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Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/345944
Bob in CT - Posted - 08/29/2018: 10:21:46
I’ve got a Round Peak but there’s an Eastman Whyte Ladie for sale at a good price. Any thoughts on a comparison ? Would the WL have more volume?
Bill Rogers - Posted - 08/29/2018: 10:28:38
More of a tonal difference, i’d say. If you’re up for two banjos, that would really give you a choice of sound. The WL is more crisp and punchy, but does have a smaller diameter shell.
Bob in CT - Posted - 08/29/2018: 15:36:59
Couldn’t resist! Bought the WL so I’ll compare myself. Thanks for the input.
russtul - Posted - 08/30/2018: 00:55:50
I have a Reiter Tubaphone and a Standard. Both are wonderful. Both have John Balch Goatskin Heads on them. I also have an Eastman WL,one of the first ones sold. I was never happy with the sound until I had John make and install a goats skin head on it. It made all the difference in the world. Love the banjo now and play it as much as my two Reiter's and my Ramsey which also sports one of John's hide heads.
Beardog - Posted - 08/30/2018: 07:15:45
quote:
Originally posted by russtulI have a Reiter Tubaphone and a Standard. Both are wonderful. Both have John Balch Goatskin Heads on them. I also have an Eastman WL,one of the first ones sold. I was never happy with the sound until I had John make and install a goats skin head on it. It made all the difference in the world. Love the banjo now and play it as much as my two Reiter's and my Ramsey which also sports one of John's hide heads.
I have been very impressed with the Eastman WL, too. I believe that they are one of the very best bargains available in used, open back banjos. I see them listed sometimes for significantly under $1K. I was stunned when I compared this banjo side by side (in tone, volume, fit/finish, etc.) to multiple other "high-end" open back banjos at two well known retail stores a few months ago. And I also agree that adding a Balch head to any banjo is a fabulous upgrade.
BDCA - Posted - 09/15/2018: 14:44:29
Hear an Eastman at Centralia a few weeks ago. Worst sounding banjo at the festival. Really tough to listen to and the owner insisted it was an exact "replica" of a $7000 Fairbanks. Never mentioned the "C" word. I'm sure had the banjo been set up properly it would have been OK. My tastes run to a 12" Ramsey woodie with a Balch head.
I had a few of Bart Reiter's top end banjos and sold them after I acquired my first 12" Ramsey.
Bob
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