Abilene banjos

Subject: Abilene banjos
From: Matt_R
Date: 19 May 04 - 06:59 PM

So I'm thinking about taking the plunge and finally getting myself a banjo. My local music store has an Abilene bango for $270. It looks like good quality. Does anybody know anything about these Abilenes, how well they perform and what their real quality is? I'm a bit of a n00b to the banjo world, so help and opinions would be extremely welcome.

-Matt

Subject: RE: Abilene banjos
From: Once Famous
Date: 19 May 04 - 09:06 PM

Never heard of an Abilene. I would suggest an entry level name such as Epiphone, Fender, or Goldtone.

Subject: RE: Abilene banjos
From: Matt_R
Date: 19 May 04 - 09:19 PM

Yeah, but they're all upwards of $500

Subject: RE: Abilene banjos
From: Amos
Date: 19 May 04 - 09:56 PM

Well, Matt, I would fool with it and test its scaling, tonality, harmonic notes, and action until I was absolutely happy with it. That's the stuff you have to live with. Bear in mind it is a learning banjo so, sure, you want to stay low cost, but if it messes up your learning by sounding bad when you are playing it correctly, it defeats the whole purpose of the gig.

Try doing some scales on it with your eyes closed and see if it speaks to you.

A

Subject: RE: Abilene banjos
From: Matt_R
Date: 20 May 04 - 01:09 AM

I guess that means I'd have to learn to play first haha

Subject: RE: Abilene banjos
From: GUEST
Date: 20 May 04 - 11:03 AM

See if you can't dig up a banjo in a local pawn shop or from a aquaintice first for about the same price. A Abilene will probably be alright, but it is a cheap banjo made by a guitar company, and you get what you pay for. Check out these sites too: http://www.banjohangout.org/links/browse.asp?m=bytopic&v=Shopping

Entry Deerings and Goldtones have a good reputation for a realtivly inexpensive price.

Subject: RE: Abilene banjos
From: Amos
Date: 20 May 04 - 01:20 PM

Good advice. I didn't mean playing it, just doing scales and harmonic twangs to test the tone.


A

Subject: RE: Abilene banjos
From: bigchuck
Date: 21 May 04 - 08:25 AM

Matt, for about the same money, you would be a lot better off with a Deering Goodtime open back. Far better banjo than the Abilene. Rover also makes a very decent open back for under $200.

Sandy

Subject: RE: Abilene banjos
From: Matt_R
Date: 21 May 04 - 06:39 PM

I saw a Johnson one today that was really nice...I wonder how that shapes up against others.

Subject: RE: Abilene banjos
From: bigchuck
Date: 21 May 04 - 06:51 PM

Looks ok, but the sound is seriously lacking in my NSHO.

Sandy

Subject: RE: Abilene banjos
From: GUEST,Matt_R
Date: 21 May 04 - 09:26 PM

I think I'm gonna go with the Johnson. It may not be the greatest thing in the world, but hey, I've been playing my $135 Yamaha guitar for 10.5 years now, and it's till going strong.

Subject: RE: Abilene banjos
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Jun 04 - 10:43 PM

i'm trying to find a 18 bracket armrest for my banjo . i've lokked everywhere and i still cant find one

Subject: RE: Abilene banjos
From: GUEST,Debbie
Date: 04 May 09 - 05:23 PM

I've had my Abilene banjo for awhile. Is it a tenor banjo? And tuning,
what is the tuning for this? Just learning........

Subject: RE: Abilene banjos
From: Leadfingers
Date: 04 May 09 - 06:38 PM

GUEST Debbie - If you have a tenor banjo ( Short scale , four srings)
its tuned the same as a Viola (LightStrings) or a violin (Heavier strings)
If its Five strings , Open G is fairly normal

Subject: RE: Abilene banjos
From: GUEST,don
Date: 14 May 11 - 07:06 PM

Hi
I just picked up an Abilene
thought some one might know what it is worth
It is a 5 sting ,it is in great shap,in a finder case.
was not played much,do not know how old it is?
Don

Subject: RE: Abilene banjos
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Jul 11 - 01:54 PM

[e-mail] ABILENE BANJOS ARE MADE BY SAMICK, NOT JUST A GUITAR MAKER. THEY MAKE MOST OF THE WELL RESPECTED BRANDS, YOU ALL KNOW AND LOVE, EPIPHONE, WASHBURN, AND MANY MORE. USUALLY MID TO UPPER LEVEL IN QUALITY(for imports). THEY ALSO OWN SILVERTONE, WHICH, IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN SOME OF THESE LATELY SOME ARE QUITE IMPRESSIVE! I'VE BEEN HANDLING ALL OF THESE FOR QUITE SOME TIME, W/VIRTUALLY NO PROBLEMS. COMPARED TO OTHERS IN THEIR PRICE RANGE, AND FEATURE TO FEATURE THEY MORE THAN, HOLD THEIR OWN. FIND A LOCAL STORE, SIT DOWN AND PLAY ONE, AND CHECK FIT AND FINISH BEFORE PASSING JUDGEMENT ON SOMETHING YOU'VE NEVER TRIED. THERE ARE FAR TOO MANY "INSTRUMENT SNOBS" OUT THERE

Subject: RE: Abilene banjos
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 03 Jul 11 - 02:06 PM

No need to SHOUT.

Dave H

Subject: RE: Abilene banjos
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Jul 11 - 09:01 PM

SORRY, I SHOULD HAVE USED MY INSIDE VOICE! BUT I'M ONE OF THOSE GUYS WHO'S VOICE CARRIES!

Subject: RE: Abilene banjos
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Oct 15 - 04:02 PM

im a beginer, abilene 100.00, yes or no