Sharon A posted this initially. Transferred into this thread--JoeClone
Putting aside, for the time being, the debate about whether anyone should buy any banjo... *G*
Here's what a couple of folkie friends of mine want to sell: a Gold Tone MM-150 (5-string), "mountain maple" open back, in mint condition, with metal tone ring, upgraded with Waverly tuners and Shubb 5th-string capo, includes new padded gig bag. $600 or best offer.
I'm borrowing it for a month to try it out, although I don't know the first thing about chording or frailing or clawhammer or anything. My aim is to learn, and my desire is to have a better-than-bottom-of-the-line instrument that I'll want to keep. If I upgrade later, I'd still want to keep my first banjo for outdoor gigs and such uses. At this point, I see myself using a banjo for mountain-music tunes ("Wildwood Flower", "Red Wing", etc.) (not planning on rapid-play stuff like "Foggy Mountain Breakdown", at least not yet) and as occasional accompaniment to my duet partner's guitar in our folk-pop music act (for which I need a strong sound to stand up to his power-playing on his Martin D-28).
So is this the banjo I should buy for what I want to do? It's a sweet-looking little thing, not a scratch on it, although there's a tiny depression in the back of the neck, under the finish, exactly where the 5th string ends. Is the price right for the model and its modifications (and the gig bag)?
Any and all advice appreciated... and please don't be too nasty with the banjo jokes! ;^) Thanks!
Sharon
Hi Sharon. I've played about five Gold Tones (including the model you're talking about) and I'm very impressed with them. If it feels comfortable, go for it. They're a well-made instrument.Cheers
Rick