Don't commit to the Gibson until you've spent some time with the Gold Star.

Just sayin' ...

Buy the one that appeals to you the most when you play it. You will know.

quote:

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Originally posted by eric fuls

Hey guys, I have a question.

I have an opportunity to purchase either a 2017 gold star j.d. or a 1965 gibson rb 100.  Is the Gibson a 3-ply rim? no=GoldStar, yes=nextQuestion, note: this is a soft question, how it feels is sorta-more-important than build...

They are both within the same price range but I only have the scratch for one.  How it 'feels' swamps the price on a daily player instrument.

I will be able to try both of them out in person. What do you think?  I think choosing an instrument has a lot in common with choosing a spouse; except, it's legal to live with more than one instrument. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=I+think+choosing+an+instrument

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When you find the right one, you will know and if you pass/miss on the 'right one' you will never forget.  Good luck.

Factors in choosing.... eye appeal/brand name/ construction/ weight/playability/voice - how does it sound to your ear?

Biggest differences are, Gold Star vs RB 100:

Asian manufacture vs. USA manufacture if that is IMPORTANT to you personally

"Professional level" Gibson style tone ring vs. no tone ring just a 1/4" diam. tone hoop -- that means much different volume, clarity and sustain and "ease" of playing

approx 12 lb weight vs approx 9 lb weight

I agree with Dick, for me the big question would be whether I want a flathead sound & weight or the brass hoop sound & weight.

I don't agree that you'll know for sure if it's the right one. A lot of banjos for sale that I've played weren't set up well and didn't sound good, despite being good instruments. You can't really compare two banjos until the setup parameters are similar, imo.

Never under estimate the power of a good set up ! Best of luck to you .

Thanks for the replies, and the mechanics of the two. I am leaning towards the gold star because I've always wanted a "granada " style headstock and it is more of a bluegrass mastertone style banjo ( plus its a J.D. model)that I am looking for. The rb 100 just showed up at the local guitar center and I think that I was just thinking A GIBSON! And I'm not really a fan of the bow tie style headstock plus it's not a mastertone . I will get back with my decision next week.