northernbelle - Posted - 05/29/2019:  19:06:47

store.banjobenclark.com/produc...VA5In0%3D



This sounds really nice in this recording anyway. No hole tone ring based on Crowe's 1929 Style 3.

What do you guys n' gals think? I'd like to hear one in a deader (carpet, etc.) room to compare with the video but

so far sounds very impressive to my ears.  Nice woody resonance from the resonator.

(I have no connection with the store, except as a customer.)  

Edited by - northernbelle on 05/29/2019 19:08:40

Foote - Posted - 05/29/2019:  19:29:17

Sounds great, especially for $1600. I don't know anything about Gold Tone's quality control, but if production models are as good as this proto type it would seem like a great deal. I've done a lot of business with Ben and have only had positive experiences.

Scout70 - Posted - 05/29/2019:  21:31:25

Great picking; however, the banjo sounds pretty tinny to me. Just my opinion..

Brian Murphy - Posted - 05/30/2019:  05:09:10

Doesn't remind me of Banger (not as dry), but it's a good sounding banjo. Ebony board is an interesting choice as is their explanation. I did not know the rosewood was more scarce than ebony.

I prefer to hear samples un-capoed, but it does note very clearly and evenly up the board and across it. Guess they're going right at the GF100-JD business, which is smart. I played a couple of those and found Saga's quality to be inconsistent lately (played one from couple of years earlier -- hearts and flowers inlay -- and it was great so you just don't know). The marketing issue (market perception) GoldTone is going to have to address is convincing everyone it can build big boy banjos with the component quality step up and pros expect, especially quality of woods and the hardware. Banjo Ben's write-up does a good job of addressing each these issues and puts the credibility of Ben, Robby, and Jake behind the design, which is good enough for me. What they can't address yet (because none apparently have been made) is fit and finish of the first batch. The challenge to getting to real sales velocity also is getting people to pay almost twice the price of a Recording King 35 or 36. That to me is sort of the benchmark banjo. What do you get when you pay more?

LouZee Picker - Posted - 05/30/2019:  05:12:39

quote:

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Originally posted by Scout70

Great picking; however, the banjo sounds pretty tinny to me. Just my opinion..

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I'm with you Bob,  the banjo sounds pretty thin, I'll stick with my RK-35 for my kick around banjo. I get lots of complements on it from veteran players all the time.

Brian

Brian Murphy - Posted - 05/30/2019:  05:55:41

That's interesting because I don't hear "thin" at all. I think the tones have color and a fullness to them, but also a brightness (that "ping") that just does not remind me of Crowe. There also is excellent note definition in that recording (a lot to do with the picker). But Brian sort of reinforces my point. What is the motivation to pay about $1600 with the other stuff (including used Sullivan Festivals, etc.) out there competing? That will be the challenge. How does it compare? The endorsement of these guys certainly will help and the write-up does a great job of anticipating questions. I look forward to seeing how it does.

MacCruiskeen - Posted - 05/30/2019:  06:03:26

quote:

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Originally posted by Scout70

Great picking; however, the banjo sounds pretty tinny to me. Just my opinion..

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It is hard to tell with the loud backing track on the sample video. I mean, if you want people to hear what the instrument really sounds like, demo it solo.

Banjoben1 - Posted - 05/30/2019:  07:18:48

Hey y'all, we're really excited about this banjo! Yes, solo demos are coming soon. The video posted is the "quick view" of the banjo because I wanted to use it in my last banjo lesson of Cherokee Shuffle. I will soon be releasing a comprehensive video of testimony, explanation, and both Robby and I playing it solo. It sounds more like Crowe when Robby plays it for some reason...haven't figured that one out yet! 

We have 36 coming in the first batch and half are already sold. We expect this banjo to change folks' perspectives with Gold Tone regarding a bluegrass banjo. We attached all our names to it, which we don't do easily. I'm excited for y'all to get one in your hands and see for yourself!

northernbelle - Posted - 05/30/2019:  12:00:47

Ben, thanks for responding here. If you couild do a video in a relatively acoustically dead room (carpeted living room kinda sound) not a true dead/studio room it would be great to hear it. (Or outdoor front porch?)

A lot of youtube videos are recorded either with quite a bit of room reverb or or added reverb. (Deering has a number of those also). I feel that hearing an instrument in a more "real life" situation can really help sell an instrument whether is a banjo or a piano.

Anyway, I really like the tone from the video you've posted and look forward to seeing how this "step up" from Gold Tone goes.
Cheers, NB

Brian Murphy - Posted - 05/30/2019:  12:06:12

Better yet, just give me one and I'll post a review. Kind of like having full figure gals model clothes. It's just more realistic. It would make a great raffle item here on the H.O. and get about a month of advertising 

Banjoben1 - Posted - 05/30/2019:  12:10:32

Brian Murphy I have considered giving one away here...just have to figure out if I can afford it!

Brian Murphy - Posted - 05/30/2019:  12:15:55

It is a huge investment in a business where margins are tight. I get that. We just get excited any time the shiny new thing comes around. I was shocked when Sullivans donated that V35. That had me checking every day to make sure the auto entry went through. Anyway, best of luck with the new model. You have good partners to work with. Wayne is an adventurous guy who loves a good experiment. I really owe him one for a project he did for me a couple years ago in building The Impervious (a metal and graphite banjo you can leave in the car) for which he charged me far too little.

Banjoben1 - Posted - 05/30/2019:  12:38:30

Here's a vid we shot a few weeks back when we finally approved a prototype. More video to come for sure: youtu.be/RdbMgY51ZrU

MoJoBanjo - Posted - 05/30/2019:  12:40:56

quote:

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Originally posted by Banjoben1

Brian Murphy I have considered giving one away here...just have to figure out if I can afford it!

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That would be great! Or some Banjo Ben hats...or Blue Chip picks...or t-shirts....I'll private mesage you my address.  :-0

lazyarcher - Posted - 05/30/2019:  12:57:47

If that Robbie Boone guy says its good then you better getcha one before they,re gone!!!!!

Brian Murphy - Posted - 05/30/2019:  13:01:33

quote:

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Originally posted by Banjoben1

Here's a vid we shot a few weeks back when we finally approved a prototype. More video to come for sure: youtu.be/RdbMgY51ZrU

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Good video in G.  But ya' gotta do the obligatory Fireball Mail or Cumberland Gap to show off the 4th string.   That's the string that sells banjos, the one you feel in the L1-L5 region.

OutaHereForGood - Posted - 05/30/2019:  13:13:49

quote:

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Originally posted by Brian Murphy

quote:

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Originally posted by Banjoben1

Here's a vid we shot a few weeks back when we finally approved a prototype. More video to come for sure: youtu.be/RdbMgY51ZrU

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Good video in G.  But ya' gotta do the obligatory Fireball Mail or Cumberland Gap to show off the 4th string.   That's the string that sells banjos, the one you feel in the L1-L5 region.

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I thought the 4th string sounded really good tuned down to C......if that Boone character could hit it right.......what a hack.

heavy5 - Posted - 05/30/2019:  13:29:08

quote:

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Originally posted by Banjoben1

Here's a vid we shot a few weeks back when we finally approved a prototype. More video to come for sure: youtu.be/RdbMgY51ZrU

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If that doesn't sound like Earl playing home sweet home ?? I think it's a great sounding banjo !

The brown drop down add on the site however is a bit of a PIA ----- it seems to want to cover at least half of the page ---  all the time ?

h - Posted - 06/01/2019:  21:10:16

My hearing isn't as great as it used to be, but to me it sounds somewhat similar to an RK-35, as far as I can tell from that video. That's to say pretty close to a real pro model, enough for a knockaround or for an intermediate player on a budget.

I had a Gold Tone OB-250 for several years, it was always my "good enough" banjo. Build quality was outstanding.

teletodd - Posted - 06/03/2019:  11:00:09

Pretty sure the fiddle head Gibson RB250s were mahogany with an ebony fretboard. I once had a 1980 RB 250 with a GBB tone ring that sounded great.

ivanh3 - Posted - 06/05/2019:  09:00:06

quote:

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Originally posted by Banjoben1

Here's a vid we shot a few weeks back when we finally approved a prototype. More video to come for sure: youtu.be/RdbMgY51ZrU

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This certainly doesn't sound thin. I have played several Gold Tones and currently own a BC-350 which is a great banjo. If I still played Scruggs style, you bet I would pick up one of these!

Old Hickory - Posted - 06/07/2019:  09:08:24

quote:

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Originally posted by Banjoben1

Here's a vid we shot a few weeks back when we finally approved a prototype. More video to come for sure: youtu.be/RdbMgY51ZrU

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Sounds good without capo.

Congrats on getting Gold Tone to make a banjo neck without that mile and a half of extra wood beyond the 22nd fret!

And congrats on selling out the first batch!

Perhaps your posted specs could include some more details, such as:

Tone ring: Bronze alloy? Brass? (Gold Tone has offered both) Sand cast? Die cast? 

Some more you could list about the neck: nut width, scale length, one-piece (not counting ears).

If the inlay is real MOP, it's worth saying so.  Otherwise, going to assume it's not. No problem. Inlay in Deering Sierra and the $5700 Tony Trischka Silver Clipper are plastic.

Besides satisfying the curiosity of banjo nerds (like me!) these are things that help buyers to compare the banjo with others in its price range.

Then again, seeing as you sold out the first run maybe buyers don't care!

Johnny Ace - Posted - 06/09/2019:  11:13:57

I ordered one and am happy I did. I certainly did not need another banjo but I knew it would sell out so I jumped on it. I thought the new video of the prototype sounded as good as you can judge from a you tube video. In the promo they said the prototype pointed out where improvements had to be made and Goldtone did that with the first batch.

Looking forward to playing it out and see how it sounds with a band.

northernbelle - Posted - 06/09/2019:  11:42:46

Please do report back with a "with the band" review. What banjo do you presently own and play for comparison?

Banjoben1 - Posted - 06/10/2019:  07:08:26

For some reason the URL changed for the banjo and the original is not working. Here is another URL, and we do have ONE left! store.banjobenclark.com/produc...with-case

Ahmad310 - Posted - 06/13/2019:  12:40:30

Sounding real good in this video. Im told there will be some more videos of i shortly so really interested in hearing it.

banjobenclark.com/lessons/lone...robuYYZs0

Banjoben1 - Posted - 06/13/2019:  12:44:42

Thanks, Ahmad310 ! I used a different mic on that song with a flat EQ and no compression/verb. I'll be soloing that banjo track in the main video I'm creating now, which will have Robby and Adam from the General Store playing and talking about it as well. The first batch is sold out, but you can click the "notify me when available" button on this page to find out when the next batch is in: store.banjobenclark.com/produc...with-case

Ahmad310 - Posted - 06/13/2019:  13:08:02

Im already one of first batch @Banjoben1 :) But i will admit its not easy buying something i cannot play first. So looking forward to hearing more clips/videos of you guys playing them!

drefrank - Posted - 06/13/2019:  16:20:10

I got the last one. Much anticipation pending its arrival.
Agree with Ahmad310!

Banjoben1 - Posted - 06/20/2019:  13:08:04

Here's the official promo video with Robby Boone and Adam Ash playing the banjo: youtu.be/qXXyEyTPje8

As mentioned, the first batch is sold out, but you can stay in the loop by clicking the "notify me when available" button on the page: store.banjobenclark.com/produc...with-case

I'm excited for y'all to get one in your hands! The first batch is supposed to ship from Gold Tone to the General Store sometime next week ;)

Ahmad310 - Posted - 06/20/2019:  16:04:30

@Banjoben1 Thank you for uploading that video! It sounds great in everyones hands!  Was that the same #2 prototype throughout that video?

quote:

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Originally posted by Banjoben1

Here's the official promo video with Robby Boone and Adam Ash playing the banjo: youtu.be/qXXyEyTPje8



As mentioned, the first batch is sold out, but you can stay in the loop by clicking the "notify me when available" button on the page: store.banjobenclark.com/produc...with-case



I'm excited for y'all to get one in your hands! The first batch is supposed to ship from Gold Tone to the General Store sometime next week ;)

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Banjoben1 - Posted - 06/20/2019:  18:45:00

Yep, they recorded with it first, sent it to me with dead strings, then I recorded my part ;)

OutaHereForGood - Posted - 06/21/2019:  06:37:38

quote:

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Originally posted by Banjoben1

Yep, they recorded with it first, sent it to me with dead strings, then I recorded my part

I figured a feller such as yourself, owning an music store and all, just might be able to come up with a new set of strings......just sayin'. ;) 

The Old Timer - Posted - 06/21/2019:  07:04:32

Where is it manufactured please? I guess I missed that if it's already been reported.

CanadianCal - Posted - 07/09/2019:  16:40:07

Hey Ben how does this compare to the Recording king rk35/36? Would love to see a side by side comparison.

Banjoben1 - Posted - 07/09/2019:  16:53:57

We will do a side-by-side comparison for sure. But, let me just say that I've never played a banjo anywhere as powerful as the Twanger in the price range.

ChuckCharles - Posted - 07/11/2019:  04:16:44

quote:

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Originally posted by Banjoben1

We will do a side-by-side comparison for sure. But, let me just say that I've never played a banjo anywhere as powerful as the Twanger in the price range.

It looks and sounds great to me. I play a Goldtone O.B 150 (best I can afford of what is available in my country)

I'm wondering though how does this new Goldtone differ from the 150? both are based on a prewar style banjo as I understand.

(another thing, way of topic though sorry: you said once you were thinking of adding a clawhammer section to the Banjo Ben website...That would be great! )

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aabanjo - Posted - 07/11/2019:  05:54:07

quote:

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Originally posted by ChuckCharles

quote:

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Originally posted by Banjoben1

We will do a side-by-side comparison for sure. But, let me just say that I've never played a banjo anywhere as powerful as the Twanger in the price range.

It looks and sounds great to me. I play a Goldtone O.B 150 (best I can afford of what is available in my country)

I'm wondering though how does this new Goldtone differ from the 150? both are based on a prewar style banjo as I understand.

(another thing, way of topic though sorry: you said once you were thinking of adding a clawhammer section to the Banjo Ben website...That would be great! )

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There are a few differences in the OB-150 and the OB-3 “Twanger”.  One of the major differences is that the tone ring in the OB-3 is a no-hole tone ring.  The tailpiece is a Presto-style on the OB-3, while the OB-150 uses either a Straightline or Terminator.  Also, the OB-3 is a mahogany banjo, while the OB-150 has a maple neck and resonator.  Thanks for your interest!

Adam Ash (“Gadget Guru” for Banjo Ben General Store)

Ahmad310 - Posted - 07/15/2019:  10:32:56

Twanger #23 arrived today and wanted to give a quick review after spending the past 45min playing it. For context I also own a 1998 Gibson Granada, 2003 Huber Kalamazoo and a 2018 Recording King RK-36.

This thing is killer!!!!! For the money you cannot beat it. No its not a $5000 banjo, and not its not going to sound just like your buddys 30's Gibson, but being brand new, out of the box, it sounds great. I have not played a new banjo under $3000 that sounds this good IMO. The RK which i know alot of people love and its probabaly where people will try and compare this is an amazing banjo as well, but it always left something more to be desiered to me, in G & A it sounded great but it got thin above that. The Twanger has alot more power in every key, the tone is good and this thing holds its own against my Huber & Gibson banjos. It def has that older sound that remides of those old Crowe recordings. Really excited to see how she sounds over time, but for brand new out of the box, I'm very impressed.

If you are on the fence about picking one of these up, I will tell you that you will not be dissapointed if you get your hands on one. Im happy I made the decesion to get in on the first batch. I like probabaly many of you was a little worried that this wasnt going to be not worth it and id quickly sell it but now i have a really hard decesion as I really have no need for so many banjos (The Huber was aquired 3 weeks ago while waiting for the Twanger when i was prestented an offer i could not refuse on it) so i have fully been diaignosed with BAS!

Thanks to Ben/Jake for making this a seemless process and putting up with all my email questions on it!!

If you have any questions just let me know I'd be more than happy to answer. I'll try and take some videos and post them for everyone.
(If anyone is looking for an RK-36, I will have one forsale soon) :)

Ahmad310 - Posted - 07/18/2019:  15:53:27

Here are a couple quick videos i took with my phone of the Twanger...

VIDEO: OB3 Twanger
(click to view)

VIDEO: Video1
(click to view)

Bk2olKY - Posted - 07/18/2019:  16:01:20

Sounds great Ahmad!! Nice picking!

Banjoben1 - Posted - 07/18/2019:  17:47:11

quote:

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Originally posted by Ahmad310

Here are a couple quick videos i took with my phone of the Twanger...

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That’s what I’m talking about! Man that thing sounds great! 

Johnny Ace - Posted - 07/18/2019:  20:12:47

I received Twanger #15 July 15 and played it out the next night. Sounds wonderful and the fit and finish are everything Ben and the crew said it was. Set up was perfect with the exception of the spikes being a little tight at Bb, B and C. A was fine.

I understand the original Banger is fairly close to me. It would be neat if I could convince the owner to do a comparison video. I'll work on that. Anyone know what gauge strings are on it. They feel like cables to me. I'm used to a 9.5. 20. 13 11. 9.5 set. I'll change strings and break it in a little. Very happy with the purchase.

Ahmad310 - Posted - 07/19/2019:  08:22:46

There was a sheet of paper in the case if i remember correctly from Gold Tone that talked about set up and stated what gauge strings they used.  I don't recall the numbers off hand but yes they are definitely heaver gauge.  Ive tried some lighter gauge strings but didnt care for the sound as it was very thin. So i ordered a few different custom sets of strings from American Made Banjo Company so i'll try them this weekend and see if i can find a sweet spot that feels good and still sounds good. 

quote:

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Originally posted by Johnny Ace

I received Twanger #15 July 15 and played it out the next night. Sounds wonderful and the fit and finish are everything Ben and the crew said it was. Set up was perfect with the exception of the spikes being a little tight at Bb, B and C. A was fine.



I understand the original Banger is fairly close to me. It would be neat if I could convince the owner to do a comparison video. I'll work on that. Anyone know what gauge strings are on it. They feel like cables to me. I'm used to a 9.5. 20. 13 11. 9.5 set. I'll change strings and break it in a little. Very happy with the purchase.

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aabanjo - Posted - 07/19/2019:  09:19:52

quote:

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Originally posted by Johnny Ace

I received Twanger #15 July 15 and played it out the next night. Sounds wonderful and the fit and finish are everything Ben and the crew said it was. Set up was perfect with the exception of the spikes being a little tight at Bb, B and C. A was fine.



I understand the original Banger is fairly close to me. It would be neat if I could convince the owner to do a comparison video. I'll work on that. Anyone know what gauge strings are on it. They feel like cables to me. I'm used to a 9.5. 20. 13 11. 9.5 set. I'll change strings and break it in a little. Very happy with the purchase.

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We're glad you're enjoying it!  Gold Tone usually puts .010-.013-.016-.024-.010 on all of their 5-string banjos.  Although we upgraded the bridge, we left the strings alone (unless the customer made a specific request).

Adam Ash ("Gadget Guru" for Banjo Ben General Store)

Banjoben1 - Posted - 07/21/2019:  07:45:48

The PF135 strings are my favorite on all my banjos, including the Twanger! Due to some questions I've received, I also want to clarify that the banjos ship from us at the General Store. That means we inspect each piece, sign the custom label, set it up according to the customer's request (action/strings/bridge), then ship insured to the customer.

Also, batch #2 of the Twanger is now open for pre-order. I do not think they will last long. It opened late last week and we only have 12 left of the 36 that will be here in mid-September. We are pretty sure there will be a batch #3 (consisting of 36 more) before the end of 2019, but cannot promise that. If you want to absolutely secure a Twanger for 2019, I'd pre-order one of the batch #2 now.

Banjoben1 - Posted - 07/24/2019:  12:53:44

Robby Boone has had his personal Twanger for a month now, and here are his thoughts: youtu.be/ym2xwz6-jmo

We have about 10 left of batch #2 to pre-order...you can do that here: store.banjobenclark.com/produc...with-case