|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129
Expert
|
OP
Expert
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: 3,876
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,876 |
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/ZRhwrFWnoLQhttp://goodtimebanjos.com/
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
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
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
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: 1,114
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,114 |
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
2026 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
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
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: 1,114
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,114 |
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
2026 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: 3,876
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,876 |
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! 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: 3,876
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,876 |
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: 3,876
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,876 |
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
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
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
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251 |
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. 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
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
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
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,114
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,114 |
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
2026 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: 3,876
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,876 |
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
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251 |
Joe, 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 02:14 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,217
Veteran
|
|
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 04:57 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,763
Posts795,934
Members39,953
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean