Banjo Bolton - Posted - 02/14/2024:  01:37:01

I've been playing the Banjo for a few months now.



I'm totally addicted and have been practicing about 3 hours each day.



I bought a cheap Goldtone AC12 which is great (I'm a beginner).



However, I've decided to spend a little more once I hit the 12 months point.



I love the look of the ODE Magician (its understated and beautiful because of it) I also like what I read with regards to where and who its made by.



BUT



I'm in the UK and have recently been made aware of several UK builders which look fantastic and seem to be the same cost.



would I get a better Banjo for my money if buying direct from a small builder as opposed to a U.S made instrument where a portion of the cost is going to be in the importing and the shops margin?



also, which UK makers should I shortlist?



(I'm learning Clawhammer if that helps)



thank you in advance!

Edited by - Banjo Bolton on 02/14/2024 02:28:24

martyjoe - Posted - 02/14/2024:  02:57:29

If you’ want to look over the pond I may have something to tempt you.

Helix - Posted - 02/14/2024:  03:54:53

Banjo Bolton martyjoe is one of the few using Bamboo for both necks and rims. I like Bamboo because it vintages faster than other materials.

TheLastWord - Posted - 02/14/2024:  04:25:30

The pros working with a small builder is customization. They usually offer choice of wood, scale lengths, rim sizes, tone rings, etc. Unfortunately, well known builders might have a long wait list. It helps to look around and decide what looks and sound good to you. Plus, you are supporting the small builder.

Two UK builders I've looked at are WGF Howson and Ballard.

This one looks and sounds nice: ballardbanjers.com/banjos-in-s...ping.html

Pomeroy - Posted - 02/14/2024:  04:31:43

quote:

---

Originally posted by Banjo Bolton

I've been playing the Banjo for a few months now.



I'm totally addicted and have been practicing about 3 hours each day.



I bought a cheap Goldtone AC12 which is great (I'm a beginner).



However, I've decided to spend a little more once I hit the 12 months point.



I love the look of the ODE Magician (its understated and beautiful because of it) I also like what I read with regards to where and who its made by.



BUT



I'm in the UK and have recently been made aware of several UK builders which look fantastic and seem to be the same cost.



would I get a better Banjo for my money if buying direct from a small builder as opposed to a U.S made instrument where a portion of the cost is going to be in the importing and the shops margin?



also, which UK makers should I shortlist?



(I'm learning Clawhammer if that helps)



thank you in advance!

---

There is an intermediate step that personally I would recommend both for your pocket and your continuing learning. About the best value in relation to quality are used and cared-for banjos by reputable makers. My go-to recommendation for a first big step up was always a used Bart Reiter. There are a number of models with different spec and used examples of these could once be acquired for around the same price as a mid-range brand new factory-made banjo. Since Bart retired his used banjos appear to have got a little pricier but the same principle applies to a few other custom builders currently still working.

Primarily you need to be aware of feel and fit. Not easy when you haven't played many other banjos and gained experience. But there are pointers. For example Bart's necks are a little wider, the custom banjo I play has a narrow neck. I have small hands. Try and get where you can examine, handle and play as many examples of custom builders work as you can before you buy. In my experience most people will let you try their banjo if asked nicely; and those of us who had that help given to us usually had that help on trust that we would go on to help others in our turn.

If you opt for a custom builder new or used there has never been a better choice, We are fortunate to be living in a Golden Age. In terms of build quality the best banjo makers in the UK and the US are of the same calibre. The crux point is not the nationality of the maker it is the individual sound and feel of their instruments. This will differ from maker to maker; neither better or worse in regard to quality, but each a more suitable or less suitable fit for an individual player.

Your task should you choose to accept is to go and listen, listen, listen to examples of banjos made by different makers and learn to recognise the tone differences. Then go speak to the makers of your preferred and discuss your requirements. This message will self-destruct in 30 seconds. However, this is fun not mission impossible. 

Edited by - Pomeroy on 02/14/2024 04:46:20

Pomeroy - Posted - 02/14/2024:  05:04:03

A great resource is the BHO jukebox right here that you can access and tailor to your preference via the menu on the left side of your screen. You'll need to contact a member to ask what model banjo he or she played on a particular recording. But I doubt anyone would mind that question in their inbox.

Jimmy Sutton - Posted - 02/14/2024:  07:04:35

Dave Stacey in Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire builds very good banjos at good prices and there are at least three People from the States who have bought from him. He also does repairs etc. It isn't necessary these days to cross the Atlantic for good instruments. What's more you don't get clobbered with import duty / customs charges.

Pomeroy - Posted - 02/14/2024:  11:01:10

It's not my wish to sway you one way or another in regard to choice of custom maker. However your list would be lacking if it doesn't include Leon Ballard and Jim Heasall. I have a half copper clad neck made by Leon on a vintage 12" spun-over pot: a pretty much exact replica of Tommy Jarrell's banjo that he helped me create. And I've played banjos by both builders and they are fine instruments.

gentrixuk - Posted - 02/14/2024:  13:24:51

You can also add Helmut Rheingans, Flatfoot Johnny and Badger's Moon to your shortlist. All the makers that have been suggested do great work and avoid import costs. Bear in mind that if you go with a UK maker you are likely to have a substantial wait - I was talking to Jim Heasell at the weekend and he currently has a 2 year lead time. Others might be a bit quicker but still might be a year or more. Used models come up for sale occasionally, and I've seen a couple of US makers' banjos on ebay recently as well, but it's rare, and totally pot luck if something happens to be for sale just when you're looking.

Edited by - gentrixuk on 02/14/2024 13:25:23

chip arnold - Posted - 03/09/2024:  09:10:11

OME has been bought by Goldtone and production is moving to Florida.