jmack1745 - Posted - 03/13/2008:  11:35:11

Hi all. I've always enjoyed the banjo music and good ole mountain music, but seem to have recently been bitten by some kinda bug as I now seem to have the need to learn to play. Anyhow, I was wondering if anybody has heard of, or has experience with, the Morgan Monroe Cameron Open Back Banjo MCOB-400. I can pick one up new at a fairly resonable price, ($500+/- ) and figured this was a good entry level price for what appears to be a pretty good Banjo. Any help/advice given will be greatly appreciated.
John

Edited by - Banjoman on 03/13/2008 16:07:11

clawfootcurt - Posted - 03/13/2008:  12:06:55

John, There is a review of one on the hangout. Look at your tabs on the left hand side. Go there, you should be able to figure it out. Looks like a good one too.

"I don't want a pickle, I just want to ride my motorcycle."

jojo25 - Posted - 03/13/2008:  12:13:42

John,

I am not familar with this model. I know Morgan Monroe more as a bluegrass banjo maker, not as an old-time banjo maker. But that does NOT mean that this banjo is no good.

The first thing you need to do, IMHO, is to decide if you want to play clawhammer or bluegrass. From your post, sounds like you want CH. A quick look around the net tells me this is probably a nice price point, as the lowest I saw was $589. You can get started for less if you want. Like a Deering Goodtime for probably about $400.00. My guess is that the Morgan, for the extra $100, is probably a good deal.

You can also get a Gold Tone banjo starter kit, which lists for $400.00...ya might get it for less.

Ya might call Zepp Music or Elderly to see if they have something in stock, maybe used at a better price point. Both are very reputable dealers.

FYI, I am not associated, in any way whatsoever, with any banjo makers.

good luck, have fun and stay in touch

Drop thumbs, not bombs

Joe

slabounty - Posted - 03/13/2008:  13:43:56

John, I'd certainly look at a used banjo from Zepp's. Good service and prices. I bought mine there and have been really helpful. I think used you get more banjo for your money especially when dealing with reputable people. Besides that, Zepp hangs out here.


Scott LaBounty
Orange, CA

bluemule_77 - Posted - 03/13/2008:  14:26:52

Go used. You might could get a used Enoch Tradesman or other really good banjo for that price. I've seen used Wildwood banjos (tubaphone tone ring) for around that price as well.

BM

chip arnold - Posted - 03/13/2008:  15:27:06

Zepp's home page: http://www.banjohangout.org/my/ZEPP

You should find a link to his store there. Very good to do business with and an active member here. Call or email him before you buy anything!

**********************
Take what is given
Give what is taken

Chip Arnold

Bernie P. - Posted - 03/15/2008:  19:36:03

John I tried the Cameron a couple times.It's a really nice sounding banjo but was a bit more than I wanted to spend for my first till I could see how I liked playing banjo.If you like it go for it.You might also try the Deering Goodtime (my choice) and the Gold Tone CC100.Both are available openback and cost less than the MM.