Comments on: Instrument Poll

By: benfrihauf

benfrihauf — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 22:19:33 +0000

I currently have a Mastercraft, purchased through the Banjo Hut. I am not really good enough to upgrade yet, but when I am good enough I have my eye on a Nechville Phantom. When I was in our local acoustic shop purchasing strings, the saleperson insisted that I play the Phantom. That was a stroke of genius on their part, bacause now I have to have one.

By: Rob Miller

Rob Miller — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 23:04:17 +0000

If it sounds good and plays good then LOVE it! I have a Fender FB55 that was made in China and it plays great and didn’t break my bank account. It’s a good banjo, enjoy it.

By: Mack

Mack — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 15:52:30 +0000

Fender stamps their banjo rejects as “used” on the back of the peghead and sells them to resellers. To my surprise my Fender 54 was one such banjo. The reseller attached a serial number over the “used” imprint and the music salesperson never made mention of the fact that it was rejected by Fender. Buyer beware.

By: Mack

Mack — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:27:01 +0000

I have a Fender with a serial number but no other identifying marks. The serial number label is glued over what appears to be “Made in China.” It was a gift but I can upgrade if necessary. Any comments?

By: bisch

bisch — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 19:52:11 +0000

I started with a “Iida” and eventually graduated to a Gibson Granada. If you have a Iida with a wooden tone ring you have a treasure. Check it out.
Bob

By: Julian

Julian — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 01:43:02 +0000

I just bought a used “Jida” banjo. I think it is Japanese make. It was inexpensive and better than a no name one that I borrowed from a friend. The new one came with a friction tuner on the 5th string so I replaced it with a geared tuner. I’m just a new beginner so it should get me off to a good start before I invest money in a more expensive instrument.

By: cro_head

cro_head — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 00:23:01 +0000

Fender FB-59 with a Fults 34Parallel tailpiece.

By: JOHNNY

JOHNNY — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 23:02:43 +0000

I have a new Epiphone-have been playing off and on for several years Love the sound.

By: richardprince

richardprince — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 22:23:50 +0000

i’m getting a mc150 goldtone banjo kit i love the looks of the banjo it seems to have all the makings of a decient banjo,although i think i’m a archtop stle banjo lover,love that high end and punch,but also love songs like “the bells of st.marys” done by doug dillard,do you think this banjo can hanle both?

By: jpm1596

jpm1596 — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 14:38:27 +0000

I play a GoldTone which for a lower level entry type banjo is a good deal. The only problem is Ive been playing it for about 10 years … bout time to upgrade!!! I also have a Deering Crossfire which I love. I know, I know its an electric banjo but its sooo easy to play and the sounds and effects you get from it are amazing.

By: Thomas

Thomas — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 09:19:37 +0000

I have had the banjo fever for 4 years now, and currently have 4 banjo’s. Not bad because I was up to 10! (I’ve been retired with to much time to shop around on the internet..) The one’s I have kept are a 30 year old Alvarez Denver Belle, 2 year old Cox Kentucky-5, one year old Earl Scruggs Standard Gibson, and 30 year old Alvarez Silver Princess open back. I’ve been trying to stick to one for my practice sessions so I use the Gibson the most. But for variety and a fun change I’ll grab one of the others for a day or two. Just wish I could get better faster!

By: banjo bill

banjo bill — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 02:02:53 +0000

Morgan Monroe

By: rick nelson

rick nelson — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 18:45:27 +0000

I have a few banjo’s. the first good banjo I purchased was a 71 rb-250 mastertone that I played for several years. I thought this is the only banjo I’ll ever get, It was so much better that what I had. But, as all you banjo people know, things change. I buddy told me about a Earl Sruggs gibson in a music store, said I should take a look which like an idiot I did. What a horse!!! Great intonation and sound everywhere on the neck and louder than my rb 250 by double. So,I had to have it. then a good buddy and my bluegrass banjo mentor passed away and his son came in my shop one day and needed mechanical work on his vehicle (I’m a mechanic by trade)and offered to sell me his dad’s banjo and then he could use the money for his repairs. The banjo is a 55 mastertone bow tie with a 32 flathead pot. so now I have 3 mastertone’s when originally I thought I only needed one. go figure!

By: Remy Powell

Remy Powell — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 20:04:26 +0000

I play a 1968 Epiphone. Bought it new when I was in high school. I’m told it was a Gibson model built with Japanese parts. I’ve replaced the cheapo tuners some time ago but it sounds good and can hold its own in a jam.