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/383350
Catfishking - Posted - 05/21/2022: 12:06:13
Does anyone know which model R&T banjo this is and which tone ring would have been installed from the factory.
These are pics from the internet and the info is limited. Is this banjo worth 2899.00? It has a pick up installed and I don't know if that means that something had to be modified to install it.
banjermun - Posted - 05/21/2022: 12:29:51
This is basically the R&T Classic built toward the end of the R&T Fame !!!
It is Basically like a JD Crowe but without the Signature or Crowe Inlays !!!
It should be Mahogany neck and Resonator, should have the Tennessee 20
tonering unless someone changed it out for another one !! Probably built
after 1995 or later.
Catfishking - Posted - 05/21/2022: 12:36:00
Do you think the price is reasonable and could the pick up be removed without leaving some sign of being installed? I'm a new player and don't know alot about banjos yet
banjermun - Posted - 05/21/2022: 12:54:34
William give me a call !!! I sent you
my ph # thru messenger.
Old Hickory - Posted - 05/21/2022: 13:18:56
I found the listing. The pickup is a K&K. These are dual circular pickups that are simply stuck with adhesive to the underside of the head, near the ends of the bridge. I believe K&K includes an epoxy that reuires a special remover. Some people ignore that and use other adhesives that are more easily removed.
The output jack visible in one photo is attached to a bracket that's either clamped to two tension hooks or mounted on the flange. These are also both easily removed.
The pickup is not hurting anything being there. I have a different brand of pickup stuck to the underside of my banjo head and I don't think it has any effect on the banjo's sound.
If you don't think you'll ever want or need to play amplified, you could remove the pickup and sell it.
Is the banjo worth $2899? Probably no more than that. There's a JD Crowe model listed here in the Hangout classified for $2500, which means you can probably offer less and try to negotiate. Of course, the one you're looking at is also listed with a "Make Offer" button -- which is telling you that $2899 is not the real price. Banjo Warehouse, which is generally a high price seller, has a JD Crowe model for $2799.
The one on the Hangout is offered by Ceres Banjo Works, Jim Britton. One of the best and most honest sellers you could ever want to deal with.
Good luck.
Old Hickory - Posted - 05/21/2022: 19:33:50
quote:
Originally posted by Catfishking
Does anyone know which model R&T banjo this is
Carlton already answered it's the classic. I just wanted to comment that the listings on Reverb and the seller's own site identify the model. The listings say "Bluegrass Classic" and that name appears in past listings of R&T banjos for sale.
beegee - Posted - 05/22/2022: 07:50:56
Since Mark Taylor is out of business, there is little market data with which to compare. The only thing you can do is compare the banjo with similar banjos on the market. I have found little to substantiate any extra value due to the Rich & Taylor marque. Nice banjos. value would lie in the quality of workmanship, sound and playability in relationship with other boutique banjos, then determine the worth of that to you. in other words, what would it cost to buy a similar banjo from another contemporary maker. A friend of mine had some dealings with Mark in his closing days of business and had some "issues." I had a Tennessee 20 ring and I could never find a banjo I especially liked it in
J.Albert - Posted - 05/22/2022: 11:19:40
The price is TOO HIGH for what you're getting. About 1,000 too high.
Unless you really, REALLY want it.
I'd say a more reasonable price would be 1,700-1,900.
Catfishking - Posted - 05/23/2022: 03:42:20
Thanks for the help. I found a few different ones so I can choose the one I want.
gottasmilealot - Posted - 05/23/2022: 06:28:54
They were running in the 1800 range for quite a while, but now prices are getting generally stupid high with many banjos; or I'm getting old and cranky, maybe both. A pickup won't hurt anything. I'd just leave it on. Maybe you'll use it someday.
HuberTone - Posted - 05/23/2022: 07:24:58
I may be playing Captain Obvious here, and if so I apologize, but if you're looking for a mahogany R&T, you may want to check this one out:
banjohangout.org/classified/93304
A good price and one of the most reputable, honest sellers on the entire Hangout. He's also located in TN, so you may have the option to check it out in person.
Edited by - HuberTone on 05/23/2022 07:25:41
Old Hickory - Posted - 05/23/2022: 07:39:17
quote:
Originally posted by J.Albert
The price is TOO HIGH for what you're getting. About 1,000 too high.Unless you really, REALLY want it. I'd say a more reasonable price would be 1,700-1,900.
It does appear to be the highest priced one currently advertised anywhere. Maybe that makes it too high.
But the going rate may no longer be under $2000. Ever since the pandemic hit, we've been in a seller's market for used banjos at just about every level.
Still probably safe to assume every price is negotiable. A seller asking $2500 may not let an R&T go for $2000 - $2100. But maybe $2250 - $2350? No harm in asking.
Post-88 RB-250s have been selling in the range of $2000 - $2500 lately. I don't know that the R&T is any better. Especially since Greg Rich was involved in their redesign. More bling, for sure.
Good luck.
