Gold Tone Banjos - Reviews?

Subject: Gold Tone Banjo's - Reviews?
From: Wesley S
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 07:08 PM

I've considered getting a 5 string banjo { open back } to fool around with. I've got a hankering to learn how to frail. These seem to be well priced with a few models under $500.00 American. Do any of you own one and have good things to say about them?

Subject: RE: Gold Tone Banjo's - Reviews?
From: mandotim
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 07:30 PM

I have two; a deluxe type bluegrass banjo, and a short-scale tenor with a Whyte Ladie tone ring. They are well made, sound good, and nothing else comes close for the money. Foggers, if you are out there; I know you have two as well....tell the man!

Subject: RE: Gold Tone Banjo's - Reviews?
From: GUEST,BanjoRay
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 08:09 PM

A number of my banjo playing friends have various sorts of Gold Tone 5 string banjos, and I've played most of them. They're excellent value for money. If you're buying in the UK, get one from Andy's banjos near Faversham, Kent (on the net) - I believe he imports the parts, assembles them here and sets them up really well.
Cheers
Ray

Subject: RE: Gold Tone Banjo's - Reviews?
From: Wesley S
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 08:32 PM

Nope - I'm in Georgia in the good old USA. We have a Gold Tone dealer down in Atlanta just a 45 minute drive from here.

The banjo player in my old trio back in Texas had one and I always thought it was a pretty darn good instrument for what he paid for it. That's why I thought of Gold Tone in the first place..

Subject: RE: Gold Tone Banjo's - Reviews?
From: Banjiman
Date: 16 Jun 10 - 04:52 AM

I have 2.

Bob Carlin BC350 (12 inch head and very mellow tone) and a WL200 (Whyte Lady Tone Ring and a slightly more cutting sound).

I really like them and IMHO compare with other modern banjos that cost at least twice as much.

I mainly frail though the WL200 is also pretty good for picking (even with picks!).

I'm currently cosidering buying the OT800 Long Neck with Tubaphone Tone ring at the moment.

None of these are the cheaper under $500 models though so I don't know if this is at all helpful for you Wesley!

Subject: RE: Gold Tone Banjo's - Reviews?
From: banjoman
Date: 17 Jun 10 - 06:56 AM

I have a very old Gold Tone 5 string which Andy Perkins made from a kit of parts and sold on to me about 10 -15 years ago. A great sound and I would not part with it. I also own a Gold Tone long neck banjo which was bought as a retirement present. Great mellow sound although my arms ache a bit stretching for the lower notes.
Probably the best instruments around in the price range

Subject: RE: Gold Tone Banjo's - Reviews?
From: GUEST,freespiritceol
Date: 17 Jun 10 - 07:38 AM

agree with all of the above, I have a short scale tenor gold tone banjo. And am very happy with it. Had it from Andy Perkins and very pleased with the product and the service. It's played regularly in sometimes very noisy sessions and always cuts through without a problem. we live just on the Cork/Kerry border in the mountains, and it's a great place for music.

All the best

John