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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/405470
Dutch_Nick - Posted - 10/12/2025: 14:31:32
Hi,
I did post this same question on this forum some time ago, but couldn't find it anymore so asking again.
I want to learn to play bluegrass on the Banjo and maybe also clawhammer style. I can play some decent fingerpicking on the guitar so I quess it wouldn't be to hard to play bluegrass on the banjo.
I have a few banjo's in mind:
- Goldtone AC-5 (you can take of the resonator very easy)
- Goldtone CC-50RP
- Harley Benton BJ-50PRO (the cheapest of them all)
I am on a budget, so my price limit would be maximum 600 euros.
Which banjo would be a good choice for a beginner?
Maybe there are other options?
SatCotM - Posted - 10/12/2025: 14:52:14
For 600 Eur you could get a much nicer banjo used. But maybe that would be too difficult to find near you where banjos aren't common.
The BJ-50Pro should be avoided. It's built to look like a real instrument, not to be played like one. The fingerboard and bridge cap are made from radiata pine according to the manufacturer. This is soft construction lumber; you'd never use it for either application unless building on the most extreme budget. It would be a very disappointing instrument to own.
localhost - Posted - 10/12/2025: 15:07:31
Do you have a preference for resonator or open back, or does it not matter?
Dutch_Nick - Posted - 10/13/2025: 06:09:10
quote:
Originally posted by SatCotM
The BJ-50Pro should be avoided. It would be a very disappointing instrument to own.
Ok, That one is from the list! I want to get a decent banjo to start with but in my country the Netherlands there are a couple of brand to chose from:
- Deering Goodtime (above budget)
- Goldtone
- Ozark (good banjo's?)
- Recording King (above budget).
I am hesitating between the Gold AC-5 or the CC-50RP
The AC-5 is priced for around 499 euros
The CC-50RP around 570 euros.
Not a big price difference.
Hard to decide which of the two banjo's would be the best choice for me. Maybe I also want to learn the claw hammer technique in the future.
Edited by - Dutch_Nick on 10/13/2025 06:10:50
Dutch_Nick - Posted - 10/13/2025: 06:10:15
quote:
Originally posted by localhostDo you have a preference for resonator or open back, or does it not matter?
I think I prefer a resonator banjo. Why? Just because of the look of it. Aren't open back banjo's more suited for claw hammer?
Texasbanjo - Posted - 10/13/2025: 08:15:15
You can play either bluegrass or clawhammer using a resonator banjo. You can also take the back off a resonator banjo and have an open back. That's the best of 2 worlds if you want to try both genres.
localhost - Posted - 10/13/2025: 08:26:30
Just curious. The resonator models typically add a little to the price over their open back counterparts. A reso really just affects projection of the sound (loudness) and adds a bit of additional weight. Its presence or absence wouldn't prevent you from learning clawhammer or improve your learning of bluegrass.
kwl - Posted - 10/13/2025: 09:16:57
I think either of the Goldstone banjos are a good choice. The main difference between the two is that the AC-5 is constructed of composite materials and the CC-50RP is made from traditional materials. To me, both play very well. My personal preference is the CC-50RP mainly because of the brass tone ring. Taking the resonator off of this one is not as easy as the AC-5 and when you do you still have the flanges attached to the rim. I would leave the resonator on when playing clawhammer.
SatCotM - Posted - 10/14/2025: 06:17:36
quote:
Originally posted by localhostA reso really just affects projection of the sound (loudness) and adds a bit of additional weight.
Worth adding that it does make some change to the tone. A resonator will make the sound a little more crisp, clear, and bright. Without a resonator, you get a somewhat milder and rounder sound with less definite overtones because our bodies mute some of it.
But the projection is certainly the main difference.
localhost - Posted - 10/14/2025: 06:24:12
quote:
Originally posted by SatCotMquote:
Originally posted by localhostA reso really just affects projection of the sound (loudness) and adds a bit of additional weight.
Worth adding that it does make some change to the tone. A resonator will make the sound a little more crisp, clear, and bright. Without a resonator, you get a somewhat milder and rounder sound with less definite overtones because our bodies mute some of it.
But the projection is certainly the main difference.
I guess I kinda lumped that into loudness in my brain as I was writing that, but for sure I agree. Thanks for pointing that out for OP.
mikehalloran - Posted - 10/14/2025: 20:12:08
Although I have a great banjo in your price range, current shipping and tariffs knock it way over your budget.
Dutch_Nick - Posted - 10/15/2025: 02:05:09
quote:
Originally posted by kwlThe main difference between the two is that the AC-5 is constructed of composite materials and the CC-50RP is made from traditional materials. To me, both play very well.
I listened to both of them on Youtube. For me it seems that the AC-5 sounds more brighter than the CC-50RP. Price difference between them is not much. I do like the look of the CC-50RP more and this one has planetary tuners.
Dutch_Nick - Posted - 10/15/2025: 02:05:42
quote:
Originally posted by mikehalloranAlthough I have a great banjo in your price range, current shipping and tariffs knock it way over your budget.
Yeah, shipping costs are high! Thanks anyway!
Dutch_Nick - Posted - 10/15/2025: 02:13:11
The Deering Goodtime 2 is also a very nice banjo and made in the USA, but unfortunately above my budget. Will the Deering be a much better banjo than the Goldtone CC-50RP?
I also found an Ibanez B200. Looks nice, but made in China and Ibanez is not a brand I knew that also makes banjo's.
I also found some other banjo's:
Richwood RMB-905-A
Richwood RMB-905 Master Series
Barnes & Mullins Empress 5-string Banjo BJ500BW
And what the brand Ozark? Any good?
RB-1 - Posted - 10/16/2025: 00:04:25
Nick, in welke regio woon jij?
Als het niet al te ver is kan ik wel helpen meedenken, en kun je bij mij eens proberen op een goede banjo.
Over een keuze: De budgetbanjo die er flink bovenuit stak, was de Recording King RK-35 of -36.
Maar het lijkt er op dat deze al nergens meer in voorraad is.
Over het spelen: gitaarfingerpicking is behoorlijk anders dan Bluegrassbanjo.
Het helpt als je inmiddels goed beweeglijke duim, wijs- en middenvinger hebt, maar verder gaat de overeenkomst niet.
Ook daarmee kan ik helpen, maar je moet er geen halve dag voor moeten reizen.
Bruno
RB-1 - Posted - 10/16/2025: 04:55:05
O ja...
De door jou gevonden opties vind ik allemaal zonde van het geld, gewoon te weinig banjo voor wat ze kosten.
Neem eens contact op met Wim van de Weg en zeg dat ik je gestuurd heb: banjo.nl
Dutch_Nick - Posted - 10/16/2025: 08:59:12
quote:
Originally posted by RB-1Nick, in welke regio woon jij?
Als het niet al te ver is kan ik wel helpen meedenken, en kun je bij mij eens proberen op een goede banjo.
Over een keuze: De budgetbanjo die er flink bovenuit stak, was de Recording King RK-35 of -36.
Maar het lijkt er op dat deze al nergens meer in voorraad is.
Over het spelen: gitaarfingerpicking is behoorlijk anders dan Bluegrassbanjo.
Het helpt als je inmiddels goed beweeglijke duim, wijs- en middenvinger hebt, maar verder gaat de overeenkomst niet.
Ook daarmee kan ik helpen, maar je moet er geen halve dag voor moeten reizen.
Bruno
Hallo Bruno,
Ik woon in Noord Limburg, maar we komen ook wel eens in Noordwijkerhout.
Heb nu mijn oog op de Recording King RK-R20, maar die is nergens meer te vinden. Kwam hem op een site tegen voor 570 euro, maar klopt die prijs wel? De winkel gaf aan dat het lijkt dat de importeur er mee gestopt was.
Erg moeilijk om in NL aan een echte fatsoenlijke banjo te komen.
Dutch_Nick - Posted - 10/16/2025: 09:02:03
quote:
Originally posted by RB-1O ja...
De door jou gevonden opties vind ik allemaal zonde van het geld, gewoon te weinig banjo voor wat ze kosten.
Neem eens contact op met Wim van de Weg en zeg dat ik je gestuurd heb: banjo.nl
Is ook de Deering Goodtime dan zonde van het geld??
De Recording King RK-R20 is tot nu toe de enige banjo die er voor mij uit springt, maar helaas is deze nergens te vinden in NL. Ik ga eens contact opnemen met banjo.nl Bedankt voor de tip!
RB-1 - Posted - 10/16/2025: 09:27:02
quote:
Originally posted by Dutch_Nickquote:
Originally posted by RB-1O ja...
De door jou gevonden opties vind ik allemaal zonde van het geld, gewoon te weinig banjo voor wat ze kosten.
Neem eens contact op met Wim van de Weg en zeg dat ik je gestuurd heb: banjo.nl
Is ook de Deering Goodtime dan zonde van het geld??
De Recording King RK-R20 is tot nu toe de enige banjo die er voor mij uit springt, maar helaas is deze nergens te vinden in NL. Ik ga eens contact opnemen met banjo.nl Bedankt voor de tip!
De Goodtime is een uitstekend gebouwd instrument, maar het is geen standaard constructie en heeft dus behoorlijke klankbeperkingen. Juichende reviews komen dan ook voornamelijk van mensen die nog nooit iets beters in handen hebben gehad.
En net als alle Deerings, flink aan de prijs. Dus een GT is geen value for money, eerder het omgekeerde.
De RK-R20 zal prima zijn voor clawhammer, maar voor 3 finger picking is het gewoonweg niet genoeg banjo.
Zoals al gezegd kan clawhammer wel op de meeste banjo's, maar 3 fingerpicking vraagt wat meer van het instrument.
N-Limburg... Ik ken goede banjospelers in Mook en Uden, maar of zij ook les geven?
Dutch_Nick - Posted - 10/16/2025: 11:30:06
quote:
Originally posted by RB-1quote:
Originally posted by Dutch_Nickquote:
Originally posted by RB-1O ja...
De door jou gevonden opties vind ik allemaal zonde van het geld, gewoon te weinig banjo voor wat ze kosten.
Neem eens contact op met Wim van de Weg en zeg dat ik je gestuurd heb: banjo.nl
Is ook de Deering Goodtime dan zonde van het geld??
De Recording King RK-R20 is tot nu toe de enige banjo die er voor mij uit springt, maar helaas is deze nergens te vinden in NL. Ik ga eens contact opnemen met banjo.nl Bedankt voor de tip!
De Goodtime is een uitstekend gebouwd instrument, maar het is geen standaard constructie en heeft dus behoorlijke klankbeperkingen. Juichende reviews komen dan ook voornamelijk van mensen die nog nooit iets beters in handen hebben gehad.
En net als alle Deerings, flink aan de prijs. Dus een GT is geen value for money, eerder het omgekeerde.
De RK-R20 zal prima zijn voor clawhammer, maar voor 3 finger picking is het gewoonweg niet genoeg banjo.
Zoals al gezegd kan clawhammer wel op de meeste banjo's, maar 3 fingerpicking vraagt wat meer van het instrument.
N-Limburg... Ik ken goede banjospelers in Mook en Uden, maar of zij ook les geven?
De Deering is eigenlijk boven mijn budget en ik vind de headstock ook niet mooi.
Waarom zou de Recording King niet goed genoeg zijn voor 3 fingerpicking? Genoeg op YouTube gezien waarbij mensen de fingerpicking techniek gebruiken op de Recording King. Ik zal nooit in een bandje spelen, dus de banjo is gewoon voor de leuk erbij, maar ik zoek wel een mooie en heb ook oog voor goede afwerking en kwaliteit. Ga het mezelf ook aanleren. 4 jaar flamenco gitaarles gehad en kan een aardig stukje fingerpicken op de gitaar waar ik dus 4 vingers gebruik. Claw hammer ga ik waarschijnlijk toch niet doen bij nader inzien. 3 fingerpicking op de banjo is denk ik toch meer mijn ding. Boeken genoeg te vinden ook waarbij ik het mezelf aan kan gaan leren.
Liefst zou ik de Recording King RK-R20 aan willen schaffen, maar nergens meer te vinden.
Blijft dan over de GT CC-50RP.
Edited by - Dutch_Nick on 10/16/2025 11:30:56
Dutch_Nick - Posted - 10/17/2025: 00:42:45
quote:
Originally posted by chuckv97
Hahahaha!! The Netherlands isn't what it used to be!
Dutch_Nick - Posted - 10/17/2025: 00:45:06
quote:
Originally posted by A Drum On A StickThe AI didn't try very hard with that one
Correct! Only the windmills are correct.
RB-1 - Posted - 10/18/2025: 06:42:28
quote:
Originally posted by Dutch_Nickquote:
Originally posted by RB-1quote:
Originally posted by Dutch_Nickquote:
Originally posted by RB-1O ja...
De door jou gevonden opties vind ik allemaal zonde van het geld, gewoon te weinig banjo voor wat ze kosten.
Neem eens contact op met Wim van de Weg en zeg dat ik je gestuurd heb: banjo.nl
Is ook de Deering Goodtime dan zonde van het geld??
De Recording King RK-R20 is tot nu toe de enige banjo die er voor mij uit springt, maar helaas is deze nergens te vinden in NL. Ik ga eens contact opnemen met banjo.nl Bedankt voor de tip!
De Goodtime is een uitstekend gebouwd instrument, maar het is geen standaard constructie en heeft dus behoorlijke klankbeperkingen. Juichende reviews komen dan ook voornamelijk van mensen die nog nooit iets beters in handen hebben gehad.
En net als alle Deerings, flink aan de prijs. Dus een GT is geen value for money, eerder het omgekeerde.
De RK-R20 zal prima zijn voor clawhammer, maar voor 3 finger picking is het gewoonweg niet genoeg banjo.
Zoals al gezegd kan clawhammer wel op de meeste banjo's, maar 3 fingerpicking vraagt wat meer van het instrument.
N-Limburg... Ik ken goede banjospelers in Mook en Uden, maar of zij ook les geven?
De Deering is eigenlijk boven mijn budget en ik vind de headstock ook niet mooi.
Waarom zou de Recording King niet goed genoeg zijn voor 3 fingerpicking? Genoeg op YouTube gezien waarbij mensen de fingerpicking techniek gebruiken op de Recording King. Ik zal nooit in een bandje spelen, dus de banjo is gewoon voor de leuk erbij, maar ik zoek wel een mooie en heb ook oog voor goede afwerking en kwaliteit. Ga het mezelf ook aanleren. 4 jaar flamenco gitaarles gehad en kan een aardig stukje fingerpicken op de gitaar waar ik dus 4 vingers gebruik. Claw hammer ga ik waarschijnlijk toch niet doen bij nader inzien. 3 fingerpicking op de banjo is denk ik toch meer mijn ding. Boeken genoeg te vinden ook waarbij ik het mezelf aan kan gaan leren.
Liefst zou ik de Recording King RK-R20 aan willen schaffen, maar nergens meer te vinden.
Blijft dan over de GT CC-50RP.
Als je veel verschillende banjo's zelf wilt proberen, dan is een ritje naar Heerde zeker aan te bevelen.
Ik zou nooit een instrument willen kopen zonder het in handen te hebben gehad...
Ik heb geen bijzonder goede ervaringen met banjo's die on-line waren gekocht.
Dat wil zeggen, zulke banjo's die ik voor anderen heb afgesteld, waren zonder uitzondering behoorlijk slecht- tot niet afgesteld.
De gemiddelde muziekzaak zal misschien alles van gitaren weten, van banjo's hebben ze geen flauw benul.
Dutch_Nick - Posted - 10/19/2025: 01:17:24
quote:
Originally postedIk heb geen bijzonder goede ervaringen met banjo's die on-line waren gekocht.
Dat wil zeggen, zulke banjo's die ik voor anderen heb afgesteld, waren zonder uitzondering behoorlijk slecht- tot niet afgesteld.
De gemiddelde muziekzaak zal misschien alles van gitaren weten, van banjo's hebben ze geen flauw benul.
Ik heb contact gehad met Wim van banjo.nl maar hij ligt momenteel in het ziekenhuis en zal daar nog wel even blijven liggen.
De Recording King RK-R20 vind ik persoonlijk wel een hele mooie banjo en als beginner zal deze denk ik toch wel goed zijn voor mij? Helaas is deze nergens meer te koop in NL. De importeur schijnt met dit merk gestopt te zijn.
RB-1 - Posted - 10/19/2025: 09:07:28
quote:
Originally posted by Dutch_Nickquote:
Originally postedIk heb geen bijzonder goede ervaringen met banjo's die on-line waren gekocht.
Dat wil zeggen, zulke banjo's die ik voor anderen heb afgesteld, waren zonder uitzondering behoorlijk slecht- tot niet afgesteld.
De gemiddelde muziekzaak zal misschien alles van gitaren weten, van banjo's hebben ze geen flauw benul.
Ik heb contact gehad met Wim van banjo.nl maar hij ligt momenteel in het ziekenhuis en zal daar nog wel even blijven liggen.
De Recording King RK-R20 vind ik persoonlijk wel een hele mooie banjo en als beginner zal deze denk ik toch wel goed zijn voor mij? Helaas is deze nergens meer te koop in NL. De importeur schijnt met dit merk gestopt te zijn.
1. O, dat is geen goed nieuws.... Ik zal gauw eens informeren. Had je gemaild?
2. Niet de (Ned.) importeur, maar de producent (Music Link USA) is er mee gestopt. Ze worden niet meer gemaakt, dus 'op is op'....
De man achter de RK's, Greg Rich ( die daarvoor al, eind vorige eeuw, Gibson banjo's weer op de kaart zette) is inmiddels met een vrije transfer naar Gold Tone gegaan.
Als hij ze zover krijgt om, naar zijn ideeën, goede vervanging voor de RK's te gaan produceren, dan durf ik die ongezien aan te bevelen.
Zelf heb ik een RK-R75 en daar ga ik probleemloos het podium mee op, als ik mijn oude Gibson niet wil gebruiken...
Dutch_Nick - Posted - 10/19/2025: 11:13:38
quote:
Originally posted by RB-11. O, dat is geen goed nieuws.... Ik zal gauw eens informeren. Had je gemaild?
2. Niet de (Ned.) importeur, maar de producent (Music Link USA) is er mee gestopt. Ze worden niet meer gemaakt, dus 'op is op'....
De man achter de RK's, Greg Rich ( die daarvoor al, eind vorige eeuw, Gibson banjo's weer op de kaart zette) is inmiddels met een vrije transfer naar Gold Tone gegaan.
Als hij ze zover krijgt om, naar zijn ideeën, goede vervanging voor de RK's te gaan produceren, dan durf ik die ongezien aan te bevelen.
Zelf heb ik een RK-R75 en daar ga ik probleemloos het podium mee op, als ik mijn oude Gibson niet wil gebruiken...
Ik had hem een mail gestuurd. Hij zou gaan kijken wat die heeft staan als die weer uit het ziekenhuis is.
Ik ga waarschijnlijk de aankoop voorlopig in de koelkast plaatsen. Ben hier op het forum nu enorm gaan twijfelen. Recording King valt af, Goldtone valt af en Deering.
Vergeet niet dat ik een beginner ben en zeker niet ga optreden. Ik had wel gedacht dat een Deering of een Goldtone een goede keuze zou zijn, maar je hebt me aan het twijfelen gebracht. Iets anders is er gewoon niet, behalve hele dure banjo's.
In NL is er voor de rest weinig te vinden behalve via de grote online winkels.
Kom er dus even niet meer uit welke keuze ik moet maken. Mijn budget is ook beperkt en daardoor is de keuze ook een stuk minder.
GrahamHawker - Posted - 10/19/2025: 13:20:35
quote:
Originally posted by Dutch_NickIk ga waarschijnlijk de aankoop voorlopig in de koelkast plaatsen. Ben hier op het forum nu enorm gaan twijfelen. Recording King valt af, Goldtone valt af en Deering.
Why is Goldtone out? I'm sure an AC1 or AC5 will come into stock somewhere in Europe and hard to beat at the price. Thomann is saying 3-4 weeks although that's not reliable.
Dutch_Nick - Posted - 10/19/2025: 13:55:08
quote:
Originally posted by GrahamHawkerquote:
Originally posted by Dutch_NickIk ga waarschijnlijk de aankoop voorlopig in de koelkast plaatsen. Ben hier op het forum nu enorm gaan twijfelen. Recording King valt af, Goldtone valt af en Deering.
Why is Goldtone out? I'm sure an AC1 or AC5 will come into stock somewhere in Europe and hard to beat at the price. Thomann is saying 3-4 weeks although that's not reliable.
I am not a big fan of those GT composite banjo's. I prefer wood.
The GT CC-50RP is available but a bit boring looking. The RK-R20 would have been my choice but unfortunately not available anymore.
Spudwheat - Posted - 10/20/2025: 06:37:40
quote:
Originally posted by kwlI think either of the Goldstone banjos are a good choice. The main difference between the two is that the AC-5 is constructed of composite materials and the CC-50RP is made from traditional materials. To me, both play very well. My personal preference is the CC-50RP mainly because of the brass tone ring. Taking the resonator off of this one is not as easy as the AC-5 and when you do you still have the flanges attached to the rim. I would leave the resonator on when playing clawhammer.
Wouldn't having those flanges on when you're playing dig into your leg?
Spudwheat - Posted - 10/20/2025: 06:40:55
quote:
Originally posted by Dutch_NickThe Deering Goodtime 2 is also a very nice banjo and made in the USA, but unfortunately above my budget. Will the Deering be a much better banjo than the Goldtone CC-50RP?
I also found an Ibanez B200. Looks nice, but made in China and Ibanez is not a brand I knew that also makes banjo's.
I also found some other banjo's:Richwood RMB-905-A
Richwood RMB-905 Master SeriesBarnes & Mullins Empress 5-string Banjo BJ500BW
And what the brand Ozark? Any good?
Something that hasn't been mentioned yet is the weight. Some of them may weigh a ton.
Dutch_Nick - Posted - 10/20/2025: 06:48:52
quote:
Originally posted by Spudwheatquote:
Originally posted by Dutch_NickThe Deering Goodtime 2 is also a very nice banjo and made in the USA, but unfortunately above my budget. Will the Deering be a much better banjo than the Goldtone CC-50RP?
I also found an Ibanez B200. Looks nice, but made in China and Ibanez is not a brand I knew that also makes banjo's.
I also found some other banjo's:Richwood RMB-905-A
Richwood RMB-905 Master SeriesBarnes & Mullins Empress 5-string Banjo BJ500BW
And what the brand Ozark? Any good?
Something that hasn't been mentioned yet is the weight. Some of them may weigh a ton.
I will never play standing up. They may weigh a ton, but have you tried a National Reso-Phonic Tricone vintage steel guitar? ??
GrahamHawker - Posted - 10/20/2025: 07:36:47
quote:
Originally posted by Dutch_NickI am not a big fan of those GT composite banjo's. I prefer wood.
As far as I can tell (I have an AC12 and have heard a few AC1s in videos) the composite rim is better than the basic multiply wood rims made with thin strips of wood that is found on most cheaper wood rimmed banjos. The wood rim is the really weak point of these banjos.
Here's reknowned player Gabe Hirshfeld with an AC1 sounding quite excellent for a 300 dollar/euro/pound banjo.
youtube.com/watch?v=I5rJDgGKidE
I have much better specced banjos than my AC12, with decent rims and tone rings, but the one I play most of the time is the AC12.
localhost - Posted - 10/20/2025: 08:12:56
I have a deering goodtime and the neck bent. As a holdover I bought an AC-1 as I save up funds for a better instrument, and after about 2 months of daily use I have no regrets purchasing the AC-1. I was fortunate enough to have a local shop that had about 4 different banjos in my budget price range so I got to try a few models and settle on the one I preferred overall. Get whatever one you want and be excited to play it everyday.
Dutch_Nick - Posted - 10/20/2025: 08:16:43
quote:
Originally posted by localhostI have a deering goodtime and the neck bent. As a holdover I bought an AC-1 as I save up funds for a better instrument, and after about 2 months of daily use I have no regrets purchasing the AC-1. I was fortunate enough to have a local shop that had about 4 different banjos in my budget price range so I got to try a few models and settle on the one I preferred overall. Get whatever one you want and be excited to play it everyday.
And what about the GT CC-50RP compared to the AC-5?
Edited by - Dutch_Nick on 10/20/2025 08:17:45
localhost - Posted - 10/20/2025: 10:00:20
I believe they had a CC-50 or 100, a RK dirty thirty, and some other RK (I don't recall which). Sorry for not remembering the details much, but out of the bunch I picked the AC1 because it played as well or better in my opinion that day.
I do recall thinking that some of them weren't set up very well so I really didn't perform a subjective test of each model. I just simply picked the one that sounded and felt best out of what they had (in the condition they were in at that time). Just go with the one you like best and set it up properly from the get go.
Jon Borcherding - Posted - 10/20/2025: 10:18:54
I started learning banjo about 3 1/2 years ago on an Ibanez B-50. The resonator is just held on with brackets so it's easy to remove and there's no flange left behind to dig into your leg. The price of a new B-50 today is about $329. I think I paid $100 less than that just a few short years ago.
Hmmm... wonder what it'll be worth in 10 years?
I tinkered with it and learned lots of stuff about bridges, tailpieces, tuners, strings, etc.
It still plays well and sounds better than new. I'll probably give it to one of the grandkids if they express an interest. If not... I told my wife when I die just make a pile of cheap chinese banjos in the backyard, put me on top and light the fire.
Yeehaw!
Dutch_Nick - Posted - 10/20/2025: 12:37:20
quote:
Originally posted by Jon BorcherdingI started learning banjo about 3 1/2 years ago on an Ibanez B-50. The resonator is just held on with brackets so it's easy to remove and there's no flange left behind to dig into your leg. The price of a new B-50 today is about $329. I think I paid $100 less than that just a few short years ago.
Hmmm... wonder what it'll be worth in 10 years?
I tinkered with it and learned lots of stuff about bridges, tailpieces, tuners, strings, etc.
It still plays well and sounds better than new. I'll probably give it to one of the grandkids if they express an interest. If not... I told my wife when I die just make a pile of cheap chinese banjos in the backyard, put me on top and light the fire.
Yeehaw!
Thomann.de has the Ibanez B50 in stock:
It has normal geared tuners.
I do like the look of the Ibanez B200, but is it any good? This one has planetary tuners.
Personally I think the GT CC-50RP would be the best choice, but this banjo is a bit boring to look at. The Ibanez B200 on the other has some nice inlays in the neck.
I found this guy on YouTube who is playing the Ibanez B200:
youtu.be/JTGX6R2lwaY?si=td_oV4IatV26J76R
I know, looks and playability are two different things but when I buy a banjo I also want a nice looking banjo with good quality hardware and overall finish. I do think GT scores higher on quality then Ibanez.
Edited by - Dutch_Nick on 10/20/2025 12:39:55
GrahamHawker - Posted - 10/20/2025: 13:03:37
quote:
Originally posted by Dutch_NickThomann.de has the Ibanez B50 in stock:
It has normal geared tuners.
I do like the look of the Ibanez B200, but is it any good? This one has planetary tuners.
Personally I think the GT CC-50RP would be the best choice, but this banjo is a bit boring to look at. The Ibanez B200 on the other has some nice inlays in the neck.
I found this guy on YouTube who is playing the Ibanez B200:
youtu.be/JTGX6R2lwaY?si=td_oV4IatV26J76R
I know, looks and playability are two different things but when I buy a banjo I also want a nice looking banjo with good quality hardware and overall finish. I do think GT scores higher on quality then Ibanez.
The Ibanez B200 sounds ok but it's a cheaply made thing with very cheap components and the quality is quite terrible. Probelms reported include poorly cut heels and rims not cut properly for the the tone ring and flange as well as falling apart after a year. The Gewa Premium banjo on Thomann is the same banjo. I have the tenor version o0f this with the same pot and I have those problems plus others and I'd describe as the worst quality banjo I've seen.
The B50 is really just a rebadge of a cheap Asian factory banjo. These sort of banjos are just about ok if you have no money to get something better but are better without the resonator as an open back. And anything with a basic tone ring like CC50 will be much better.
Dutch_Nick - Posted - 10/20/2025: 13:26:35
quote:
Originally posted by GrahamHawkerquote:
Originally posted by Dutch_NickThomann.de has the Ibanez B50 in stock:
It has normal geared tuners.
I do like the look of the Ibanez B200, but is it any good? This one has planetary tuners.
Personally I think the GT CC-50RP would be the best choice, but this banjo is a bit boring to look at. The Ibanez B200 on the other has some nice inlays in the neck.
I found this guy on YouTube who is playing the Ibanez B200:
youtu.be/JTGX6R2lwaY?si=td_oV4IatV26J76R
I know, looks and playability are two different things but when I buy a banjo I also want a nice looking banjo with good quality hardware and overall finish. I do think GT scores higher on quality then Ibanez.
The Ibanez B200 sounds ok but it's a cheaply made thing with very cheap components and the quality is quite terrible. Probelms reported include poorly cut heels and rims not cut properly for the the tone ring and flange as well as falling apart after a year. The Gewa Premium banjo on Thomann is the same banjo. I have the tenor version o0f this with the same pot and I have those problems plus others and I'd describe as the worst quality banjo I've seen.
The B50 is really just a rebadge of a cheap Asian factory banjo. These sort of banjos are just about ok if you have no money to get something better but are better without the resonator as an open back. And anything with a basic tone ring like CC50 will be much better.
I was afraid of that. No Ibanez banjo for me then. The only reason why I thought the Ibanez would be a good choice is because of the fact I own an Ibanez AF75 Jazz hollowbody guitar which I bought very cheap and the overall finish is not bad at all. I think I own it 15 years and had no problems with it.
I now narrowed down my list to only the Gold Tone banjo's. The Deerings are also nice but no truss rod in the neck and someone already mentioned a bent neck.
As an absolute beginner it's a complete jungle to find a decent banjo here in Europe!
Dutch_Nick - Posted - 10/28/2025: 15:48:45
Which Gold Tone banjo would be the better one for an absolute beginner with some decent fingerpicking technique on guitar?
The Gold Tone AC-5
The Gold Tone CC-50RP
pinenut - Posted - 10/28/2025: 16:55:16
quote:
Originally posted by Dutch_Nickquote:
Originally posted by GrahamHawkerquote:
Originally posted by Dutch_Nick
I now narrowed down my list to only the Gold Tone banjo's. The Deerings are also nice but no truss rod in the neck and someone already mentioned a bent neck.
As an absolute beginner it's a complete jungle to find a decent banjo here in Europe!
Hi Nick,
Bent necks on Goodtime banjos are rare and most banjos have neck problems at similar rates. The Goodtime necks are very strong and made of hard straight grain maple. I started on a used Goodtime and have refurbished another; the necks are plank flat on both and had definitely been 'touched' when I got them.
The new Goodtime with a three-ply rim sounds much, much better than the lower end Gold Tones even with lighter strings, 9-11-13-20w-9. I currently use my Goodtime with nylon strings but, would not hesitate to put 10-12-14-22w-10 on it; no worries.
The harder wood in the Goodtime neck gives a livelier feel to hammer-ons and general play. Gold Tone necks look nice; Goodtime banjo necks feel like a higher end banjo.
If I could start over, I would still choose a used Goodtime for my first banjo. Don't cut yourself short for a few bad apples.
Cheers, Kam
Dan Gellert - Posted - 10/28/2025: 16:59:43
quote:
Originally posted by Dutch_NickWhich Gold Tone banjo would be the better one for an absolute beginner with some decent fingerpicking technique on guitar?
The Gold Tone AC-5
The Gold Tone CC-50RP
Both good starter banjos. I don't think you'd find either one clearly superior to the other.
I'd slightly favor the AC-5, though. It's about as light a banjo as you'll find, it's really open-back convertible (just one screw!), and the rim and resonator are sturdy and waterproof. IOW, it's a nearly ideal SECOND banjo. Some day, when you've invested a few thousand euro in a pro-grade banjo, you might not want to take that to a session on the beach or out in the woods, or to a crowded bar...
Dutch_Nick - Posted - 10/29/2025: 00:41:57
quote:
Originally posted by Dan Gellertquote:
Originally posted by Dutch_NickWhich Gold Tone banjo would be the better one for an absolute beginner with some decent fingerpicking technique on guitar?
The Gold Tone AC-5
The Gold Tone CC-50RPBoth good starter banjos. I don't think you'd find either one clearly superior to the other.
I'd slightly favor the AC-5, though. It's about as light a banjo as you'll find, it's really open-back convertible (just one screw!), and the rim and resonator are sturdy and waterproof. IOW, it's a nearly ideal SECOND banjo. Some day, when you've invested a few thousand euro in a pro-grade banjo, you might not want to take that to a session on the beach or out in the woods, or to a crowded bar...
I will never play in a band, so even though the rim is waterproof is not important for me.
Not a fan of the guitar tuners on the AC5 but I do like the fact that you can convert this banjo very easily to an open back banjo! The AC5 is still a great contender.
Dutch_Nick - Posted - 10/29/2025: 00:47:08
quote:
Originally posted by pinenutquote:
Originally posted by Dutch_Nickquote:
Originally posted by GrahamHawkerquote:
Originally posted by Dutch_Nick
I now narrowed down my list to only the Gold Tone banjo's. The Deerings are also nice but no truss rod in the neck and someone already mentioned a bent neck.
As an absolute beginner it's a complete jungle to find a decent banjo here in Europe!
Hi Nick,
Bent necks on Goodtime banjos are rare and most banjos have neck problems at similar rates. The Goodtime necks are very strong and made of hard straight grain maple. I started on a used Goodtime and have refurbished another; the necks are plank flat on both and had definitely been 'touched' when I got them.
The new Goodtime with a three-ply rim sounds much, much better than the lower end Gold Tones even with lighter strings, 9-11-13-20w-9. I currently use my Goodtime with nylon strings but, would not hesitate to put 10-12-14-22w-10 on it; no worries.
The harder wood in the Goodtime neck gives a livelier feel to hammer-ons and general play. Gold Tone necks look nice; Goodtime banjo necks feel like a higher end banjo.
If I could start over, I would still choose a used Goodtime for my first banjo. Don't cut yourself short for a few bad apples.
Cheers, Kam
It's hard to find a second hand Deering in my country. The price of a new one is above my budget. Keep in mind that I am not sure if I am going to like playing a banjo, but if I want to start with one, I want a decent one but I am on a budget.
That's why I narrowed down my list to the two Gold Tone banjo's.
pinenut - Posted - 10/29/2025: 07:50:48
quote:
Originally posted by Dutch_Nickquote:
Originally posted by pinenutquote:
Originally posted by Dutch_Nickquote:
Originally posted by GrahamHawkerquote:
Originally posted by Dutch_Nick
As an absolute beginner it's a complete jungle to find a decent banjo here in Europe!
It's hard to find a second hand Deering in my country. The price of a new one is above my budget.
New banjos are out of my budget too...
Brainstorming: are there any music stores or individuals that offer banjo rentals?
It is a common thing in the states and can be very practical.
Dean T - Posted - 10/29/2025: 11:13:51
>It's hard to find a second hand Deering in my country<
Keep this in mind, when worrying about a warped neck on a Goodtime. If the necks warped like some folks worry about, there would be used Goodtimes all over the place, and they would be cheap. But that’s not the case.
Dutch_Nick - Posted - 11/30/2025: 14:57:03
I decided to buy a Harley Benton BJ-50 pro banjo because I wasn't sure if I would like playing the banjo. It's a nice banjo for the money and I fine tuned it myself. Neck adjust, tightened the head, and repositioned the tail piece. It's loud and I really enjoy playing it! Already can play Cripple Creek at half speed and play along with the song In Hell I'll be in good company from Dead South. I did tried to find a Recording King but it's almost impossible to find one in my country! The RK is much more expensive then the HB. I am not sure, but the HB does have a tone ring. It looks like one. The tuners are planetary tuners and they stay in tune. They are not the best but they work fine. Working through books now and really enjoying playing the banjo! Maybe in the future I will upgrade to a better banjo but for now the HB does the job. The overall finish is not bad at all considering that I only paid 230 euros for it.
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