5 String Banjo Question
Howdy everyone. My wonderful wife is thinking of learning the banjo. She wants to keep her budget at about 300 (new or used) for a beginner instrument. Can always upgrade later if she stays with it. Since we play classic country, I'm assuming a closed back ?????
What brand/model in your opinion would suggest ??? Since the closest music store that might carry a banjo is a couple hour drive, will prob order off the internet. Thanks and looking forward to your advice Bill |
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I would strongly suggest a Goodtime, made by Deering (one of the top banjo makers) specifically as an entry-level instrument of high quality: https://www.deeringbanjos.com/collec...oodtime-banjos Street price circa $490. Also, closed back models (called "resonator banjos" in the banjo world) are louder than openbacks, maybe something to consider when looking for a beginner's banjo. ;) Resonator models are also more expensive. Go for an openback, they're 100% okay for classic country. |
Thanks frankmcr ! I will take a look at the deering. Bet I can find a good deal on reverb
Thanks again Bill |
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Current Banjos: Vega No. 2 Tubaphone OME North Star Walnut Eastman EBJ-WL1 Whyte Laydie Vega 12" Old Tyme Wonder Rickard 12" Maple Ridge Dobson Pisgah 12" Walnut Tubaphone Bart Reiter Regent Whyte Laydie Deering Sierra Flathead |
Goldtone ac 5 acoustic resonator banjo
I have one & it's a pretty good banjo for 300 or so bucks & it's loud too. I'd buy another.
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i have to believe there are lots of lightly used banjos available on Reverb....just sayin'
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Hi WB,
My wife is the banjo picker in our house, but I do all the setups, pickup installations, etc. I would NOT buy a new $300 banjo. IMO, there's not much difference between them and a $150 banjo. I would look at used Deering Goodtime first and Goldtone second. In the used market a Goodtime resonator should be available for $300-350. Deerings are American made and high quality - great bang for buck instruments. |
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There are a lot of satisfied Goodtime players, but do be aware that they do not have a truss rod. If you purchase a used one make sure the neck doesn't exhibit excessive forward bow. That's the single most often cited problem that you might find with the Goodtime, anything else can be taken care of easily. |
First off - BEWARE - there are FAKE Deering Goodtime banjos aout there for about $100 on eBay - READ THIS: https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/ebay-...o-buying-blues
Here's a fake: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Deering-Goo...wAAOSwWhZc98KL Quote:
The Goodtime comes in a few versions. One advantage of the original Goodtime is that it is fairly light weight. There are much heavier Goodtime models as well. If I recall correctly, there is a resonator add-on kit for the Goodtime open-back model. |
Another vote for the Goodtime in either open back or resonator. It's the perfect starter and a great kick around once you upgrade.
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How About Recording King?
Here's one on Reverb:
https://reverb.com/item/27107008-rec...resonator-back |
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Thats the beauty of a Goodtime. 80% of the volume and 1/2 the weight. My .02 |
My Dad gave me an old Healy and Lyon 5 string open back many years ago Yet being so wrapped up in career stuff, and the guitar, that I never learned how to play it. Once retired I thought it would give it a go but was leery of playing that old instrument. So I looked around, checked it all out, and found a Jameson Guitars 5-String Banjo 24 Bracket, resonator for about $150. It is easy to play and for me to learn on. It is well built from my perspective with no sharp edges on the fret ends or brackets. For my first modern made banjo it will be fine until I decide if I will move up. It looks great by the way and is available on Amazon.
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