, and Ibanez made some Larson Bros. style guitars for a year or so. Joe Pass, Pat Metheney, George Benson and many other jazz players took to the Ibanez guitars, and many superb artist models were made.
regards,
Stanger

The pen is mightier than the pigs.

terrym45 - Posted - 01/18/2008:  22:42:10

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I have owned several Ibanez guitars and although there are some other issues, their necks are exceptional. I still have an Artcore which is hard to beat for the $200 I paid for it. It is the only "lower cost" guitar I own. My son, who has a Masters Degree from Colorado University in Classical Guitar performance, loves their neck too.
Terry

Diversity and choice feed free

stanger - Posted - 01/19/2008:  08:15:03

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Hi, Terry...
Ibanez necks are quite good, for sure, and the frets are very accurately set. When I was playing out a lot, I owned several soldi-body electrics, some expensive as all getouts, but I've sold them all except for the one I bought as a spare- an Ibanez Talman. When I decided to get rid of my soldibodies, I played them all, and the Talman had the best neck, sounded good with it's lipstick pickups, had proven to be reliable and stable under all conditions, and just worked well, ever time. I think it cost around $400, less than 1/3 of several of the others.

I also own a Macafferri Jazz Modele prototype made by Ibanez' head luthier under Mr. Macafferri's direction. It was made for a NAMM show in 1975, and I bought it a few months later. Since then, I've played it next to the Selmer originals, and next to DuPonts and many others that make the same style guitars. It's as good as the best of them, and better than most. I wouldn't sell it for anything... it's still a powerhouse, and has just gotten better and better.
regards,
Stanger

The pen is mightier than the pigs.

Derrick - Posted - 09/18/2008:  19:03:06

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My first note on the Banjo Hangout and on the Ibanez banjo. I have one! It's so refreshing to find someone talking about Ibanez in the light of quality and workmanship. Actually my brother, the fiddler, guitarist, pianist, et al in the family, just emailed me to give me this great news so I "tuned in" right away.

I have the Blue Mountain model, and I'm totally satisfied with it. I believe it's a 1977 model. The neck is as true as the day it was bought. The sound is crisp and without the resonator, it has the richest full sound! Am I happy? You bet I am! One question for those of you far more experienced than I am. If I were to purchase a banjo, a step or two better quality, with a slightly faster neck and overall playability, what do you suggest? I'm not familiar with the families of banjos out there at this time though Banjo Hangout is a great educator! From what you are saying on this threaded discussion, I won't be purchasing another Ibanez any time soon. Many thanks for your direction and discussion.

Derrick

banjonz - Posted - 09/18/2008:  19:43:08

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Hi Derrick, welcome aboard. Good to have you here. There are many folk on the forum here who have had or still have Ibanez banjos. I have owned two in my life and both were really good. The 'Blue Mountain', 'Mountaineer' and the 'Hunter' I think were the post Gibson clone models that Stanger mentioned as the peghead shape and the inlays are totally different from the Gibson's.

As to your question on which banjo you might purchase next, that is really hard to say. There are many really good brands available now. You could go for a used Gibson RB-250, or perhaps a Suliivan. These would typically be in the $2000 - $3000 range. None of these generally come with speed necks unless you sand down the necks yourself or the previous owner had done it..

Wayne
New Zealand


I pick; therefore I is!

Banjowen - Posted - 09/19/2008:  01:50:08

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I owned an Ibanez Artist banjo for over 18 years,it was a superb instrument.....If I had my time to go over again I'd have definately kept hold of it....I'd never dream of selling my Sullivan Greenbrier though as it's everything I want in a banjo.

Owen.

http://www.banjohollow.ic24.net/index.htm

stanger - Posted - 09/19/2008:  03:40:02

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One of my Ibanez- the prototype BiCentennial model- was my main working banjo from the time I received it in early 1976 until I quit playing professionally in 2001. I racked up hundreds of hours on this banjo in clubs, shows and festivals all over the Intermountain West, and it never let me down, ever. It always stayed in tune, sounded excellent, and played like butter.

The only thing I did to it was a couple of head changes, a change of the original tone ring to an early Kulesh Earl Scruggs, and a tailpiece swap. It took a dive off a stand some years back, and I broke the nut, but it still plays, although not as well as it did. Evenutally, I'll get around to replacing the nut, and I'm sure it will still deliver the stuff.

Just before the accident, I finally got around to dressing the frets. Naturally, after over 30 years, the frets were worn, but they dressed very nicely, and there is only slight pitting on the ebony board. I wouldn't let it go for anything... it's still my ace in the hole. You can see some pictures of it on my home page... it's the one titled 'Pancho & Me'.
regards,
Stanger

The pen is mightier than the pigs.

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Edited by - stanger on 09/19/2008 03:42:08

Derrick - Posted - 09/19/2008:  08:52:30

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The RB-250 looks identical to my Blue Mountain with a small cosmetic uniqueness in the headstocks pattern. Does this instrument sound significantly different than my Ibanez? I'm thinking about the top of the line Fender but not sure of the model number. I can get this sweet baby for about $1,000.00, with a few options. Sounds like a bit too much, and I'm sure there are others out there that may "tickle my fancy" for little more.

My brother and I travelled to Elderly Music a while back and tried a nylon stringed banjo. A softer, gentle voice spoke much more softly to us. Smooth to the touch, as well! But I'd like something with more opulance, with a decorative appearance. If I may ask, I need more suggestions, because I live in an area in north-eastern Canada, a very isolated land of Black Spruce and mountians. Tranquilty is often distrupted my the piercing beauty of my banjo's lament! Thanks for your replies thus far, and I will continue to visit those cozy corners of the Internet in search of your suggested brands and models.

Many thanks for your warm welcome, once again. My banjo, coffee, and I will be sure to gather around this evening hangout, as I continue to share with you all! Thanks, again!

Derrick

stanger - Posted - 09/20/2008:  12:34:14

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Hi, Derrick...
I take it that you are thinking about buying a Gibson RB250? At $1,000, I would think this is a 70's model. The early ones aren't as good as the mid-late 70's models, by most estimations, and the quality vs. price of these banjos is a large reason Ibanez was able to establish itself as a big competitor.

If it came from the 70's, the Gibson may sound quite like your Ibanez, or not. It all depends on when the Gibson was made. During the 70's-early 80's, the RB250 used the 2 piece flange (a seperate tube the brackets go through, with a thin brass plate flange). It also used a Grover DeLuxe style 4-hump tailpiece, and a multi-ply rim mounted with a cast flathead tone ring.

All these features are used on the Ibanez Artist series from the 70's. The measurements of the 2 brands are slightly different, because Ibanez used metrics instead of inches. Ibanez also mostly used maple instead of mahogany, which tends to produce a slightly brighter tone.

The 70's Gibson and Ibanez tone rings are either similar in weight or different, depending on the age of the Gibson. Early 70's Gibsons sound very much like the Ibanez (or vice versa). But many of the Gibsons have upgraded parts these days- better rims, tonerings, etc., so it's very hard to generalize.

In the mid-late 80's, Gibson re-vamped it's entire banjo line, and the RB250 was changed significantly. These banjos sound a lot different from the earlier ones, and different from Ibanez'. This is not to say they are better or worse, just different, and closer to what most Gibson players want in tone.

I replaced both original Ibanez tone rings on my prototypes. The BiCentennial has a Gibson Kulesh flathead tone ring, and the Mountaineer has an old Stewart-McDonald archtop conversion ring; this tone ring fit a rim cut for the flathead and turned it into an archtop. Of the two, I've always liked the Stew-Mac ring better, but the Kulesh makes my Ibanez sound very much like a Gibson Granada.
regards,
Stanger

The pen is mightier than the pigs.

jbanjoist - Posted - 09/20/2008:  12:44:01

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I had an Ibanez Artist blonde maple with wreath inlay for a while and sold it to a friend.
It was a well made and fitted banjo. I wasn't crazy about the sound but I think replacing the multiply rim with a good 3 ply rim would have helped that out.

Jbanjoist
Don''t sweat the small stuff cuz......
It''s ALL small stuff!

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Edited by - jbanjoist on 09/20/2008 14:59:56

Graham!! - Posted - 09/21/2008:  11:06:15

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Derrick,
Not being a bluegrass banjo player but occasionally scanning this site with a definite interest in instrument construction, it appears that you have received some great advice here. Gibson is identified as the reference standard in the level that you're looking for. Other than that, it would be a custom build. That being said, like any other instrument purchase, you have to try it. For example, I've heard and seen beautiful Deering banjos as well as a nice instrument called a Vega Senator in the Bluegrass variety. Finally, the implicit advice here is that you have a good banjo in teh Ibanez Blue Mountain. Maybe all you need is a professional setup.


Music is the vernacular of the human soul.
- Geoffrey Latham

Derrick - Posted - 09/23/2008:  15:03:29

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Hi Stanger,

Your information is very helpful, and I'd like to extend this discussion thread just a little further. I researched the Gibson only because it was suggested earlier in this discussion tread.

I'm looking for a reasonable quality instrument that has a less bright tone than the Ibanez, and a fast neck, for playing primarily gospel tunes and hymns. I'm not a big fan of open back banjo's, and I absolutely love the opulant decorative inlay on the headstock with gold colored rings and tuning keys. In short, I like fancy!

Is there a brand that you can identify as being better than my Blue Mountain, and having all these features? (Maybe even a cross inlay on the headstock, but that's not a requirement). I'm willing to spend between $1,000.00 and $2,000.00. Maybe a tad more if necessary.

As I mentioned before, I live in north eastern Canada and have no immediate access to audition the banjo I'm looking for, so I trust you or someone can help me.

Many thanks,
Derrick

Ray Soulard - Posted - 09/23/2008:  17:32:00

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Derrick,
It sounds like you have an itch for a new banjo and, if that's the case, there'll be no stopping you. However, if you haven't already given up on your Ibanez, there are many things you can do to mellow it out a bit, like: experiment with different bridges, adjust your tailpiece, loosen your head, change your rim to mahogany, change your tone-ring, etc. To glitz it up a bit you could buy a set of amber tuner buttons (they look gorgeous against the blonde maple).

If you sell it there's a good possibility that a few years down the road you'll wish you hadn't. They were pretty well made. Also, assuming yours has chrome plated hardware, they just keep on looking great year after year. Good luck.

beegee - Posted - 09/23/2008:  18:43:28

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I had an Ibanez Artist in which I installed a Stew-Mac flathead and I still regret selling it. Great banjo. I hope someday to buy it back if the owner ever tires of it. I still have the original ring.

__________________________
If there are no stupid questions, then what kind of questions do stupid people ask? Do they get smart just in time to ask questions?
[i]Scott Adams[/i]

Derrick - Posted - 09/23/2008:  19:18:04

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Thanks for the speedy response!! I'll experiment with loosening the head, et al. I'm also a drummer ,with a Handsonic HPD10,(dandy rig) and a 7-piece birch kit in the basement. Tuning a drum head is no stranger to me but on the banjo, maybe it's a different story.

You're right--chrome is the color and because I've cared for it like a mother cares for a baby, it shines like the sun! Far more though, I'd love to have one in gold color, with inlay galore! That looks so fancy. I'm a pack rat, so I sell very little. The Blue Mountain is one my brother picked up for me when I was in my early teens, for my parents to give me for Xmas. I'm in my late 40's now, so there's special meaning that speaks to me every time I pick it up. I wish to add to my collection.

My knowledge on types of bangos is quite limited so I'm relying on the wisdom of this group to guide me through this selection process. I know there are thousands out there, but the best quality for the cheapest price is not for me to decide....I simply don't know enough. Can you suggest a brand name or model? Maybe there's one in our classifieds??

Thanks,
Derrick

Derrick - Posted - 09/25/2008:  17:03:26

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Could someome more knowledgeable than me, (which is most of you, I'm sure) check out this site and give me your opinion on this used banjo. Is this a reasonable price? Too much? Does it have a good tone? After much looking, I think this one fits my needs.

http://moncton.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-...dIdZ62191843

Thanks,
Derrick

Derrick - Posted - 09/29/2008:  17:23:47

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So, I waited for a response.???...The result was a Fender FB-59. I had an unexpected opportunity to travel to a large center, by air, over the weekend, And between meetings, I slipped over to a music store I played a $3,900,00 Gibson and a $900.00. Fender. With out much convincing, I fell in love with the Fender. Not because of the price, but because of the sustain, and a sound I would call, Natural! I brought it home tonight and tried it, alternately with my Ibanez, Blue Mountain. Again, the Ibanez did not sound as sweet. Anyway, my conclusion is this: You can read all the recommendations you want, you can research all the websites you want, but at the end of the day, so to speak, "banjo sound is a very personal preference." I remember one of my guitar students taking a $100.00 Aris to school one day, and next to all the guitars in the group, TO MY LISTENING EAR, the Aris was by far the best. One must audition instruments on their own to be truely satisfied!
(Check out the Garrison Guitars and see how they are built. They contain a framing system that is 80% glass!( I think) That's sustain! I love mine, but, again, they may not be for you.

Scruggsnut - Posted - 10/31/2008:  17:06:17

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Now, here's a subject near and dear to my heart.

I have owned my Ibanes Model 592FB Artist ser#J767013 since new in 1976.

It replaced a late 50s early 60s Gibson RB250 Flyswatter that was my first 5 String Banjo, and, that I had been playing for about 3 years at the time.

I was teaching Banjo at a music store at the time, and, the were not doing so good, and, behind on most of the teachers wages. The Ibanez was hanging on the wall at the time, and I had played it a bit while waiting for students to show up. It seemed pretty decent.

Well, long story short, is, that I took the banjo in lieu of wages. I took it home, tweaked it up a bit and started to play it. It was good, but, like the Gibson, the neck was a bit narrow, and, I kept pushing the 4th string off the edge of the fretboard when sliding up to, or, just holding a G chord. Also, the first string was a bit close to the bottom edge of the fretboard. It wasn't nearly as bad as the Gibson, which had a very narrow neck, but bad enough that after I had the Ibanez for about 2-3 weeks, I ripped out all the frets, widened the neck by 1/16" on both sides, chamfered the binding back in, and installed all new frets 1/8" longer from top to bottom.

This is primarily the only major thing I have done to this banjo, and, have played it both as a festival/parking lot jammer and as a professional musician (played many times with Dede Wyland, ex Tony Triska and Skyline guitarist and vocalist. She was also married to Tony during the tenure of that band) ever since.

Have refretted it 4 times, including the first refret when it was basically new. Early on I changed heads to the original Remo Fiberskin head, and, have upgraded to each successive new Fiberskin as they came out. I think the current one is a Fiberskin IV.

I have played many many other banjos, both good and bad, all types of brands, including about 6 Prewar Gibsons, and, among all those banjo's, there have been only 2 I thought, HHHMMMM I would consider trading the Ibanez for. Ironically, both of these were Goldstars from the 80s, bought within the last 5 years on Ebay.

Seems like you have already found your banjo, but, I'll give you my recommendation anyway. You just cannot go wrong buying up a used Ibanez Artist, the run between 600.00 and 1,100.00 on The Bay. I can honestly say, that I have never seen heard or played a bad one, or, one that wouldn't be good with a decent setup and a bit of playing.

My secong, or, maybe even first choice would be a Goldstar from the 80s. Both banjo's will totally knock the socks off other more mainstream banjo's, including the Big G.

I'm down here in Southern Ontario (Oakville). Email me at bwapenrose@hotmail.com if you want to talk banjo's.

BTW, that guy selling the Banjo on your Kijjiji link, is none other than Eddie Poirrier, quit a famous and very fine banjo player around Southern Ontario in the 60s and 70s. Great Scruggs style player.

BWA, happily in his 43rd year(has it really been THAT long) of Ibanez ownership and playing.

BTW, BTW, about a year after I got the Ibanez, I sold the RB250 back to the guy that sold it to me. I hadn't taken it out of the case or played it once since I got the Ibanez.




BWA Penrose,Oakville,Ontario,C

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Edited by - Scruggsnut on 10/31/2008 17:11:09

Couchie - Posted - 10/31/2008:  17:42:16

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Very well said Al. I've played Al's banjo and I can tell you that it's a fine playing, fine sounding instrument. The neck feels amazing! Our friend Randall Hill bought an Ibanez mandolin back in the early 70's and still owns and plays that instrument today. I think it's an awsome sounding mandolin. I recall seeing a picture of the great classical guitarist Julian Bream as a young boy playing on an Ibanez classical guitar. The current list of Ibanez endorsements have a lot of wonderful musicians. It says a lot about Ibanez instrments.

Don.

O==''=#

http://www.doncouchie.com

tjfees - Posted - 11/03/2008:  08:30:08

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quote:

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Originally posted by Scruggsnut

Now, here's a subject near and dear to my heart.
. . .
Seems like you have already found your banjo, but, I'll give you my recommendation anyway. You just cannot go wrong buying up a used Ibanez Artist, the run between 600.00 and 1,100.00 on The Bay. I can honestly say, that I have never seen heard or played a bad one, or, one that wouldn't be good with a decent setup and a bit of playing.

. . .

BWA Penrose,Oakville,Ontario,C

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Hi,
I am just a beginner with the banjo, but play guitar and mandolin. I found an Ibanez blonde Artist on Ebay that looks like a Model 591 FB starting at $900. Would this be a good banjo to start with? I'd like to learn 3-finger style and be able to clawhammer if need be.
Thanks, Tim

Hotrodtruck - Posted - 11/03/2008:  09:20:26

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Hi, I've had an Ibanez Artist for 24 years now. It is a '78 or '79 model, blonde archtop. It was my first quality banjo , having learned on a Harmony bakelite banjo. II tinkered with it for several years and finally hit a sound that I love! Like a previous poster, I have played few other banjos that I would trade it for.

Scruggsnut - Posted - 11/03/2008:  13:16:40

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quote:

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I am just a beginner with the banjo, but play guitar and mandolin. I found an Ibanez blonde Artist on Ebay that looks like a Model 591 FB starting at $900. Would this be a good banjo to start with? I'd like to learn 3-finger style and be able to clawhammer if need be.

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For 900.00, or, even a lot more, you won't find a better banjo for Bluegrass, and, it will make a fine frailer too.

So long as it looks complete, and, not monkeyed with or broken, you can get pretty much whatever sound you want out of it with setup and tweaking.



BWA Penrose,Oakville,Ontario,C

goldtopia - Posted - 11/05/2008:  04:35:44

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I had an Ibanez Artist in the late 70s. It was the best banjo I ever had and regret selling it.

Bill.O

goldtopia - Posted - 11/30/2008:  08:41:27

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The Ibanez Artist that I had in the 60s was Japanese. The Japanese now tend to make their banjos in Korea or China. Though they are labelled as made in China or Korea they are really from Japanese factories in China. The Chinese are not able to make quality musical instruments.

Bill.O

desert rose - Posted - 11/30/2008:  17:27:17

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Sorry Bill but you are wrong on both accounts from my experience

There are no Japanese OWNED factories in China making banjos, never have been.

Ibanez has their factory in southern China for electric guitars but they subcontract all acoustic guitars to various oem makers and banjos dont exist as far as I know by them at this time. We work closely with Ibanez top execs and they are not into banjos at this time

Moridaira has their acoustic guitar factory in the north but make no electrics or banjos

Other than that all Japanese instruments of all brands are sourced from oem makers who make many brands such as Aria Iida Alvarez etc

Ive been to most of these factories making Japanese instruments and MANY more making major brand name guitars etc, its part of my work

On your other comment again sorry but Goldstar and Recording King are extremely great banjos both made in China and can give American banjo factory owners a real headache due to competition nowdays

Scott

lethegoodtimesroll - Posted - 11/30/2008:  17:57:46

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The Ibanez was a good banjo but it didnt hold a candle to the Gold Star banjo from the same period.

lethegoodtimesroll - Posted - 12/01/2008:  04:43:07

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goldtopia the Chinese with guidence from american craftsmen are making some great banjos............have you played a Recording King yet? and whats neat as the years go these Chinese banjos are getting better every year. I have some upper end banjos but for the price you cant beat em....not all of us can afford $6495 for a Willams Kenny Ingram banjo.

Scruggsnut - Posted - 12/01/2008:  14:24:06

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quote:

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The Ibanez was a good banjo but it didnt hold a candle to the Gold Star banjo from the same period.

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I have a rather nice Ibanez that would easily refute that statement.

Both banjo's are pretty much identical in both materials and workmanship, and, both are almost always very good for both playability and tone/volume with decent setup work. to say one is intrinsically better than the other is rather silly.

I have owned mine since brand new in 1976, and, have heard and played many examples of both, and setup many examples of both. In 1985, I did the initial setup work on Ross Nickerson's first Goldstar, and, was quite impressed that it was pretty much the equal of my Ibanez, not better, not worse. I certainly wouldn't have traded mine for his, at that time, or, any other time.

All banjo's are indevidual sums of their parts, and, as long as decent parts are used, and, they are both manufactured to about the same levels (which these two banjo's are in both cases), then, both banjo's have the potential to be excellent. This is absolutely the caes for All Ibanez, AND, Gold Star banjo's from this era.

BWA Penrose,Oakville,Ontario,C

RacingStude - Posted - 12/01/2008:  15:43:45

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quote:

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Originally posted by Scruggsnut

quote:

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The Ibanez was a good banjo but it didnt hold a candle to the Gold Star banjo from the same period.

---

I have a rather nice Ibanez that would easily refute that statement.

Both banjo's are pretty much identical in both materials and workmanship, and, both are almost always very good for both playability and tone/volume with decent setup work. to say one is intrinsically better than the other is rather silly.

I have owned mine since brand new in 1976, and, have heard and played many examples of both, and setup many examples of both. In 1985, I did the initial setup work on Ross Nickerson's first Goldstar, and, was quite impressed that it was pretty much the equal of my Ibanez, not better, not worse. I certainly wouldn't have traded mine for his, at that time, or, any other time.

All banjo's are indevidual sums of their parts, and, as long as decent parts are used, and, they are both manufactured to about the same levels (which these two banjo's are in both cases), then, both banjo's have the potential to be excellent. This is absolutely the caes for All Ibanez, AND, Gold Star banjo's from this era.

BWA Penrose,Oakville,Ontario,C

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Thanks! Couldn't have said it better myself....

Sonny
Fast cars, Ford diesels, food, women or pickin''.... ALL good!

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Edited by - RacingStude on 12/01/2008 15:44:12

lethegoodtimesroll - Posted - 12/01/2008:  17:58:00

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I wonder why Gold Star banjos from the 80"s have gone up in value?

Ray Soulard - Posted - 12/01/2008:  18:31:41

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Hey Letthegoodtimes...,

I'm often wrong, and could be now, but I think most of the posters to this thread would readily agree that Goldstars were and remain truly great banjos. Dollar-for-dollar and pound-for-pound they are probably among the best banjos ever built. I for one am not suggesting that an Ibanez is "better" than a Goldstar. Actually, I'll risk upsetting the Ibanez fans (and that includes me) by saying that, as sold, without an upgrade or two, the Ibanez wasn't quite as good. I can clearly remember tormenting over the decision Goldstar Vs. Ibanez.

Ultimately, although I loved the Goldstar, I selected the Ibanez. I liked the chrome plating (still do) and the laminated neck (more stable in the opinion of some), and thought they both sounded great.

Finally, while they admittedly haven't appreciated as much as the Goldstars, Ibanez banjos in good condition are worth quite a bit more than what they originally sold for. But who's selling? I don't see any listed in the classifieds.

Ray