Keilen13 - Posted - 05/14/2025:  13:37:53

Hey there,

I have been scrolling for a while here and decided to open an account. One does not have many options at hand in Europe, and after some extensive search, I rounded down two banjos in my area to select one for my next upgrade - going from an open-back to a resonator with tone ring. However, there is not a lot of info online, especially regarding the Ibanez. The options are a Goodtime Special and a 1970's Ibanez Artist Wreath. Does anybody have experience with the Ibanez Artist line or would support one over the other? Thanks in advance and glad to be part of this forum!

PS: I know of other brands, but for around 600-700 Euros, these are currently the best options in this price range (looking to sell my current RKH05).

gbisignani - Posted - 05/14/2025:  15:36:03

I have no personal experience with the Ibenez but from what I know the 70's Ibenez do have a good reputation. I do have a Goodtime openback and it's just OK.

Cessna172 - Posted - 05/14/2025:  16:45:33

I have owned, played, and recorded with a 70's Ibanez Artist Wreath for a bunch of years. I believe that depending on condition of the Ibanez, you will be satisfied with the purchase over the Deering Goodtime Special.

I have nothing against the Goodtime, in fact, I own two of them. They are fun and sturdy.

Good luck with your purchase.

Gary

Bikerider - Posted - 05/14/2025:  16:53:00

I have a 1976 Ibanez Artist that I bought new in Feb 1977 (yikes). It’s a very good banjo. I had First Quality put on a new tone ring about 25 years ago. I think that was a minor improvement in sound though.

I bought it at Anton Wilfer’s violin shop in Montreal. Why a reknowned violin maker had a Japanese 5-string banjo in his shop I’ll never know. Maybe he could see into the future? I just looked him up and discovered that he passed away in 1976. I thought he was involved in my purchase but I guess not.

en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anton_Wilfer

Dan Gellert - Posted - 05/14/2025:  17:44:56

The 70's Ibanez Artist models I see online look like reasonably good Mastertone knockoffs. I can't imagine choosing any Goodtime model over one of those, but that's my taste.

Old Hickory - Posted - 05/14/2025:  18:08:08

The Ibanez Artist was a respectable bluegrass banjo and Gibson copy. It is more of a bluegrass banjo than the Goodtime Special.

Bart Veerman - Posted - 05/14/2025:  18:54:29

Definitely the Ibanez, a way better and stage worthy banjo.

writerrad - Posted - 05/14/2025:  18:54:56

Lol Ibanez perhaps won the ultimate prize in Gibson imitation in guitars. When they created the Artist series of Guitars, especially the Jazz Artist, a guitar I have owned since 1978, Gibson went to court and won the law suit and Ibanez was forced to stop making the exact models.

writerrad - Posted - 05/14/2025:  18:55:39

But now neither Ibanez nor Gibson makes banjos anymore

Old Hickory - Posted - 05/14/2025:  20:14:01

quote:

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Originally posted by writerrad

Gibson went to court and won the law suit and Ibanez was forced to stop making the exact models.

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They settled. And the focus of the lawsuit was on Ibanez copying the "open book" headstock design of the Les Paul.

Edited by - Old Hickory on 05/14/2025 20:14:47

Bill Rogers - Posted - 05/14/2025:  21:18:31

I’ll join the Ibanez advocates. An easy decision.

Banjowen - Posted - 05/15/2025:  01:08:46

I've owned two 70's Ibanez Artists over the years,they are excellent banjos.

KCJones - Posted - 05/15/2025:  02:33:41

Take the resonator off the Ibanez and inspect the bottom edge of the rim. I like the 70s Ibanez Artists but nearly every one I've looked at has had a delaminated rim.

An intact goodtime is better than a delaminated ibanez.

writerrad - Posted - 05/15/2025:  06:10:15

quote:  Yes the key or what Gibson nailed them on was the headstock. 

However it was not just the Les Paul imitation.   The suit got the most publicity for the Les Paul imitation guitars but it involved a whole range of models.  Their Les Pauls are nice guitars and almost bought back then when I only played guitar, but I was studying Jazz at the time and bought the hollow body Artist which was also part of the suit. 

It is pretty much a copy of the Gibson but has hotter pickups than the Gibsons it copies which at the time in 1978 when I bought it suited my tastes at the time when I was only 30 or 31, a mere baby.

If I was about 10 years younger, right now, I would probably hunt down one of those late 70s RB copies because I would probably profit from having a serviceable RB that was affordable.  On the other hand, at 2 weeks exactly under 78,  I dont want to end up like a lot of my pals with too many banjos to actually play at my age and energy..  LOL in some gatherings of folks I know when asked about banjos, my answer is that I only own 7 and folk rub it in by saying "I thought you had more."

Thanks for your knowledge.

Old Hickory - Posted - 05/15/2025:  08:31:13

Ibanez "Lawsuit" & Elger Guitars. AcousticMusic.org

-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -

".. at 2 weeks exactly under 78,  I don't want to end up like a lot of my pals with too many banjos to actually play at my age and energy."

I turned 74 a month ago. I have five banjos. And a long-stalled fist build. 

I keep looking, but I think my banjo buying days are done.

Bill Rogers - Posted - 05/15/2025:  12:34:26

I used to repair rim delamintions by running in Titebond with an artist’s palette knife. Clamp it up and it’s ready to go in 24 hours.

pinenut - Posted - 05/15/2025:  13:04:04

The Goodtime Special banjo is durable and sounds great with it's tone ring.  It is limited to light steel or nylon strings; the nylon are awesome on a GT with a tone ring (only have to add a 5th string pip).

The Ibanez has a truss rod to support any strings and a nice bluegrass playing feel and tone.  It probably has the die cast tone ring and thick multiply rim; these sound fine.  The ring can be swapped; the improvement is noticeable and good.

They are very different from each other and even more so from the RKH05. 

I have a nice easy playing banjo with steel strings that sounds great...  My GT with tone ring and nylon strings still gets an unfair amount of attention.

You need both.

hawthorne.fastie.com/asianbanjos/gk.php

Ibanez - Some nice Mastertone replicas in the late 70's and early 80's including a blonde maple gold model like the then current RB800 Gibson. These were Bluebell banjos for the home market, both made by Fujigen. Some of the models, circa 1978:

589FB - flying eagle inlays, dark stained maple finish, dark resonator with flying eagle pearl inlays on the back

590 - economy model, blond maple, diamond inlays, cheaper tuners, friction fifth peg.

591 - natural maple, wreath, curly maple resonator.

591FB - no details other than being left handed.

592 - like 591, dark stained maple finish.

592FB - H&F, natural finish, maple.

592G - 592FB with gold hardware.

593 - vine inlay from 2nd to 15th fret, natural maple.

593BR - 593 with sunburst finish.



Google "Ibanez 591 banjo specs"

The Ibanez 591 Artist Banjo, particularly the 591FB-BR and 591TB models, features a 11" Fiberskyn head, a 11/16" multi-ply maple rim with 24 brackets and bolts, and a dual coordinator rod system. The resonator is typically made of maple and includes concentric purfling rings. The banjo has a 3-piece maple neck with a fiddle-shaped peghead and an ebony fingerboard with mother of pearl inlays. It utilizes a flathead tone ring, tube-and-plate flange, and a notched tension hoop. The tailpiece is a clamshell design engraved "Ibanez".

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Head: 11" Fiberskyn head.

Rim: 11/16" multi-ply maple rim, 15-ply in some models.

Tone Ring: Die-cast flat-top tone ring, delivering a powerful and resonant tone.

Neck: 3-piece maple neck with a rock maple neck in some models, featuring an adjustable truss rod.

Peghead: Fiddle-shaped peghead with mother of pearl inlays in a renaissance design.

Fingerboard: Ebony fingerboard with mother of pearl inlays.

Hardware: 4 Planetary tuners (18:1 ratio in some models) and a geared 5th string tuner, heavy chrome plated throughout.

Resonator: Bound maple resonator with concentric purfling rings.

Scale Length: ~26-1/4".

Edited by - pinenut on 05/15/2025 13:18:56

pinenut - Posted - 05/15/2025:  15:51:05

Little bit off topic and maybe overpriced (depending on the weather) question:



Jaroslav Prucha is in Prague, Czechia. That's ~300km (~4hrs) from Vienna?  pruchabanjos.cz/banjos/

They have a strong bluegrass scene in that area (so I have read). en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Czech_bluegrass

Are Prucha or Prucha parts banjos available used and sorta local?

Local counts for availability and lower price here; I would assume it does there too?

I would choose a well used Prucha over a 'perfect' import or Goodtime.  





There is a strong argument for getting high quality tools, especially when it is a tool that sees consistent use.

Edited by - pinenut on 05/15/2025 16:07:36

Keilen13 - Posted - 05/16/2025:  01:57:53

Thank you all for the replies - I was expecting some sort of notifications so I am late to the party!
I also incline towards the Ibaney, it's just that to me the Goodtime sounds and plays so damn good that I considered the Special, even though it is just my openback with an added resonator, tonering, and that's all.

I will check out the Ibanez, seems to hold it's value over time should I ever want to sell it. What is it with the unlaminated rim? I do not really know what to imagine.

Prucha are amazing but not as local as expected, surprisingly. He seems to be big over in the states and pops up rarely over here. The prices are also way above my budget. If money wouldn't be a problem, a Goldtone 250WL would be.
I was glad nonetheless to find out, that there are banjoist in Europe too, so close to Vienna!

Cheers!

Emiel - Posted - 05/16/2025:  03:59:21

quote:

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Originally posted by Keilen13

What is it with the unlaminated rim? I do not really know what to imagine.



 

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It means the plies of the rim come apart. But as Bill said, it can be fixed rather easily…

1935tb-11 - Posted - 05/16/2025:  08:05:10

a friend of mine had an artist back in the early 80s and it really sounded good,, nice built banjo,,, looked like this one.  by the way this one is on reverb for 799.00. they have the 2 piece flange like the early gibsons did.

Edited by - 1935tb-11 on 05/16/2025 08:10:53

1935tb-11 - Posted - 05/16/2025:  08:14:56

quote:

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Originally posted by Emiel

quote:

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Originally posted by Keilen13

What is it with the unlaminated rim? I do not really know what to imagine.



 

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It means the plies of the rim come apart. But as Bill said, it can be fixed rather easily…

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if you get it at a good enough price you buy a 3 ply maple from sullivan and have someone fit it for you,, then your are set to go.

Keilen13 - Posted - 05/16/2025:  08:24:23

That is exactly the banjo in question. Currently down at 650 Euros, so kinda samey in price. Thanks!
I asked for pictures and thr rim looked laminated just fine. Thank you all.

writerrad - Posted - 05/16/2025:  11:11:34

I starteds out on the first good time model when they had but 1 model about 35  years ago. It was a well made for the price starter banjo.  An Ibanez Artist banjo  is a further step up the ladder, a banjo made to resemble and offer an inexpensive alternative to someone wanting a 5-string resonator banjo but not able to pay premium prices.  If you want to play Bluegrass, or even old time music get the Ibanez Artist.  Since Ibanez no longer makes banjos whatsoever--changes in the exchange between the dollar and the yen have made the bargain but quality Japanese guitars and banjos produced from the 70s to the early 2000s no longer affordable for buyers here and no longer profitable for Ibanez and most other makers.   

If you do get the Ibanez, find a good banjo luthier and have her or him take a look at the banjo and set it up properly and see what has to be done to it.  It is worth the investment which may be a few bucks.  

Sitting here with a 1923 Vega Tubaphone in my lap as I type--lol I do so many things as only interruptions to picking--still lusting for an RB of that quality!

writerrad - Posted - 05/16/2025:  17:47:35

The Goodtimes are nice banjos for the price point they offer, but are not a banjo for serious bluegrass playing and projection, whereas the Ibanez is basically an attempt to create an inexpensive alternative to much more expensive Gibson and other quality bluegrass banjos.    The Ibanez also has some eventual sale value insofar as Ibanez no longer manufactures this banjo or any other banjo.

It really depends on what kind of music you want to play.  If you are aiming for Bluegrass, or aiming for finger style old time music, the Ibanez is the best choice.   The Good Time is more of a starter, beginner banjo.

On the other hand I have owned a Goldtone WL-250 since 2003.  It is not that much more expensive here in the states than the other two banjos.  It was the first good banjo I have owned, after my Good time and a Gretsch I owned were stolen.   It is a very good banjo for old time music both finger style and clawhammer, and in fact is the banjo shown in my picture for BHO. 

I now also own 2 Tubaphones, an Enoch Banjo, and an 1890s Fairbanks, but that Gold Tone WL-250 holds up for what it is against the those other banjos.

It isnt a bluegrass machine like the Ibanez.   I confess I have always had a weakness for the Ibanez since I have owned an Ibanez Artist Jazz guitar since 1978 and find it a fine instrument.

You can find WL-250s at least here in the US for the price offerred for the Ibanez.  Get the Ibanez if you are aiming at Bluegrass.  But dont give up on looking for a WL-250, it is a nice banjo for old time, folk, and finger picked rag time.

 

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Originally posted by Keilen13

Thank you all for the replies - I was expecting some sort of notifications so I am late to the party!

I also incline towards the Ibaney, it's just that to me the Goodtime sounds and plays so damn good that I considered the Special, even though it is just my openback with an added resonator, tonering, and that's all.



I will check out the Ibanez, seems to hold it's value over time should I ever want to sell it. What is it with the unlaminated rim? I do not really know what to imagine.



Prucha are amazing but not as local as expected, surprisingly. He seems to be big over in the states and pops up rarely over here. The prices are also way above my budget. If money wouldn't be a problem, a Goldtone 250WL would be.

I was glad nonetheless to find out, that there are banjoist in Europe too, so close to Vienna!



Cheers!

---

Edited by - writerrad on 05/16/2025 17:51:32

Keilen13 - Posted - 05/17/2025:  02:03:03

Very useful insight! Yes, I am currently practicing all styles and the Ibanez seems to be the best choice in my area. I guess I am expecting it to be similar to the Goldtone BF150/250, as specs and build go.
The WL-250 is in the same price range, but over the ocean here you can expect to pay anywhere from 1300 (self-imported) to 1800 (only store that had it in stock) euros. Which is a ridiculous increase. For that money one can get a Prucha.
Lately I found out about a brand new aspiring banjo builder in Vienna, ten stabs - maybe he will put out something worthwhile with a WL in a couple of years.

writerrad - Posted - 05/21/2025:  06:01:32

Back when I bought my Jazz Artist  when  I was a mere tyke of about 31 and I actually like the hotter pickups they put on the Artists than on the Gibsons for my blues playing a sign of the immaturity of youth.  dont play electric guitar enough now so that it matters.  It is a nice guitar.  The pre law suit ones, (got it the year the law suit changed things not knowing squat about such things) are hotter guitars.  

writerrad - Posted - 05/21/2025:  06:50:48

Sitting in a room with 7 banjos in it,   I believe the answer is never 1 banjo.  Each banjo has its own gift and inspires and can satisfy a particular need in the banjoist that no other can.  I know of only 2 real banjoists of the hundreds I know who subsist with only 1 banjo.  Each banjo has to be judged for its special joy and use.    

Keilen13 - Posted - 05/23/2025:  00:13:48

Haha, so true @writerrad! I was also looking at a goldtone bg-150f to maybe avoid travel, setup, replacement costs on the unplayed 70s Ibanez.

ron robinson - Posted - 05/25/2025:  06:09:00

get the lbanez great banjos if you get the blond one most people like them better price wise it was called the law suit modle i got told when gibson wanted to sue them luck it up i have one will not part with it good luck

RB-1 - Posted - 06/01/2025:  12:15:15

quote:

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Originally posted by 1935tb-11

quote:

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Originally posted by Emiel

quote:

---

Originally posted by Keilen13

What is it with the unlaminated rim? I do not really know what to imagine.



 

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It means the plies of the rim come apart. But as Bill said, it can be fixed rather easily…

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if you get it at a good enough price you buy a 3 ply maple from sullivan and have someone fit it for you,, then your are set to go.

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Back in 1980 I had Sullivan making me a rim to the dimensions I measured off my Iida 233.

Had a their ring fitted and got a tension hoop too (the steel original had flared badly).

It was almost a direct swap out.

Never heard an original Ibanez that sounded better than my simple Masterclone...

The only Japanese banjos I heard that had a better low end were old Gold Stars.

Later I always found, both Iida and Ibanez, lacking a bit of the warmth that I first experienced with my Gibson RB-1

So indeed, go the Sullivan route or check out the Prucha.

Maybe he can make you a new rim with ring as wel, who knows?

Keilen13 - Posted - 06/02/2025:  01:29:12

Thank you for the replies! I decided on a Ten Stabs first run models, will post a picture here once I'll have it in my hands.

Dan Gellert - Posted - 06/03/2025:  10:23:34

quote:

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Originally posted by Keilen13

Thank you for the replies! I decided on a Ten Stabs first run models, will post a picture here once I'll have it in my hands.

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If it's like the one I found on Reverb, I'd say you made a very good choice.   An exceptionally tasteful take on the pre-Mastertone Gibson, IMO. If it plays and sounds as good as it looks, it's a terrific bargain at the price!

rvb-img.reverb.com/image/uploa...bte8g.jpg

Edited by - Dan Gellert on 06/03/2025 10:35:24

Spudwheat - Posted - 06/04/2025:  03:54:11

quote:

---

Originally posted by Bill Rogers

I used to repair rim delamintions by running in Titebond with an artist’s palette knife. Clamp it up and it’s ready to go in 24 hours.

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From a wood restorer's point of view, I'll second that. Titebond is some tough stuff!

Keilen13 - Posted - 06/04/2025:  04:18:02

quote:

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Originally posted by Dan Gellert

quote:

---

Originally posted by Keilen13

Thank you for the replies! I decided on a Ten Stabs first run models, will post a picture here once I'll have it in my hands.

---

If it's like the one I found on Reverb, I'd say you made a very good choice.   An exceptionally tasteful take on the pre-Mastertone Gibson, IMO. If it plays and sounds as good as it looks, it's a terrific bargain at the price!

rvb-img.reverb.com/image/uploa...bte8g.jpg

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Precisely that one ;) it sounded terrific when I tried it out. Besides, I feel much more comfortable and versatile with a open back after all.

Mash13 - Posted - 06/17/2025:  09:58:22

quote:

---

Originally posted by Keilen13

That is exactly the banjo in question. Currently down at 650 Euros, so kinda samey in price. Thanks!

I asked for pictures and thr rim looked laminated just fine. Thank you all.

---

I just purchased this Ibanez. I sent a PM to the original poster hoping he could forward the pics to me. I'm getting a bit worried since the reverb seller hasn't sent me shipping info yet and he said he would send it yesterday. Looking forward to getting this banjo in my hands!