Thinking of picking up one of these banjos. I would have to buy both with the intention of keeping one. Neither are close enough to try in person. Both Gibsons are from the early 2000’s, both with the Kulesh tone ring. The differences seem to be mahogany (RB250) vs maple (ESS), as well as more ornate inlays and peg head on the ESS. Both are priced similarly (within about $400 of each other).
The Prucha Spirit is the odd man out, for sale at Greg Boyd’s store. Higher price tag. But it seems like a premium banjo…..never tried a Prucha, but have heard great things.
I’m curious what to expect from them, and am looking for opinions of each model.
I do play some bluegrass, but gravitate more towards banjo in a jazz setting. I love Earl Scruggs’ playing and tone, but I would say the sound I am looking for is slightly warmer, closer to Bela Fleck.
I like the idea of a Gibson, as well as the potential for it to hold its value better. But, ultimately, I am a player not a collector, so I want the best player. I already have a Stelling Bellflower, which will live right next to the new banjo, so I’d like to cover some different ground than the Stelling. I think the Gibsons or Prucha should do that well!
The Prucha has a radiused fretboard. The Gibsons do not. The RB-250 is mahogany, the other two are not. So, if you want a radiused fretboard, the Prucha is your only option. If you want mahogany, the RB-250 is your only option. All three banjos are the same mastertone-style design, not a huge difference there, and the Gibsons likely have Prucha hardware so they're going to be similar in that regard. That hopefully simplifies it for you.
I don't have a radius fretboard banjo, but I have played one on a Prucha, and I'll say that they do improve playability and comfort significantly, once you get used to the difference. The three options are all high quality and can be set up for any tone or genre you'd like so I wouldn't say that's a deciding factor.
$4500 seems high for a nickel-plated Prucha. I've seen them go for around $3000 when they come up. There's a gold-plated Diamondpoint in the classifieds for $4000 right now. The used banjo market is down, it has been a buyers market for a while.
Edited by - KCJones on 05/21/2025 05:08:43
I‘d opt for the Prucha, as all banjos most likely have Prucha hardware anyway. But radiused fingerboard makes a difference.
Always found the prices at Greg Boyd way higher than market, maybe get a Prucha somewhere else.
There's no better banjos being made right now than Pruchas - the quality control, fit, finish, sound and playability are all INSANE. I'm not saying there aren't banjos that are as-nice being made, but none better!
Listen to Alison Brown's work form the past ten years or so. She mostly plays a Prucha.
I'd gravitate to one of the Gibsons. I'm curious about the $400 price difference. Makes me wonder whether the RB250 is over-priced or the ESS is under-priced.
The part of Bela's sound that doesn't come from his hands is probably attributable to design and setup aspects of his banjo. It has a wider, more substantial neck; taller bridge; and looser head. The Gold Tone version of his banjo has heavy Rickard tuners, which I suppose he's using on his main banjo.
Except for the neck, you can economically replicate some aspects of Bela's setup. You may have to shim the neck to get playable action with a bridge as tall as he uses.
If you're after warmth, I'd go with a mahogany neck. And if you like saving money, then go with the RB-250. And experiment with setup.
