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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/399257
Diulin - Posted - 09/06/2024: 08:16:29
I'm looking for a new (or old) banjo for the first time since before there was any Internet, and I'm baffled by all the information about different scales, neck lengths, pot diameters, nut widths, etc.. Used to be you'd go into the shop and try them all out, but now that I live too far from any shop, I might end up having to buy online. So I wonder if there's any good and reliable source of information about how each one of these things (and maybe others) will impact the sound and playability of the banjo. For what it's worth, I'm looking only at openback banjos.
I did look around on BanjoHangout and found some possibly useful links, but none of them worked (including Banjo Styles Guide under "Buying a Banjo," Setup and Anatomy of a 5-String Banjo under "Instrument Maintenance/Setup").
Thanks
The Old Timer - Posted - 09/06/2024: 08:26:49
Do a LOT of reading here on the BHO and you'll find individual threads and posts on nearly any question you might have. However there is no single place to get all the information you mention.
A lot of things you mention are matters of individual taste, as reflected in market research. Enough people want wider nuts, the banjo makers will eventually respond. Enough people want banjos with deeper plunkier tone, sooner or later banjo makers start offering 12" heads in addition to traditional 11".
Is it possible for you to drive to Rochester NY and visit Bernunzio Uptown Music? They're one of the best open back banjo stores with lots of variety.
Diulin - Posted - 09/06/2024: 08:58:41
Thanks for that suggestion. I was thinking about a trip to the Adirondacks to visit Zach (blanking on the last name) to look at his banjos. Rochester would be on the way.
HSmith - Posted - 09/06/2024: 09:02:49
I think you'd really benefit from going to some festival or gathering where you're likely to come into contact with a lot of banjo players. Most players are approachable and like nothing more than talking about their instruments and their preferences in relation to all the variables you mention. In my early days here in the UK no such gathering existed, but had it done so, I'd have learned a heap of useful information.
Culloden - Posted - 09/06/2024: 09:32:04
quote:
Originally posted by DiulinThanks for that suggestion. I was thinking about a trip to the Adirondacks to visit Zach (blanking on the last name) to look at his banjos. Rochester would be on the way.
That would be Zach Hoyt.
Boblamoy - Posted - 09/06/2024: 10:16:35
Zach is a really nice guy and lives in a tiny town just outside Tupper Lake. He makes great instuments. And the Adirondacks are starting to color. And you mentioned Rochester along the way. Bernunzio has a huge selection to try. Happy hunting.
davidppp - Posted - 09/06/2024: 10:35:23
Listening to and trying out real instruments, if at all possible, is much better than reading. People don't agree on their assessments and don't even agree on vocabulary!
gbisignani - Posted - 09/06/2024: 12:02:18
you might want to just familiarize yourself with brands & models by reading in the Reviews section of the More tab on the homepage.
Bill Rogers - Posted - 09/06/2024: 12:06:01
There is, of course, a far greater variety of banjo types among openbacks than resonator instruments. That’s why in-person tryouts are important. And the number of makers and approaches to building openback banjos has significantlhy multiplied in the last 10-15 years. Good luck.
srrobertsiii - Posted - 09/06/2024: 12:30:52
I (too) would encourage you to visit Zach Hoyt. He normally has several stock banjos available, in different scale lengths and with both 12” and 11” pots. He’s an extremely friendly, and quite knowledgeable person who will help in multiple ways. And you can play and hear his instruments while there. Good luck with your search!
Edited by - srrobertsiii on 09/06/2024 12:32:16
calicoplayer - Posted - 09/06/2024: 18:16:30
The Deering banjo website is much more than just a catalog. It is also an encyclopedia of information about all types of banjos. It covers anything and everything about banjos.
And if you feel like a road trip, head over to Elderly Instruments in East Lansing, Michigan. It's maybe the best acoustic music store in America, (along with perhaps Gruhn Guitars in Nashville and Gryphon Instruments in California.)
Diulin - Posted - 09/06/2024: 19:01:30
quote:
Originally posted by The Old TimerDo a LOT of reading here on the BHO and you'll find individual threads and posts on nearly any question you might have. However there is no single place to get all the information you mention.
A lot of things you mention are matters of individual taste, as reflected in market research. Enough people want wider nuts, the banjo makers will eventually respond. Enough people want banjos with deeper plunkier tone, sooner or later banjo makers start offering 12" heads in addition to traditional 11".
Is it possible for you to drive to Rochester NY and visit Bernunzio Uptown Music? They're one of the best open back banjo stores with lots of variety.
Well, I took your suggestion, made the 4-hour round trip drive to Rochester and came home with a new Pisgah Dobson, which isn't one I would have picked out online. John Bernunzio is a great guy, extremely knowledge and friendly, and he has a vast stock of banjos.
Silver_Falls - Posted - 09/06/2024: 19:10:19
Best to get yourself in the presence of someone who actually plays the banjo -- with the willingness to share some time going over what is the what.
Festivals and old-time jams might be helpful. Stopping in at a well-stocked shop, like Bernunzio's or Elderly, might also be helpful -- if not too overwhelming.
Remember that wherever you start will only be the beginning, the first step of a much longer journey as you learn and grow as a player.
(As for Mr. Hoyt, for a new player he would not be terribly helpful, as he is absolutely not a banjo player himself.)
Silver_Falls - Posted - 09/06/2024: 19:12:31
Oops - just saw your last post. Congratulations on the new banjo! Bernunzio's was a terrific choice.