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ARCHIVED TOPIC: Gold Tone WL-250 alternative

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/400962

fish1963 - Posted - 12/19/2024: 05:47:23

Good morning all. I am looking to add a claw hammer banjo to my collection. My current interest is in the Gold Tone WL-250 but I'd love to help support local makers first. Suggestions on USA banjo makers -- similar in price and sound? Used to have a Bart Reiter WL ... wish I would have never sold it!!!

Thanks!

Brian Murphy - Posted - 12/19/2024: 07:34:40

price range? Tonal/timbre preferences?

dbrooks - Posted - 12/19/2024: 07:54:11

Zachary Hoyt's work receives regular praise on BHO. He has several banjos marked down Eight open back banjos reduced in price by 10% - Discussion Forums - Banjo Hangout

Pisgah is another respected builder. Home - Pisgah Banjo Co

Bourbon Banjos is a relatively new builder here in Kentucky. The owner, Steve Rice, has been in several of my classes at the Louisville Folk School, and I have played several of his banjos. They are made on the Pisgah model, where he has taken a class and provided some consulting for them based on his engineering background. - Bourbon Banjo Works

David

JSB88 - Posted - 12/19/2024: 08:07:48

Wow, that #305 is a very nice looking banjo.

Bruce Berry Banjos - Posted - 12/19/2024: 11:56:52

bruceberrybanjos.wordpress.com

FL Time - Posted - 12/19/2024: 12:32:11

Zachary Hoyt is a good choice. You could also check with Chris Sorenson of Companion Custom Banjos.
Joe

Bill Rogers - Posted - 12/19/2024: 13:10:24

First you need to decide whether you want the “Whyte Laydie pop” in your banjo playig. The scalloped tone rings have a distinct snap or pop that many old-time players prefer. I think the Electric-style tone rings have been the most popular over the years among openback players. If that’s the case, make sure the maker you’re looking at makes banjos with that ring. Otherwise it’s wide open.

laguna21dc - Posted - 12/20/2024: 17:02:49

How about Vega ?

Bill Rogers - Posted - 12/20/2024: 21:47:16

quote:
Originally posted by laguna21dc

How about Vega ?

You need to be a lot more specific. Tone ring, diameter, era, among other things.

laguna21dc - Posted - 12/20/2024: 22:10:16

Sorry I intended to post a link but my phone would not cooperate

fish1963 - Posted - 12/21/2024: 04:13:56

As stated before --- looking for something comparable to the Gold Tone WL-250 and I used to own a Bart Reiter WL . Simply looking for alternative USA old time banjo makers to ponder an upcoming purchase.

quote:I
Originally posted by Bill Rogers

First you need to decide whether you want the “Whyte Laydie pop” in your banjo playig. The scalloped tone rings have a distinct snap or pop that many old-time players prefer. I think the Electric-style tone rings have been the most popular over the years among openback players. If that’s the case, make sure the maker you’re looking at makes banjos with that ring. Otherwise it’s wide open.

fish1963 - Posted - 12/21/2024: 04:17:38

Thanks -- quite helpful.

quote:
Originally posted by dbrooks

Zachary Hoyt's work receives regular praise on BHO. He has several banjos marked down Eight open back banjos reduced in price by 10% - Discussion Forums - Banjo Hangout

Pisgah is another respected builder. Home - Pisgah Banjo Co

Bourbon Banjos is a relatively new builder here in Kentucky. The owner, Steve Rice, has been in several of my classes at the Louisville Folk School, and I have played several of his banjos. They are made on the Pisgah model, where he has taken a class and provided some consulting for them based on his engineering background. - Bourbon Banjo Works

David

Eric A - Posted - 12/21/2024: 04:56:45

As long as it has a Whyte Laydie tone ring in it, then after that setup is everything, as always. And that's on you.

Bill Rogers - Posted - 12/21/2024: 12:15:29

I never bought s Reiter because he used 3/4” rims. I think scalloped rings, with or without a bracket band, sound better with a half-inch or thinner shell.

Edited by - Bill Rogers on 12/21/2024 12:16:16