mwc9725e - Posted - 01/26/2012:  07:35:50

I got my new banjo, and I couldn't be more happy with it. It's a cheap one, $143 including shipping ,  and it's made in China, an Epiphone MB-100 "beginner level" banjo. But it looks great, simple but elegant, and it sounds and plays even better than it looks. Feels sturdy, and fit and finish are very good, I don't see it falling apart any time soon. For $143, what more could I have expected?

Edited by - mwc9725e on 01/26/2012 07:37:10

Jason Wilkerson - Posted - 01/26/2012:  07:46:41

Can't beat $143.  Play the stuffing out of it (but I'm sure I didn't have to tell you that).  Congrats.

J-Walk - Posted - 01/26/2012:  07:50:20

Speaking of stuffing... If the banjo sounds a bit "hollow" or "echo-ey" try stuffing a small towel or a sock between the coordinator rod and the head. You might prefer that slightly muffled tone.

Hoss - Posted - 01/26/2012:  07:55:10

It just goes to show that you don't have to pay hundreds (or thousands) of dollars to get a banjo that'll make you happy! Congratulations!

mojo_monk - Posted - 01/26/2012:  08:18:41

quote:

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Originally posted by Hoss

It just goes to show that you don't have to pay hundreds (or thousands) of dollars to get a banjo that'll make you happy! Congratulations!

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Ditto

-Sean

ekistl - Posted - 01/26/2012:  09:52:19

I bought a 1960s Kay openback I saw on Craigslist last fall for $80. Despite its age and reputation, the neck is straight, "wood" pot is intact, and it stays in tune (unlike my Goodtime). This is one sturdy instrument and I am well pleased.

Do335Dave - Posted - 01/26/2012:  10:27:18

I've got one of those as well: it's the banjo that goes to work and on vacation with me. It came used from a CraigsList ad and makes for a reliable travel instrument.

banjoy - Posted - 01/26/2012:  11:25:12

Your joy runneth over

Bisbonian - Posted - 01/29/2012:  15:23:29

My brother asked for my advice about an inexpensive starter banjo for one of his sons.  I gave him extensive opinion and advice on several banjos that I had experience with.  He ignored all of it and got an Epiphone (which, at the time, I had not heard of).  A few weeks later, I got to play it, and I was very impressed...he did well to ignore everything I told him.

RG - Posted - 01/29/2012:  23:05:18

Wow, 2 posts by Bill regarding the same subject, he must really like that banjo...good on him!

Ho C Ying - Posted - 01/30/2012:  08:47:04

Bill, congratulation for the new banjo!
I bought my first banjo in Guangzhou 3 years ago. A new one, ￥1100 (about $175).
The seller said to me that they had never sold a banjo to a Chinese. I was their first Chinese customer.