Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2
Off-Topic
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129
J
Joe V Offline OP
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
J
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129
Hi all,

...this a narrow question - since I was shopping on Craigslist for banjos and came across a Deering Sierra listed at $1300. I've always felt it important to at least buy a midrange used instrument rather than a 'beginner', and I've read that many people put Deering right at the top of companies to buy good banjos from.

Of course, I was hoping not to pay more than about $500 for a good used banjo, but the only good one right now on CL is the Deering Sierra at $1300.

I had also narrowed down from reading banjo websites to a Recording King or Deering, but the one I liked - the RK-35 (at least from reading reviews) $800 new, is rarely listed at ~500+.

I've read that the Deering "GoodTime" banjo available at about $400 'feels' really good; it doesn't look nearly as "cool" to me as the RK35, or of course the Sierra.

Any inputs from you guys greatly appreciated.

But finally my concrete question - when you buy a Deering "good time" banjo (list ~$400) vs. say a "Sierra" (list ~2000) - what exactly are you paying the extra for ?

Is it the parts themselves where materials are more expensive a big part of it, or is there substantially more workmanship involved and that's where the extra $$$ goes ?

I guess the question applies to guitars also, but maybe in a slightly different way - banjo is a different set of materials with the skin and all....almost like a snare drum pad with strings on top : )

Off-Topic
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,790
J
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
J
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,790
Before I bought my Deering Goodtime I did extensive research online and I went to every music store around and played a whole bunch of banjos. I played cheap ones with missing strings at Guitar Center and banjos costing several thousand from my local old time music store. I would always try to either take a banjo player with me or find someone at the store who played and get their opinion.

At the end of the day I chose the Goodtime and would have chosen it over other models even if it had cost 2-3 times as much! The fact that it was around $400 was just a wonderful bonus! At first I was a little put off by the simple look of the Goodtime. But after hearing it and feeling it in my hands it was easy to go with it instead of the fancier models. And now I just love the simple way it looks with the light-colored wood!

Oh, and I got The Crow edition which cost just a little more but is kinda cool! But, had they offered the Zombie Killer when I bought mine I would have been tempted to get that model! http://www.deeringbanjos.com/products/goodtime-zombie-killer-5-string-banjo

http://youtu.be/ZRhwrFWnoLQ

http://goodtimebanjos.com/

Off-Topic
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129
J
Joe V Offline OP
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
J
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129
well, that's awfully helpful John. Comments from the thoughtful and experienced serious musicians on this sight are always weighted heavily by me. In NYC, very hard to find a good selection of quality banjos to trial. Best place we have is Mandolin Brothers in Staten Island - quite a hike for me.

Off-Topic
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,815
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,815
I have heard nothing but good things about the Deering goodtime banjo. Obviously the Sierra has a resonator backing for volume while the Goodtime banjo does not (and the Sierra must be higher quality across the board).

I think that $400 is the max you would want to spend on a first banjo -- and the Goodtime banjo does seem to be more than acceptable on the quality side.


Now at bandcamp: Crows Say Vee-Eh @ bandcamp or soundcloud: Kevin @ soundcloud
Off-Topic
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129
J
Joe V Offline OP
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
J
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129
John - curious to know how you felt about the open back vs. closed (that's resonator, right ? - no other types).

I've read that open back have higher action - is that true ?

Off-Topic
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,109
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,109
Joe,

Open back banjos are typically chosen by folks who play claw hammer style. Many CH banjo players consider it easier to play with a higher action. Banjo players are always trying different bridges and bridge heights.


Keith
2025 Audiophile Windows 11 RYZEN THREADRIPPER 3960X 4.5GHZ 128 GB RAM 2 Nvidia RTX 3090s, Vegas,Acid,SoundForge,Izotope Production,Melodyne Studio,SONAR,3 Raven Mtis
Off-Topic
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129
J
Joe V Offline OP
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
J
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129
For guitar players that are comfortable using fingers on a nylon string, is the attache much different on a banjo ?

Off-Topic
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,109
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,109
I'll also add that Greg Deering makes great banjos. I had him make a Golden Era for me almost 30 years ago with a beautiful tiger stripe maple neck. It's a good looking and great sounding banjo. With the Goodtime series you are giving up looks and getting a gigbag instead of a hardshell case. Deering considers the Goodtime to be and entry level banjo and the Sierra a low end professional model. I've never known Deering to sacrifice sound or playability to make a cheaper banjo.


Keith
2025 Audiophile Windows 11 RYZEN THREADRIPPER 3960X 4.5GHZ 128 GB RAM 2 Nvidia RTX 3090s, Vegas,Acid,SoundForge,Izotope Production,Melodyne Studio,SONAR,3 Raven Mtis
Off-Topic
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,790
J
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
J
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,790
Originally Posted By: Joe V
John - curious to know how you felt about the open back vs. closed (that's resonator, right ? - no other types).


In the beginning I was hoping to find a nice banjo with an easily removable resonator so I would have that option but ended up just getting the open back Goodtime because the thing still projects a lot of sound! And OMG it is light as a feather wheras many of the resos I have picked up are heavy and cumbersome.

but if you prefer the resonator try the Goodtime Two! Still great value and now you have the resonator!

Quote:
I've read that open back have higher action - is that true ?

not sure about the action difference Joe but the action on my Goodtime is really nice and plays well all the way up the neck and never have any fret buzzing.

Off-Topic
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,790
J
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
J
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,790
Originally Posted By: Kemmrich
I have heard nothing but good things about the Deering goodtime banjo. Obviously the Sierra has a resonator backing for volume while the Goodtime banjo does not (and the Sierra must be higher quality across the board).

I think that $400 is the max you would want to spend on a first banjo -- and the Goodtime banjo does seem to be more than acceptable on the quality side.

Kevin, you can get the Goodtime Two which adds the reso for about $150 more.

Off-Topic
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,790
J
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
J
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,790
Originally Posted By: Joe V
For guitar players that are comfortable using fingers on a nylon string, is the attache much different on a banjo ?

Didn't understand the question (attache?) but I can tell you I play clawhammer and also fingerpick without picks and it sounds great!

Off-Topic
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129
J
Joe V Offline OP
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
J
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129
Ah - I meant to write is the "attack" - the way you pluck the string with your fingers, different on the banjo.

I actually enjoy practicing quietly (e.g. without too much volume), so my 'cheap' yamaha nylon-string, which isn't the greatest for playing live acoustic without amplification, is excellent for practice.

It sounds like the banjo might actually be 'annonyingly' loud for me during practice - maybe without the resonator is the way to go.

Is it a simple matter of putting a resonator on and off manually ? or is it something that needs to be semi-permanently to permanently affixed ?

Thanks all for your great comments. I've learned so much and discovered so many great resources from all of you over the years.

Regards,
Joe V.

Off-Topic
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
Quote:
I actually enjoy practicing quietly (e.g. without too much volume), so my 'cheap' yamaha nylon-string, which isn't the greatest for playing live acoustic without amplification, is excellent for practice.

It sounds like the banjo might actually be 'annonyingly' loud for me during practice - maybe without the resonator is the way to go.


Considering the above, I would recommend getting an open back. Even quiet banjos are louder than most people like.

Quote:
Is it a simple matter of putting a resonator on and off manually ? or is it something that needs to be semi-permanently to permanently affixed ?


The resonator is usually easily removed with a few thumb screws, but having a resonator also means there has to be a flange around the banjo. After you remove the resonator the flange will dig into your leg if you play sitting down and it will poke you in the chest while standing up. Whether you play sitting or standing you’ll need to use a strap so you can hang onto the thing.

Deering does make good banjos. You may want to consider moving up to the Goodtime Classic open back banjo. It cost a couple of hundred more, $689.00, but it is a step up in quality and you get away from that blonde look. It would also be easier to sell if you ever want get rid of it.

http://www.deeringbanjos.com/products/classic-goodtime-5-string-banjo

Off-Topic
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129
J
Joe V Offline OP
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
J
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129
No tricks to practicing at a lower volume ? How about a cloth on the skin, or something like that.

Also - anything in particular to look for when evaluating a used, high-quality intrument like the Sierra ?

Off-Topic
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251

Off-Topic
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,109
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,109
When I'm playing the banjo and want to keep the volume down, one of those spring loaded wooden clothes pins clipped on each end of the bridge mutes the hell out of it.


Keith
2025 Audiophile Windows 11 RYZEN THREADRIPPER 3960X 4.5GHZ 128 GB RAM 2 Nvidia RTX 3090s, Vegas,Acid,SoundForge,Izotope Production,Melodyne Studio,SONAR,3 Raven Mtis
Off-Topic
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,790
J
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
J
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,790
Originally Posted By: Joe V
No tricks to practicing at a lower volume ? How about a cloth on the skin, or something like that.

Also - anything in particular to look for when evaluating a used, high-quality intrument like the Sierra ?

for an open back you can stuff an old flannel shirt inside it! I play might softly all the time cause I too have folks around who are not the biggest banjo fans around!

Off-Topic
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
Joe,

Quote:
But finally my concrete question - when you buy a Deering "good time" banjo (list ~$400) vs. say a "Sierra" (list ~2000) - what exactly are you paying the extra for ?

Is it the parts themselves where materials are more expensive a big part of it, or is there substantially more workmanship involved and that's where the extra $$$ goes ?


For any stringed instrument, the difference between a beginner model and professional model lies in a whole host of things. The primary ones are the quality of the workmanship, the quality of the components, the sound, the feel and playability.

Each of those things can be broken down into a list of minute details, most of which can only be discerned by a skilled player. If you never make it above beginner or intermediate skill level, you won’t be able to appreciate all the differences between a high quality entry level instrument and a professional grade instrument. Just don't buy a cheap instrumenet if you actually want to learn to play it.

If you google “banjo mute” you’ll see there are dozens of varieties. I’ve used socks, tee shirts, dish rags, etc. Whatever you use, a muted banjo sounds like a muted banjo. It’s not just quieter, it loses the character of the instrument.

Open back banjos are quieter, more mellow sounding and much lighter. Resonator banjos are louder, brighter and much heavier.

Only you can decide what you want and how much you want to spend. There’s no advice from anyone else that will answer either of those questions.

Last edited by bobcflatpicker; 01/03/15 03:14 PM.
Off-Topic
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,217
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,217
Everything Deering makes is good quality in every respect. If you can get your hands on a Goodtime and a more expensive model you would quickly see where they were able to keep the price low. The economies used in the Goodtime do not compromise sound, playability or durability.

The Sierra is an excellent instrument for bluegrass. I have found it too strident for the vocal accompaniment and melodic soloing that I do.

Last edited by flatfoot; 01/03/15 05:57 PM.

Flatfoot sez: Call me when 'Talent-in-a-Box' is ready to ship! -- [8{>

Got some tunes on You Tube:
http://www.youtube.com/user/flatfoot50
.
My BiaB lesson site:
http://jdwolfe0.wixsite.com/learnbiab
Off-Topic
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129
J
Joe V Offline OP
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
J
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129
I was almost ready to pull the trigger, withdrew the chase from the bank - then my wife reminded me of the many instruments I have recently purchased that I haven't played yet...(roland drums, a nice mandolin)...and I felt guilty shelling out a grand plus on another that will probably go largely unplayed for many years.

Anyone know a good psychologist ? I think she may be on to something.

...and then proceeded to look at the less expensive goodtime models.

Sometimes I like to tell her about the cost of the instruments I'm buying because I feel our finances are collectively shared, and other times, I think it better to keep it a secret. But I can't deny her accuracy in pointing out the many unplayed instruments I own lol

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.

ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.

PG Music News
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support

Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.

Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support

Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins

Join the conversation on our forum.

Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac Videos

With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll also keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.

From overviews of new features and walkthroughs of the 202 new RealTracks, to highlights of XPro Styles PAK 8, Xtra Styles PAKs 18, the 2025 49-PAK, and in-depth tutorials — you’ll find everything you need to explore what’s new in Band-in-a-Box® 2025.

Reference this forum post for One-Stop Shopping of our Band-in-a-Box® 2025 Mac Videos — we’ll be adding more videos as they’re released!

Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac is Here!

Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac is here, packed with major new features and an incredible collection of available new content! This includes 202 RealTracks (in Sets 449-467), plus 20 bonus Unreleased RealTracks in the 2025 49-PAK. There are new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 4, two new sets of “RealDrums Stems,” XPro Styles PAK 8, Xtra Styles PAK 19, and more!

Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac with savings of up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special—available until July 31, 2025! Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.

2025 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
We've packed our Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK with some incredible Add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is automatically included with most Band-in-a-Box® for Mac 2025 packages, but for even more Add-ons (including 20 Unreleased RealTracks!) upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for only $49. You can see the full lists of items in each package, and listen to demos here.

If you have any questions, feel free to connect with us directly—we’re here to help!

Band-in-a-Box 2025 Italian Version is Here!

Cari amici
È stata aggerate la versione in Italiano del programma più amato dagli appassionati di musica, il nostro Band-in-a-Box.
Questo è il link alla nuova versione 2025.

Di seguito i link per scaricare il pacchetti di lingua italiana aggiornati per Band-in-a-Box e RealBand, anche per chi avesse già comprato la nuova versione in inglese.

Band-in-a-Box 2025 - Italiano
RealBand 2025 - Italiano

Band-in-a-Box 2025 French Version is Here!

Bonjour à tous,

Band-in-a-Box® 2025 pour Windows est disponible en Français.
Le téléchargement se fait à partir du site PG Music

Pour ceux qui auraient déjà acheté la version 2025 de Band-in-a-Box (et qui donc ont une version anglaise), il est possible de "franciser" cette version avec les patchs suivants:

BIAB 2025 - francisation
RealBand 2025 - francisation

Voilà, enjoy!

Band-in-a-Box 2025 German Version is Here!

Band-in-a-Box 2025 für Windows Deutsch ist verfügbar!

Die deutsche Version Band-in-a-Box® 2025 für Windows ist ab sofort verfügbar!

Alle die bereits die englische Version von Band-in-a-Box und RealBand 2024 installiert haben, finden hier die Installationsdateien für das Sprachenupdate:

https://nn.pgmusic.com/pgfiles/languagesupport/deutsch2025.exe
https://nn.pgmusic.com/pgfiles/languagesupport/deutsch2025RB.exe

Update Your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 to Build 1128 for Windows Today!

Already using Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Windows®? Download Build 1128 now from our Support Page to enjoy the latest enhancements and improvements from our team.

Stay up to date—get the latest update now!

Forum Statistics
Forums58
Topics84,298
Posts777,439
Members39,614
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
weedindubai, Claudio Paolini, bjornen71, CATBELLOU, Banjopotamus
39,613 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 148
zedd 120
DC Ron 106
nonchai 104
WaoBand 102
rsdean 86
Today's Birthdays
timbalera, WineRider
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5