Best banjo bang for the buck? $300 - $500

815C · #1 11-01-2012, 05:58 AM

I am getting asked to play banjo more often these days. I had a nice Alvarez Denver Belle 5 string when I was young, that I played a LOT, but haven't owned one for about 30 years.

I've had two session calls from two Grammy winning producers to play banjo lately and I had to borrow one each time. For one session I was able to borrow a nice Gibson, for the other an old Epiphone. Both those sessions went great. Fortunately I didn't need to play anything at 100 mph! I'm playing banjo now and then on live gigs as well.

I want to get a nice high end banjo, but alas my kids school tuition has a vacuum hose attached to my wallet. Until I can swing a good one, I just want to have something I can practice on and work up arrangements, etc.

Any suggestions on the best bang for the buck in the $300 - $500 range? I'd go with a used instrument of course to get more mileage from my budget.

Thanks!

catdaddy · #2 11-01-2012, 07:10 AM

Just finished up taking a bluegrass banjo class with Herb Pederson. He felt the banjo I was using was holding me back somewhat for a variety of reasons and recommended several banjos to me. Most were too expensive for my means but he suggested Deering's Goodtime 2 as an inexpensive and good quality banjo in the price range you've mentioned. I picked a new one up a couple of weeks ago and have been really happy with it. Quality construction, great playability, excellent tone and really good volume even without a tone ring. Of course without the tone ring it weighs in at about 6 pounds which makes it easy on this old back and shoulders of mine. Certainly worth checking out.

BoneDigger · #3 11-01-2012, 07:35 AM

I too would recommend the Deering Goodtime 2 banjo for your purpose. New they will be at the upper end of your price range but you can get a good used one for less. A few years ago Deering went to a more traditional headstock and a 3-ply rim. If possible go for one of these newer ones. The older ones are often called "Gumby" head stocks. They are fine too but I hate the look and the multi-ply rim isn't quite as nice.

If you can afford a little more, the Goodtime Special which has a tone ring can be nice, but I really think the Goodtime 2 would suite you very well. I have had both, along with high end banjos, and the Goodtime 2 is the only one I still have. I love the playability and tone.

There are a few others out there that may also fit your needs. Peruse the offerings at some of the AGF sponsors and maybe give them a call and chat with them. Also, check out www.banjohangout.com. Good luck and keep us posted!

Todd