Bradskey - Posted - 05/30/2017:  13:35:18

I'm not a Deering customer, but I think they do a good thing making high quality musical instruments and I'm sure the market responds appropriately.  Goodtimes in particular fill a role for relatively frustration-free beginner instruments.  Others have competed in this space, with more attractive offerings a few times in my opinion, but the Goodtime has outlasted them.  As for Chinese instruments in general, as has been said they run the gamut on quality and value based on what the brands and distributors want to sell.  A (very) few of them however can stand up to almost any professional banjo in quality of materials and tone.

One area that Chinese instrument manufacture continues to be really weak on I think is fret work.  Chinese built instrument frets are too often rough around the edges (literally).  It is at best inconsistent, and I tend to just expect less than perfect fret ends on a Chinese instrument.  It can be addressed of course, but to me smooth and flawless fret work is a typical mark of quality on a high end American made instrument that one doesn't consistently get elsewhere.

Edited by - Bradskey on 05/30/2017 13:36:10

Janet Deering - Posted - 05/30/2017:  16:24:35

We do put a truss rod into the Goodtime Six string banjos that have the steel strings because when you put on guitar strings the weight of the strings is much greater than banjo strings and in this case the truss rod is imperative.  It is the fact that you have much lighter strings on a banjo that is a part of the secret of the Goodtime banjos.  

desert rose - Posted - 05/30/2017:  17:54:53

Deering has proven it deserves its rank as the top banjo builder. And the Goodtime fits a nitche in the market.

Asians are a HUGE threat of course, they have the ability and if they focus on a product or target to compete with they can dominate, and they can deliver QUALITY.

Being number one paints a target on you. You will remain number one by innovation and improving. You will NOT remain number one by spreading untruths or trying to diminish the competition. The BS about lag bolts pulling out is an example of what NOT do. Sit down and try and make your product better, thats what the competition is doing I PROMISE

Best wishes

Scott

Tim Mullins - Posted - 05/30/2017:  19:59:33

I have a Recording King RK-36 that compares favorably to banjos costing many times its price in sound, playability and appearance.

h - Posted - 05/30/2017:  20:42:16

  I have a Goodtime 2 Classic  that is a good USA made banjo for the price.  I've had no trouble with it for 9 years.

  I have a Gold Tone OB-250 that I got at a huge discount thru Amazon.  It is a great Chinese made banjo for the money and I've had no trouble with it for almost 7 years.

   I have a late model Gibson that cost more used than the other two (new) banjos combined.  It has no major problems but a number of little adjustments and tweaks were necessary.  it takes more maintenance than the Goodtime or the Gold Tone. On a per dollar basis, the Gibson is less of a bargain than the other 2.  But so what? The sound is to die for.  If I could only rescue one banjo from a house fire it would be the Gibson no contest.   It's my treasure.

  The Gold Tone is my work horse. I've used it for over 20 paying gigs.  The Goodtime is my beach/campground/knockaround/alternate tuning banjo.  Each banjo serves a different purpose and I would miss it if I lost it.  Keep that in mind whenever we talk about good value in a banjo.

rcc56 - Posted - 05/30/2017:  22:25:25

I'm just a small timer in the music business, and my career is winding down.  While a made a successful living as a performer for many years at the local level and I have a handful of students who think kindly of me, my existence will probably not have any lasting impact on the music world except perhaps for those people who enjoyed my music or thought well of me as a teacher.  But there are many small-timers in this world like me, and some people come to us for advice and respect what we have to say. 

I am going to find it difficult to recommend Deering products after this thread because of false and misleading statements made by Ms. Deering, even though they have made some good instruments. 

My feelings alone are not going to have an appreciable effect on their sales.  But if there are other small-timers in other places who share my feelings; and if you add together the sum of our influence on those who come to us for advice, it is not going to help the Deering company.

Edited by - rcc56 on 05/30/2017 22:26:36

AndrewD - Posted - 05/31/2017:  04:47:07

quote:

---

Originally posted by Janet Deering

 

We do put a truss rod into the Goodtime Six string banjos that have the steel strings because when you put on guitar strings the weight of the strings is much greater than banjo strings and in this case the truss rod is imperative.  It is the fact that you have much lighter strings on a banjo that is a part of the secret of the Goodtime banjos.  

---

From the Goodtime maintenance manual:

"We recommend using only light gauge strings on your Goodtime banjo to prevent undue stress on your neck."

I wouldn't expect to see this recommendation on a banjo with a truss rod. I wonder what would happen if you sent a Goodtime with a bowed or otherwise failed neck back to Deering under guarantee with medium strings on it ? 

I must admit I use mediums on my Goodtime Parlor with no (so far) Ill effects.

spini - Posted - 05/31/2017:  15:00:44

I see once again we are targeting Deering, not sure if its their own fault or emotions of others. But I will add, I have been playing many different banjos this last year looking for my retirement gift. I have played probably a dozen higher end banjos. IMO (you know what they say about opinions) there are no banjos being made today that even come close in all around quality than the Deerings and Stellings. When I have played those brands I could just feel something (hard to explain), nothing has come close! Yates, would be the third one on my list. I have a "No Truss Rod" regular Goodtime, and I love it!!!! I also have a Maple Blossom and its in its own world of greatness. I imagine I will have a Golden Wreath or Tenbrooks soon.

I do agree Deering has a big target on there back, as much as I appreciate Janet getting on here, if I was them I would just say nothing at all. Not worth the headache, let your product do the talking. There is always someone on here waiting to start something.

Paulf - Posted - 05/31/2017:  15:56:28

quote:

---

Originally posted by spini

 

I see once again we are targeting Deering, not sure if its their own fault or emotions of others. But I will add, I have been playing many different banjos this last year looking for my retirement gift. I have played probably a dozen higher end banjos. IMO (you know what they say about opinions) there are no banjos being made today that even come close in all around quality than the Deerings and Stellings. When I have played those brands I could just feel something (hard to explain), nothing has come close! Yates, would be the third one on my list. I have a "No Truss Rod" regular Goodtime, and I love it!!!! I also have a Maple Blossom and its in its own world of greatness. I imagine I will have a Golden Wreath or Tenbrooks soon.

I do agree Deering has a big target on there back, as much as I appreciate Janet getting on here, if I was them I would just say nothing at all. Not worth the headache, let your product do the talking. There is always someone on here waiting to start something.

---

I don't know if it is targeting but I feel they may have lost a little respect with some members with the 'Smile' bridge drama that happened a while ago.    

Bill Rogers - Posted - 05/31/2017:  21:19:48

Bob Smakula noted: "an instrument shaped object".  Good one Bob.

Coeian - Posted - 06/01/2017:  12:22:34

spini ,you say no banjos come close to a deering or stelling ,you must have never seen a dp hopkins or prucha  or ome banjos .

Helix - Posted - 06/01/2017:  15:36:04

This has turned into an interesting thread. I went and hung my banjo up on the hooks and the WHOLE DANG BARN fell down, now there's no place to hang it , I wear it all the time.

Again, there are enough young people on this forum, and real graduates of Roberto Venn to get together a neck makers, rim makers, builders group who could work cooperatively without the big ego of MONO.

We have plurality, and if some young people got together and shared income, they could afford to support their families without hype.


I would love to hear the story of Leo Fender after the war finding all those Paramount workers, and what he paid them to get going again, and how old they were. I'll fix you guys lunch every day.

Somebody have the sense and good manners to invite Mrs. Deering to take some banjo lessons and jump in there,

spini - Posted - 06/01/2017:  19:14:55

quote:

---

Originally posted by loulouhog

 

spini ,you say no banjos come close to a deering or stelling ,you must have never seen a dp hopkins or prucha  or ome banjos .

---

No I said it was my opinion. I have not played every banjo ever made, I have played an OME though. It was very nice but just didn't do it for me. Again, it is just my opinion based on limited experience. Its ok to disagree, I respect that.

lazyarcher - Posted - 06/02/2017:  09:03:34

quote:

---

Originally posted by Janet Deering

 

 

While it isn't easy competing with the Asian banjos that look good to the eyes of the novice, we put our focus on our quality of sound, great playability and lasting durability to provide the best value in each Goodtime, Vega, Tenbrooks, and Deering banjo that we make. 

---

As a sponsored artist with Recording King, I feel I have to briefly throw my hat into the discussion.

First, I have a great deal of respect for Deering banjos. The few I have played all seemed to be of very high quality.

However, I believe you have to be very careful with statements like the above one in respect to offshore instruments. You simply CANNOT paint all Asian instruments with the same brush....just as you cannot do the same with all USA instruments.

There are some import instruments that are all show and no go...we all know who and what they are. You can't compare these with the banjos from Recording King. RK banjos are IMHO setting the bar for sound, playability, quality and durability.  Just check with the professional musicians that are using RK banjos everyday on stage and in the studio. As far as using bling to attract the novice player, RK banjos are very understated in appearance, choosing to concentrate on the  sound, playability, quality and durability that we've been talking about. The RK 35/36 are prime examples. As has been advertised over and over, most RK banjos from the bottom up share the same parts as their high end models. Many USA based builders have been using the RK parts due to their superior manufacturing and design.

I'm a Canadian, so to me, almost ALL banjos are imports. Instruments made in the USA are excellent, but are not the be all in the market.

Edited by - lazyarcher on 06/02/2017 09:05:00

kmjackel - Posted - 06/02/2017:  20:04:28

I hope not to offend. anyone. I listened to many people and their advice , I even called Deering. I was trying to find a banjo that I could learn on and keep for awhile , one that sounded good and best quality possible. I ended up purchasing a RK 36 because it is not just for beginning an is priced very well. I don't have a great deal of money to trade up/in . I wanted something that looked nice also . The question I have is , how much more would It cost to put a nicer finish or truss rods to be competitive . Are most banjos not machined any more ? I assume that we can all change for the better ? I don't just want to settle , I want to THRIVE and live life to the fullest .  I don't want to spend more time away from home and the ones I love for the dollar if I don't have to .  I hope to spend that time on the FRONT PORCH PICKEN ! 

Janet Deering - Posted - 06/06/2017:  16:03:30

What is important is that each person finds the banjo that speaks to them and that they enjoy playing it and making others happy through the magic of music.

Tractor1 - Posted - 06/06/2017:  16:54:38

For my own thought process I would like to see neutral comparisons of factory conditions such as waste disposal,employee wages and hours worked .I don't fault anyone for buying Chinese It is here to stay ,but I would like to see that side of the story,instead of guessing.It would be interesting to have some candid cameras on those cargo ships total route also.

This is something I would like to see for my own pondering ,Being a construction guy I have been polluting ,killing trees,and putting mountains of garbage in landfills all my life,so i ain't pretending innocent.

desert rose - Posted - 06/06/2017:  18:39:47

Tom

Ive written on EXACTLY what you ask a number of times, Ive even been asked to write articles on this subject for magzines, since Ive visited, worked at many many of the string musical instrument factories in China

If you have questions feel free to contact me

Scott

Tractor1 - Posted - 06/06/2017:  19:08:52

from your bio I am honored by your offer Scottt..Just curious how they live and work not only in the music instrument world ,but kind of a general view  of their conditions .They are no doubt tickled to death to get the jobs.

I remember your wife made some beautiful inlays ,that you posted once.

desert rose - Posted - 06/06/2017:  19:18:07

Hi Tom

Maybe its a good time to repost some of my experiences here. I want to put a little effort into it, so give me a day or so and Ill post here.

Yes my wife has done some amazing inlay designs, eve Andy DePaule is selling here maple leaf designs!

Scott

910banjo1 - Posted - 06/07/2017:  06:02:52

I like to buy "stuff" made in the US - if I can. Banjos included. However, after I sold the last US-made high-end banjo, I felt compelled to try an RK-35. I found a used one at a very attractive price in great shape. The original owner hadn't really set it up or changed anything, so I disassembled it to make sure the rim/ring fit was good, slightly adjusted the neck, replaced the bridge, etc. And folks, it has turned out to be a fine sounding banjo. I played in a mic at a church this past Sunday and I thought it sounded great. I simply can't find anything wrong with it. The neck feels great with the satin finish, the fit-n-finish is really good. No, it's not a Huber or Yates, and I truly respect those guys for the outstanding banjos they make, but the bottom line is for the money the RK-35 (made in China) is a steal, and all the banjo that most of us would ever need. The Chinese can obviously make quality items. It seems they make what the customer/distributor wants, as was mentioned previously.

desert rose - Posted - 06/08/2017:  04:10:32

In answer to Toms good questions and Im sure others curiosity, Ill post some of my experiences in China. As many here know Ive done extensive consulting work in Chinese instrument factories, starting in 2000 ( as well as Japanese and Korean of course ). I have scaled it down because by 2007 I was spending 8 weeks a year working there. It was impacting my own building, so now I choose my clients critically.

First Id like to stress that the Chinese have about 5000 years of amazing craftsmanship experience and since their country was closed for a few generations due to politics they are chomping at the bit to show the world what they can do. When motivated workers are lucky enough to work for motivated owners, they can do anything.

Secondly the Chinese people AND leaders are very aware of the problems and negative points about their country. They are seriously dedicated to fixing things like the pollution, corruption etc. Ive had dinner multiple times discussing very delicate political issues and gotten straight no bs answers. And found out I was talking with elite PARTY leaders. Its funny as soon as I took the lead and bashed something about America, their guard came down and they did the same about their country.

Third, while there is definitely still a problem with worker abuse, ( just watch the news this week, and our first families Chinese sourcing ). In many industries its already very ancient history. Thankfully musical instruments is one of these. All it takes is the foreign customer to DEMAND the local workers get treated good.

Some random comments about work.

Wages, you hear endless horror stories about slave wages. When I started working there in 2000 the average factory worker got about 5 bucks a day. EASY to fly off the handle, right… well no. You MUST put THEIR economy in the equation, the buying power of their money. Here is what describes the reality. One time when I was in Shenzhen in Guangzhou I asked the manager of the factory I was working at about housing costs ( a universally used figure to compare economies ) There was a new housing track by the factory. Solid concrete block construction homes ( Not cheap 2 x 4 ) with granite kitchen and bath counters, stainless accessories, something your wife would love to live in. Two bedroom home COMPLETE  $ 5500.00 !!!!! Calculate that everything in the economy scales to that and $5 bucks a day is not out of line.

Now what is factory life like?

ALL factories MUST supply dorm living for their workers, workers demand it as they all come from far away. Also included are three meals a day. And as Ive commented before the food is DAMN GOOD. I insist on eating breakfast and lunch with the workers its so good. Also included is health insurance, many places have profit sharing, lunch is 1 1/2 hours! every day. Overtime is just like it was when I worked as an hourly worker in America, when shipping deadlines come close you might have to work some overtime ( paid over time ). So for 5 bucks a day you get free food and a place to live also. Married workers have private dorm facilities. Most places had free day care, and I was at one factory that had free barber and beauty shop!

As far as worker safety, my personal experience is that Japan is  worse, as is Korea.

Ive worked in and visited factories from Guangzhou and Shenzhen in the south to Tianjin and Dalian in the north, and everywhere in between,

 worked doing engineering, quality control, and most all aspects of building electric guitars, electric basses, acoustic guitars, mandolins, and banjos. At one time we owned a music store in Shanghai

Just cracking the window open a bit

Scott

Edited by - desert rose on 06/08/2017 04:24:49

Brett - Posted - 06/08/2017:  05:56:54

I know this is totally off thread, but those who haven't tried the upper end Blueridge guitars have missed a treat.  I'm up to 3 now, a J200 type guitar (my favorite), a slope shouldered J-45 type in rosewood, and a Carter Stanley model.  KILLER guitars.  I've owned about a dozen Martins in my life (all d models) including 2 brazilian D-28s, and I can tell you these are chinese guitars that rival ANY if not exceed.  My poor HD-28 and hand made '66 Grammer never leave their cases due to the Blueridge kicking their tails.  Ok, back to the thread and apologize for my glowing appraisal of Blueridges (SAGA).  Brett.

desert rose - Posted - 06/08/2017:  06:24:47

Thats made by Farida in Shenzhen, the pure proof of dedicated workers and aspiring craftsman and women with determined management. That factory scares the living heck out of Chris Martin

Scott

FlyinEagle - Posted - 06/08/2017:  06:27:11

....

Just cracking the window open a bit

 

Scott

 

---

Scott,

Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences.

I was wondering what kind of power, if any, does the client, i.e, Fender or The Music Link, have to influence the factory conditions if you saw something you did not like on a visit?  Also, how long is a typical work day?

Your posts in archived threads here factored heavily into my decision to buy my RK-75.  I did consider the place of manufacture in my decision, but I just could not afford to pass up the value offered in that banjo, and it has exceeded my expectations in every way!  I am proud of that instrument, and I certainly like to think that the workers who assembled it have pride in what they do and are treated well.

desert rose - Posted - 06/08/2017:  06:45:23

When a customer with DEEP pockets walks into a Chinese factory, they dictate EVERYTHING. I have personally witnessed reps from these deep pocket brands spell it out in black and white. ZERO tollerance for worker abuse or treatment, safety equipment installed and used, spray booths up to par and vaccum systems used. The music business is small, they will not stand for their name being associated with something negative. Fender is the MOST severe

Average work day is about 9 1/2 hours to 10 hours, remember  subtract 1 1/2 hours for lunch. Just like American factories you might have some guy or girl who wants the overtime to afford to buy something, get married, afford a trip and the dept heads will go for that, so while the factory might be a ghost town by 6 or 6.30 you will see individuals milking the clock 

As many here might remember I was the engineer who set up the Recording king Chinese factory, both acoustic guitars then banjos. I will always remember the first time. The owner of Music Link opened the door, waved he thru and said " Scott, This is all yours, do what ever you want, you are in charge" A BRAND NEW acoustic instrument factory. Talk about on cloud nine

Scott

FlyinEagle - Posted - 06/08/2017:  07:22:17

quote:

---

Originally posted by desert rose

 

When a customer with DEEP pockets walks into a Chinese factory, they dictate EVERYTHING. I have personally witnessed reps from these deep pocket brands spell it out in black and white. ZERO tollerance for worker abuse or treatment, safety equipment installed and used, spray booths up to par and vaccum systems used. The music business is small, they will not stand for their name being associated with something negative. Fender is the MOST severe

Average work day is about 9 1/2 hours to 10 hours, remember  subtract 1 1/2 hours for lunch. Just like American factories you might have some guy or girl who wants the overtime to afford to buy something, get married, afford a trip and the dept heads will go for that, so while the factory might be a ghost town by 6 or 6.30 you will see individuals milking the clock 

As many here might remember I was the engineer who set up the Recording king Chinese factory, both acoustic guitars then banjos. I will always remember the first time. The owner of Music Link opened the door, waved he thru and said " Scott, This is all yours, do what ever you want, you are in charge" A BRAND NEW acoustic instrument factory. Talk about on cloud nine

 

Scott

---

Wow.  That’s not really what I expected to hear.

I think that’s something that should be better understood…that the American company that is doing the outsourcing has a major impact in the conditions overseas workers face.  As responsible consumers, it is up to us to NOT support companies that allow poor conditions in the factories they use.    

Music Link must be very pleased with their decision to give you that control.  The RK reputation is what it is because the instruments deliver, plain and simple.

Tractor1 - Posted - 06/08/2017:  07:35:21

Thanks so much Scott  quite the eye opener,seems it is a simple matter of a dollar bill ,being a lot bigger over there.Amazing how that rules us .Glad to hear there are not mean old guys standing there with Ak 47s  to enforce child labor etc.ha ha

Richard Hauser - Posted - 06/09/2017:  07:20:33

I think a buyer of a Chinese or used instrument should expect to have a qualified setup person give the instrument a "going over". Problem parts can be replaced and setup errors corrected. When I got back into playing banjo, I bought a Chinese made Gold Star GF200. Several problems had to be corrected but they were not major parts of the banjo. It is now a very good intermediate level banjo.

I just bought a used top quality banjo. There were problems so I brought it in for a neck reset. Around $50 fixed all the problems and now I plays like it just came out of Geoff Stelling's shop.

A Chinese made banjo can work for those who can't afford a professional quality banjo. Better American made banjos start at around $2400. A Chinese made banjo be purchased new for half that or less. You just buy carefully and spend a little money getting it sounding right. "American Made" is a term that is thrown around, but often parts are imported. "American Assembled" would be more accurate. In an video interview Geoff Stelling remarked that he uses the best parts available, and some are imported because there are no U.S. made parts available with the same quality.

Don't be afraid of buying a Chinese instrument, just buy carefully.

Rawhide Creek - Posted - 06/09/2017:  10:18:04

quote:

---

Originally posted by Richard Hauser



 . . .



A Chinese made banjo can work for those who can't afford a professional quality banjo.   . . .

 

---

Does that mean that a "Chinese-made banjo" is ipso facto not a "professional quality banjo"?

desert rose - Posted - 06/09/2017:  18:05:41

Both Recording King and Gold Star have PROVEN that as fact

Scott

banjopickingman - Posted - 06/09/2017:  23:24:54

There are lots of good reasons to support domestic industry. Unfortunately, getting the best bang for the buck on a sub-$1000 instrument isn't one of them. Unless you live in China of course.

China makes many of the world's highest quality products of all types. They make some excellent quality guitars, pianos, violins, banjos and just about anything else you care to name.

Edited by - banjopickingman on 06/09/2017 23:28:22

banjopickingman - Posted - 06/09/2017:  23:35:45

quote:

---

Originally posted by Janet Deering

Since the Artisans use the same wood there is not the difference in density and so the stability is there in the Artisan necks just like the Goodtime blond necks.  It comes from American ingenuity.

While it isn't easy competing with the Asian banjos that look good to the eyes of the novice, we put our focus on our quality of sound, great playability and lasting durability to provide the best value in each Goodtime, Vega, Tenbrooks, and Deering banjo that we make. It is our quest to develop the banjo to a higher level than ever before and now we have several patents on the advancements we have made to create the finest quality banjos in all price ranges. Doing this in America isn't easy, but it's who we are.

---

Deering's latest patent application involves making a banjo of white oak with no tone ring. Talk about American ingenuity!

freshpatents.com/-dt20170330pt...92237.php

Richard Hauser - Posted - 06/10/2017:  07:27:42

Russ - I haven't tried to top of the line Recording King banjos. None of the imports I have played so far match up to my Stelling. But considering prices that is not surprising. Both of my banjos are set up correctly. I can do more with the Stelling than I can my Gold Star GF200. The Gold Star sounds O.K. and I have no doubt some banjoists would be very happy playing it. The imported Chinese banjos I have played at the local music store didn't sound as good as my Gold Star or Stelling. Unfortunately I haven't had a chance to try the top Recording King banjo The store has 3 technicians providing repair/setup services, and one has 30 years experience. So I don't think improper setup was the cause.

saulsmanb - Posted - 06/10/2017:  09:38:54

Stellings are wonderful banjos, but IMO Jim Pankey's playing sure makes a pretty strong case about whether you can get a Chinese banjo to sound professional. 

All the best.

Brian Saulsman

desert rose - Posted - 06/10/2017:  18:59:16

Richard in my experience the number years of experience is far less important than ability. I cant count the number of " experienced " set up people who are " one trick ponies " They set up a banjo the same every time... and if it doesnt meet expectations... its the banjos fault. Then there are those of us that set up a banjo to the parameters every individual banjo dictates. And the results speak for themselves...

There is a reason guys like Sonny Osborne agreed to have his name associated with RK and Tom Adams with Gold Star etc

Scott

Janet Deering - Posted - 06/13/2017:  17:04:26

"Deering's latest patent application involves making a banjo of white oak with no tone ring. Talk about American ingenuity!

freshpatents.com/-dt20170330pt...php"

Yes, we apply American ingenuity to compete. We set up a research & Development shop a few years ago to develop our banjos to a higher level. We have about six patents with the newest being our White Oak patent just approved recently.

 Our new line of White Oak banjos includes the Deering White Lotus which is a bluegrass banjo as well as several models of our Vega White Oak open back banjos with 11" and 12" drums in both 5-string and long neck styles. All of these are great sounding banjos in a lower price range.  It is our aim to provide superior quality and great value in American made banjos that will be enjoyed for generations to come. That's what makes what we do worthwhile.

banjopickingman - Posted - 06/15/2017:  20:59:27

quote:

---

Originally posted by Janet Deering

 

"Deering's latest patent application involves making a banjo of white oak with no tone ring. Talk about American ingenuity!

freshpatents.com/-dt20170330pt...php"

Yes, we apply American ingenuity to compete. We set up a research & Development shop a few years ago to develop our banjos to a higher level. We have about six patents with the newest being our White Oak patent just approved recently.

 Our new line of White Oak banjos includes the Deering White Lotus which is a bluegrass banjo as well as several models of our Vega White Oak open back banjos with 11" and 12" drums in both 5-string and long neck styles. All of these are great sounding banjos in a lower price range.  It is our aim to provide superior quality and great value in American made banjos that will be enjoyed for generations to come. That's what makes what we do worthwhile.

---

Just pray that the Chinese don't invent an all maple banjo with no tone ring!

desert rose - Posted - 06/16/2017:  03:49:55

Im pretty sure they already have 

Scott

Tractor1 - Posted - 06/16/2017:  04:47:41

 Janet ,I am all for Deering making nice White Oak banjos,but I would hope that the patent office has not gave them exclusive rights to using white oak in a banjo build .For design sure ,but  not the type of wood.The link you provided Janet does show a traditional 3 plies ,but the top profile of the rim is a bit different.My 2 cents Tom

Picking paddy - Posted - 07/04/2017:  11:15:49

It all depends on the company that's outsourcing them and there quality control, I recently went to buy a recording king rk-35 and couldn't because they were sent back to China because of poor workman ship(at least that's what I was told by a dealer) these are the companies you want out sourcing work for quality instruments.

rcc56 - Posted - 07/04/2017:  16:05:25

quote:

---

Originally posted by Richard Hauser

 

I think a buyer of a Chinese or used instrument should expect to have a qualified setup person give the instrument a "going over". . .

---

I don't want to burst anyone's bubble, but most American factory instruments I see could use a good setup also.  Whether new or used. 

I'm thinking about patenting a RED oak banjo.  Maybe somebody else can take birch or hickory.