Hello having owned plenty banjos gibson stelling huber and deering ive come to the conclùsion that gold plated banjos sound better anyone agree or disagree thanx karl
You may be right in a certain sense, but not because of the Gold plating. An instrument that is plated is usually of the highest order, wood, hardware, precision craftsmanship, care of construction, & quality control.
T dennis yeah your probablyright i never thought like that but i have a 1971 rb800 no one likes them accordingtoforums but it sounds fantasticif not a bit different
I play a few gold plated instruments, & they are top drawer, but I imagine they would sound as great in chrome or nickel plating, because all of the elements of construction are of the highest quality.
In the meantime, I await scientific studies on the sonic qualities of different plating.
If I had an RB800 I might also think I was in heaven, & that my banjo had the voice of Angels.
Edited by - tdennis on 09/15/2024 16:50:06
Of course they sound better, just look at them!
I would be interested in some sound clips. I’m guessing most may be surprised.
W,F ..surprised by what ??
There is a big difference in sound between a earl scruggs standard and a earl scruggs special .1 there is a big price difference but the specials also sound better too
In my opinion I believe the sound difference is a lot in the setup and the person picking it . I have heard some high dollar banjos that sounded dull and Japanese and China made banjos sound like power houses. You take Jim Britton for instance. He has had several models of banjos for sale and it seems everyone of them sound awesome. Setup and experience picking makes a good sounding banjo in my opinion
Yes dave me too some expensive not as good sounding as cheaper chinese
A valid comparison between a nickel plated and gold plated banjo would be between a Baldwin "C" style and Baldwin "D" style banjo. These banjos are essentially identical. They are both walnut, have 27" inch scales, same pot layout, etc. The only difference is the neck inlay ("D" styles are more elaborate) and the plating with the "C" being nickel and the "D" gold...
Any slight difference in sound/tone would probably not be noticeable - assuming both were also setup identically - same type strings, head type, head tension, bridge, etc.)
I cannot see how plating and inlays can have a discernible effect upon the overall sound/tone of (otherwise) identical banjos... BUT ... If anyone out there has both of these banjos, and cares to do a comparison of identically setup Baldwin "C" and "D" styles, I would be interested to know their results.
Take it Easy ... MarK
Edited by - mvolcjak on 09/17/2024 14:32:25
Plating has been argued/discussed here before. Go ahead and compare unplated rings, as some believe they sound best. Like other things banjo, if you can hear it, it is real. If you can't hear it, you may deny it. Much like arguing colors with someone who is colorblind.
As lightgauge stated; this has been discussed here before, many times.
I have commented on a prior thread that I have spoken to one of the best, if not the best ring supplier currently living regarding this. The man told me that in his opinion there is s difference only if the gold plating is properly done. This man went on to explain the proper gold plating procedure and stated that if not done that way that you are better off not gold plating at all. This was his opinion, and he is highly respected. I have spoken to two other well known banjo builder's and their opinions were different from one another. Some seem to think that the owners of gold plated banjos think their gold plated banjos sound better than a nickel plated banjo of the same make and style to justify their expense. I have both and make them both sound equally bad.
Bill,
You are missing my point here. I am comparing, plating aside, (essentially) identical banjos. As others have stated, generally gold-plated banjos are "top shelf", so there are too many differences between them and their nickel-plated counter parts to make a valid comparison.
Gold or Nickel plating should not be noticeably different between the SAME banjos - tone or sound wise. That is why I suggest the Baldwin banjo tests as the only real difference (inlay aside), between a Baldwin "C "and "D" is the plating. EVERYTHING else between these 2 models is the same. I remember Roger Sprung used to offer Baldwin "C" models with "D" necks - so if one of those could be used, we would have even removed the inlay difference and only have a plating difference...
Perhaps there are some individuals who could ascertain the difference between identical banjos with different plating, but I have my doubts.
Take it Easy ... MarK
Sonny O. was convinced that gold plated banjos sound better. At least you are in good company! Personally I don't believe the plating could have any effect.
quote:
Originally posted by mvolcjakThat is why I suggest the Baldwin banjo tests as the only real difference (inlay aside), between a Baldwin "C "and "D" is the plating.
Oh, that's a great idea! Has anyone ever discussed the sonic quality of fretboard inlays? How do Hearts&Flowers sound in comparison to Flying Eagles? 
