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| Moderated by: Tony Provencher, Richard Hefner |
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| Wife Seeking Banjo | Rate Topic |
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| Posted: Thu Dec 1st, 2005 03:28 pm |
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1st Post |
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rj Approved
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Hi, I will appreciate any feedback that I get directing me towards the banjo that is highly recommended for a beginner. My husband had mentioned the Fender and to be honest, I have been looking and am a bit overwhelmed. I would also like advice as to what I should include in his "starter kit" from the banjo to the picks. Thanks for any/all feedback!
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| Posted: Thu Dec 1st, 2005 04:00 pm |
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2nd Post |
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Richard Hefner Administrator 
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Hi RJ, What kind of music is your husband interested in playing (bluegrass, clawhammer, or some other style)? Does he already play any other instruments such as the guitar or is he a complete beginner? If he's a complete beginner a more basic banjo might be fine, but if he has an expensive guitar or something he might not be happy with just the basics. How much are you thinking about spending? Give me an idea about those things and I'll try to point you to an appropriate banjo in your price range. 
____________________ Richard Hefner MP3 Page: http://www.ezfolk.com/audio/richardhefner Running Blog: http://old-runner.com |
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| Posted: Thu Dec 1st, 2005 05:33 pm |
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3rd Post |
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rj Approved
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Hi, he has an ear for bluegrass mostly but seems to be eclectic in what catches his ear. If I were to pick one, I would play it safe and say bluegrass. As far as his experience, he has played around on a guitar but in general, he is pretty much a beginner. I want to purchase a banjo that will make his learning experience pleasurable - so one that is ranked as comfortable, clear (i.e. easy to discern notes, etc) and basically one that is good quality. Look forward to hearing from you.
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| Posted: Thu Dec 1st, 2005 05:58 pm |
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4th Post |
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Richard Hefner Administrator
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The Epiphone MB-250 looks hard to beat. It's a great quality banjo that lists for $915 but is now $549 at Musician's Friend. It doesn't include a case but you can add a Durafoam case for $40 more. Shipping is free. Here's a link... Epiphone MB-250 If that's more than you want to spend a good alternative for a beginner would be the Washburn 8 Banjo Pack. It's only $199 and includes a gigbag, strap, picks, tuner, etc. Here's a link to see it... Washburn 8 Banjo Pack I would recommend getting the Epiphone if you can afford it. It's a better banjo and would definitely be a better player and would sound better. Nothing wrong with a cheaper banjo though for somebody just wanting to see if they like it. I'll let you decide that. Good luck... Richard
____________________ Richard Hefner MP3 Page: http://www.ezfolk.com/audio/richardhefner Running Blog: http://old-runner.com |
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| Posted: Thu Dec 1st, 2005 06:00 pm |
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5th Post |
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UkeForever Approved 
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Having gone through a search myself, and having played a couple myself, I'd say that the Deering GoodTime banjo is a great beginner instrument. They make an openback (clawhammer/frailing) model and a bluegrass (resonator back) model. Both are in the $300 range. The few that I've played are extremely easy to play and sound pretty good too, considering they are so lightweight. They are made in Chula Vista, California, I think, so there are quite a few of them in local stores where I live. As for the left-handedness, I'm not sure if they make left-handed models. Does he play guitar left-handed (does he strum with his left hand and finger with the right?)? If so, then he should play banjo left-handed. If he plays guitar in standard format (right hand strum, left-hand fretboard) then a standard banjo will do for him. If you want something quiet that's also easy to play, I like my Gold Tone Banjola. The problem is, it doesn't have that harsh banjo sound, so he may not get full enjoyment out of it. I like it because it's quiet and it doesn't bug the heck out of my family when I play. Go here: http://www.deeringbanjos.com/ and select GoodTime from the right-hand list. I see left-handed is $30 more on the site. Music stores have them for about $100 less than the listed price on the manufacturer site. Here's the bluegrass model at Elderly (not left-handed) http://www.elderly.com/new_instruments/items/GOOD2.htm Last edited on Thu Dec 1st, 2005 09:28 pm by UkeForever |
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| Posted: Thu Dec 1st, 2005 08:48 pm |
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6th Post |
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1four5 Approved 
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Knowing if he plays lefty or righty on guitar is a big deal before plunking down the money on a new banjo! I'm a lefty as well but play righty. I could write a book on my banjo searching experiences this summer. I also frequent a large banjo forum, and the #1 question there is buying your first banjo. Long story short, the Deering Goodtime and Gold Tone CC100R always rise to the top as the best starters, that a person can also be happy with for a lifetime. Imports (Rogue, Washburn, Dean, Fender) will work to get started but leave a person wanting better soon (especially if they play something nice at the music stores). Personally, I have a Gold Tone CC100R (From recommendations here) and couldn't be happier. I've played the low end Fenders, and they really do suck, most noticably is the narrow fretboard. Just personal preference and opinion. You can go blind reading reviews, but there are a bunch here: http://www.banjohangout.org/reviews/ Welcome to ezFolk, and you have a very lucky husband!  Last edited on Thu Dec 1st, 2005 08:58 pm by 1four5 ____________________ These are the good times! |
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| Posted: Sun Dec 4th, 2005 02:48 pm |
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7th Post |
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rj Approved
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Thanks for the reply- my husband plays righty- what is the difference between the open back and the closed back? I am checking out the Deering vs. Gold Tone and will appreciate feedback based on experience. So, in your experience, the Fender is a no go? Thanks for taking the time!
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| Posted: Sun Dec 4th, 2005 03:07 pm |
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8th Post |
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Richard Hefner Administrator
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RJ, First of all, did you say your husband was left-handed? I looked back at your messages 3 or 4 times and never saw that. Maybe I'm getting senile. 1four5 said that he didn't like the low-end Fender banjo, which is the cheaper FB-54. The FB-58 is a very good banjo. Of course everything is somewhat subjective but it's a well made banjo. My opinion (it's subjective too) as far as the Deering Goodtime versus the Gold Tone CC100 is that the Gold Tone is a better deal. They both play well and sound about the same. I think the Gold Tone might be a little cheaper but it looks more like a real banjo with a standard banjo peghead and tuners as opposed to the guitar style tuners on the Goodtime. Keep in mind that both of these banjos are entry level instruments and neither sounds as good as a banjo with a good tone ring, which makes a big difference on banjos. The difference between the openback and closed back banjos is that the openbacks are usually used for old-time music such as clawhammer and the closed back banjos have resonators, and these are almost always used in bluegrass banjo. Either style can be played though with either banjo. My main banjo is a Gold Tone BG-250 (not a BG-250F). The BG-250 has a removable resonator, which is not a common option. Most resonator banjos (closed back) have a metal "flange" that makes it difficult to remove the resonator (you can remove it but it doesn't look right because the flange sticks out). Anyway, I play both clawhammer and bluegrass on the BG-250, which I always play as an openback but I have the resonator just in case I want to put it back on. Hope that helps a bit. I'm sure somebody else will chime in with their opinion as well. Keep in mind that you'll pretty much get what you pay for. Generally the more you pay the better banjo you'll get. As far as I know there are no banjos that you'll pay $500 or more for that would be a bad banjo. Just try to find the best price on a banjo with features you want and you'll be fine. Another possibility that hasn't been mentioned is the Morgan Monroe banjos. They're really nice for the money.
____________________ Richard Hefner MP3 Page: http://www.ezfolk.com/audio/richardhefner Running Blog: http://old-runner.com |
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| Posted: Sun Dec 4th, 2005 03:41 pm |
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9th Post |
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rj Approved
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Great information- led me down the path toward Morgan- my question is what is the difference between the MGB-1 and the MGB-2- and am I correct that the Morgan is American made? There are so many to choose from and your feedback is extremely helpful! Thanks for your information!
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| Posted: Sun Dec 4th, 2005 04:33 pm |
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10th Post |
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Richard Hefner Administrator
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RJ, I think the only difference between the MB-1 and MB-2 is cosmetic (different inlays, etc.) but I'm not sure. If there's a big difference in the price there are probably other differences as well. I've heard nothing but good things about them though and if you find a good price (do some comparison shopping) it should be a great banjo for your husband. They're not American made -- they're Asian -- but don't let that stop you. That's why they're reasonably priced. You can get a good American made banjo such as a Gibson or Deering (not talking about the Goodtime but the upper end models), but you're looking at prices in the thousands instead of the hundreds. Here's a link to pictures of the Morgan Monroe banjos you mentioned on their website... http://www.morganmonroe.com/mgb.html You'd want to find a dealer with the best prices. I think Janet Davis sells them. She's one of the most reputable dealers I know of and always does a good setup. Her address is... http://www.banjostore.com Hope that helps... Richard
____________________ Richard Hefner MP3 Page: http://www.ezfolk.com/audio/richardhefner Running Blog: http://old-runner.com |
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| Posted: Sun Dec 4th, 2005 05:31 pm |
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11th Post |
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banjo brad Super Moderator 
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Looking at the MGB1 & MNB2 on the Elderly site: http://www.elderly.com it looks like the difference is the 1 has a 1-piece flange and the 2 has a 2-piece flange, plus different inlays , etc. There are some photos of both at 5-string banjos, Morgan Monroe at the site if you want to take a look. (standard disclaimers: no interest or holdings in Elderly, just a sometimes customer)  Keep on pickin'Brad
____________________ ezFolk Help Brad Prickly Pear Music Banjo Brad's ezFolk page TOTMC |
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| Posted: Sun Dec 4th, 2005 09:40 pm |
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12th Post |
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1four5 Approved
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First of all, did you say your husband was left-handed? I looked back at your messages 3 or 4 times and never saw that. Maybe I'm getting senile. Richard, Check the message subtitle I would agree that the Fender FB54 is a no go. My buddy had a $99 Rogue, and the Fender looked like a copy with a different name on it and higher price. Narrow dry fretboard, nasty fret edges, high action, tinney sound even though it had a resonator. It looks really pretty, but plays and feels really crappy. Even if it's sound could be improved with set-up, I still wouldn't like the narrow fretboard. I cannot comment on theit more expensive models, as it was only the 54 they had at the music store. Oh yeah, other items to include in the "starter kit" Electric tuner Finger and thumb picks Shoulder strap (Made for a banjo, not guitar) A nice stand (if you don't have small kids or rowdy pets) Extras set or two of strings
____________________ These are the good times! |
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| Posted: Sun Dec 4th, 2005 09:56 pm |
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13th Post |
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Richard Hefner Administrator
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Okay, I gotta start reading those subtitles... where are my glasses? I'm about one step behind Banjo Brad on the senility scale. Just kiddin' Brad. 
____________________ Richard Hefner MP3 Page: http://www.ezfolk.com/audio/richardhefner Running Blog: http://old-runner.com |
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| Posted: Sun Dec 4th, 2005 11:22 pm |
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14th Post |
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rj Approved
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The Morgan Monroe MNB-2 Professional 5-String 24 bracket banjo includes a 18 hole bell brass tone ring, mahogany rim, 2-piece tube & flange assembly, Ashton Bailey Planetary tuners, 14" curly maple resonator, deluxe wreath inlay, rosewood fretboard, rosewood tipped maple bridge, 22 nickel silver frets, chrome hardware and a frosted remo head. We also throw in a FREE hardshell case and FREE shipping! The MNB-2 is one of the best values we have seen for a professional sounding, playing and looking banjo at an unbelievably low price. Product# MNB2 Price US $799.00 US $599.95 How does this sound? or this: Gold Tone BG-250: 779.00 (retail) Current Sale Price: 584.25 ? I think that I have at least narrowed it down. Any suggestions?
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| Posted: Sun Dec 4th, 2005 11:35 pm |
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15th Post |
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Richard Hefner Administrator
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RJ, As you know, my main banjo is a Gold Tone BG-250. It's great and probably all the banjo I'll ever need. If your husband might have a preference for an openback banjo, then the BG-250 would be a great choice since he could choose to play it openback or with the resonator in place. However, if he knows that he'll be happy with a standard bluegrass banjo with a resonator, I don't think you could go wrong with the Morgan Monroe. From everything I've seen it's an outstanding value for the money. If I wanted a resonator banjo I'd trade my BG-250 in a heartbeat for the Morgan Monroe.
____________________ Richard Hefner MP3 Page: http://www.ezfolk.com/audio/richardhefner Running Blog: http://old-runner.com |
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| Posted: Mon Dec 5th, 2005 12:35 am |
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16th Post |
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1four5 Approved
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I've read really really good things about Gold Tone, their customer relations, and parts and service. I've also read really good things about the BG-250, especially in terms of it being a person's really serious banjo. Since I already had a good Gold Tone (CC100R), I was looking at the BG-250 as my next step. If I haden't ended up getting a good deal on a used Deering (way expensive) The 250 would have been my next choice. I haven't seen much about the MM's, but that does sound like a great deal. No one in our area carries them, so I haven't seen or played one yet. Here are some MM reviews http://www.banjohangout.org/reviews/search.asp?method=m&str=35 Here's some Gold Tone reviews http://www.banjohangout.org/reviews/search.asp?method=m&str=5 Last edited on Mon Dec 5th, 2005 12:41 am by 1four5 ____________________ These are the good times! |
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