Archtop Banjo

Premier Sponsors

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue, we will assume that you agree to our privacy policy which includes details of cookie usage. Hide this notice

UK 5

Join This Group

For 5 String Banjo Players based in the British Isles.

524 Members, Created 1/27/2011 -

Administrators: alfiedog (owner) , HSmith

< Back to Home

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.
Post a Comment
You must be logged in and a member of this group to post a comment.

	All 4 Power Pickin DVDs Linked by Andy Campbell 8 months ago
	Banjo Arangents of the Kingston Trio Linked by Andy Campbell 10 months ago
	Beginning Bluegrass Banjo DVD by Pete Wernick Linked by Andy Campbell 10 months ago
	6 JD Crowe CDs (in UK only) Linked by Andy Campbell 10 months ago
	Vintage Banjo Tailpieces & Old Wrench Keys. Linked by Old_banjo_dust 4 years ago
	Banjo Pickers Lose Friends Quicker (From The Dusty Sweeney Show) Linked by G D Sweeney 4 years ago
Video: (untitled) Linked by muzzlehatch 4 years ago: Haven't posted anything in ages, so I thought I'd stick my neck out again.
	STELLING SUPERSTAR 1979- For sale..... May consider trade for nice Baldwin-Ode D Linked by Ralph Stanley legend 5 years ago
Tablature: Julie Ann Johnson Linked by simonthomas652 5 years ago
	John Blissitts banjo Linked by conic 5 years ago