Anywhere to buy a banjo in York (UK)?

Subject: Can I buy a banjo in York (UK)?
From: Black Hawk
Date: 26 Apr 07 - 12:08 PM

Hi'

Any UK 'catters' know of any shops (second-hand or music) in York where I may purchase an open-back 5 string banjo.
I dont want (cant afford) to pay too much at this moment as I dont know if I will get away with it. I want to use it to accompany my voice on 'old time' songs. Some Ozarks I have seen look OK for a beginner.
I may be visiting York in a couple of weeks & it may be a chance to 'take the plunge'.

Grateful for any suggestions.

Subject: RE: Anywhere to buy a banjo in York (UK)?
From: selby
Date: 26 Apr 07 - 01:10 PM

Bulmers in Monk Bar would be worth a visit

Subject: RE: Anywhere to buy a banjo in York (UK)?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 26 Apr 07 - 01:18 PM

Bear in mind that a softwood hoop will absorb sound from the head . An
Aluminium head is light and CAN give a better sound . Best of luck anyway !

Subject: RE: Anywhere to buy a banjo in York (UK)?
From: rabbitlegs
Date: 26 Apr 07 - 01:31 PM

If you're visiting friends in the area and they can get you to Huddersfield, Eagle are as good a banjo dealer as you'll get in the UK. See their website. Don't know about second hand though. (Ozark Californian may fit the bill).

Subject: RE: Anywhere to buy a banjo in York (UK)?
From: GUEST,Black Hawk not logged in
Date: 26 Apr 07 - 02:17 PM

Thanks for info.

Rabbitlegs - I live on Teesside (?) so it will be a flying visit (there & back during day). May look into Eagle idea though. Have to fit in with (invalid) wifes needs.

Leadfingers - I have a few friends who play banjo (mainly bluegrass)up to professional level but I dont like the 'harsh' ring of a metal hoop or a resonator. Instrumentaly they sound great but the (very) few wooden hoop ones I have heard seem more suited for old time voice.

Thanks for advice though.

I might add that years ago I had one of the earliest (1970) japanese resonator banjos - a BM I think but it did not feel 'right' to play. The quality was poor & put me off practicing but the modern eastern stuff seem improved. If I decided to persevere I would buy a better instrument but at the moment I want a learner.

Subject: RE: Anywhere to buy a banjo in York (UK)?
From: selby
Date: 26 Apr 07 - 02:21 PM

Also give Bill Sables a PM he sells banjos and would be able to help he lives about 20 miles south of York although I am sure he would meet up with you

Subject: RE: Anywhere to buy a banjo in York (UK)?
From: GUEST,Black Hawk not logged in
Date: 26 Apr 07 - 02:23 PM

Thanks selby

Subject: RE: Anywhere to buy a banjo in York (UK)?
From: bubblyrat
Date: 26 Apr 07 - 03:12 PM

" The Music Room" in Cleckheaton , Yorks., should be able to find something to suit you, sir !! They stock a pretty good range , or they did last time I looked !!

Subject: RE: Anywhere to buy a banjo in York (UK)?
From: GUEST,Black Hawk - still not logged in.
Date: 26 Apr 07 - 03:29 PM

Rabbitlegs - just been looking on Eagles website - the Ozark 'banjola' looks interesting but is just outside my price range at the mo. But should certainly mute the harsh ringing.

Bubblyrat - where's Cleckheaton (dont worry I'll look it up).Thanks.

..... In case anyone reading this thread is wondering about my 'harshness' remarks and takes offence - I love the sound of a banjo played well. Unfortunately, there are many banjo players who do not realise how overpowering their instrument is. When singing 'against' one you are on a loser unless the player knows how to vary volume. Many do not. As a beginner I want to be unobtrusive - if/when I improve, then I can buy the loudest on the market & join the other experts :-)......

Subject: RE: Anywhere to buy a banjo in York (UK)?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 26 Apr 07 - 07:09 PM

If you want to NOT be loud a Banjola is a good option ! I have an Ozark and love it - BUT I am informed that they DONT frail !!

Subject: RE: Anywhere to buy a banjo in York (UK)?
From: BanjoRay
Date: 26 Apr 07 - 07:21 PM

Have you tried Stan Gee in Redcar? He used to have a good stock of instruments at home for sale. If you're interested, I'll PM you his details.
Ray

Subject: RE: Anywhere to buy a banjo in York (UK)?
From: GUEST,Black Hawk
Date: 26 Apr 07 - 08:07 PM

Thanks BanjoRay, but I know Stan very well & he has nothing for me!

Leadfingers - Do you mean you have an Ozark Banjola? Whats it play/sound like?

I didn't know they existed until seeing the Eagle site tonight.

2 months ago I suggested to a banjo maker that they put a banjo neck on a mandolin type body to mute the sound. Looks like they beat him to it :-)

Subject: RE: Anywhere to buy a banjo in York (UK)?
From: GUEST,Black Hawk
Date: 26 Apr 07 - 08:09 PM

PS - Why can't they frail ??

Subject: RE: Anywhere to buy a banjo in York (UK)?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 26 Apr 07 - 08:22 PM

If Pete Coe says they dont work for frailing , I believe him ! I dont frail myself , so it doesnt matter for me !

Subject: RE: Anywhere to buy a banjo in York (UK)?
From: BanjoRay
Date: 26 Apr 07 - 08:25 PM

Another good place to try is The Music Room in Cleckheaton, who also do online sales.They usually have a very good stock. I notice their Deering Goodtimes are now down to around £200 - excellent value.
Ray

Subject: RE: Anywhere to buy a banjo in York (UK)?
From: GUEST,Black Hawk on works PC
Date: 27 Apr 07 - 04:10 AM

BanjoRay - as a learner what is the comparitive quality/playability of a Deering Goodtime against an Ozark Californian.
I realise the Deering is a better 'name' but having handled & heard a 'California', its price v quality is what has tempted me to try banjo again.

Does anyone have experience of both?

Thanks all for help & advice - keep it coming.

Subject: RE: Anywhere to buy a banjo in York (UK)?
From: GUEST,Rabbitlegs also at work
Date: 27 Apr 07 - 04:31 AM

I tried a Goodtime the other week and was very impressed, I have an Ozark 2141 and like it a lot, but it's a heavy bugger! I am seriously considering a Goodtime for a 'camping' banjo. I bet the Californian is worth a look though, judging by the Ozark I have.

Subject: RE: Anywhere to buy a banjo in York (UK)?
From: stallion
Date: 27 Apr 07 - 06:42 AM

Get into the Tap & Spile Friday night and see if Frank Pallister is in he repairs instruments for a living and may even have one

Subject: RE: Anywhere to buy a banjo in York (UK)?
From: skipy
Date: 27 Apr 07 - 06:46 AM

?
frail 2(frl)
n.
1. A rush basket for holding fruit, especially dried fruit.
2. The quantity of fruit, such as raisins or figs, that such a basket can hold.
Skipy

Subject: RE: Anywhere to buy a banjo in York (UK)?
From: GUEST,Black Hawk still at work
Date: 27 Apr 07 - 07:16 AM

Mite do that stallion!

Subject: RE: Anywhere to buy a banjo in York (UK)?
From: GUEST,Rabbitlegs also at work
Date: 27 Apr 07 - 10:58 AM

Just finished! Yipee! Have a good weekend all!

Subject: RE: Anywhere to buy a banjo in York (UK)?
From: stallion
Date: 27 Apr 07 - 11:24 AM

I wont be in tonight, i am metaphorically chained to the loo with a dose of the runs, Martin and Ron will be there, pen in hands to sign my newly applied plaster cast on my right wrist, it'll have to wait!. Make yourself known to Ron and Martin and they will look after you, Ron might be late, don't be backward at coming forwards they don't bite!

Subject: RE: Anywhere to buy a banjo in York (UK)?
From: GUEST,Black Hawk still working
Date: 27 Apr 07 - 11:43 AM

Don't think I wil make it tonight stallion but will try. If not I will certainly visit soon.

Subject: RE: Anywhere to buy a banjo in York (UK)?
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 27 Apr 07 - 12:35 PM

In West Yorks there are a couple of possibles not already mentioned. In Leeds city centre there is a branch of Hobgoblin Music who are pretty good, but Leeds traffic system is absolute murder at the best of times.
In Bradford there is a second hand instrument shop called Manning's Musicals. Malcolm Manning is a cajun/zydeco squeezebox player, so caters to the folk world of instruments. Of course, what type of secondhand instruments in stock, can be total pot luck.
Either may be worth a phone call to inquire if they have anything fitting your needs.
You may also be interested in the Old Time gathering at Sewerby Hall, near Bridlington on the weekend of the Mayday Bank Holiday. There is a thread with information somewhere.
Quack!
Geoff the Duck.

Subject: RE: Anywhere to buy a banjo in York (UK)?
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 27 Apr 07 - 03:43 PM

THIS ONE!!

Quack!!
GtD.

Subject: RE: Anywhere to buy a banjo in York (UK)?
From: BanjoRay
Date: 27 Apr 07 - 07:37 PM

Black Hawk - Ozark Californians look like a sort of copy of the Deering Goodtime at a much lower price. The fact that Goodtimes are made in California may not be a coincidence! They seem to be very good banjos. I've played one once and was impressed.
In the instructors concert at Sore Fingers this year we were treated to some superb banjo playing by John Dowling (the guy who taught banjo to Frank Skinner on TV recently) on an Ozark Californian - instead of the gold plated Deering he won at the Winfield world banjo championship. It sounded great but I don't know how dependable they are - I've played many Goodtimes and they seem to be as near identical to each other as it's possible to get, and are very well set up out of the box. I think I'd want to play a Californian before I bought it, whereas I'd consider getting a Goodtime through the post.
Cheers
Ray

Subject: RE: Anywhere to buy a banjo in York (UK)?
From: GUEST,Black Hawk
Date: 28 Apr 07 - 06:07 AM

Thanks for that BanjoRay.
As I said, a friend who is a good banjo player has bought an Ozark & uses it instead of his quality instrument. I examined it & it is very well made but as I cant play I cannot assess the 'feel' of it like I can with a guitar. Sounds good when he plays.

Stallion - I made a trip to the 'Tap & Spile' last night. After parking in the marine carpark I walked all around Whitby (asking passersby) until outside the Friendship Rowing Club, I was told it has changed its name to 'The Station' & was the nearest pub to my car! When I entered the pub it was crowded with Goths & a rock band was setting up (this was 9:15pm). I couldnt see any 'folk' type instruments around so I take it I had the wrong night. Will get there another time though.

Subject: RE: Anywhere to buy a banjo in York (UK)?
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Apr 07 - 12:49 PM

Er, I think he meant the Tap & Spile in York mate!

Subject: RE: Anywhere to buy a banjo in York (UK)?
From: stallion
Date: 29 Apr 07 - 06:16 AM

certainly did! it has a web site so if any of you blue clicky people are up for it one may insert one in this thread for moi friend Black Hawk, Oh and I am not working at the moment cos of a broken wrist so if you are in York PM me for a phone number and we can meet u.   tonight in the Golden Ball, Cromwell Terrace, Bishophill, York, there is a music session, Cajun, Bluegrass, Irish, English a right mixed bag
cheers
Peter

Subject: RE: Anywhere to buy a banjo in York (UK)?
From: BanjoRay
Date: 29 Apr 07 - 06:54 AM

And all being well I'll be playing banjo at the Golden Ball.
Ray

Subject: RE: Anywhere to buy a banjo in York (UK)?
From: GUEST,Black Hawk
Date: 29 Apr 07 - 08:07 AM

Wish I could join you but I get to York rarely.

When I do I will PM you & meet up mebbe.

Is Frank Pallister on the web? Can I contact him & talk banjo's?

Thanks for your help & suggestions.

Subject: RE: Anywhere to buy a banjo in York (UK)?
From: BanjoRay
Date: 29 Apr 07 - 08:22 AM

I don't think Frank's on the web, he's in the wrong century. I think he has many banjos and fiddles, and often for sale. He often brings his fiddle to the Golden Ball on a Sunday night. If he's there tonight I'll see if I can get his phone number - you'll have to log in so I can PM it to you.
Cheers
Ray

Subject: RE: Anywhere to buy a banjo in York (UK)?
From: GUEST,Black Hawk
Date: 29 Apr 07 - 09:15 AM

Thanks Ray

I log in when on my PC but usually I'm on works PC.

I check my PMs when I get home

Subject: RE: Anywhere to buy a banjo in York (UK)?
From: stallion
Date: 29 Apr 07 - 11:15 AM

DIAD have a myspace site and since Frank is one half of DIAD then you can get in touch that way
http://www.myspace.com/diadmusicuk

Subject: RE: Anywhere to buy a banjo in York (UK)?
From: BanjoRay
Date: 29 Apr 07 - 08:16 PM

I've sent Black Hawk a PM with Frank Pallister's phone number. Frank's coming to the Sewerby Hall fest this weekend, along with a few others from the York Golden Ball sunday session. It'll be good.
Ray

Subject: RE: Anywhere to buy a banjo in York (UK)?
From: Black Hawk
Date: 30 Apr 07 - 02:44 AM

Thanks Ray.

I'll get in touch with Frank & see what he's got.

Thanks all.

Subject: RE: Anywhere to buy a banjo in York (UK)?
From: GUEST,banjoman
Date: 30 Apr 07 - 10:37 AM

Pity you're not in my part of the world (Hampshire) or I could make you one to your own specs. There's nothing so good (almost) as playing the very first tune on an instrument you have built yourself

Subject: RE: Anywhere to buy a banjo in York (UK)?
From: Black Hawk
Date: 30 Apr 07 - 11:49 AM

Very true banjoman, I make custom guitar/banjo straps for friends & know the feeling.

Unfortunately I am not in the pricing range of a custom banjo.

Subject: RE: Anywhere to buy a banjo in York (UK)?
From: Black Hawk
Date: 02 May 07 - 07:07 PM

selby - Also give Bill Sables a PM he sells banjos and would be able to help he lives about 20 miles south of York although I am sure he would meet up with you

I've been in touch with Bill & it looks like I might be lucky.


I've spoken to Frank & although helpful he hasn't anything to suit.

Thanks all & I'll let you know how it turns out.

Subject: RE: Anywhere to buy a banjo in York (UK)?
From: stallion
Date: 03 May 07 - 04:15 AM

Tomorrow at the Tap will be one of those rare occasions that see's the three of us in the Tap & Spile (York)hopefully it should be a good one.

Subject: RE: Anywhere to buy a banjo in York (UK)?
From: GUEST,Black Hawk at work
Date: 03 May 07 - 05:00 AM

Stallion - Shut up about 'The Tap' in York - I cannot make it & you are only making me jealous ........L.O.L.

One day ........

Subject: RE: Anywhere to buy a banjo in York (UK)?
From: GUEST,banjo bill
Date: 03 May 07 - 12:19 PM

the yellow Ozark California looks nicer than a Goodtime but that's about all that it does better. Deering's basic Goodtime can blow the pants off any Korean of Chinese banjo - in terms of sound quality if not of absolute volume. At about £200 they're brillant.

Subject: RE: Anywhere to buy a banjo in York (UK)?
From: GUEST,Observant
Date: 03 May 07 - 12:28 PM

Banjo Bill - I thought you played a Gold Tone?

If Deerings are so good why do you not play one?

Subject: RE: Anywhere to buy a banjo in York (UK)?
From: GUEST,Observant
Date: 03 May 07 - 02:00 PM

Not being sarcastic by the way - genuine question!

Subject: RE: Anywhere to buy a banjo in York (UK)?
From: Black Hawk
Date: 10 May 07 - 06:13 AM

Hi all.

Got a banjo from Bill Sable & hope I made a friend at the same time.

Thanks to all who responded.

Subject: RE: Anywhere to buy a banjo in York (UK)?
From: stallion
Date: 10 May 07 - 07:39 AM

we are not at the T & S York this Friday, we are at "The Postcard" and then "The Bridge" in Holmfirth, the T & S sessions thin out in summer when the festival season is on and the Uni's break up but next week, Black Hawk, we will be in T & S Friday night, singaround saturday afternoon in the Black Swann, and in the Marquee at the back of the Black Swan 4.55 to 5.30
http://www.bsfc.org.uk/folkday07/programme.pdf