Hello:
I have a Fender Deluxe and its very heavy. What banjo can I get that's lighter than my Fender. My back is killing me lol.....must have good sound!!
Depends on your budget. Look for RK Madison I think it might have been a model 30, which is a wood rim ("woody"). At the high end, Banjo Ben's is selling Russ Carson's Prucha woody banjo.
Enoch Tradesman banjo's are light, well made and great sound.
Hunter Lemon could make you a new pot. That would bring the weight down considerably. What's more, that's cheaper than getting a new banjo.
I love my Stone Banjo Company banjo and it is super light.
Edited by - stephenvit on 12/23/2022 14:06:03
You do not mention what style you play. That would have a large impact on recommendations.
I did come up with an idea, which has apparently never caught on.
A piece of PVC pipe, a bungee at the top, and a VELCRO (TM) strap near the bottom, which has a chair leg tip on both ends.
The bungee hooks onto the brackets, the strap goes around the instep.
The sock on the top is to protect the resonator from damage.
The weight of the banjo is transferred by the bungee, down the pipe to the tip.
The strap keeps the pipe connected to the foot, so the player can move around.
The bungee also allows the player to raise or lower the banjo slightly, for breaks and such.
Archived HERE: https://www.banjohangout.org/archive/171674
Edited by - mike gregory on 12/23/2022 14:14:02
Tell us how much your banjo weighs now
Do you sit or stand
you may need a walk up or sit up stand
straps might not help
Shipping is up. I do rim change outs but I would prefer if you would contact Lemon banjos and discuss your specs
Edited by - Helix on 12/23/2022 14:15:41
Randy Wood makes a nice resonator bluegrass banjo. Featherlite model
For a decent combination of low cost, light weight and decent sound, I have found these old Epiphone or Aria banjos are great images.reverb.com/image/upload...gi2u0.jpg These are often found on ebay and other buy/sell sites. There's one on ebay right now.
Edited by - beegee on 12/23/2022 15:47:49
Well, we have no details regarding the kind of music you play or the kind of money you want to spend, so it's a crapshoot on our part. However, if you're looking for something super light and super inexpensive that sound decent for the price, take a look at the Goldtone AC-1.
I play 3 finger style banjo. I don't play clawhammer. Really appreciate all the answers.
quote:
Originally posted by JollyRogersYou do not mention what style you play. That would have a large impact on recommendations.
Play 3 finger style. Not clawhammer.
My Banjo weighs 12 lbs. Yup its heavy.
quote:
Originally posted by HelixTell us how much your banjo weighs now
Do you sit or stand
you may need a walk up or sit up standstraps might not help
Shipping is up. I do rim change outs but I would prefer if you would contact Lemon banjos and discuss your specs
Deering White Lotus has no tone ring, but sounds like one that does.
You could contact John Boulding, inactive Hangout member and luthier in North Carolina, and discuss swapping out your metal tone ring for one of his wood tone rings. Same fit and profile as a cast metal flathead ring but two pounds or so less weight.
Or as suggested above, work with another banjo maker to provide a new wood rim with integrated head-bearing surface. Another way to eliminate the tone ring.
If you want even less weight, you might have to go open back or composite. You'd be going backwards form your current banjo.
The discontinued lightweight Recording King bluegrass banjo was the RK-25. Thick rim, two-piece flange, resonator, and no tone ring. You'd never know. Sounded great.
Edited by - Old Hickory on 12/23/2022 16:55:12
My target would be 6+ pounds.
Doesn't Rob Bishline now make "light" and "ultralight" resonator banjos?
I have an RB-100 that does not kill the backbone and sounds pretty darn good
for a hoop ring !
I am a big fan of Nechville banjos. They offer two lightweight options.
Another option: https://goldtonemusicgroup.com/goldtone/instruments/ob-250lw With Goldtones, you can also watch for the B-stock (blemished) models, which are discounted. Issues sometimes are extremely minor and always cosmetic only. https://goldtonemusicgroup.com/goldtone/products/refurb?sort=az
Thank you everyone for the great suggestions. You are all a great help to me!!
quote:
Originally posted by Brian MurphyAnother option: https://goldtonemusicgroup.com/goldtone/instruments/ob-250lw With Goldtones, you can also watch for the B-stock (blemished) models, which are discounted. Issues sometimes are extremely minor and always cosmetic only. https://goldtonemusicgroup.com/goldtone/products/refurb?sort=az
Is there a weight target you are trying to hit? Every light weight banjo I have played has serious neck dive issues. Not usually a problem standing with a strap, but most of my picking is sitting in a chair. I have a Deering basic that is around 9 lbs. It's LOUD and chimey. Not that Mastertone sound, but it's easy to play and cuts through.
I deal with this question on almost a daily basis. My light weight banjos are not cheap, but amazing. The one in this video was so loud that it overdrove the mike at half volume but you get an idea of the tone. This one weighs in at 8 pounds. youtu.be/WhKrpnUl1GE
