timacn - Posted - 03/21/2008:  12:26:53

I need a second banjo to play out occasionally. I don't want to take my Stelling or Vegas out.

Years ago I owned an Ibanez Artist that I used to play in bars, etc. that was good.

What are some of the other good choices for a second banjo? I'm looking for one that has good sound and playability but wouldn't be a huge loss if it got damaged.

Gold Tone, Fender Leo, Ibanez Artist, etc. come to mind. Any other suggestions?

BTW: As a related question, what is, in your opinion, the best "offshore" banjo?

OM45GE - Posted - 03/21/2008:  13:40:26

This may be a dumb question, but why not take your current banjos out? That's what they're made for. Are you playing in dives where a fight might break out at any moment?




"But if there were no music
Then I would not get through" - Shawn Colvin

grm405 - Posted - 03/21/2008:  13:42:55

There is a Gold Star GF85 in the classifieds right now for $600. Sounds like it might be prefect for your use.

http://www.banjohangout.org/classif...asp?cid=4912

Gerry

BanjoSKP

timacn - Posted - 03/21/2008:  13:47:13

Actually, the last time I "played out," I did, on occasion, play in areas where fights could break out at any given moment. I didn't plan it to be that way, but sometimes, that's how it worked out.

Luckily, the motorcycle gang members liked the banjo so they left me alone.

cockneybanjo - Posted - 03/21/2008:  14:08:22

I cart a banjo around offshore and I would say that temperature and humidity changes, along with air conditioning, theft in transit and ham-fisted hotel chambermaids are the biggest problems and the main reason you don't want to cart a good instrument about

I have an Ozark, which is pretty much a Gold Tone copy, and it serves me very well; plus a Johnson for 'hard service' postings like pipelay barges in the Caspian

Edited by - cockneybanjo on 03/21/2008 14:09:48

wkb28791 - Posted - 03/21/2008:  14:14:07

"Actually, the last time I "played out," I did, on occasion, play in areas where fights could break out at any given moment."


From where I come from, those places are called dives or joints.[;D]

If you can play there, you can play anywhere.......that can be a tough audience.....especially as it gets closer to closing time.

Regards,
wkb28791

"As far as the laws of mathematics refer to reality, they are not certain, as far as they are certain, they do not refer to reality."

"Do not worry about your difficulties in Mathematics. I can assure you mine are still greater."

Albert Einstein

banjonz - Posted - 03/21/2008:  15:05:21

I have a friend here who has a PW Granada with a repro neck. That is his main banjo. Recently he purchased a Fender B59 as his second and one he takes out to gigs when he plays. You are spoilt for choice these days. The best option is to play as many as you can and see what you like.

Wayne
New Zealand

Home computers are the perfect thing for women who don't feel that men provide them with enough frustration

steve davis - Posted - 03/21/2008:  17:13:17

Any of the sub $1000 Asian banjos seem to fit the bill for your needs,timacn

Sometimes I just gotta wait for better weather