What's the cheapest banjo killer out there?

[PorkPieGuy]

I'm looking for an acoustic that can rival my hammered dulcimer (not as loud as a banjo, but it comes mighty close with my new Paduk hammers).

I look forward to your suggestions!

[KMHaynes]

A small axe from Home Dept ... $19.95. (Couldn't resist!)

[PorkPieGuy]

How about a Martin 15 series?

[Acoustic Rick]

You can find a used D35 in the $1500 range and most of the one's I've heard will choke a banjo to death.

[Freeman]

My Kimseyfied D-18 (600 for a used git, 700 for the hot rodding) is pretty hard to beat. Of course the Duolian brings everything to its knees, but usually isn't allowed in the same room as a banjo.

[rlouie]

The GIBSON J-60 BONE CRUSHER II

[devellis]

This "banjo killer" concept comes up a lot on various acoustic forums. I understand the sentiment, but I'm yet to see an acoustic guitar, mandolin, etc. that can out-volume a good banjo in capable hands. I'm not saying that's a good thing, mind you. But a really loud banjo is REALLY LOUD! Now, bagpipes will send a banjo player running but other fretted instruments that don't plug in are pretty much outgunned by banjos, as far as volume goes. Have you ever heard someone play windmill chords on a 5-string? It'll make your ears bleed.

[banpreso]

how about an asian made solid wood prewar dread? like blueridge or recordingking. put on some medium strings, find a fat pick and strum your lights out

[min7b5]

I think the first and most important steps toward real volume are getting a good setup with perhaps a taller saddle and more neck relief, medium PB strings of course, and most importantly a decent very heavy pick- probably 1.5 mm or greater, with slightly rounded ends, and ideally from someone like Red Bear or Wegen

You get those things happening on a decent used solid wood dread and you’ll be killing banjos in no time

[mikelhenry]

Try a Guild GAD-50. Nice loud tone with a bass response that rivals some Martins.

[min7b5]

....another inexpensive thing you can do is pickup Brian Sutton’s DVD and really work on right hand technique. You get that relaxed rest stroke-ish right hand thing going and you’ll be at least scaring banjos even with a Baby Taylor

[astrummer]

Originally Posted by devellis

.... Now, bagpipes will send a banjo player running .....

Only banjo players?

[DaveG]

Try a resonator. They can be pretty loud.

[Frank Roberts]

This ain't cheap, but its definitely a "Banjo Killer!"

http://www.pantheonguitars.com/guita...anjokiller.htm

[HHP]

Any of the above, provided there's a Marshall Stack behind you.