fnw - Posted - 03/12/2008:  16:14:22

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I want to give some thought to upgrading my bluegrass banjo in the future. This is my question. The most popular banjos seem to be the Gibsons. I would guess they probably have the best resale value as well. If one were going to spend more than $1000 but less than $2000 should that person be looking at low end Gibsons or high end products from companies like Gold Tone or Recording King. Do the imports have that much more bang for the buck or would it make as much sense to get a low end Gibson? More banjo for the money vs. more resale value for the money? Comments?

Bill Rogers - Posted - 03/12/2008:  16:41:43

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Look to a new Sullivan Festival or any of a number of used American-made banjos. Used banjos always do better on resale because they've been depreciated when you buy them. After that they're pretty stable.

Bill

McIntosh - Posted - 03/12/2008:  16:48:42

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I just got a recording King Rk-R82. They list for $1799.00 but sell for less. You can pick up a used one for around $1000. Now, they are made overseas, but Greg Rich is the guy making sure that they are right. I'm telling you ... I've had about 4 new gibson banjos in the last year or two, 2 Blackjacks, 1 Scruggs Golden Deluxe, and an RB-250, but the Rk stands head and shoulders above the Gibsons ... out of the box of course. Everyone has a different sound they are looking for, and Sullivan is putting together some really great sounding stuff right now, but for the money I challenge anyone to beat Recording King.
Hope this helps.
Adam

Adam Mcintosh
themandolinstore.com
recordingking.com
Drybranchfiresquad.com
myclassiccountry.com

CoolSpring - Posted - 03/12/2008:  16:50:31

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If you had $2,000 in your budget the Gibson RB-250 would be a good one to look at. You could get a used one and possibly have a little left over depending on the deal you find.

fnw - Posted - 03/12/2008:  17:37:39

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quote:

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Originally posted by Bill Rogers

Look to a new Sullivan Festival or any of a number of used American-made banjos. Used banjos always do better on resale because they've been depreciated when you buy them. After that they're pretty stable.

Bill

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Used would be OK. I'm sure there are lots of little-used banjos just like there are lots of little-used guitars for sale. What makes the Sullivan better than a comparably priced import? Logic tells me I should get more instrument for the money with an import just because the cost of labor.

If the difference is cosmetics then it would make great sense to me to look at a low end American instrument since cosmetics aren't particularly important to me. For me musical instruments are for making music, not for showing off to other people so I don't have a need for fancy inlays or exotic woods. I have a need for good tone, reliability and good playability.

fnw - Posted - 03/12/2008:  17:40:04

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quote:

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Originally posted by McIntosh

I just got a recording King Rk-R82. They list for $1799.00 but sell for less. You can pick up a used one for around $1000. Now, they are made overseas, but Greg Rich is the guy making sure that they are right. I'm telling you ... I've had about 4 new gibson banjos in the last year or two, 2 Blackjacks, 1 Scruggs Golden Deluxe, and an RB-250, but the Rk stands head and shoulders above the Gibsons ... out of the box of course. Everyone has a different sound they are looking for, and Sullivan is putting together some really great sounding stuff right now, but for the money I challenge anyone to beat Recording King.
Hope this helps.
Adam

Adam Mcintosh
themandolinstore.com
recordingking.com
Drybranchfiresquad.com
myclassiccountry.com

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How would you rate the build quality, reliability and resale value compared to a Gibson or other domestic product?

Louis - Posted - 03/12/2008:  18:20:07

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You can either buy a Gibson or a copy of the Gibson. For my starter banjo I bought a 2007 Gibson RB-250. There are many in good shape around going for $1300 - $1800. I bought mine from Chris Elliot, he had won it new at Rocky Grass last year. He made me a real good deal!!

steve davis - Posted - 03/12/2008:  18:26:35

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As much as I love my Gibson and Cox banjos,in that price range I'd also be considering a Prucha.

Sometimes I just gotta wait for better weather

Cornflake - Posted - 03/12/2008:  19:08:51

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I know where I'd go--to a used Stelling, like the Whitestar that sold about a week ago for $1750 in the BHO classifieds. The Prucha would be my second choice. I have a nice RB-4 Gibson with a Factory Floor rim--and I still always head for my Stelling Red Fox when its time to play. Of course, we're talking individual tastes here. The craftsmanship in the Stelling is just superb, not to mention its great (albeit distinct) sound.

Things could always be worse--Sarah Vowell