We’ll howdy, I’m in the market for a nicer bluegrass banjo. Currently playing clawhammer on a fantastic little Rickard little wonder but trying to expand back into bluegrass. I own a gold tone OB-250 that I just don’t love. I’m also the kind of vain that the more beautiful the instrument the more I want to hold it and practice. The pre-war style banjos just don’t do it for me. (Sorry almost everyone) I’ve been eyeing a very pretty wildwood heirloom resonator to take the place of my gold tone. it’s just different enough in looks that I’m into it. Anyone have thoughts or opinions here? At the price (around $3500) I could also get a used huber, older stelling, just about any deering, used Hatfield, or a new bishline. I don’t have easy access to shops fitted out with anything more than gold tones.
What do you think about the Bluegrass Hybrid banjos, like Clawgrass?
I've just started making an open-back with a Bluegrass pot and wider OT style neck.
I did a cool custom Masonic theme build, and I show images of my personal banjo as an example on my website.
bruceberrybanjos.wordpress.com
There is this one at Elderly for slightly less. They have a 10 day return policy. I would confirm before you order. I wouldn't spend that kind of money on a banjo that I didn't either try first or could return if it didn't grab me.
Putting appearance before sound could be a risk if you ever want to sell.
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Originally posted by Brian MurphyThere is this one at Elderly for slightly less. They have a 10 day return policy. I would confirm before you order. I wouldn't spend that kind of money on a banjo that I didn't either try first or could return if it didn't grab me.
That is the very banjo I was looking at. With taxes and shipping it ends up hitting $3500. I rekon I can't go wrong with the return policy.
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Originally posted by Bruce Berry BanjosWhat do you think about the Bluegrass Hybrid banjos, like Clawgrass?
I've just started making an open-back with a Bluegrass pot and wider OT style neck.
I did a cool custom Masonic theme build, and I show images of my personal banjo as an example on my website.
bruceberrybanjos.wordpress.com
Bruce, those are some fine looking machines. I can't quite put my finger on the right word but I like the look of them for sure. I'm not sure about a clawgrass. I was hoping to stick to a resonator. I've also been toying around the idea of an old Stewart to use as dedicated nylon to get my pisgah back to metal strings. I think i'm going to consider one of yours instead. Those are alluring.
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Originally posted by Bill RogersPutting appearance before sound could be a risk if you ever want to sell.
you're right about that. Wildwoods seem like they hold their value well enough. I've read very mixed reviews on them though. People either love them or hate them. Whereas the other high end used banjos in this price range (huber, hatfeild, deering) all are raved about.
I would play the Wildwood before pulling the trigger on it. I've owened one and played several. All the ones I played have chunkier necks, so make sure you like that, and the "mastertone style" Wildwoods have a different sound with their block rims, I found them to be a little thinner sounding and louder than your average mastertone. That said they are wonderful banjos, I regret selling mine.
I have a Wildwood open back banjo and it is a very good sounding banjo. It has that Tubaphone tone because it has a Tubaphone tone ring in it.
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Originally posted by Emiel
Wildwood resonator banjo (setup with a skin head in this case):
Alright! I love zacs tone, I suspect he's got a lower head tension. This video (and a couple others) certainly push me closer to buying that wildwood.
