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britcarfan - Posted - 04/05/2024: 19:35:29
I just picked one of these up off Facebook marketplace. Has anyone tried using one for claw hammer playing. If yes how did it perform.
gbisignani - Posted - 04/05/2024: 21:15:11
I own what I think is the predecessor to the Goodtime Jr. It's called Goodtime Parlor banjo. I like it but I'm not fond of the renaissance head on it. I've had it maybe 4-5 years. It's a decent 'cheap" banjo.
The one problem I have is using it in G tuning. It is hard to keep it in tune. Contrary to what I was told, and I think advertised I couldn't use medium or light gauge strings. Recommended by someone on BHO was to use heavy gauge strings. I have to use the heaviest gauge strings I can find to keep it in tune. Stays in tune if I have it in A or C tuning.
gbisignani - Posted - 04/05/2024: 21:18:23
I forgot to mention that even though people said the frets should not need to be replaced I had to have the first 3 done about 3 years after I bought it. Maybe from using heavy gauge strings ? I bought it used so I really don't know how old it is. It is an openback and I do play clawhammer style.
Edited by - gbisignani on 04/05/2024 21:19:27
MRichaud - Posted - 04/06/2024: 05:03:25
Hi, Mark -
I started out with a Goodtime ("Gumby version"). Easy player, though I found an upgrade and let it go. Kinda wish I'd kept it for taking along when we're out in the RV.
By the way, I may have mentioned before, but I'm a Britcar fan as well. Restored a '57 TR3, an '80 TR8, two MGB's - a convertible and a GT that I modified with a GM V6 and five-speed. Sold those, and now have an '03 Jag XK8 and a Victor MG TF replica. Similar addiction issues with the banjo! ;-)
Mickey
britcarfan - Posted - 04/09/2024: 19:25:04
Mickey, I believe you mentioned the sickness we are both afflicted with. I currently have the BRG 69 Midget and have played around with buying a B. Would really like a BGT but prices seem to have gotten crazy for old British cars. I will probably get something more modern like an MX5 for the money.
Back to the banjo. Is there anything I might want to do to make it better for claw hammer use. I was wondering if it might need a taller bridge than the one it came with.
gbisignani - Posted - 04/09/2024: 19:28:22
I have to say that I own 4 openback banjos and the Goodtime Parlor is the only one that I have to stuff with a small folded towel to calm down the sound.
britcarfan - Posted - 04/09/2024: 19:57:01
Glenn did you put a taller bridge on it for playing claw hammer. It seems the strings are close to the head on mine. I don’t play claw hammer but want to learn.
I didn’t realize this was a goodtime jr until I meet the person selling it. He gave me a real good deal once I pointed out it was a short scale banjo. That’s the reason I ended up buying it.
gbisignani - Posted - 04/09/2024: 20:48:23
I fooled with a couple of bridges when I was having problems with the frets. Even though I play clawhammer the height of the bridge doesn't matter much anymore. I'm not really very good but I have been able to adjust to different bridge heights. I'm pretty sure when I first started with clawhammer I liked a lower bridge and now I do kinda prefer a little higher. What I would do is to get a bridge that's a little higher and try both.
