Archtop Banjo

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UK 5

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For 5 String Banjo Players based in the British Isles.

523 Members, Created 1/27/2011 -

Administrators: alfiedog (owner) , HSmith

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From Ralph Stanley legend on 2/21/2014 6:59:51 AM

Hi all,

I wonder if anyone our there has or has had a chance to play a Goldtone OB 250 Archtop. They sound fairly good on the demo video's...

Trouble is, unless you want to spend the best part of $3.000 the choice for a fairly GOOD archtop is limited to the OB250 AT or an old Goldstar archtop.

I have found a mint Recording King Archtop at a dealer in the states for about $1.000 but, I'm not sure as I have never played one.

Pricewise, not much between them, in the $1.500 dollar range.

Many thanks,

David

7 Comments
	Banjo Vern says: 2/21/2014 7:01:21 AM Hi David, I've got one of the Tod Taylor specials which I believe is based on the OB250 and I think it's great.
	the Twanger says: 2/21/2014 8:22:34 AM Remember, you have to add import duty, vat, delivery, insurance and that will add substantially to the cost. If you already know about this apologies.
	alanjg1 says: 2/21/2014 10:03:18 AM Can't go wrong with an old Goldstar.
	Buzzbomb says: 2/23/2014 2:11:21 PM Hi David, I'm just waiting for the OB AT250 to come back into stock at andybanjo.com... Arch-tops seem to be rare as hens teeth - the only one I've seen currently in stock in the UK (on line) is an 80s Gibson RB (johnalveyturner.co.uk/page85.html) Given my limited playing ability I don't really want to go over the £1000... so I'll bide my time! Cheers Ivor
	Ralph Stanley legend says: 2/24/2014 2:21:06 AM Thanks for the input guys, Ivor, you can get the OB 250 Raised head from Banjostore.net in Europe for just over £900. I'm not sure what Andy banjo is charging ? Yes, Raised head's are rare here, but lots in the States. I just love the brighter tone and projection. I have also looked at the Mitch line of Raised heads in the US. I think they are a great buy. Of course, a late '20's Gibson raised head conversion is an option but I'm looking at $3000 plus. Hmmmmm, couple of months yet to think it over ! Many thanks.
	hobogal says: 2/24/2014 12:53:27 PM Clareen banjos make 5string archtops and are based in Ireland.
	Banjo Vern says: 2/25/2014 11:43:29 AM Keep an eye on Ebay, that's where my Gold tone Todd Taylor came from. It's a bit loud (bother sound and decoration) for some but I love it. If you're ever passing North Nottinghamshire come and have a go.
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