Hi I am after some advice for my 11year old son who currently plays cello and has a Banjolele he has played nonstop. He loves the old bluegrass music and is after a 5 string resonator banjo. We are in Australia so not a lot of choice in brands. So we can’t go and try them out. The two I am looking at is the Epiphone Mastertone Classic and Gold tone OB150. Both of these are at our higher price range of around $2000. He also likes the more fancy finishes on them. Would love any advice on these models or any other brands that would be worth looking at ?
Between the two choices you listed, I would be more inclined toward the Gold Tone OB150. If he can try out the Epiphone, it might be just as good but, I have not been as impressed with the consistency of quality in Epiphone banjos as I am with their guitars.
As far as other brands, I can think of several, but I don't know what you have available in Australia.
I agree the Goldtone is best option of these. The Goldtone is well regarded and the Epiphone is not.
It would be curious to know if a banjo coming from Europe may have a lower level of import charges. Prucha banjo’s from The Czech Republic tower above both those banjo’s in quality. Gerry Hail sells prucha mandolins in his shop in Johnston st Fitzroy The Guitar Gallery. He may be worth a try.
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