Charley Noble - Posted - 09/21/2011:  06:38:26

I've been thinking about purchasing a travel banjo for some time. In my years of performing I've encountered a number of frustrating situations with banjo left behind after it was checked in, or banjo sent to some other part of the world other than where I was supposed to perform. Once the hardshell case was badly trashed but the banjo survived. And the situation is not getting any better, especially with custom checks for illicit wood in even vintage instruments.

Initially I was thinking of purchasing a Saga SS-10P, which is small enough to bring as a carry-on. But then I reviewed what had been said on this forum and am now tempted to buy a Tranjo 8.1 fold-up banjo. It's certainly not the old-time S. S. Stewart Orchestra Model 2 that I'm used to traveling with but it appears to function at a higher level than the Saga. However, it's considerably more pricey than the Saga, about $900 compared with $325 (from Elderly Instruments).

Anyone here actually traveled and played with the Tranjo 8.1? Here's a link to the banjo in question: tranjo.com/t8pictures.php

I'm not looking forward to re-tuning on stage with this innovative instrument; the tuners are within the head compartment. But maybe it comes "factory tuned"!

Edited by - Charley Noble on 09/21/2011 06:44:24

BDCA - Posted - 09/21/2011:  07:17:34

Why bother?!  There is no need to check in a banjo. Research the travel threads.

Cya!

Bob

Edited by - BDCA on 09/21/2011 07:18:00

Charley Noble - Posted - 09/21/2011:  08:03:50

quote:

---

Originally posted by BDCA

Why bother?!  There is no need to check in a banjo. Research the travel threads.

 

Cya!

Bob

---

Bob-

My regular vintage banjo is well beyond the airline guidelines for carry-on. I'm not about to be caught flatfooted at the gate or have the ebony fingerboard challenged by an overly zealous customs staff person. And I do read the travel threads here and at Mudcat.

Anyone else care to comment?

mikebanjo - Posted - 09/21/2011:  08:48:19

I have an older version of the Gold Tone Tranjo (in fact it is my second one; first one developed a split in the wood and Gold Tone replaced it) and I have yet to take it apart, but I have carried it on board in a soft case both to England and New Zealand with no problem.  Seems to me it was less than $500 when I bought the first one.  It is the only banjo I practice with, since it makes a lesser sound, has the same fret board as a regular banjo, and is very light and easy on the back.  However, since you said you are a performer, I am not sure you can get the sound out of it you want in a performance.  I am not a performer so I don't know what results you would have but you would definitely have to mike it up to be able to hear the music over other instruments, vocals, etc.    

Edited by - mikebanjo on 09/21/2011 08:50:22

daytripper - Posted - 09/21/2011:  08:56:52

I travel with a Tranjo 6.1 - it accompanied me to Algeria and back this week. It has made it in hand luggage through security in Houston TX, Germany and Algeria without incident. Sound is quieter but still very nice on the 6.1; I expect it will be better on the 8.1 with the bigger head. It's not jam-worthy, but it keeps me amused in a hotel room well enough.

The silent head is very clever although it is softer than a regular head so even under maximum tension the action is very low and I have had some 4th string buzz. I intend to raise the action a little (although will have to be careful because the action is fine with the regular head).

I like mine a lot  - and there's a 30-day money-back guarantee if you don't like it (I think)

BDCA - Posted - 09/21/2011:  09:22:55

quote:

---

Originally posted by Charley Noble

quote:

---

Originally posted by BDCA

Why bother?!  There is no need to check in a banjo. Research the travel threads.

 

Cya!

Bob

---

Bob-

My regular vintage banjo is well beyond the airline guidelines for carry-on. I'm not about to be caught flatfooted at the gate or have the ebony fingerboard challenged by an overly zealous customs staff person. And I do read the travel threads here and at Mudcat.

 

Anyone else care to comment?

---

Too much Chicken Little around here. OMG! I have an ebony fingerboard. OMG!  Don't get caught with ivory, crocodile shoes or a leopard skin bag and you'll be fine.

A travel banjo may be useful on a bus or a camping trip, but not necessary for airline travel. Forget the guidelines, they don't apply. Look at the monster roller bags people bring onboard. Again CHECK THE TRAVEL THREADS and listen to the experienced travelers, not the folks that do a couple of trips a year.

The picture is my D-28, Deering GDL and a Paramount C in the overhead on a trip to Ireland a few months ago. The plane is a Continental 757.

Cya!

Bob

Edited by - BDCA on 09/21/2011 09:26:40

daytripper - Posted - 09/21/2011:  09:41:07

Bob's right - you can travel with a banjo in cabin luggage. It can either be stowed as in the pic (although a lot of the big planes have deeper, shorter overheads and not long ones seen on the relatively smaller jet in the pic), or the crew sometimes place it in a wardrobe. That said, I travel on planes a lot  and even a Goodtime in a gigbag can be an effort when you've got a lot of luggage. Traveling to the airport on public transport with luggage + hardcase is an experience I'd don't want to go through again.

Depends on your needs. If you want to keep yourself from getting bored on frequent trips, I'd recommend a Tranjo. If you're looking to do a lot of jamming and gigging, it might not be up to it and you can explore other options.

Or just buy a uke

Edited by - daytripper on 09/21/2011 09:47:42

BDCA - Posted - 09/21/2011:  10:01:48

quote:

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Originally posted by daytripper

Or just buy a uke

---

I Always carry this with me IN ADDITION to one or two instruments. The Eleuke is 20" and fits in my computer bag. I have it tuned like a mandolin and use it to practice Irish tunes while flying. It has a headphone and phono output and an MP3 input.

Cya!

Bob

Charley Noble - Posted - 09/21/2011:  10:54:09

I'm not looking for a session banjo but one that I can use for solo performance at a folk club, festival workshop, or small concert.

Borrowing a banjo in Sidney, Australia, when mine was not forwarded with me on my flight from Philadephia has made a deep impression on me. I generally capo at the 2, 5, and 7th positions and there were no rairoad spikes; well, the only ones we could find had round heads! What we improvised as a 5th string capo would periodically fly off into the front row seats. I now carry my own supply of railroad spikes in my carry-on bag, running the risk of it being mistaken for shrapnal. 

Another time I was flying from Melbourne to Port Douglas and my banjo ended up in Tasmania; it's now more well-traveled than myself. I wonder if I can get extra flight miles?

jsowers - Posted - 09/21/2011:  11:50:17

Charley, While tuning an older Tranjo left something to be desired, newer ones including the 8.1 incorporate Steinberger tuners. I haven't used these but they look like they tune from the top. Also eliminates the rollers that tended to build up friction. I've got an older Tranjo and my only complaint is the old style tuners. You might call Bob Farris. He is first rate to deal with.

peewee - Posted - 09/21/2011:  11:52:52

I have the first Tranjo 8.1 produced, and I have been traveling with it extensively for almost a year now..  I paid around $900 for it, and I had a custom Colorado case built for it, $300.  I am out of town 170 night a year, and I normally fly close to a Million Miles a year.  The banjo has been very durable, but I am not sure how much the Case contributes to the durability..  I had extra dense padding, and an insert that prevents sharp impacts from damaging the banjo added. I carry it on the plane fully assembled in the bag, and it fits just about anywhere.. The overhead storage, the stand up closet, or even under the seat in front of your feet.  No problems ever with getting it thru security or onto the plane.

As far as Tuning goes, the Steinburger tuners are the best.. They are easier to string than a normal wrap around tuner, and they are 40:1 geared, plus they are completely out of the way so damage is not a major concern. The top part of the tuner that is visible is used to lock the string in place.  It works like a vise, put the string thru the hole, and screw the top down pinching the wire in place, snip the wire off, then on the back side of the tranjo the tuners are twisted which pulls the pinch string downward  into the tuner causing the string to tighten.  Really simple.

The Tranjo is not very loud in general and does not sound exactly like a regular banjo.  Its too loud in a quiet Hotel room and I use a bridge mute,  around the house and in the yard walking around playing the loudness is just right, but in a jam or band situation No one will hear you.  The only way around that would be to use a Microphone or pickup into an Amp.

Edited by - peewee on 09/21/2011 12:01:36

jsowers - Posted - 09/21/2011:  12:41:41

Peewee, thanks for clarification on the Steinberger tuners. Wish mine had them, might try to convert.

banjered - Posted - 09/21/2011:  14:03:59

Not sure what you don't like about the Saga 10P. It is a very favorite banjo of mine and has perhaps the best neck profile/shape of any banjo that I have ever played. Janet Davis Banjo has a deal where they'll put better tuners on it. On mine, I did have the better tuners installed, put nylgut strings on it, a ren head, a bone nut and new fifth string pip as well, a moon bridge, and it plays and  sounds just fine. I figure with a good pot and neck you can customize  it anyway you want which is what I did. Maybe too much hassle for most folks but for a couple hundred dollars extra I got what I want. And yes it works just fine as a stage and solo banjo. Banjered

John Gribble - Posted - 09/21/2011:  14:33:47

Although I haven't played either yet, I'm beginning to save for either the Tranjo 8 or a Nechville Atlas as a travel instrument. While I think the Tranjo is a very elegant and darned good-sounding instrument, I'm not sure I want 40:1 tuners. I like to play in a half dozen different tunings and 40:1 looks to be a bit of a chore. I understand they will build to the old design with the guitar tuners instead on special order. I'm impressed with the easy-off, easy-on neck and from what I can hear of Cathy Fink's and Zepp's playing, it is a fine-sounding instrument.

I am currently traveling and this trip only brought a flute. I had a banjo in a gig bag taken away from me in the boarding area on one trip. To the airline's credit (Singapore) my Bowlin was well-boxed and hand-carried on and off, but I was still nervous. Once I was on board that flight, I could see there was no space for the instrument. On that particular plane, the overheads were tiny and it was a crowded flight. This flight is on an Aerobus 380 and the overheads on the upper deck are really really tiny. I don't think my mandolin would have fit.

BDCA - Posted - 09/21/2011:  14:49:22

quote:

---

Originally posted by John Gribble

I am currently traveling and this trip only brought a flute. I had a banjo in a gig bag taken away from me in the boarding area on one trip. To the airline's credit (Singapore) my Bowlin was well-boxed and hand-carried on and off, but I was still nervous. Once I was on board that flight, I could see there was no space for the instrument. On that particular plane, the overheads were tiny and it was a crowded flight. This flight is on an Aerobus 380 and the overheads on the upper deck are really really tiny. I don't think my mandolin would have fit.

---

Great information John! Did it have bins like the 777? Have you flown the 380 on any airlines besides SQ? Same story?

Thanks!

Bob

Boeing 777 Overhead Bins

sdfarris - Posted - 09/21/2011:  17:28:51

quote:

---

Originally posted by John Gribble

Although I haven't played either yet, I'm beginning to save for either the Tranjo 8 or a Nechville Atlas as a travel instrument. While I think the Tranjo is a very elegant and darned good-sounding instrument, I'm not sure I want 40:1 tuners. I like to play in a half dozen different tunings and 40:1 looks to be a bit of a chore. I understand they will build to the old design with the guitar tuners instead on special order. I'm impressed with the easy-off, easy-on neck and from what I can hear of Cathy Fink's and Zepp's playing, it is a fine-sounding instrument.

 

---

 I am no longer offering the Tranjo with the old-style tuners, even on special order - sorry! You will have to buy the Gold Tone Tranjo to get the old guitar tuners.

 

Don't be put off by the "40:1" number - it's not a gear ratio, it's the number of threads per inch on the threaded shaft which puts tension on the string. You can tune a string from dead-slack to full pitch in seconds with just a few turns of the knob, which has very little friction and turns very easily. Retuning strings to alternate tunings is fast and easy - it takes about 1/2 turn to go from F# to G on the third string for example. There's no mechanical backlash (unlike geared tuners) so it's easy to fine-tune precisely, and once you are there they really stay in tune well. I use the Steinberger tuners on my regular banjo as well, and I will never go back to a conventional 4:1 geared banjo tuner again. They are fantastic!

Sam Farris (not "Bob") 

sdfarris - Posted - 09/21/2011:  17:34:58

quote:

---

Originally posted by daytripper

I travel with a Tranjo 6.1 - it accompanied me to Algeria and back this week. It has made it in hand luggage through security in Houston TX, Germany and Algeria without incident. Sound is quieter but still very nice on the 6.1; I expect it will be better on the 8.1 with the bigger head. It's not jam-worthy, but it keeps me amused in a hotel room well enough.

The silent head is very clever although it is softer than a regular head so even under maximum tension the action is very low and I have had some 4th string buzz. I intend to raise the action a little (although will have to be careful because the action is fine with the regular head).

I like mine a lot  - and there's a 30-day money-back guarantee if you don't like it (I think)

 

---

You can loosen the neck bolt slightly (1/4 - 1/2 turn) to raise the action for the silent head, and tighten it fully for the regular head. Shazaam, instant action adjustment!

The posted trial period is 14 days, but you can take 30 days if you like. It doesn't matter much to me - over 230 Tranjos sold to date, and I've only had 2 sent back. And one of those was for a trade-in on a different model.

Sam Farris

Charley Noble - Posted - 09/21/2011:  20:05:41

I may have to take Sam up on his offer of a trial demonstration.

Peewee, thanks for your insightful remarks, with the experience which backs them up. That's exactly what I needed to hear.

I'm not concerned about having very loud volume, as I use the banjo as an accompanying instrument. Mine is generally muted with a foam pad.

I generally travel by United Airlines/US Air (that's where my travel mile accumulate) and their luggage rules may be more stringent than what some of you experience, or maybe you're just more skilled at getting your way.

Anyway, thanks to everyone for all their helpful remarks.

bungeedog - Posted - 09/21/2011:  20:22:43

Jo2Go looks incredible......from Peter Sloan, but I don't know if they are "out" yet, he just contacted Gold Tone this summer.

Charley Noble - Posted - 09/22/2011:  14:05:29

bungeedog-



The Jo2Go folding neck banjo does look like a contender, while keeping closer to the appearance of a conventional 5-string banjo than the Tranjo 8.1: jasloanbanjos.com/id52.html

Anyone have any experience with this banjo?

 

Edited by - Charley Noble on 09/22/2011 14:11:08

John Gribble - Posted - 09/23/2011:  07:43:32

quote:

---

Originally posted by BDCA

quote:

---

Originally posted by John Gribble

I am currently traveling and this trip only brought a flute. I had a banjo in a gig bag taken away from me in the boarding area on one trip. To the airline's credit (Singapore) my Bowlin was well-boxed and hand-carried on and off, but I was still nervous. Once I was on board that flight, I could see there was no space for the instrument. On that particular plane, the overheads were tiny and it was a crowded flight. This flight is on an Aerobus 380 and the overheads on the upper deck are really really tiny. I don't think my mandolin would have fit.

---

Great information John! Did it have bins like the 777? Have you flown the 380 on any airlines besides SQ? Same story?

Thanks!

Bob

---

Just got home and rode in the lower level of the 380. The bins there were bigger, like those on most Boeing planes. This was my first round trip on the Aerobus.

And thanks, Sam, for the clarification on the Steinberger tuners.  

BDCA - Posted - 09/23/2011:  11:13:05

You were on SQ? Did you say that the bins on the upper deck are different than the lower deck? Where is business and first class? All good planning information!

Thanks!

Bob

oldcitico - Posted - 09/23/2011:  11:39:46

I would highly recommend checking out Doc Huff's 9" model - docsbanjos.com/banjos/soprano/ 

I've had mine a couple of months and it has quickly become my daily player. Fits in an A-style mandolin case, sounds, plays and looks great (everyone thinks mine is a very old instrument). Works great for just what you are describing needing it for - solo concerts/workshops. Comes with an unconditional money-back guarantee.

John Gribble - Posted - 09/23/2011:  18:29:52

quote:

---

Originally posted by BDCA

You were on SQ? Did you say that the bins on the upper deck are different than the lower deck? Where is business and first class? All good planning information!

 

Thanks!

Bob

---

Yes, we were on Singapore Air. (My favorite)  I am but a lowly English teacher, so I ride in steerage (tourist class). First, Business, and some of us (The Unwashed Masses) in Tourist ride the upper level. The lower level appeared to be all Tourist.

I'm sure that if you were in Business or First Class, carry-on space wouldn't be an issue. 

BanjoKat2 - Posted - 09/23/2011:  19:27:12

Always enjoy reading these threads of conversation even when it is not on a topic I am knowledgeable about since I am still plucking around as a beginner. Laughed at Gribble's humor. Good ole banjo hangout.

BanjoKat2 - Posted - 09/23/2011:  19:27:13

Always enjoy reading these threads of conversation even when it is not on a topic I am knowledgeable about since I am still plucking around as a beginner. Laughed at Gribble's humor. Good ole banjo hangout.

BanjoKat2 - Posted - 09/23/2011:  19:27:13

Always enjoy reading these threads of conversation even when it is not on a topic I am knowledgeable about since I am still plucking around as a beginner. Laughed at Gribble's humor. Good ole banjo hangout.

Charley Noble - Posted - 09/24/2011:  08:23:26

Old citico-

Thanks for the info on "Doc Huff's 9" model." It appears to be a well made banjo.

JMalmsteen - Posted - 09/24/2011:  10:33:10

I just saw a travel banjo ad posted on a board in a burritto restaurant. The ad is on Lancaster, PA Craig's list. It's a Rogue five string travel banjo. It even includes a bluegrass dvd for $100 obo.