Help: Is this a good Bluegrass Banjo?

Subject: Is this a good Bluegrass Banjo?
From: GUEST,Francisco
Date: 30 Dec 01 - 06:38 PM

Just wondering one small thing. Found a banjo on ebay. Was wondering if it is a good one for a beginner. Kinda pricey but not too much.Seems good. Tell me what ay think if ya can in time. Also, since there have been so many posts earlier, please include what brand / make of banjo you know of to be good for beginner and / or bluegrass style.

Subject: RE: Help: Is this a good Bluegrass Banjo?..
From: GUEST,francisco
Date: 30 Dec 01 - 06:45 PM

Forogt to add what I found. here is a list on ebay of what I have seen. Any opinions ? If none of these would make a good bluegrass banjo, tell me which one will. Just name and brands cause last thread got a bit confusing.

ANJO 5 STING BANJO Entry Level Banjo w/ Case Item # 1499442526 http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?MfcISAPICommand=ViewItem&item=1499442526

Kay Banjo 1960"s ? Item # 1400273861 http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?MfcISAPICommand=ViewItem&item=1400273861

DOUGLASS 5 STRING BANJO / JAPAN Item # 1499763506 http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?MfcISAPICommand=ViewItem&item=1499763506

Springfield 5 String Banjo (like Vega/Ibanez) Item # 1499763506 http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?MfcISAPICommand=ViewItem&item=1499763506

5 String Banjo Item # 1400546718 http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?MfcISAPICommand=ViewItem&item=1400546718

Subject: RE: Help: Is this a good Bluegrass Banjo?
From: kendall
Date: 30 Dec 01 - 08:33 PM

I dont recognize any of those, but, for a beginner, I would recommed an import. The Japanese for instance, are building some very respectable banjos. One of them is the Savick (I think that's the name) I used to have one of those, but, it was too loud for clawhammer.

Subject: RE: Help: Is this a good Bluegrass Banjo?
From: 53
Date: 30 Dec 01 - 08:44 PM

what does clawhammer mean? BOB

Subject: RE: Help: Is this a good Bluegrass Banjo?
From: kendall
Date: 30 Dec 01 - 10:10 PM

It's a nickname for frailing, an old style method using the finger nails instead of the bluegrass three fingered style. There are no upstrokes in frailing.

Subject: RE: Help: Is this a good Bluegrass Banjo?
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 30 Dec 01 - 10:44 PM

Well francisco, I don't mean to be a wet blanket, but I doubt if any of them will make much of a good bluegrass banjo. The secret is in the weight of the rim. The heavier the better. You simply can't tell about a banjo til you play it. Now the good part is that most banjos can have a variety of sounds depending upon the set-up. You don't sound experienced enough yet to do your own set ups, and it might cost more than you actually pay for the banjo to get a repairman to do it.

Just sight unseen I'd go for the Springfield.

The best cheap beginners' bluegrass banjos would be either Ibanez, El Degas, Fender, or Washburn. Preferably ones made in the seventies or early eighties. These are often good buys in the 300-500 range and usually have that desired "weight".

As you probably know, medium level banjos are usually in the 800-1000 range and top quality ones range from 1500 to Gawd knows how high.

Good cheap guitars are a lot easier to find than good cheap banjos.

Good luck

Rick

Subject: RE: Help: Is this a good Bluegrass Banjo?
From: beachcomber
Date: 31 Dec 01 - 08:48 AM

Can I query you Rick on a banjo that I bought , in London, some 25years ago (cost about £500stg back then) It was made in - it says -"Coventry" by a firm called "Grover". Have you any knowledge of the make? It has quite a good tone, if a little on the harsh side and good volume. I've messed around with it many times, when I thought the set-up needed a little work but it is very consistent in it's performance. (Something that can hardly be said of it's performer!!) Sorry to use someone else's "thread" to add a personal question but I know you are all busy people over there. I should also take the opportunity to wish a Happy New Year to as many Mudcatters as read this posting and hope that they will pass it on. I've enjoyed my two years reading and being amazed by the variety and erudition of the members.There have been one or two racist episodes which , at first angered and nearly turned me away, however the two years have more than convinced me that the hugh majority of Mudcatters have only respect and tolerance for the differing points of view. Hope it will always remain in the hands of such people.

Cheers

Beach

Subject: RE: Help: Is this a good Bluegrass Banjo?
From: beachcomber
Date: 31 Dec 01 - 08:58 AM

Apologies Rick. I've just been informed, by my wife, that I am to spend a few days holiday in Dublin. On my return I will try to "pick up" any reply you, or anyone else, may have made. Cheers again,

Beachcomber

Subject: RE: Help: Is this a good Bluegrass Banjo?
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 31 Dec 01 - 09:13 AM

I knew someone who had a Grover 5 string banjo and it was a very well made instrument. The owner also had an OME banjo and rather than being harsh in tone, the Grover produced the warmer and deeper tone (not that there was anything wrong with the OME they were just quite different sounding banjos). This banjo was stolen (and returned) about 4 years ago. I know the value the owner placed on it was £3000 at that time.

That's all I know.

Jon

Subject: RE: Help: Is this a good Bluegrass Banjo?
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 31 Dec 01 - 10:29 AM

I'll concur with Jon. I've only seen one banjo of that brand, but it seemed quite well made. Few of the British banjos make it across the sea to Canada. have fun.

Rick

Subject: RE: Help: Is this a good Bluegrass Banjo?
From: kendall
Date: 31 Dec 01 - 07:33 PM

That should have read SAMICK, Savick was a Vulcan on Star Trek.

Subject: RE: Help: Is this a good Bluegrass Banjo?
From: JedMarum
Date: 31 Dec 01 - 09:37 PM

I gotta say, if you're looking for a good cheap banjo, you need to look at a Deering Goodtime. You can get one for $250 or so (open back) and it is truly is a LOW cost instrument but it has a surprisingly good sound and plays pretty well.

Click here then find the GOODTIME link in a list on the right of the screen under the heading "Models." (I can;t link directly to that page on their site).

Subject: RE: Help: Is this a good Bluegrass Banjo?
From: rangeroger
Date: 01 Jan 02 - 12:32 AM

I can just see it written on the restroom walls.

For a Goodtime, call Greg. $250

rr

Subject: RE: Help: Is this a good Bluegrass Banjo?
From: Rolfyboy6
Date: 01 Jan 02 - 09:52 PM

Here's the Gold Tone Banjo website. They make well regarded less expensive banjos in a variety of models and prices. Gold Tone