alstonsh - Posted - 03/07/2008:  11:49:33

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Howdy,

Just wonderin' what a step up from a Goodtime 2 would be. Something in the 1k-2k range. Thanks!

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Edited by - Banjoman on 03/07/2008 14:27:50

cottontop - Posted - 03/07/2008:  12:01:13

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There's a lot. The Recording King can't be beat, but there is also the Gold Star and the Sullivan Festival; not to mention all kinds of stuff on the used market.
cottontop

irasmith - Posted - 03/07/2008:  12:18:00

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Look at the selection of Deering's in the classified.

IRA

Nothing behind you matters.

Prof - Posted - 03/07/2008:  12:31:13

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I have wondered the same thing lately, and was told by a very reputable source that an RK-R80 would be a great choice. I played it, and am convinced that I want that one -- NOW! I should say that I really haven't played any others, but I really, really liked the RK! Now I just have to convince the wife.....

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Let's face it, some people have a way with words...
other people...uhhh...ohhh...not have way." Steve Martin

Banjophobic - Posted - 03/07/2008:  13:12:24

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Also the Derring Sierra-fantastic jo and in that price range.

bayviewrr - Posted - 03/07/2008:  13:13:51

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I started out playing banjo in prison about eight years ago on a cheap $150 no name banjo. When I was released, I had no money to buy a banjo so those hours of practice went down the drain. Well, I recenly was able to afford a new banjo and after a lot of research, I picked the Gold Star GF 85. I am REALLY happy with the choice and it fits in the the lower end of your price range. I have been flat picking guitar my whole life so I am somewhat familiar with necks, action, etc., and the Gold Star is definitely worth the money. Just plan on spending another $150.00 for a set of Waverly tuners. The stock tuners that come with this model definitely need replacement. Even with this additional cost, you are looking at a street price of around $1,000.00. Good luck.

"If the girl's alive at the end of the song, it ain't bluegrass"

5-stringreiny - Posted - 03/07/2008:  13:35:28

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Hi alstonsh, and welcome to the hangout. I too cannot sing praises enough for the Recording King line of banjo's... price, quality, appearance, sound, they have it all. I'd recommend contacting John at banjo.com (no affiliation other than having dealt with him in the past) and he will gladly talk you through the RK line up. Cliff Fitch at Fitchbanjos.com is another RK expert. Regardless of what you eventually settle on, you've got to try the RK before you make your decision.

Happy hunting!

Bill Rogers - Posted - 03/07/2008:  15:28:50

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In that price range, I'd choose the Sullivan Festival. You'll never need another banjo unless you want one.

Bill

grayghost - Posted - 03/08/2008:  00:15:57

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I'm with Bill- at least try a Sully before making a choice, you'll be glad you did.

grm405 - Posted - 03/08/2008:  09:48:21

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Everyone of the banjos suggested is good. However, since you set your upper limit at $2k, you can expand that list to many used pro level banjos. I only paid $1900 for a custom (chrome/walnut) Crafters on ebay. I have seen a Bishline in the classified which will probably go for that, along with several Gibson RB250's and Stellings.

A used pro banjo will probably return your purchase price, or even more, when you sell it. A new banjo never will.

Gerry

BanjoSKP

jhandsfield - Posted - 03/08/2008:  10:08:37

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quote:

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Originally posted by alstonsh

Howdy,

Just wonderin' what a step up from a Goodtime 2 would be. Something in the 1k-2k range. Thanks!

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Since you apparently live in the Atlanta area, take yourself up to Banjo.com at Town Center Mall. It's right between I-75 and I-575 in Marietta. They have hundreds of banjos available to try and will help you find what you need and will give you a fair price. They have excellent financing available if you need it.


Jim Handsfield
jhandsfield@mindspring.com

jhandsfield - Posted - 03/08/2008:  10:11:56

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quote:

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Originally posted by grm405
[br
A used pro banjo will probably return your purchase price, or even more, when you sell it. A new banjo never will.

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I'm not so sure about that. I bought my RB250 new and sold it on consignment at Banjo.com for quite a bit more than I paid for it.

Jim Handsfield
jhandsfield@mindspring.com

Roll Player - Posted - 03/08/2008:  12:53:34

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A used banjo will not lose any value after purchase, assuming you keep it in good condition. A new banjo will take a few years to get back up to its purchase price (if prices continue to rise).

Used banjos are great values if they're in good condition. In your price range, you have a lot of good choices, both new and used.

Bill Rogers - Posted - 03/09/2008:  01:56:28

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One caveat with used banjos. If it's not one you can get to and play before purchase, be sure you have an approval time--24 to 72 hours--during which you can return it for a full refund (less shipping costs). Be leery of low-count or low-rated eBay sellers if you go that route.

Bill

grm405 - Posted - 03/09/2008:  13:51:00

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Buying a banjo sight unseen is risky, but I have bought most of my banjos that way. Living in the Pacific NW , I have little other choice. The only good banjo I every could try before purchase was a new Gibson ESS. It may have been a good banjo, but I knew so little at the time it could also have been a pig. I think all the advice to beginners to "try before you buy" is of limited usefullness, as most have no more clue than I did with my Gibson. I also think (now, with 10 years under my belt) that about 90%+ of banjo sound/playability is environment and setup, and you may just be buying the setup or the room.

I would never purchase a banjo, or anything else from an ebay seller without impecable feedback. I also don't like "antique" dealers or "Sell it Now" places, as many of these are less than honest, or have no clue about condition and flaws. The safest advice is buy from the small list of trusted banjo dealers, like Elderly, FQMS, Banjo.com, Turtle Hill, Zepp, etc. They will setup and stand behind your pruchase.

Gerry

BanjoSKP

bearface - Posted - 03/09/2008:  16:58:00

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The Sullivan festival is a professional banjo in all respects

Bill Rogers - Posted - 03/09/2008:  18:05:33

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Speaking of trusted dealers, Gryphon has a Flatiron Sweetgrass listed at $1795. That would likely fit your need & budget too. Add Curtis McPeake to the trusted dealers list.

Bill

twelvefret - Posted - 03/09/2008:  18:57:07

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Let me suggust a 12" inch Ramsey Student with a brass tone ring. I recommend Zepp's Music as the dealer. If you cannot find a Ramsey, there is a local store here in Knoxville (Pik-n-Grin) with three or four presently.

chuck

http://tinyurl.com/d5mnx

"uniformly poor intonation trumps solidly wrong notes" LyleK


" Our music is part of a different system. The rules of classical music don't apply. " R.D. Lunsford

"If we all wanted to sound like one dude, I think we would all be playing some other kind of music." Oldwoodchuck


"Any darn fool can make something complex; it takes a genius to make something simple." Pete Seeger

erstokke - Posted - 03/10/2008:  07:34:15

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You should definitely tell if you are looking for a bluegrass banjo or an openback.


My banjo is pre-war. Pre the next war
Jan Erik from Norway

obxpix - Posted - 03/10/2008:  16:45:43

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The Goldstars that I have played have sounded great to me!!! They are in the $800 to $900 range...If you step into the $1500 to $2000 range the sky is the limit!! You can get a Sullivan Festival which IMO is also a great sounding banjo...If you want to go used, you can pick up a good Gibson easily in that range...You can get an RB3 in the $1800 range and an RB250 in the $1500 to $1700 range....Both great banjos!!!
You have a lot to pick from!

Ricky Skaggs/Jim Mills
For President 2008