Dreamxr - Posted - 04/19/2026:  05:09:55

I’m in the market for an upgrade to my Gold Tone AC-12 banjo and have found both Stone Banjo Co and Zachary Hoyt banjos to have good reviews and are within my budget (under $1500 USD). Has anyone had both and can give a comparison of them? I’m sure I won’t be disappointed with either one, but I just can’t make a decision! Also open to other options in that price range.

banjobrewer - Posted - 04/19/2026:  11:06:30

Haven’t played a Stone banjo but they look well built. I notice the hardware quality differs depending on the build of the ones I’ve seen.
Hoyt banjos I’ve had plenty experience with. They are very uniform as far as hardware and build. Except for one offs or special requests they seem to be all good quality with similar build.
I’d venture to say either would be great players. Just have to find the sound you’re looking for.
Both huge upgrades to the AC12. And I have an AC12A that I think is a great little travel banjo.

Silver_Falls - Posted - 04/19/2026:  12:02:05

Once you factor in the cost of a case/gigbag and shipping, these banjos may not be such a great value as they may first appear.

And -- at least in the case of Hoyt's instruments -- resale value is going to be disappointing when you start looking for something better.

Consider exploring the used market, such as the classifieds here on bho. Some terrific instruments from reputable and well-regarded bulders, increase your joy in playing now, and preserve better value into the future.

paulhealey - Posted - 04/19/2026:  12:10:12

I’ve had both, and they were both very well built. If I had to compare them, objectively, I would say Zach’s banjo was “chunkier” kind of like what Pisgah does and Steve’s was more slender and elegant. That was the biggest difference.
I can’t really give an apples to apples comparison - Zach’s had a tone ring and Steve’s was a woodie. If I remember correctly the Stone was a 12 and Zach’s was as an 11 also. So they just naturally sounded different.
I hope this helps. I’m not comfortable saying one is better than the other simply because they were both very different from each other. However, if someone said they wanted a banjo that met one of those builder’s particular characteristics, I would recommend either of them as they both make great instruments.

MRichaud - Posted - 04/19/2026:  12:53:59

quote:

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Originally posted by Silver_Falls

Once you factor in the cost of a case/gigbag and shipping, these banjos may not be such a great value as they may first appear.



And -- at least in the case of Hoyt's instruments -- resale value is going to be disappointing when you start looking for something better.



Consider exploring the used market, such as the classifieds here on bho. Some terrific instruments from reputable and well-regarded bulders, increase your joy in playing now, and preserve better value into the future.

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I can only comment on the Stone banjo, as I have one of his.  And Stone included a gig bag with mine; assume that's still his policy.

SophiaD - Posted - 04/19/2026:  13:26:48

quote:

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Originally posted by Silver_Falls

And -- at least in the case of Hoyt's instruments -- resale value is going to be disappointing when you start looking for something better.



Consider exploring the used market, such as the classifieds here on bho. Some terrific instruments from reputable and well-regarded bulders, increase your joy in playing now, and preserve better value into the future.

---

What makes of used instruments would you suggest as better than Hoyt's instruments, at similar prices?

Edited by - SophiaD on 04/19/2026 13:30:54

MRichaud - Posted - 04/19/2026:  14:27:43

quote:

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Originally posted by MRichaud

quote:

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Originally posted by Silver_Falls

Once you factor in the cost of a case/gigbag and shipping, these banjos may not be such a great value as they may first appear.



And -- at least in the case of Hoyt's instruments -- resale value is going to be disappointing when you start looking for something better.



Consider exploring the used market, such as the classifieds here on bho. Some terrific instruments from reputable and well-regarded bulders, increase your joy in playing now, and preserve better value into the future.

---

I can only comment on the Stone banjo, as I have one of his.  And Stone included a gig bag with mine; assume that's still his policy.

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OOPS!  Senior moment!  I paid extra for the soft case.  sorry for the wrong info.  Still, very happy with the Stone!

Mike Thompson - Posted - 04/19/2026:  15:07:59

I’ve got a Stone and a Hoyt. The banjo from Zach is one of his all wood banjo’s and I put nylon strings on it so it has a mellow classical guitar sound. While I can’t compare the two on sound, I can say both are very solid, well made instruments. When you order a Stone, Steve gets your input for types of wood, hardware, etc. He sends pictures of the in-progress build. Both Steve and Zach are easy to work with and I’m happy with both.