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sgdesertrat1 - Posted - 01/09/2013: 14:59:21
I'm not in a place to buy a new banjo right now, but I'm always fantasizing about it. It seems to me that these are the ranges and the main options to consider in each range.
$500 or less : Deering Goodtime, Gold Tone CC, Recording King Madison
$500 - $1K : RK California, GT Bob Carlin models and WL-250, some smaller builders like White Mountain and Helix
$1K - $1.5K : Vega Little and OT Wonders, GT OT-series, Enoch Tradesman, Most Reiters, Wildwood Minstrel, Eastman White Laydie, lots of smaller builders including those mentioned earlier
$1.5k - $2k : Nechville Atlas, Deering (Eagle II, Boston, Sierra), Vega Senator, WW Troubador and Bubinga, Enoch Dobson, Most small builders
$2k - $3k : Most Omes, Vega #2, WW Heirloom, small builders with well established names that aren't trying to make bargain banjos (Chuck Lee, etc.)
$3k + : Ome and Deering both have some up here but mostly small custom builders.
So my questions would be
1) What am I missing that should be considered in any range?
2) What strikes you as the standouts? In other words, when looking at this list, which of these banjos make you say either, "Wow. That banjo is way nicer than others in that range." or "Wow, that banjo is way overpriced."
3) Where's the price point where it just stops making much sense to go any higher? For example at Elderly all of the Reiters fall in the $1k - $1.5K range. I suspect there are some Reiter fans out there who would probably say it never makes any sense to pay more than that, because you won't get a better banjo. I'm sure some Ome fans would disagree with them.
Helix - Posted - 01/09/2013: 15:35:06
I am privileged to even be mentioned. Past $1.5K , Tony Pass said to me, "then you start selling inlays."
I'm a big fan of OME and ODE before that.
I picked up an album of Mr. Reiter playing a vintage Vega or such. I play it in my shop.
In the wow category, I'd rather be the former than the latter. Best regards
sgdesertrat1 - Posted - 01/09/2013: 15:50:48
Helix,
You're listed because I think your banjos look pretty neat and when I get to the place where I'm looking to buy, you'll be one I consider. I was going to list your Jackrabbit in the $500 or less category, but it looks like you're not doing those anymore. I like the selling inlays comment. That should generate some discussion.
Edited by - sgdesertrat1 on 01/09/2013 15:52:00
J-Walk - Posted - 01/09/2013: 16:26:33
Without a doubt, the current best bargain in a no-frills open back is from Jason Mogi. His banjos are in your <$1,000 category. But they are comparable to banjos costing twice as much ( but you loose the fancy inlays, if that's important). But Jason is a real musician, not a full time maker. He sells them here in the classifieds.
Brooks Masten and Jason Burns will make you a damn good banjo at a fair price.
Forget Deering and other large scale factories. The small boutique banjo shops is where you get the good ones that hold their value. IMHO, of course.
pastorharry - Posted - 01/09/2013: 17:02:58
500.00 RK Madison
1K White Mountain
1.5K Reiter, Ramsey, Wildwood
3K Lee, Doc's, Romero,Cloverlick,Feilding, Galbreth,
5K Unger
I am hearing very good things about Jason Burns, Brooks Masten, and Lee Sproull .
P.S. If I could have any one make me one...Romero, hands down...(this week ;^)
Edited by - pastorharry on 01/09/2013 17:04:25
Helix - Posted - 01/10/2013: 01:58:15
I made 10 Jackrabbits, and used my social security to replace parts. The blond bamboo was discontinued, so I stopped and filled other orders, I now have two new boxes of amber bamboo, the price is negotiable but will be @ $777 with single ply flooring (50-year guarantee) and a bamboo neck.
The bamboo necks are a well kept secret, I have one Mango, one Koa, and another Jackrabbit changeout to a hardwood rim, where the bamboo neck has Jatoba (red) fretboard and abalone steamboat inlays.
There will be a pro model bamboo block for a tube banjo dimension, so bluegrass AND anything else can be heard. Looking at 7 pounds with the tone ring.
The other builders mentioned above are serious journeymen and masters and all of us are participating in an explosion of music and culture, we want you to have all the choices and options available, and by posting this thread, it helps thousands of other people. Thanks
erikforgod - Posted - 01/10/2013: 03:26:27
I would recommend you look into Pisgah Banjo Co of Fairview Valley NC and speak to Patrick Heavner. They have handmade open back banjos made using local tonewoods harvested right from the local NC mountains. They are a new business and 2012 was their first year and they have done remarkably well. They offer you your choice of Cherry, Maple, Walnut, Persimmon, Black Locust. Their choices of wood are somewhat original in my opinion in that they use Persimmon and Black Locust as fingerboards. They make either 11" or 12" rims, you can get a rolled brass tone-ring, Persimmon "woody" tone-ring, or a Dobson style tone ring. All their rims have end caps and they use No-Knot tailpieces and renaissance heads and the hardware is really good quality. The tuners are all plantary Gotoh tuners. Each banjo also comes with a 5 pointed quilted star inlay in the peghead. My banjo I just finished was U$S 1,100 and is a fretless model. Take a look and give them a shout...the price is right and its excellent quality:
pisgahbanjos.com/
Edited by - erikforgod on 01/10/2013 03:28:46
sgdesertrat1 - Posted - 01/10/2013: 08:22:03
These are great suggestions. I've poked around on the Brook's Banjos and the Pisgah site. These really look terrific. I have a question that relates to what price point does it stop making sense to go above. Pisgah and Reiter seem to be offering banjos with similar components at a price about $400 or so less than Brook's. Like I said, I like what I see on the Brook's site and he seems to be a real class act, having a listing of other banjo makers, so I'm not trying to be antagonistic, but for those who'd recommend his banjos, how would you justify the higher price?
Cornflake - Posted - 01/10/2013: 08:34:26
I would also investigate Cedar Mountain banjos in Brevard, NC. Their line starts at about $1250. Impeccable craftsmanship.
sgdesertrat1 - Posted - 01/10/2013: 08:50:15
Helix, I think that Mango Rim is the most beautiful rim I've ever seen.
erikforgod - Posted - 01/10/2013: 09:14:35
quote:
Originally posted by sgdesertrat1
These are great suggestions. I've poked around on the Brook's Banjos and the Pisgah site. These really look terrific. I have a question that relates to what price point does it stop making sense to go above. Pisgah and Reiter seem to be offering banjos with similar components at a price about $400 or so less than Brook's. Like I said, I like what I see on the Brook's site and he seems to be a real class act, having a listing of other banjo makers, so I'm not trying to be antagonistic, but for those who'd recommend his banjos, how would you justify the higher price?
I cant speak for Brooks so I dont know what kind of overhead he manages with his business or how he markets...other than his website and you-tube videos. I know the guys at Pisgah banjos use locally harvested woods so I would assume they dont have as many costs involved with regards to shipping or using imported wood...which can certainly drive up the cost of the instruments. Brooks shop is out on the west coast in Oregon so popular woods common to banjo construction such as Cherry, Maple, Walnut and other local hardwoods are not locally harvested and would more than likely have to be shipped in from east coast locations. Brooks banjos kind of have a vintage or unique flair in them and you can tell he has studied alot of the old designs and manufacturers of banjos made famous, like Dobson, Fairbanks, Vega etc... Quote me if I am wrong but I believe Brooks also produces his own hardware for his banjos in his shop. Every luthier has different expenses involved and has unique angles when looking at their costs, and how to market their banjos to have a strong ROI. The guys at Pisgah are a new "start-up" and this was their first year. Patrick mentioned on our group page that this start-up has been a dream of his for a long time. It would be interesting to know the marketing metrics behind specifically how Brooks, Pisgah, Reiter have come to the conclusion of the pricing for their individual instruments and models they offer.
Maybe I am wrong, I dont have my own business and I am not a luthier but I think U$S 1000 dollars including materials and labor should offer one an excellent professional banjo. I think beyond that its probably not necessary...
Edited by - erikforgod on 01/10/2013 09:20:41
stevel - Posted - 01/10/2013: 09:34:25
i'll second Jason Mogi in the sub $1,000 range. in fact, i just purchased #32 back in November, and it was $895 INCLUDING a hardshell case.
a lot of other excellent builders being mentioned, but I only have experince with a few, but all have been positive so far.
good luck.
picasaweb.google.com/115355090...4chlvrDRA
Edited by - stevel on 01/10/2013 09:35:42
sgdesertrat1 - Posted - 01/10/2013: 10:02:44
Yeah. Those Mogis are lovely. It seems that he doesn't make very many though and you kind of just have to watch for one to become available.
stevel - Posted - 01/10/2013: 10:22:54
Jason is a member here... you could always shoot him a PM to inquire about a custom build or just to pick his brain.
Paul R - Posted - 01/10/2013: 11:21:39
Any idea of the price ranges on Rickard banjos - finished or kits? He also makes hardware for some of the custom builders. Also, check out Doc's and, for innovative custom work, BHO member Dan Knowles.
I played the WL tone ring Gold Tones (WL 250, MM 150), and they sounded really good.
pastorharry - Posted - 01/10/2013: 15:35:49
Helix,did you make that dulcimer? It's beautiful.
pastorharry - Posted - 01/10/2013: 15:38:08
quote:
Originally posted by Paul R
Any idea of the price ranges on Rickard banjos - finished or kits? He also makes hardware for some of the custom builders. Also, check out Doc's and, for innovative custom work, BHO member Dan Knowles.
I played the WL tone ring Gold Tones (WL 250, MM 150), and they sounded really good.
Ah yes, how could I have forgotten Dan Knowles, the man who made the greatest open back I've ever played,David Emery's "Sherry Lynn" all ebony banjo!!
erikforgod - Posted - 01/10/2013: 16:33:58
quote:
Originally posted by stevel
i'll second Jason Mogi in the sub $1,000 range. in fact, i just purchased #32 back in November, and it was $895 INCLUDING a hardshell case.
a lot of other excellent builders being mentioned, but I only have experince with a few, but all have been positive so far.
good luck.
picasaweb.google.com/115355090...4chlvrDRA
Reminds me a bit of Kevin Enochs work....nice looking banjos
jbalch - Posted - 01/10/2013: 18:11:03
I've not played a Mogi banjo. The photos do look great for the $$.
One name that has not been mentioned is Wayne Sagmoen sagmoenbanjos.com/ . Wayne is a master builder (he makes parts including necks for Nechville Banjos). The banjos he sells under his own name are high-value and low cost. I have the first one he sold with a Dobson tone ring. It is a great banjo that I carry for travel. Photos of my Sagmoen banjo are here: banjohangout.org/myhangout/pho...umid=4221. Sound samples are linked below.
Otherwise, I am a BIG fan of Bart Reiter's banjos. The banjos I use for recording and performing are all by Bart Reiter. In my 40+ years of playing, I've traded more banjos than most music stores. I've bought, sold, owned, traded, set-up and played LOTs of fine instruments (old and new). In my experience, it is very hard to find a better banjo for the $$ than a Reiter. There are many sound samples on my Reiter banjos on my BHO home page and CDs.
The things I like about Bart's banjos are the shape and feel of the neck (works for me), the quality of the rims and hardware (all standard pro-grade and very serviceable). Like any instrument, they require set-up and personalization. But Reiter banjos respond very well to a range of set-up choices. I've seen Reiter banjos that were poorly set-up and did not sound good. But I've never seen one that I could not adjust to sound great (to my ear).
To your initial point...you can spend a LOT more on decoration, design, style, hand-work, brand-name, and exotic wood. All of those things add some pleasure to the experience of owing a banjo. Also, an advanced player or professional performer can justify spending whatever the cost to customize an instrument to his/her very specific needs. Sometimes that enables artistic expression that might not be otherwise possible. NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT (I've done it). But those situations are rare and there is definitely a law of diminishing return - you don't have to spend a lot of money to get a great sounding, reliable, professional quality instrument.
There are MANY GREAT BUILDERS working today. It is a buyers' market and the variety has never been better . This IS THE GOLDEN AGE of open back banjos...here and now! Enjoy!
Edited by - jbalch on 01/10/2013 18:24:51
DEmery - Posted - 01/10/2013: 18:15:25
Pastor Harry...do you mean this Sherry Lynne? Ole" Dan Knowles makes quite a banjo. Look forward to April when I pick up the slot head he is building. David E.
jbalch - Posted - 01/10/2013: 18:50:18
David:
That is an example if an AWESOME custom instrument that is well-worth what it cost (probably more than what Dan charged you for it). You have a well-chosen collection of such instruments. I know (because I enjoy a front row seat on the process) that a LOT of thought and purpose is involved in each project. Those kind of choices are made after decades of playing and with finely-tuned expectations of what you want from each instrument.
If you are going to spend the $$ for a premium custom instrument - you should do so with purpose. Otherwise you are just paying for decoration....
pastorharry - Posted - 01/10/2013: 23:31:32
Pastor Harry...do you mean this Sherry Lynne? Ole" Dan Knowles makes quite a banjo.
The very same David,BTW; 1000 pardons for omitting the "e"in Lynne.
erikforgod - Posted - 01/11/2013: 02:31:28
quote:
Originally posted by jbalch
I've not played a Mogi banjo. The photos do look great for the $$.
One name that has not been mentioned is Wayne Sagmoen sagmoenbanjos.com/ . Wayne is a master builder (he makes parts including necks for Nechville Banjos). The banjos he sells under his own name are high-value and low cost. I have the first one he sold with a Dobson tone ring. It is a great banjo that I carry for travel. Photos of my Sagmoen banjo are here: banjohangout.org/myhangout/pho...umid=4221. Sound samples are linked below.
Otherwise, I am a BIG fan of Bart Reiter's banjos. The banjos I use for recording and performing are all by Bart Reiter. In my 40+ years of playing, I've traded more banjos than most music stores. I've bought, sold, owned, traded, set-up and played LOTs of fine instruments (old and new). In my experience, it is very hard to find a better banjo for the $$ than a Reiter. There are many sound samples on my Reiter banjos on my BHO home page and CDs.
The things I like about Bart's banjos are the shape and feel of the neck (works for me), the quality of the rims and hardware (all standard pro-grade and very serviceable). Like any instrument, they require set-up and personalization. But Reiter banjos respond very well to a range of set-up choices. I've seen Reiter banjos that were poorly set-up and did not sound good. But I've never seen one that I could not adjust to sound great (to my ear).
To your initial point...you can spend a LOT more on decoration, design, style, hand-work, brand-name, and exotic wood. All of those things add some pleasure to the experience of owing a banjo. Also, an advanced player or professional performer can justify spending whatever the cost to customize an instrument to his/her very specific needs. Sometimes that enables artistic expression that might not be otherwise possible. NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT (I've done it). But those situations are rare and there is definitely a law of diminishing return - you don't have to spend a lot of money to get a great sounding, reliable, professional quality instrument.
There are MANY GREAT BUILDERS working today. It is a buyers' market and the variety has never been better . This IS THE GOLDEN AGE of open back banjos...here and now! Enjoy!
I agree...doesnt it seem as if the open-back banjo is enjoying a sort of renaissance period of revival? John you always have great insight into banjos and builders, have you taken a peek at the banjos that the guys from Pisgah Banjo Co in NC are building? They are two young luthiers...a start-up, 2012 was their first year....be interested to hear your take from what you can see without playing one.
They built my first custom banjo, a fretless that you see in my post above, also my avatar is the peghead of the banjo....they use all local woods...Persimmon is the fingerboard on mine. I commissioned them to build their first prototype "Dobson heel" banjo and this year they are going to start offering it as an option. They marketing model is basic models with standard custom upgrades but using locally harvested wood from the NC mountains, hence their marketing motto "Pick Local, Pick Pisgah"
pisgahbanjos.com/
Edited by - erikforgod on 01/11/2013 02:44:31
sgdesertrat1 - Posted - 01/11/2013: 08:47:21
Thank you everyone for your responses. It's good to be able to pick the brains of people so much more knowledgeable than I am on this. To give a bit more background on why I asked these questions, I was given a Korean made Iida resonator banjo ten years ago and it's been my only banjo ever since. I love playing my banjo and deeply appreciate my wife having bought it for me, but I do dream of upgrading. I live in southern Utah which is a real banjo desert (It's an actual desert as well). My banjo is the only banjo I've spent any substantial time playing, so I really lack knowledge as to what's good. When I finally do get around to upgrading, I'll almost certainly be ordering online without having the opportunity to actually sit and play before I buy, so I appreciate the insight y'all can provide. My take away so far has been that if I'm looking in the ~$500 range that I'd need to go with one of the big builders and there are some decent options there, but it probably wouldn't make much sense to spend the money as I already have a banjo that I enjoy playing in that neighborhood. As I approach $1000, I begin to have options with some of the more budget minded smaller builders and I should look there. For ~$1500, I can get a professional quality banjo from a boutique builder and it wouldn't make any sense for me to go higher than that unless I'm really looking for something very specific in which case I need to pay whatever it takes to get that. In any case starting somewhere around the $800-$900 range, most of you would avoid the big builders. Is that a fair take away?
Edited by - sgdesertrat1 on 01/11/2013 08:58:09
Montanarick - Posted - 01/11/2013: 09:41:14
quote:I think you've got it.....the only thing I caution you on is when people lump Deering in with the "Big Builders" like it's a negative thing. In my opinion they make beautiful banjos. I've owned three and currently have a Vega Little Wonder and a Vega Senator......they are both amazing banjos. I've also owned an Enoch Tradesman and a Bart Reiter Round Peak and I can't speak highly enough about them....both wonderful banjos. Good Luck
Originally posted by sgdesertrat1
Thank you everyone for your responses. It's good to be able to pick the brains of people so much more knowledgeable than I am on this. To give a bit more background on why I asked these questions, I was given a Korean made Iida resonator banjo ten years ago and it's been my only banjo ever since. I love playing my banjo and deeply appreciate my wife having bought it for me, but I do dream of upgrading. I live in southern Utah which is a real banjo desert (It's an actual desert as well). My banjo is the only banjo I've spent any substantial time playing, so I really lack knowledge as to what's good. When I finally do get around to upgrading, I'll almost certainly be ordering online without having the opportunity to actually sit and play before I buy, so I appreciate the insight y'all can provide. My take away so far has been that if I'm looking in the ~$500 range that I'd need to go with one of the big builders and there are some decent options there, but it probably wouldn't make much sense to spend the money as I already have a banjo that I enjoy playing in that neighborhood. As I approach $1000, I begin to have options with some of the more budget minded smaller builders and I should look there. For ~$1500, I can get a professional quality banjo from a boutique builder and it wouldn't make any sense for me to go higher than that unless I'm really looking for something very specific in which case I need to pay whatever it takes to get that. In any case starting somewhere around the $800-$900 range, most of you would avoid the big builders. Is that a fair take away?
Cornflake - Posted - 01/11/2013: 10:07:25
I've played clawhammer for a few years. I'm a bluegrasser trying to get the hang of clawhammer. Compared with bluegrass, the diversity of tone desired in clawhammer seems very, very wide. Some of the clawhammer sound files on BHO and YouTube--most played by capable banjoists-- make me cringe; others sound like the music of the angels. My takeaway is: What one banjoist thinks is a great instrument (and set-up) can be very different from others' tastes. So...listen to lots of sound files (including Zepp's) before making your decision. It'll be a crapshoot when you buy, but that's life, especially when you live in remote places.
blockader - Posted - 01/11/2013: 10:39:24
I disagree that over a certain amount is just buying inlay. My romero is the best banjo FOR ME that i have ever seen, heard, or played and doesn't have expensive inlay at all. It has the exact features i wanted AND the quality and sound jason romero is known for. But you cant get that for $1500. That being said, there are tons of new and used banjos for $1500 that are great unto themselves. And i love jason mogi's banjos, he is in fact about to build me a half fretless as soon as i get paid for my Ome. You don't have to wait for one of his to come up for sale at all, just email him and he will give you lots of info and build to your specs.
jbalch - Posted - 01/11/2013: 10:48:38
ericforgod: I have not had the chance to see one of those Pisgah banjos. But I've been watching their ebaY activity. They look great for the money! Maybe I'll get a chance to play one one day soon.
Best wishes!
jbalch - Posted - 01/11/2013: 10:57:54
quote:
Originally posted by blockader
I disagree that over a certain amount is just buying inlay. My romero is the best banjo FOR ME that i have ever seen, heard, or played and doesn't have expensive inlay at all. It has the exact features i wanted AND the quality and sound jason romero is known for. But you cant get that for $1500. That being said, there are tons of new and used banjos for $1500 that are great unto themselves. And i love jason mogi's banjos, he is in fact about to build me a half fretless as soon as i get paid for my Ome. You don't have to wait for one of his to come up for sale at all, just email him and he will give you lots of info and build to your specs.
I certainly don't mean do disparage the work of GREAT builders like Jason Romero, Dan Knowles, Jason Burns .... and others. These are some of the BEST banjos of all time. Custom builders like that do amazing work. I am blown away by David Emery's Romero banjos, his Knowles custom banjos, Lee Sproull, and his new Jason Burns Dobson. They are every one worth the cost for folks who need (or just want) to own something very special.
My point is that many players (most-in fact) don't need the customization, hand-made hardware, exotic woods, carving (and yes sometimes expensive inlay) that these folks offer.
No one should feel that it is necessary to spend that kind of money to get a totally playable and great sounding pro-grade banjo. It simply is not.
Edited by - jbalch on 01/11/2013 10:59:47
hweinberg - Posted - 01/11/2013: 14:45:39
I teach business school students and working managers that there are 3 kinds of value that people will pay for: FUNCTIONAL VALUE -- does it do the job that you want it to do? For our instruments I think that includes all aspects of the sound and playability. SOCIAL VALUE -- what do other people think of us for having purchased the product. Pulling out your minty 1909 Tubaphone #7, Romero custom, Enoch Tradesman, Deering Goodtime or whatever will create certain impressions about you with other folks. EMOTIONAL VALUE -- how do you feel about having purchased the product regardless of what other people think of you, etc. That could include the pleasure of holding beautiful inlays and woods. Anyway, that's what I tell 'em and I'm sticking to it. -- Howard
DEmery - Posted - 01/11/2013: 16:19:53
John I totally agree with your observations. I feel fortunate to own banjos from some of the custom builders that are known for their special work; but I played a Bart Reiter model owned by Fred Marsh that sounds super and has focus that many banjos of any price do not have. There are some builders that simply have quality, style, and price dialed in and those banjos can be taken on any stage professionally...as you know. That is what I see as being so cool today. There are many options, designs, voices, and price points that any player can enjoy. David E.
mikehalloran - Posted - 01/11/2013: 18:54:50
The fact is that you have a lot of choices. Period. You are unlikely to be disappointed with any of the suggestions as long as you know what you were getting.
Nearly 4 years ago, I was very near pulling the trigger on a custom built OME Bright Angel long neck at nearly $6K - and I thought it worth every penny. I consider my Vega PS-5, ODE Muse and Reiter-Phone (Vegaphone conversion done in the '90s by Bart) to be exactly what I wanted when I bought them.
The more banjos you play, the more you will know what you want.
erikforgod - Posted - 01/12/2013: 11:20:33
quote:
Originally posted by jbalch
ericforgod: I have not had the chance to see one of those Pisgah banjos. But I've been watching their ebaY activity. They look great for the money! Maybe I'll get a chance to play one one day soon.
Best wishes!
John I hope you get the chance to play one also....they really are building great banjos!
Joe the banjo guy - Posted - 01/12/2013: 11:35:03
I got my Ramsey Student for considerably less than $1000 with a good hard shell case.
Dogfeathers - Posted - 01/13/2013: 12:32:19
I have to concur with several other posters with a Jason Mogi made banjo. I got mine right from Jason about 7-8 months ago. He posted it for sale on the BHO for $1100 and got no takers so he posted it on EBay and I ran across it just by chance. The then current price was very reasonable and knew it would not go for that price but I bid it up a bit more on the off chance that it may go at a low price. The next morning I got a email from EBay stating that I won that great banjo (#29) for $660.00 Plus shipping with a great hard shell case too. I am extremely happy with that banjo. Excellent condition, looks and sounds terrific. Fine build quality and it had all "the right stuff"that I like in a OT banjo. Nice shaped neck, 12" pot, rolled brass tone ring, good tuners and attractive woods, set up and was ready to go right out of the box. Unbelievable that I could get such a nice American made banjo delivered to my door for just over $700. Beats any import at anywhere near (and way above) the price IMHO.
Dogfeathers
The Old Timer - Posted - 01/13/2013: 18:05:01
Will Fielding in Vermont makes wonderful banjos that as far as I can remember are $2000 to $3000, maybe more.
You shouldn't ignore vintage VEGAs and Fairbanks and Bacons from 1890 to 1970, which you can get in ANY of the price ranges from $500 up to $10,000.
In general, I think in any new or used banjo you have to exceed $1000 or $1500 to get the "heavy metal" -- big heavy brass tone rings like Electrics, Whyte Laydies, Tu Ba Phones, Bacons, etc. and bracket bands. What you get for that is VOLUME. Above that the added cost is for mostly visual distinction, or historic/rarity value.
maryzcox - Posted - 01/13/2013: 19:53:23
Chris Jenkins of Lame Horse guitars makes a really fine open back banjo. Not sure exactly what they go for--maybe somewhere between $2000--$3000. extremely well crafted and sound great. What is really awesome is the woodworking on them. Lame Horse is a really awesome guitar builder whose guitars sell for in the $10,000 + range. The banjos seem to have this same quality for a fraction of the price. 
Also--got to say this--I like Deering banjos--the ones made in the custom shop in San Diego. An especially nice open back is the John Hartford 22 fret open back with the wooden tone ring. It is very lightweight, fingers and plays easily--has this wonderful tone. The inlay is not very fancy, but lovely anyway. Yes, its in the $5000 + range--but IMHO--worth it :)
I've never been sorry to have this banjo, and have noticed that when other banjoists play it, they start smiling and are always surprised at how much he/she enjoys playing it. 
Of course, there are many, many, wonderful banjos and banjo builders out there right now. It's definitely worthwhile to buy several of different kinds :)
I'm going to third that David Emery's "Sherrie Lynne" is one of the most unusual and best sounding banjos I've ever heard or played. Dan is an awesome builder
Best wishes,
Mary Z Cox
Edited by - maryzcox on 01/13/2013 19:55:38
sgdesertrat1 - Posted - 01/13/2013: 20:19:45
Wow. There is a lot of information and advice here. Thank you all so much. There are a lot of options. I wish I could sit down and play a lot of them. I have listened to the Shady Grove series from Zepp and will make sure to do so again before I ever buy a banjo. Oldtimer, I have always found myself drawn to the Electric/Whyte Laydie sound, so it does appear that would cost me extra, but I've also heard that they can be bad if you aren't as good, because your mistakes really ring out, so maybe I should avoid them. I also like the idea of looking at the vintage banjos especially because the best known banjo shop in Utah is Intermountain Guitar and Banjo which seems to specialize in those. I worry that I'd end up with a museum piece rather than a real workhorse and I don't want that, but maybe my concerns are misguided. After all, if the banjo has been around 100 years and is doing well that says something for its ability to stand up to some abuse.
Paul R - Posted - 01/14/2013: 10:03:00
quote:
Originally posted by sgdesertrat1
I also like the idea of looking at the vintage banjos. ... I worry that I'd end up with a museum piece rather than a real workhorse and I don't want that, but maybe my concerns are misguided. After all, if the banjo has been around 100 years and is doing well that says something for its ability to stand up to some abuse.
I play an Orpheum dating to about 1910 - just had it at the bluegrass jam on Thursday. All original except for bridge, head, and strings. It still seems to work fine after 100 years. I think you'll want to look at things like string spacing at the nut. Playability is in the hands of the player.
I like the WL sound, too. I never thouhgt about them making my mistakes ring out - maybe I should give up banjo altogether? They just have a clean, crisp, throaty sound that appeals to me. Check out John Balch's video of "Angeline the Baker" on the Dan Knowles "Sherry Lynne" ebony banjo. Superb sound!
banjered - Posted - 01/14/2013: 12:56:54
You do have to be careful with "vintages." At Elderly music right now they have a whole schlew of vintage banjos for several thousand dollars that still have friction pegs, no scoops, perhaps cracks in the wood or a twisted neck, etc. If you didn't know a lot about banjos you could end up with a museum piece that is not much of a player for YOU (maybe OK for someone else). I have an 1890 Stewart Student #2 bottom-feeder banjo that I bought last year for $200, put on Minstrel Nylguts, Gotoh tuners, and a new hide head and it is my favorite banjo for quiet plunking and singing. After 20+ years playing and getting more picky all the time, I have yet to pick up and play what to me is a perfect sounding, playing, and visually perfect banjo. If money and time were no object I'd start placing orderS with builders with my long list until I hit on one. Meanwhile back at the jam, my Tradesman is all the banjo that I probably need, just not all I want....Banjered
sgdesertrat1 - Posted - 01/16/2013: 09:09:01
So I was thinking more about this subject and I was watching John Balch's youtube channel and I noticed the banjo he plays Capshaw on. Can someone tell me what that is? Video is here
youtube.com/watch?v=wRqsLcrj7F...SCec2ZS-g
It's a beautiful banjo and sounds wonderful.
Quartermaster James - Posted - 01/18/2013: 11:46:18
quote:
Originally posted by sgdesertrat1
So I was thinking more about this subject and I was watching John Balch's youtube channel and I noticed the banjo he plays Capshaw on. Can someone tell me what that is? Video is here
youtube.com/watch?v=wRqsLcrj7F...SCec2ZS-g
It's a beautiful banjo and sounds wonderful.
I strongly suspect that is John's custom Bart Reiter A scale Grand Concert with internal resonator: banjohangout.org/myhangout/pho...umid=2876
Edited by - Quartermaster James on 01/18/2013 11:48:51
sgdesertrat1 - Posted - 01/18/2013: 11:56:47
Thank you Quartermaster. That looks like it.
