Banjo Hangout Logo
Banjo Hangout Logo

Premier Sponsors

  • The Murphy Method
  • Elderly Instruments - Since 1972
  • CROSSROCK
  • Deering Banjos
  • Gold Tone


 All Forums
 Other Banjo-Related Topics
 Other Banjo-Related Topics: Clawhammer/Old-Time
 ARCHIVED TOPIC: GT CC-Carlin vs BC-350


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/385240

joemcg - Posted - 08/23/2022:  18:12:01

I have a CC-Carlin which is my first Gold Tone and purchased about 6 months ago. I’ve looked at the other GT open backs and am intrigued by a few including the MM-150.

But my question at the moment is how much different is the BC-350 from what I have now. They seem pretty similar except for price.

Thanks.
Joe

GrahamHawker - Posted - 08/23/2022:  22:41:44

The main difference is that the BC350 has a decent 3 ply rim and the CC-Carlin has a multiply rim. The weakness of these cheaper banjos is the rim. I'm sure someone will point out that there are good multiply rims but they were mainly in the past. I have two banjos with a whyte laydie tone ring with similar specs in many ways. One has a 3 ply rim and one has a multiply rim and the sound of the former is so much better (it's actually the same as the MM-150 and the other has a rim that is probably the same as the CC100).

gratefulbiker - Posted - 08/24/2022:  10:16:17

The BC350 has a nicer rim, better hardware, planetary tuners, ebony fretboard, and a nicer finish than the entry level version.
That being said, I didn’t find a whole lot of difference in the tone or playability between the two. I owned a BC350 for a bit and have played several of the CC12’s for what it’s worth.

joemcg - Posted - 08/24/2022:  10:34:36

quote:
Originally posted by gratefulbiker

The BC350 has a nicer rim, better hardware, planetary tuners, ebony fretboard, and a nicer finish than the entry level version.

That being said, I didn’t find a whole lot of difference in the tone or playability between the two. I owned a BC350 for a bit and have played several of the CC12’s for what it’s worth.





Thanks. Yes my CC12 did come w guitar tuners, but I see now that GT shows it with planetaries. One of the 1st things I did when I purchased mine was replace the guitar tuners. Turns out the banjo wouldn't fit in any of my banjo hard cases because of the tuners sad



My teacher had a set of StewMac planetaries laying around so it was a no brainer. 



BTW, the tuner upgrade is reflected in the price of the CC12. It went from $549 at the end of '21 to $699 now. Anyone shopping for one needs to be aware of that change in tuners vs price. 

Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Privacy Consent (EU/GDPR Only)

Copyright 2026 Banjo Hangout. All Rights Reserved.





Hangout Network Help

View All Topics  |  View Categories

0.0625