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Originally posted by gbanjoman

Hey All,

A number of years ago I bought a Goodtime 5 string. Was learning clawhammer, folk/traditional music. Then a virus knocked out the high end tones in my left ear, and suddenly I found the overtones produced by the banjo very annoying.

I also found the length of the neck uncomfortable for my left shoulder, even after many months of practice.

I am once again considering buying a banjo. Please check my thinking.

1. A shorter neck, something like A-Scale, to help with the left shoulder comfort.
2. 12" rim, with maybe nylon strings, to help reduce the brightness and overtones.
3. I also plan to use the instrument around saltwater, on small boat trips in the PNW. So need a stable instrument.

Based on all of that I am considering getting a GoldTone AC-12A. Composite, for travel stability, shorter neck, and larger rim for a deeper tone, maybe less high overtones?

I considered fretless, for a deeper tone, less overtones. Maybe I should reconsider that?

Thoughts? Suggestions?

Thanks!

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I have two Goodtimes 11 and 12" pots with nylon strings and I like them very much. 

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Originally posted by tonygo

quote:

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Originally posted by gbanjoman

Hey All,

A number of years ago I bought a Goodtime 5 string. Was learning clawhammer, folk/traditional music. Then a virus knocked out the high end tones in my left ear, and suddenly I found the overtones produced by the banjo very annoying.

I also found the length of the neck uncomfortable for my left shoulder, even after many months of practice.

I am once again considering buying a banjo. Please check my thinking.


3. I also plan to use the instrument around saltwater, on small boat trips in the PNW. So need a stable instrument.

 

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I have two Goodtimes 11 and 12" pots with nylon strings and I like them very much. 

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Yes.... but Tony,

He needs a stable instrument.

Are those banjos you have stable?

Thanks!

As for the length of the neck, have you thought about how you hold the banjo? When seated, I usually have the pot resting on my right thigh, held close to my side with the forearm on the rim, close to the tailpiece. I hold the neck about horizontally, but directed diagonally outward, so the first-position playing area is approximately over my left knee. With my left arm hanging relaxed at my side, bending my elbow at about a right angle puts the left hand into playing position, without any reaching at all.

There is enough plastic in those AC series that with a rubber bridge and nylons you could probably play it under water (no disrespect, I have two from that series). If you are going nylon probably no reason for a 12” pot. But no harm either and maybe you’ll be able to find some regular strings you find agreeable on a bigger pot (I like earthwoods frailing string set myself)

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Originally posted by Dan Gellert

As for the length of the neck, have you thought about how you hold the banjo? When seated, I usually have the pot resting on my right thigh, held close to my side with the forearm on the rim, close to the tailpiece. I hold the neck about horizontally, but directed diagonally outward, so the first-position playing area is approximately over my left knee. With my left arm hanging relaxed at my side, bending my elbow at about a right angle puts the left hand into playing position, without any reaching at all.

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It has been awhile since I had my last banjo. I will visit a store locally and revisit the position topic. Thanks.

Get one with a wooden tone ring. Ask Zack Hoyt about one.

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Originally posted by lapsteel

Get one with a wooden tone ring. Ask Zack Hoyt about one.

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For my needs, why do you suggest this? From the videos I have watched of his instruments, they all seem really bright toned, with lots of top end overtones. 

Definitely experiment with position. When I play standing, my banjo hangs noticeably low, so the my arms are in a relaxed natural position, with no shoulder issues. When I sit to play, I’m on the couch or edge of the bed, my banjo pot is resting on the bed on my right side, and the neck is right in front of me. I’ve also played some in an armless chair, with my banjo hanging low off to my right side, with the neck in front of me.

There are plenty of ways to tame a Goodtime. A fiberskin or SkinTone head will help. A Mikes Mute turns a Goodtime into a beautifully sweet toned banjo. It’s can also be as simple as stuffing it with a small towel or foam. Also, some duct tape across the under side of the head will calm things down.

Plastic is water proof, nylon or steel, either one. 12” is perfect for off road