Eli V - Posted - 02/20/2026:  10:26:04

I currently use a Recording King RK-20 as my main banjo, and it's a great banjo that I got a few months after I started playing, and I still love it, but I'm thinking about maybe getting an additional banjo in the near future. Something that is higher level and has a true heavy tone ring. I love the tone and punch of the old Gibson RB3 and the RB75, but don't like the price tag that comes along with an authentic Gibson. So I am exploring more modern options that resemble the RB3/RB75. I've researched the Gold Tone OB3 Twanger, which is supposed to model after JD's style 3 so it matches what I am looking for. Does anyone have any experience with the Twangers? Or are there any other banjos at a similar price point that either do a similar job or a better job than the Twanger at resembling that Gibson tone? Just trying to explore my options so I know what to keep my eye on as I search for banjos.

Edited by - Texasbanjo on 02/20/2026 14:34:03

BobbyE - Posted - 02/20/2026:  10:42:35

You can go on YouTube and type in the search bar for the Goldtone Twanger review and get some audio and video details to see what you think, as well as the poster thinks.

Bobby

eric fuls - Posted - 02/20/2026:  11:59:28

For what you're looking at spending, why not look into a used Deering or Gibson, U.S. made or look at Japanese made masterclones from the 70's or 80's. You might spend a little more but any issues that may need to be addressed with a new Chinese built banjo would most likely have been done already.

pinenut - Posted - 02/20/2026:  12:04:06

quote:

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Originally posted by eric fuls

For what you're looking at spending, why not look into a used Deering or Gibson, U.S. made or look at Japanese made masterclones from the 70's or 80's. You might spend a little more but any issues that may need to be addressed with a new Chinese built banjo would most likely have been done already. 

example:  from the a players perspective, Deering's plain Jane base model Sierra or the previous Standard outclass all but the very top of the imports because of the wood quality and construction style of the neck. 

note: this is a common theme for the domestic makers.

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+1 

Edited by - pinenut on 02/20/2026 12:18:44

Will Frady - Posted - 02/20/2026:  18:43:52

I have a Twanger and it is my favorite banjo I own , from playing to sound it a great banjo. The only thing I don’t like about it is the fret work . The string easily slips under the fret whilst doing pull offs too often . It is a Hoss though. Best of luck

1935tb-11 - Posted - 02/21/2026:  04:42:01

for the money the twanger is gonna be your best bet. all the ones i have played were stout.. lots of bang for the buck..

in open G it has a little too much sustain for my liking but thats just me... down in A and B its a hoss.. i prefer a .656 or 11/16" bridge on it more then a 5/8". ( a mike smith) is my fav.

but i don't think you can go wrong with one of the twangers and you won't spend 4 or 8 or 50 grand on a banjo.

and like will said the frets are a bit tall.. but i played one that the guy had the frets dressed down just a hair  and it was great.... so if it dont feel right you can look into that,,, usually its not that costly for someone to float the frets.

Edited by - 1935tb-11 on 02/21/2026 04:44:41

The Old Timer - Posted - 02/21/2026:  08:48:46

A very similar banjo would be the Gold STAR JD Crowe model (not the gold plated one from the 1980s) or a used Gold Star Model 85 or 100. Don't ignore them if you see a used one with a good price (or a new one either).

There are also similar used Recording Kings in the used market.

Good luck, you're looking for a banjo that is relatively common and easily available/affordable.