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.

It is looking like the OB150 is sold out and the next avaible Gold Tone down is the BG 150F. Would this still be the better option over ther Epiphon ?

 quote:

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Originally posted by Culloden

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.

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quote:

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Originally posted by hannahS

It is looking like the OB150 is sold out and the next avaible Gold Tone down is the BG 150F. Would this still be the better option over ther Epiphon ?

 quote:

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Originally posted by Culloden

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.

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Hey Hannah, 

We (Banjo Warehouse) sell a lot of Gold Tone and have the OB-150 and BG-150F in stock and can definitely get it to you for significantly less than $2,000 USD. Feel free to email us at thebanjowarehouse@gmail.com or call/text at 404-218-8580.

quote:

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Originally posted by GeoffHohwaldBanjoWarehouse
Hey Hannah, 

We (Banjo Warehouse) sell a lot of Gold Tone and have the OB-150 and BG-150F in stock and can definitely get it to you for significantly less than $2,000 USD. Feel free to email us at thebanjowarehouse@gmail.com or call/text at 404-218-8580.

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Can you sell her a banjo and ship it to Australia at a price competitive with her buying one there?

quote:

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Originally posted by martyjoe

 Prucha banjo’s from The Czech Republic tower above both those banjo’s in quality.

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And cost.

IMO the Goldtone is still the better option than the Epiphone. Run a Google on the two banjos and you will see the differences in the two, which is probably minimal and the construction and quality in the build will be pretty much the same.

Bobby

quote:

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Originally posted by hannahS
It is looking like the OB150 is sold out and the next avaible Gold Tone down is the BG 150F. Would this still be the better option over ther Epiphon ?

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The answer to the question you did not exactly ask is: The Gold Tone BG150F (especially the recently redesigned version that looks like this) is an excellent banjo for your son to begin learning banjo.

Whether it's better than the Epiphone (s you actually asked) is tough to say. I expect it to be assembled better. I played one of the new Epiphones at the Gibson showroom in Nashville. It was very easy to play and sounded good enough for a learner. But there were flaws in its assembly -- such as visible gaps where parts should fit flush and tight. Plus, where the heavy tone ring inside this style of bluegrass resonator banjo is typically cast of brass or bronze, Epiphone doesn't state what metal its ring is made of. There are online reports that a magnet will stick to it. That says steel. Not a metal known for bell-like tone.

This 23-minute video is an honest review of the current Epiphone. I believe I experienced some of what he describes.

The reason it's difficult to say whether the Gold Tone BG150F (or its sibling BG175F - the same banjo with different wood, color, and inlay) is better than the Epiphone is because its a different type or design of banjo.

For starters, it doesn't have a heavy flathead tone ring. The real brass or bronze tone ring in the OB-150 (the same sort of banjo as the Epiphone) weighs about 3 pounds. The BG-150F has a light brass hoop that maybe weighs only about one pound. Also, the wood "rim" of the BG150F (the round body to which all the parts are attached) is many thin plies of hardwood. The Epiphone has a 3-ply maple rim, established by Gibson as the standard for this type of banjo 100 years ago. Multi-ply rims are not inherently bad. They're different. And I guess cheaper to make.

The body (or "pot")  of the BG-150F is also assembled  differently. It has 24 "shoes" around the rim, sort of smaller versions of the lugs around the outside of a drum. The tension hooks that pull down on the head go through these shoes and are tightened with nuts underneath. Encircling all this, and filling the space between the pot and the resonator, is a decorative flat flange plate. This shoe-and-hook design is not limited to inexpensive instruments. It's just a different approach.

On the Epiphone, the OB-150, and other banjos built on the Gibson model of the 1930s, a heavier, cast, 1-piece flange not only fills the space between the pot and the resonator, it plays a structural role in holding the pot together.

I've probably told you more than you want to know, and I've kept it as simple as I could. But banjos are complex instruments. There are lots of factors that go into determining relative quality and price. And it's difficult to say which of two comparably priced banjos is "better" when they are entirely different designs.

All that said: I personally would buy a current model Gold Tone BG150F or 175F over any version of the Epiphone any day. 

Another new Gold Tone banjo to look at is the OB-100. It should costa little more than the BG150F but less than the OB150 because it doesn't have a heavy tone ring. It has only a hoop as described above. But it has a 3-ply rim and cast one-piece flange same as the OB-150. So except for the tone ring, it's structurally the same design and quality. It's a bit more plain looking, with simple dots for the fretboard inlays, a paddle shaped peghead, and a sunburst finish.

This all has a purpose. This banjo is a re-creation of the Gibson RB100 of the 1950s and 60s: Gibson's banjo below the RB250 Mastertone that had a tone ring and more decoration.

For your reference: here in the US, the BG150F costs $1000, the OB100 $1100, and the OB150 $1300. That's why I expect the OB100 to be within your budget.

Good luck.

>Would love any advice on these models or any other brands that would be worth looking at ?<

What about used? I would imagine there is a used market in Australia. You can get a lot more for the money. Plus you can link the classified adds here, and ask opinions. And used banjos are often better set up than new banjos, especially from an experienced player. New banjos tend to still want to be trees, and it takes awhile for the wood to give up and succumb to being a banjo. I’ve had a lot more trouble with new banjos, than I have with well played in used banjos… of which my three banjos are. And, if it’s local, you can go look it over and play it.

The son is 11. Before you saddle him with a 14 pounder, consider the shoe and plate style banjos as mentioned above, those without the 3 lbs. flange and 3lbs. Tone ring.

I suggest letting him grow into a heavier banjo by showing commitment and performance.

Many kids in the US are playing a simple Deering good time to get started.

Explore the used banjo market for your budget and see what might be available

I have a new Epiphone Mastertone from China that I am very pleased with. I also own a Gold Tone OB 250 @ 13 lbs or so with a refitted Black Walnut rim.

Does your son have a job to help pay for the investment? How are his school grades? Are there other peers around to form a backyard band? Let them teach each other, etc.

Also there are Fine banjo builders in Australia who could hit your price point and give great advice.

I hope the journey turns out well for your family.

(   ):)===‘== : : }

Paging Bell Foozwell, in Melobourne.

Can you describe the used banjo market Down Under?

Thanks for your feedback. I have been keeping my eye out for a used Banjo. So far in my state there is only and Aria SB600 going for around $500AUD and a White swallow Southern Cross they would like $2,900AUD for sale.
I have no musical capability so it is what my son who has to go by the ear. He is a bit fan of Earl Scruggs and Leroy Troy. 

quote:

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Originally posted by Dean T

>Would love any advice on these models or any other brands that would be worth looking at ?<

What about used? I would imagine there is a used market in Australia. You can get a lot more for the money. Plus you can link the classified adds here, and ask opinions. And used banjos are often better set up than new banjos, especially from an experienced player. New banjos tend to still want to be trees, and it takes awhile for the wood to give up and succumb to being a banjo. I’ve had a lot more trouble with new banjos, than I have with well played in used banjos… of which my three banjos are. And, if it’s local, you can go look it over and play it.

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Thanks Helix. I did wonder if some might be too weighty for him. He is a 11 year old about the size of a 13 year old. I was wanting to get him somthing that he will be able to keep going with for years. 
He understands what commitment is needed. As he has done Cello now for 4 years and playing a banjolele non stop since September. His heart is with the old bluegrass music. He has been doing YouTube for ukulele and banjolele learning this year. 
This is a gift for him from grandparents. 
I will check out and call around some Aussie makers and see what they have on offer. 
Thanks for the advice. 

quote:

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Originally posted by Helix

The son is 11. Before you saddle him with a 14 pounder, consider the shoe and plate style banjos as mentioned above, those without the 3 lbs. flange and 3lbs. Tone ring.

I suggest letting him grow into a heavier banjo by showing commitment and performance.

Many kids in the US are playing a simple Deering good time to get started.

Explore the used banjo market for your budget and see what might be available

I have a new Epiphone Mastertone from China that I am very pleased with. I also own a Gold Tone OB 250 @ 13 lbs or so with a refitted Black Walnut rim.

Does your son have a job to help pay for the investment? How are his school grades? Are there other peers around to form a backyard band? Let them teach each other, etc.

Also there are Fine banjo builders in Australia who could hit your price point and give great advice.

I hope the journey turns out well for your family.

(   ):)===‘== : : }

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Hi Geoff, I will flick you an email and see what you have that might be possible. The only thing is shipping will be huge. Sorry I forgot to put $2000AUD which is about $1300USD. 

quote:

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Originally posted by GeoffHohwaldBanjoWarehouse

quote:

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Originally posted by hannahS

It is looking like the OB150 is sold out and the next avaible Gold Tone down is the BG 150F. Would this still be the better option over ther Epiphon ?

 quote:

---

Originally posted by Culloden

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.

---

 

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Hey Hannah, 

We (Banjo Warehouse) sell a lot of Gold Tone and have the OB-150 and BG-150F in stock and can definitely get it to you for significantly less than $2,000 USD. Feel free to email us at thebanjowarehouse@gmail.com or call/text at 404-218-8580.

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Hi HannahS
Just wondering what state are you in? Gum tree sometimes has some good second hand banjos. I am in NSW I don’t have any thing for sale but can keep an eye out.
Cheers Ian.

Hi Ian, I am in SA. I did see there are a few more up your way second hand. quote:

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Originally posted by Ian Stuart

Hi HannahS
Just wondering what state are you in? Gum tree sometimes has some good second hand banjos. I am in NSW I don’t have any thing for sale but can keep an eye out.
Cheers Ian.

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Hi Hannah
Sent private message

John Yerxa is a banjo maker in South Australia. He may be able to help with either advice or a banjo. He’s an active member here on this forum.

quote:

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Originally posted by hannahS
I have been keeping my eye out for a used Banjo. So far in my state there is only and Aria SB600 going for around $500AUD

 

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That's a banjo from the 1970s or 80s. Made in Japan. A type of banjo that has come to be called a "Masterclone" because it copies to some extent the design and appearance of a Gibson Mastertone (though not exactly).

It has a thick multi-ply wood rim, full weight flat head tone ring, and  two-piece flange. I realize these are terms that don't mean a lot to you. But what they mean in short is it has the components of a serious banjo. I think it has a low price these days because people don't appreciate it. 

But that's a great price for this type of banjo. That's under US$350 US and it is extremely rare to find a banjo like this at a price like that. Granted, I have not seen the exact one for sale in Australia, but this strikes me as a lucky find

Here's one in gold and a clear head that sold in the US.

This Aria is a brand new one the man advised me not from the 70s or 80s.

quote:

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Originally posted by hannahS

This Aria is a brand new one the man advised me not from the 70s or 80s.

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Then a new banjo at that price most likely does not have those same features. A new banjo at that price has to be one of the most entry-level instruments. You absolutely cannot buy it sight unseen.

I'm going to search to see if there is such a thing as a new Aria SB-600 and how it's made. 

- - - - - - - - - - -

My Google searches show there are no new Aria banjos. And the SB-600 was only the type of banjo I linked to above. Proceed with caution, if at all, on the one you've found in Australia. As I wrote above: You need to see photos (if you can't see it in person).

Hannah, I know this is at the extreme high end stretch, but have you thought about what is my dream banjo ( I'm 1/2 way there, sell 1 more carving & I've got it)
A gold tone OB 250 LW. Beautiful, nice sound, and drops that 3 + pounds of tone ring. I think as a big pre-teen he could handle it, and will probably never outgrow it. May add others, yes, but by choice.
This is the one I'm going for due to the wgt. with my fake shoulder, fake knee, 2 fake hips , only 1&1/2 of the 9 sections of guts after stomach, spinal fusion, a electronic gizmo implanted with leads in spine, and next week.... another 2 fusions and possibly a intrathecal pain pump implantation.
I figure if I live through this next one coming up, im going to do my damnedest to treat myself in the time I have left. I can't play worth Crap... but I'm still trying 90 min 7 days a week.
Russ.

Wow Russ that's a lot you have gone through. I hope you make it through and treat your self to your dream banjo and enjoy every minute.
wishing you a safe operation. 

quote:

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Originally posted by stomapicker

Hannah, I know this is at the extreme high end stretch, but have you thought about what is my dream banjo ( I'm 1/2 way there, sell 1 more carving & I've got it)
A gold tone OB 250 LW. Beautiful, nice sound, and drops that 3 + pounds of tone ring. I think as a big pre-teen he could handle it, and will probably never outgrow it. May add others, yes, but by choice.
This is the one I'm going for due to the wgt. with my fake shoulder, fake knee, 2 fake hips , only 1&1/2 of the 9 sections of guts after stomach, spinal fusion, a electronic gizmo implanted with leads in spine, and next week.... another 2 fusions and possibly a intrathecal pain pump implantation.
I figure if I live through this next one coming up, im going to do my damnedest to treat myself in the time I have left. I can't play worth Crap... but I'm still trying 90 min 7 days a week.
Russ.

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The Gold Tone OB250LW is $1400 (USD) which puts it a hair over Hannah's  AUD$2000. But shipping one to Australia will probably boost that cost a lot.

The Gold Tone banjos I mentioned earlier -- BG150F, BG175F, and OB100 -- are also lighter weight than a banjo with a bell brass tone ring, and cost $1000 to $1100 US, so about AUD$1440 to 1570.

All of these lighter banjos would be fine choices for an 11-year-old.