I am in the enviable position of having the option to choose between two Ball Bearing Gibsons, a '26 Granada and a '25 Style 5--or perhaps an unenviable position, since I cannot have them both. I would welcome general comments on the relative merits of these two banjos, in particular whether--given a similar set up--there is appreciable difference in tone and sound. Thanks in advance for any insights.
11 Comments |
 | dmarcus says:
3/29/2015 3:27:00 PM
I would tend towards the 1925 Style 5. Tone should be the same - relatively - on both, but the 1925 is truly unique in that it's the first year Mastertones were introduced and the word Mastertone is on the peghead. I also like how the Style 5 looks in comparison to the Granada with its purfling on the rim and neck and the design on the back of the peghead. IMHO, of course! No mention is made of the condition or price of the 2 banjos so that is a serious consideration.
Tough but enviable position to be in, for sure.
|
 | NDJohn says:
3/29/2015 3:44:07 PM
Gill, I'd go by which style speaks to you. Given similar condition, there shouldn't be an appreciable difference in sound or playability between the two instruments in their native state. I currently have a '25 Style 5 and it's a beauty. I've had three Style 3's from the period--two '26 and one '25. All are/were similar.
Make sure that all the ball bearing hardware is intact if you intend to resell; and of course the original tenor necks as well. Come to think of it, the comparison of the reproduction 5-string necks might sway you one way or another.
Best,
John
|
 | TonyW says:
3/29/2015 4:02:40 PM
I'm wanting both types myself. If you buy one I may buy the other. Good luck.
|
 | Dave1climber says:
3/29/2015 5:34:03 PM
I have heard, word of posts, that the 25's sound "better". Tone is an individual's preference.
I prefer the look of the 25 "shot gun" skirt.
|
| TonyW says:
3/29/2015 7:01:32 PM
I'm wanting both types myself. If you buy one I may buy the other. Good luck.
|
 | Fathand says:
3/30/2015 6:32:07 AM
If you want to play them pick the one that sounds better. If for an investment the more original one. If all the above is the same, the 5 is rarer.
|
 | loggerhead says:
3/30/2015 8:50:15 AM
Thanks for all the input and comments. Both banjos are in nice condition, but neither is easily available to me to play. It is a hard choice, drooling as I am over both. Once I make my decision, I will gladly pass information along about the several instruments which have been brought to my attention
|
| loggerhead says:
3/30/2015 8:53:05 AM
And I meant to imply that I'm looking for a keeper to play and enjoy, not to hang on some wall.
|
| TonyW says:
3/30/2015 8:08:23 PM
Thanks. I already have a TB-3 conversion but I'm really wanting something more unique.
|
| loggerhead says:
4/29/2015 6:58:29 AM
I've had a chance to look at and play the Style 5. She is a fine and vintage gal, and the shotgun skirt is way cool. The tone was amongst the best I've heard in any banjo I've played, and she is truly a unique instrument. But, as NDJohn commented, the neck can be the determining factor, and it just did suit me. Because I am looking for an instrument to play, not just to collect, the neck would likely have required a significant additional investment. Fortunately I'll be able to examine the '26 Granada in the near future. I am hoping that the looks, the tone, and the neck can all come together in the right package.
|
| loggerhead says:
4/29/2015 10:51:21 AM
Sorry, but there is a missing "not" in the third sentence above. It should read "...the neck can be the determining factor, and it just did not suit me."
|
Post a Comment
|
You must be logged in and a member of this group to post a comment.
|
