Hi all, I’m looking to buy a new banjo, and am considering a resonator. I’m looking for a banjo with a bit more of a throaty low end response, sorta like a deering calico (just, yknow, know 5 thousand dollars). I’m looking to not spend more than 2k, any recommendations?
Seems to me a Deering maple Sierra or Maple Blossom should sound the same as a Calico. These are available used for a lot less than the cost of new Calico. Look for one 2006 or later to get the current tone ring.
Or, for under $2000 new, consider an RK Elite. Its longer scale length is reputed to deliver more growl. Use 22 4th for a touch more low-end power.
Seems more like a setup question than a specific banjo issue. I recommend a maple neck, medium sized strings and an old wood Purcell bridge.
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Originally posted by Fungal HarmonyI’m looking to not spend more than 2k, any recommendations?
I'm sorry my recommendations for used Deerings weren't necessarily under $2000. Most Sierras you can buy for that price are the older dot inlay model, almost never maple, and usually pre-2006, so you don't get the 06 tone ring. Current version Sierras with the fancy inlay do occasionally hit the market below $2000 from highly motivated sellers.
Likewise used Maple Blossoms. They're rarely advertised below $2000 any more. It does happen. But, again, these are most likely to be older ones from the 1980s and 1990s. Still great buys. But won't have the current 06 tone ring or radius fret board (which has been standard on the Maple Blossom for a while).
One additional comment: If you're judging the sound of the Calico from Deering videos, please know that Deering light gauge strings have a 21 4th, which is a little heavier than the 20 that's typical with light strings.
So, to repeat myself, you might be happy with any number of maple banjos and using a 21 or 22 fourth string.
At almost half your budget, you could get a Recording King RK-35 for $1200 new. Or easily find one for $800 to $1000 used. These are maple. The current ones have a dark brown color that nicely hides the occasionally unattractive wood. Wood chosen without regard for looks is one of the economies that allows Recording King to offer this professional grade banjo for such an affordable price. The tone ring, rim, flange, and all the pot hardware are the exact same as on the nearly $2000 RK-Elite. The scale length is a conventional 26-1/4 inches. Same as Deering.
Gold Tone's OB-150 is also maple, also a matte/satin finish, not as dark a brown, and also about $1200. To my hands and ears, it's comfortable to play and sounds good.
Either of these could be what you're looking for.
Have to agree with the suggestion on a bridge. Purcells are great. Scorpion bridges are outstanding. Dotson, too. Amazing what difference a bridge can make.
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Originally posted by pfalzgrassSeems more like a setup question than a specific banjo issue. I recommend a maple neck, medium sized strings and an old wood Purcell bridge.
Right. Also adjusting head tension,type of head, tail piece angle etc. I also have one banjo with a woody tone-ring. Bridges make a big difference.
But then I suppose it depends on what a person means by "throaty".
I would save up another 1k and get a used Calico for 3k. I've played one for 20years. Great banjo! I saw one in classifieds.
Rick
I like banjos with a 1/4" round rod or a Little Wonder tone ring and a nice, tight head. Done right, it's a full, low-mid sound that barks. Set up an old Gibson RB-100 flathead or Vega Regent or Wonder right and you're off to the races.
The Deering Vega Bluegrass Senator is the current version of the 1920s Regent and the '50s–'60s Wonder. I don't see it on their web site but here's a used one for $1,500 (for some reason, the Deering Wonder does not have a tone ring).
Used Deering Bluegrass Senator at Guitar Center
There are a few RB-100 flatheads in the Classifieds plus one arch top that can be converted to flat with a StewMac brass hoop and a high crown head (and back again!)
