Thoughts On Goldtone Banjos

Subject: Thoughts On Goldtone Banjos
From: HiHo_Silver
Date: 01 Aug 06 - 06:59 PM

Looking for opinions and comments on Goldtone Banjos. Are They Quality? Are they good buys for the Buck? What brands do you recommend?

Subject: RE: Thoughts On Goldtone Banjos
From: Mooh
Date: 01 Aug 06 - 07:09 PM

Recently played a tenor and it was very sweet sounding. Bang for the buck these seem like a good deal. Mooh.

Subject: RE: Thoughts On Goldtone Banjos
From: GUEST,Russ
Date: 01 Aug 06 - 07:10 PM

HiHo,

You might get more feeback if you post this quesiton at
http://www.banjohangout.org/

Lots of opinionated banjo players who are not afraid to express those opinons.

I've not seen that much interest in the banjo on Mudcat.

Subject: RE: Thoughts On Goldtone Banjos
From: Leadfingers
Date: 01 Aug 06 - 07:18 PM

Guest Russ - thats because too many people in here are scared to admit that they play a banjo !!
My old Maya resonator is as good as I need , though the Alvey Turner open back is rather nice !!

Subject: RE: Thoughts On Goldtone Banjos
From: GUEST,Russ
Date: 01 Aug 06 - 07:31 PM

OK Leadfingers, I'll come out.

My name is Russ and I play the banjo.

Old time music.

On a Mike Ramsey Bacon and a George Wunderlich Boucher.

I hope I don't regret this.

Subject: RE: Thoughts On Goldtone Banjos
From: Amos
Date: 01 Aug 06 - 07:58 PM

Just do a search for earlier threads with "Banjo" in the tiotle and you'll find plenty. Including recommendations about various makes, and a share of "banjo jokes" as well.

A

Subject: RE: Thoughts On Goldtone Banjos
From: GUEST,Wesley S
Date: 01 Aug 06 - 08:03 PM

Our banjo player is a college professor so he doesn't have a lot of big bucks to spend. But to our ears it was a great deal. Good luck with whatever you decide on.

Subject: RE: Thoughts On Goldtone Banjos
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 01 Aug 06 - 08:48 PM

Never seen one but they have received favourable comments both here and on the alt.banjo newsgroup.

And Russ, I (try to) play tenor banjo.

Subject: RE: Thoughts On Goldtone Banjos
From: The Sandman
Date: 01 Aug 06 - 11:03 PM

Ihave sold two gold tone tenor banjos to pupils they were delighted with them.Ithink from my own experience that they are great value for money, and good quality playable insruments.

Subject: RE: Thoughts On Goldtone Banjos
From: GUEST,TIA
Date: 01 Aug 06 - 11:59 PM

I've got a Goldtone short scale Irish tenor that is my absolute favorite instrument (out of a collection that my spouse has threatened to leave my over).

Subject: RE: Thoughts On Goldtone Banjos
From: Johnhenry'shammer
Date: 02 Aug 06 - 12:15 AM

HiHo, maybe if you specified exactly what you're looking for in a banjo you'd get more specific responses. What kind of music do you want to play on it? Are you looking for a resonator or an open back? Are you looking for a 4, 5, or 6-string? Just some things to consider.

Subject: RE: Thoughts On Goldtone Banjos
From: Mark Ross
Date: 02 Aug 06 - 12:59 AM

One of my students just got a Gold Tone from her parents. It's a student model with resonator. It's a decent playing instrument. I haven't seen any of their higher grade models, but I hear good things about them from other banjo players

Mark Ross

Subject: RE: Thoughts On Goldtone Banjos
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 02 Aug 06 - 02:48 AM

A friend of mine Mark plays old timey on a Goldtone open back Whyte Laydie, it's sounds great.

eric

Subject: RE: Thoughts On Goldtone Banjos
From: GUEST,banjo Bill
Date: 02 Aug 06 - 03:23 AM

A personal view - The Goldtones I've heard haven't sounded especially good or distinctive. Goldtone seem to charge a premium for being "built" in the States, albeit from Eastern components. If your banjo's nationality is so important to you, get a Deering or other good quality US manufactured instrument. Otherwise look and listen carefully at what you're getting for your money.

Subject: RE: Thoughts On Goldtone Banjos
From: mandotim
Date: 02 Aug 06 - 04:01 AM

I've got two Goldtones; a short scale (17 fret) tenor with a Whyte Laydie tone ring and heavy strings tuned GDAE, and an OB250G flat head 5 string customised with a new tailpiece and Keith 'D' tuners. Neither was expensive, even here in the UK, and both are much admired wherever I play them (although the playing generally isn't!). The OB250G is a good Mastertone copy, with good fit, playability and finish, and has an excellent tone ring. Setup was good, and the instrument is loud and has a ringing tone that sounds great for my style of playing ('melodic' style bluegrass mostly). John Vickers at Vintage Strings in Cheltenham played it back-to-back with a high end Gibson, and said he couldn't choose beteen them for tone and volume. The tenor is perfect for Irish music, with that low 'plunk' that is so characteristic of that style. Plenty loud enough for sessions, and the ultra-slim neck, short scale and low action allow me to use mandolin fingering without too much of a stretch. So far I've had no negatives at all with either banjo.
Hope this helps.
Tim

Subject: RE: Thoughts On Goldtone Banjos
From: BanjoRay
Date: 02 Aug 06 - 08:59 AM

There are at least half a dozen of our members (Foaotmad) who have goldtone five string banjos - they're all very good value.
Cheers
Ray

Subject: RE: Thoughts On Goldtone Banjos
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 02 Aug 06 - 09:38 AM

got one of these 2nd hand for a good low price off ebay..
even including shipping and import tax from US to UK,
it was still a bargain and much cheaper than buying from
one of the few UK stockists/retailers..


Banjitar Lightweight (BT-1000)

http://www.goldtone.com/products/pages/bt-1000.asp


well built sturdy instrument.. plays great

and sounds pretty good acoustic..

the interior electrics look a bit fragile

which makes me wonder if mine is a factory fitted example

or a previous owner DIY upgrade using Goldtone accessory pickup kit..

and its built in concealed magnetic pickup
sounds good and clear enough 'banjo tone'

and well punkfolk grunged up when plugged into distortion channel of a marshall amp