I'm a relatively new player just over a year into my banjo journey. I play Scruggs style bluegrass and can't get enough of it. When I first started out I bought a pretty cheap starter banjo, as most of us did, but quickly wanted an upgrade. So, about 7 months ago I pulled the trigger on an RK-75 and have loved playing on it since. However now that my ear is getting more refined and I've identified what sound I like (the holy grail for me is whatever Doug Dillard plays on Back Porch Bluegrass), I want to get a new banjo with a stronger attack and twangy sound. I like the RK-75 but it's just too mellow for my taste now.
I'm thinking about picking up an OB-3 Twanger from Gold Tone but was curious if there are models in the 2,500ish range that could give me even more punch than the twanger. I'd rather spend a bit extra if I can get a significantly better upgrade than the OB-3. I really don't want to go higher than 3,000 but I also am aware I might need to make a decision very soon since tariffs are going to start rocking prices very soon. Thanks y'all.
Before proceeding, it would be good to know what kind of set up stuff you have done to your RK. If you are experienced, disregard. But if you haven’t tightened the head in 7 months, especially if you bought your banjo new, you might be in for a big surprise. For the cost of a drum dial, new strings, and a few head tension video on YouTube, your banjo could be a paint peeler. I say this from experience. I let my first good banjo go, because I didn’t know how to set it and maintain the set up. Knowing then, what I know now, would have prevented spending a bunch of money, and I would still be playing that banjo.
Doug Dillard played arch top banjos.....a little different sound than flatheads.
The banjo most commonly associated with Dillard was a pre-war Gibson Bella Voce, but I'm not sure what he played on the Back Porch album
I'd seriously think about pushing the limit to 3k-ish, and go used.
Top tier American made banjos: Huber, Sullivan, Hatfield, Stelling.
Models which were 4-5k new, can be found used in that price range.
In that price range there are frequently great used banjos to be had in the classifieds, but it would take some time and research (YouTube videos, archived forum discussions etc ) to get to know the options and recognize good deals when they come up.
Edited by - aaronoble on 04/26/2025 08:16:24
Dean T Thanks for the tip! I tightened up the head and am getting a better sound maybe 10-15% better tone. However this does not change my disposition at the moment.
Hi Dan
It's great that you feel you want to upgrade your banjo and have a clear idea of the sound you want to produce. As has been said, Doug Dillard was known for his preference for arch-top (raised head) banjos which are known for their sharper tone and rapid decay. However, I'd sound a note of caution here. It's quite early in your banjo journey. You already have a much better quality instrument than what most of us started out with. I'd suggest you stick with the RK-75 for a while more, and in the mean time meet with as many other players as you can. Talk to them about their banjos and the way they're set up, maybe try them if you're lucky. This will help you make a more informed choice. Remember that the sound of Doug Dillard's banjo that you hear has been 'processed' by the recording studio and may sound different from a 'live' arch top. You live in the world epicentre of banjo choice and availability. Make your choice carefully and enjoy the process!
I'm not a bluegrass player but damn that is such good advice from all parties above! banjered
I read a story many years back that John McCuen wrote. McCoen had seen
Doug Dillard play and that got him started, trying to learn to play.
McCuen kept trying to get his banjo to sound like Doug Dillard's banjo.
Finally John McCuen was at a party that Doug Dillard was at. Dillard
didn't have his banjo with him, so he ended up playing John McCuen's
banjo. With Doug Dillard playing John McCuen's banjo, the banjo then
sounded like Doug Dillard's banjo. This all happened in southern
California in the early 1960's.
Doug Dillard played an arch top Bow Tie on Back Porch Bluegrass if my information is correct.
FWIW, If I were looking for what you describe, I would seriously consider this: banjohangout.org/classified/109159
(That said, I'm interpreting your description through my own interests and biases...
...but listen to the video link before you ignore me
Best of luck!)
Edited by - aaronoble on 04/27/2025 08:08:42
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