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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/401144
PumpinIron - Posted - 12/30/2024: 15:23:46
I've been playing banjo for years now. I started on a Deering Goodtime, made my way up to some high end Nechville Heli-Mount banjos, and now I'm thinking it's time for something new.
I'd like to spend no more than $5000 and I'd like something real nice.
I've been looking at the Gold Tone OB-300 and OB-Grandee banjos. I realize some people will scoff at the fact that they're made in China, but one thing I know for sure is that the Chinese can build some killer instruments (I've owned a number of Northfield mandolins and Eastman archtop guitars so I know that there are some very good instruments that come out of Asia). I will say that those Gold Tone banjos just sound killer.
As far as what I play, it's all Scruggs style bluegrass and I like a lot of modern bluegrass as well (i.e. Unspoken Tradition).
Anyways, I don't know as much about banjo manufacturers as I do about guitars so I'm not entirely sure where to start looking. There's so many boutique banjo makers it's hard to even know of them all. I'm just looking for any suggestions as to who makes a really good banjo.
Thanks in advance folks!
Edited by - PumpinIron on 12/30/2024 15:38:34
Brian Murphy - Posted - 12/30/2024: 15:54:55
Looks like you are not close to dealers where you can try a lot of options. With your budget, I would listen and think hard about what you are attempting to attain sound-wise. In terms of construction, big options to consider are neck comfort. (Radius v. flat, depth, width). I would then call several dealers and some builders. For dealers in your price range, I would look at Turtle Hill, Banjo Warehouse, Banjo Ben, and Elderly Instruments. Talk to them about what you are looking for. There are a number of great builders in your range as well. Tim Davis, Rob Bishline, Sullivan, and Companion Banjos are great options. Huber and Warren Yates might be above that range. All of these builders will talk to you about what you are looking for and their ideas of how to get it.
But unless you have set ideas on what you are trying to achieve, this is sort of like "I want a new car, which one should I get." None of us have exactly the same taste. For example, Turtle Hill is the largest dealer in Nechville. So you can discuss with Danny what you want that is different from what you have, he will know what you mean. He also might talk trade in or be willing to buy your Nechville.
airport-security - Posted - 12/30/2024: 16:40:48
Having owned a Nechville, I’d characterize buying any other top end banjo as at best a lateral move. Prompting the question, what are you looking for that’s different?
PumpinIron - Posted - 12/30/2024: 16:57:25
quote:
Originally posted by airport-securityHaving owned a Nechville, I’d characterize buying any other top end banjo as at best a lateral move. Prompting the question, what are you looking for that’s different?
I think my Nechville (which is an Athena model with the Timber-Tronic tone ring) just lacks that sound I'm looking for. Don't get me wrong, it sounds good, but it doesn't have that real bell tone that cuts throught the mix the way I want it to. I suspect that this has to do with the tone ring I'm running in it. It saves a lot of weight but again, it doesn't sound quite the way I want it to.
Maybe I ought to talk to Tom first about trying out some different tone rings.
Brian Murphy - Posted - 12/30/2024: 17:35:31
think my Nechville (which is an Athena model with the Timber-Tronic tone ring) just lacks that sound I'm looking for. Don't get me wrong, it sounds good, but it doesn't have that real bell tone that cuts throught the mix the way I want it to. I suspect that this has to do with the tone ring I'm running in it. It saves a lot of weight but again, it doesn't sound quite the way I want it to.
Maybe I ought to talk to Tom first about trying out some different tone rings.
You could try their Pro Nickel-Plated 20 Hole Bronze Tone Ring. It will make a difference in terms of cutting power. The website is under development, but you could call Tom or Dave at Turtle Hill. If you do go that route and would be interested in selling the Timber Tronic, let me know. I have a hybrid ring, but would not mind a Timber Tronic to try. The lighter weight of the Nechvilles is awesome.
eagleisland - Posted - 12/30/2024: 18:22:16
Your money, your time, but if I was in your situation I'd call Greg Boyd and ask him when the next major batch of Pruchas are due to come in.
It's in Missoula, and eight hour (plus or minus) drive from you. Which means little out your way, in my experience.
Maybe you like them, maybe you don't. Personally, I think they're among the very best banjos built these days. As is often said: setup is critical, but some Pruchas are based on Mastertone specs, some very close to Stelling (Geoff Stelling and Jarda Prucha worked together when young, and you can see some Stelling design hints in some models) and some are entirely Prucha.
Those are the ones I like best.
The Old Timer - Posted - 12/30/2024: 19:04:40
I highly recommend Huber.
Do you have any interest in the post 1987 Gibsons?
banjo1930 - Posted - 12/30/2024: 19:10:16
A 1927-29 tube and plate flange Gibson TB-3 with a good conversion neck and either the original arch top right or a good conversion ring would be a really killer banjo in that price range. You could also look for a one piece flange TB-1 or TB-11 which can be around or under $5000 depending on condition and whether there is any replacement hardware or whether a tone ring has been added or not.
A used Huber or a Rich Era RB-3 would also be great options. As far as the option between the OB-300 and OB-Grandee, I would pick the Grandee over the OB-300.
From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 12/31/2024: 06:18:33
Chris,
You might want to start following Jim Britton's Facebook page "Ceres Banjo Works". Jim played many years with top bands and now, one of the things he does is sell banjo's for people. He usually gives a sound sample by playing each banjo he is selling. You can see a lot of banjo's there and hear a lot of sounds and maybe can reduce your scope of search. Jim is an A#1 guy. He has been doing this a long time and has built a great reputation. You could even call him and tell him what you are looking for. He maybe able to give you some good advice. For what you are willing to pay, you should be able to get exactly what you want. Here is his Facebook page:
Good luck and enjoy the hunt. Very exciting.
Ken
Old Hickory - Posted - 12/31/2024: 07:27:52
Jim Britton, in the name Ceres Banjo Works, is of course a member here. And all of his banjos for sale are listed in the Hangout Classifieds. Many with video demos as Ken says.
Chris: With a budget up to $5000, you can have some model from any brand or maker. Some new. Some only used. But any name. It's not for us to suggest what you should buy. I think the most we can do is suggest what you maybe should consider and try to see and play.
To all the excellent and obvious choices named so far, I'd say it's worth considering Deering banjos from the Calico and above. Used, most models should fall within your budget. Including those from 2006 and later with the current tone ring and modified fit. If you like a radiused fretboard, then consider the newer Maple Blossom.
- - - - - - - - -
I also like custom builds. My oldest, main, player is one. So if I were really in the market, I'd seriously consider having Eric Sullivan build me something. I might even think about supplying a tone ring if there were one I was particularly interested in using.
Edited by - Old Hickory on 12/31/2024 07:28:25
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