matt71 - Posted - 05/06/2014:  13:31:17

Greetings all.  Didn't see a newbie section, so here I post.

I just purchased an Epiphone MB200 for $269 at Musicians Friend.  It got great reviews for a starter, but seems a setup is mandatory. I have a good luthier close, so for $310 this baby should be ready to go.

Anybody have experience with this particular model, or Epiphones in general?  I know Gibson has a good reputation, but I've never had an Epiphone.  My only other options at this price range were a washburn and brands I've never heard of.

Also, if anyone could point me to where the newbie questions wouldbe asked, that would be great.

Ken Mooney - Posted - 05/06/2014:  14:52:13

I had one for about 2 years.It was really good . The only reason I traded it in  was that the neck at the top (nut) was too narrow.(Guess I have fatter fingertips) The only problem I saw someone point out was that it didn't stay in tune . Ha ! My very simple solution was to slightly tighten up the screws on the tuning keys . Never had a problem after and it always stayed in tune !!

. .

Fathand - Posted - 05/06/2014:  15:12:25

Tighten the head  and the strings are usually mounted underneath the tailpiece and need to be put on the right way.

The Old Timer - Posted - 05/06/2014:  15:19:27

Epiphone is a nearly 100 year old brand, started in NYC by a Greek fellow whose name I can't spell from memory. In mid century it was bought out by Gibson and Gibson made the banjos and guitars and mandolins but put the Epiphone name on them as a reduced price "cousin" of the various expensive Gibson models. I believe Gibson still owns the name. The instruments are now made in Asia by big generic musical instrument factories who make all kinds of different brand names.

Epiphones are generally pretty good instruments for the money, decent designs. They've been around long enough to have some sense of a reputation to protect. Epis aren't generally regarded as among the "crap" brands.

Any banjo needs set up. Even a Gibson. Don't be too over-awed about that. What's more important than fine points of set up is PLAY THE THING! Figure out how to tune up to standard pitch; to a piano, electronic tuner, keyboard, pitch pipe, whatever. Make sure your tuners don't "slip" (see above, tighten the little screws on the buttons).

The bridge has to be in the right spot. Any newbie can get "close enough for government work" by taking a tape and measuring from the nut (up by the tuners) to the 12th fret. Then measure that exact same distance from the 12th fret toward the tailpiece on the round pot. Mark that spot on the head with a pencil. That's where the front edge (pointing toward the peghead) of the bridge feet should go. You can move the bridge by slacking off the strings a big and pushing the bridge whichever way it needs to go toward that mark by putting a pencil up against it beneath the strings, so when you push on it you push evenly and don't break it in half. Be sure the middle (3rd) string is centered over the little inlay markers in the peghead -- this keeps the first and fifth strings from falling off over the edge of the fingerboard when you fret them. Make sure the bridge is standing up straight when you're done and you tune it back up. Frequently newbies get the bridge standing with a "lean" forward or back and all of a sudden in the middle of picking it falls down BANG!!!!!! Loosen your strings a little and stand it back up on the pencil marked spot. Remember to laugh.

That's enough to get started. PLAY IT!

You may discover rattles or buzzes after you play a while. Banjos are made of hardware, and most rattles/buzzes are loose nuts, bolts, screws, etc. Play it with one hand while you feel every hardware connection with the other hand until you find something loose that's buzzing. Invest in a little bitty adjustable wrench so if you find something loose you can tighten it "just enough" so it no longer rattles or buzzes.

KEEP PLAYING IT NO MATTER WHAT!

Your next expected challenge will be changing strings. Don't be afraid. You may decide to buy a different bridge just to see what happens. You'll know enough to do that.

There are tons of explanatory videos here on the BHO to help you tackle anything that might be needed. But don't obsess about adjustments. PLAY IT!

Have fun!

Old Hickory - Posted - 05/07/2014:  12:42:33

The short take-away from The Old-Timer's message is that the Epiphone could well be the exact same banjo (except for decoration and name) as some of the brands you never heard of.

Find another banjo with an identical looking aluminum pot, 30 tension hooks and a shallow resonator, and there's a good chance it's another version of the same banjo with a different name on it.   Gibson does still own the Epiphone name, but doesn't own the Chinese factory as far as I know, so I wouldn't say Gibson makes this banjo. Imports it is more apt.

What you have is commonly called a "bottle cap" banjo because that's what the pot looks like.

Good enough to learn on, especially if the string height -- "action" -- can be set low enough to make it easy to play but not so low that the strings buzz.  The rate at which you progress as a player will determine how long this banjo serves you.

Good luck and have fun.

pickinhoosier - Posted - 05/07/2014:  16:24:53

I bought a Epiphone MB 200 August of last year as my first banjo. I have played it every day since. It did need the set up the others have mentioned. I also chased a buzz around for a while and found it was the plastic nut. I had it replaced with a bone nut and that fixed the problem. Since then lowered the action by shimming the neck and replaced the 1/2" bridge with a 5/8" Gary Sosebee bridge. I also have been using GHS PF150 strings with the bronze wound 4th string and keep the head tightened. With these changes, the instrument has a loud but very mellow tone, not shrill at all. I have looked at and heard other makes of current bottle cap banjos and I think the Epiphoone is lot better made, has better hardware and sounds better. I think you made a good choice on a limited budget and hope you have as much fun as I have had. 

Klondike Waldo - Posted - 05/07/2014:  17:40:29

My main ( and now only ) banjo is an Epiphone MB 200, though somewhat hot-rodded.  The most radical modfiication  ( and totally reversible) I've made is to insert a wooden "Tone Ring" inside the aluminum rim. (See my blog archive on my  BHO homepage.)  Other than that, Replacing the head, adjusting the action and trying different bridges have made a difference. I'm currently using a Steve Davis Bridge.  It's good enough for me to enjoy playing and not annoy others and my wife really likes the sound of this banjo over others she's heard. so 'nuff said.