That's a lot of money, but it seems to be what they are fetching. I've never played a Weymann, at least one with a megaphonic rim, but they have a good reputation. You could get one with all the sound and less of the eye candy for less though.
As celtic strings said, check out John Bernunzio's site. I have dealt with the guy and found him to be very sincere, honest, knowledgable and reasonable.
I have a Weymann (Style 1) with a megaphonic tone system. I like the tone, but not as much as I like my Paramount.
The main difference between the #1 and #4 would be how fancy it is, and that won't generally affect the sound.
If you're buying for sound, then there are less expensive ways to get a great sound. If you're buying for looks, if it is in good shape, then that's probably a reasonable price.
Weymann banjos are very well built and the #4 is a gorgeous banjo. Some players don't like the Weymann sound and that is the only thing you should worry about if you want the banjo.
The last one I saw for sale was offered at $4000 although I think it went for less. Basically you are getting a fairly good retail price.
Mike Keyes
www.banjosessions.com
www.mikekeyes.com
Oh, there is a difference in the sound. The #4 is a solid Brazilian rosewood banjo and the #1 is maple if I remember correctly. The difference in woods makes a difference in sound.
It still has a signature Weymann sound, however. At least the one I played did.
If you had a banjo similar to the Weymann #4 made up today, (and remember, you may not be able to get the Brazilian rosewood) it would cost you at least $5000 if not more. No one, even Ome, makes them like that anymore on a regular basis.
Thank you all (and Mike especially). I made an offer of $2200, which may be low, but I'll see if they make a counter offer and then decide whether or not I will take the plunge. I played it and loved the sound and yes, it's a beaut! I also played a couple Paramounts, Vegas and B&Ds, but this one "resonated" with me.
Is $3,000 too much for a vintage tenor?
Is $3,000 too much for a vintage tenor?
I've got my eye on this 20s Weymann tenor #4, but it seems pricey. Any opinions?
(That's US 3 grand)
# Posted on January 18th 2007 by banjobabe
Re: Is $3,000 too much for a vintage tenor?
Is It Wort $3,000. Check Out www.bernunzio.com Give You
an Idea What Banjo's Are Going For In The USA.
Good Luck.
# Posted on January 18th 2007 by celtic strings
Re: Is $3,000 too much for a vintage tenor?
That's a lot of money, but it seems to be what they are fetching. I've never played a Weymann, at least one with a megaphonic rim, but they have a good reputation. You could get one with all the sound and less of the eye candy for less though.
# Posted on January 18th 2007 by dwdeacon
Re: Is $3,000 too much for a vintage tenor?
As celtic strings said, check out John Bernunzio's site. I have dealt with the guy and found him to be very sincere, honest, knowledgable and reasonable.
# Posted on January 18th 2007 by Strathfoyle
Re: Is $3,000 too much for a vintage tenor?
Given the condition of it, it could go 25-30% in value either way from the $3k asking price.
Ask lots of questions and make a counter-offer.
Good luck!
stv
http://cdbaby.com/Culchies
http://cdbaby.com/Lopers
# Posted on January 18th 2007 by stv culchie
Re: Is $3,000 too much for a vintage tenor?
Wait until you hear from Mike. He should be along shortly.
# Posted on January 19th 2007 by oldstrings
Re: Is $3,000 too much for a vintage tenor?
I have a Weymann (Style 1) with a megaphonic tone system. I like the tone, but not as much as I like my Paramount.
The main difference between the #1 and #4 would be how fancy it is, and that won't generally affect the sound.
If you're buying for sound, then there are less expensive ways to get a great sound. If you're buying for looks, if it is in good shape, then that's probably a reasonable price.
Good luck with it!
Pete
# Posted on January 19th 2007 by Reverend
Re: Is $3,000 too much for a vintage tenor?
Who are you going to get? Ronan Tynan? Timothy Liam Smith? Sorry I can't understand your booking terminology.
# Posted on January 19th 2007 by Kevin Rietmann
Re: Is $3,000 too much for a vintage tenor?
$3000 for a good Weymann #4 is a decent price (although if this is an honest ad, here is a much better price: http://classifieds.aztrib.com/osform/MVCCService?osform_template=/standard/resultDetail.oft&publication=phoenix&category=MerchandiseMusicalMerchandise&adIDs=2081&queryResultCount=1&netgravityPublication=aztrib)
Weymann banjos are very well built and the #4 is a gorgeous banjo. Some players don't like the Weymann sound and that is the only thing you should worry about if you want the banjo.
The last one I saw for sale was offered at $4000 although I think it went for less. Basically you are getting a fairly good retail price.
Mike Keyes
www.banjosessions.com
www.mikekeyes.com
# Posted on January 19th 2007 by mikeyes
Re: Is $3,000 too much for a vintage tenor?
Oh, there is a difference in the sound. The #4 is a solid Brazilian rosewood banjo and the #1 is maple if I remember correctly. The difference in woods makes a difference in sound.
It still has a signature Weymann sound, however. At least the one I played did.
Mike Keyes
http://www.banjosessions.com
hppt://www.mikekeyes.com
# Posted on January 19th 2007 by mikeyes
Re: Is $3,000 too much for a vintage tenor?
If you had a banjo similar to the Weymann #4 made up today, (and remember, you may not be able to get the Brazilian rosewood) it would cost you at least $5000 if not more. No one, even Ome, makes them like that anymore on a regular basis.
The real expert on this is Vin Mondello (http://www.4stringbanjos.com) who has had several in the past.
Mike Keyes
http://www.banjosessions.com
http://www.mikekeyes.com
# Posted on January 19th 2007 by mikeyes
Re: Is $3,000 too much for a vintage tenor?
AAGH!
The very long URL is not a #4, it is a 4 string, my bad. It is only a fair deal
Mike Keyes
http://www.banjosessions.com
http://www.mikekeyes.com
# Posted on January 19th 2007 by mikeyes
Re: Is $3,000 too much for a vintage tenor?
Thank you all (and Mike especially). I made an offer of $2200, which may be low, but I'll see if they make a counter offer and then decide whether or not I will take the plunge. I played it and loved the sound and yes, it's a beaut! I also played a couple Paramounts, Vegas and B&Ds, but this one "resonated" with me.
Shelley
# Posted on January 21st 2007 by banjobabe