Bolle - Posted - 05/01/2012:  12:57:38

Is this banjo really worth the price tag? Can somebody let me know?

banjohangout.org/classifieds/d...cid=28125

Bolle

Polle Flaunoe - Posted - 05/01/2012:  14:00:40

Bolle,

IMHO it´s 75-80% overpriced.

It´s a poorly built banjo - not at all to be compared with the original 1930s version. However some players seem to like its flashy looks.

Do have a look at Gruhn´s site - they have a similar example in excellent condition (however not replated, it seems) at USD 1,650. gruhn.com/ - item # J3016.

Polle

Polle Flaunoe - Posted - 05/02/2012:  01:14:48

Bolle,

Here´s another late 60s example - in mint condition - for sale in Germany by banjo guru Guenter Amendt - at appr. USD 1,540. banjoworld.de/Sale1632.htm

Polle

jims38134 - Posted - 05/02/2012:  06:57:32

bolle, drop me an email. jim

Bolle - Posted - 05/02/2012:  10:34:00

Thanks for all the feedback Polle.Much appreciated.You sound like a man that knows his banjos

Andy Fielding - Posted - 05/10/2012:  00:59:50

I may be wrong, but I think you can play that model only at Christmastime.  ;?)

csbdr - Posted - 05/10/2012:  08:05:39

Santa's banjo?

Bolle - Posted - 05/12/2012:  13:07:49

Who replates/ refurbishes B & D in Europe anybody?

Polle Flaunoe - Posted - 05/13/2012:  01:15:36

I do - in a co-work with a german master luthier.

Polle

Bolle - Posted - 05/15/2012:  12:19:16

I see where the seller has dropped the price enormously on this banjo the last week from 3500 to 2150.

Its for sale on another site for 2300:-) 

What do you guys think?Is it still overpriced? Polle your the man here that would know Im guessing.

banjohangout.org/classified/28125

banjo-brands.com/banjo-100899-...nor-Banjo

Polle Flaunoe - Posted - 05/16/2012:  02:12:48

Yes - in spite of its recent and most likely very costly gold replating.

I have two identical Symphonie´s of my own in my workshop - they are semi-restored for now - I guess, that they´ll never become finished and sold - the costs for the remaining restorings and gold replatings are too heavy.

They would end at the same price level as my prewar B&D´s - however they would not come with a lifetime warranty and free services like these - I´ve given these benefits for another and mint Gretsch built Symphonie, that I sold some years ago - that´s why - it ended up being very costly - for me!

Besides - ALL of my buddies/customers will want one of my fantastic prewar B&D´s first of all.

Polle