Hi all,
I'm thinking of buying my first Irish Tenor over the internet. They don't seem to be very common around Melbourne, so that means I can't try them out for comparison. What's more, the prices here are horrendous. So anyway, on my shortlist are the Gold Tone IT-250R http://elderly.com/new_instruments/items/GTIT250R.htm and the Deering Goodtime Special Resonator. http://elderly.com/new_instruments/items/TGOOD2SP.htm
Both are resonator models, prices are similar. The only thing that really stands out is that the Gold Tone has planetary tuners. Has anyone tried these out? Any general impressions?
I don't know about these but another option is buying a vintage tenor banjo. If you buy from a reputable dealer and have a local shop that can set it up for you then you'd be better off than buying either Gold Tone or the Deering. Models to watch out for are the Vega Model N or the Bacon Model C, but any vintage era banjo with a straight neck should be just fine. Look for one that's been updated with planetary tuners and a new synthetic head. The old tuners and skin heads are going to be headaches if you're a beginner. Here in the states we have several reputable shops such as Spruce Tree Music, Intermountain Guitar and Banjo and Bernunzio. These stores usually have playable old tenor banjos in stock for $400 or less and if you order from one of these shops you're better off than ordering from someone on Ebay. Vinnie Mondello might also have some in stock too, and he's one you would be safe ordering from on Ebay and I've seen his refurbished banjos go for low prices on Ebay.
do you mean Melbourne, Australia. I'm about to take up the tenor here in Sydney and I'm looking at buying a 19 fret tenor by Essex, typically sold here for $299. I currently play 6 string banjo and have an Essex 6 String which I am very happy with, so I plan to stick to the brand. I've never tried their tenor but I thought it may be worth mentioning.
There is a bloke named Doole in Geelong who makes well-regarded tenor banjos, probably a bit pricy but it couldn't hurt to contact him and see what he can do for you.
If you're buying from the USA (not a bad idea with the USD$ so low) then remember to consider Australian duty and GST which will be added (about 17% combined I think) , unless you know someone who can collect over there and hand carry - and pretend it's theirs. Big ask for a non-banjo player!
the goldtone is a half decent banjo, i have one, but for the same money you would get a better vintage one, the vega little wonders are hard to beat, plus hold their value should you decide to upgrade in the future.
My understanding (from the Australian Customs website) is that duty is only payable if the item purchased is valued over AUD1000. That means about USD800 at current exchange rates. If we take as an example the Deering Goodtime Special.
Price = USD679 (that's ok it's under AUD1000)
Shipping = approx USD250
That's USD929 = AUD1161
That sounds high, especially when you realize that shipping is about 27% of the cost. That is, until you call the local distributer and find out that they're selling the same instrument for AUD1899.
So basically I want to pay enough money to get a good quality instrument, but don't want to be ripped off in the process.
That's a hellova markup, I'm guessing that's the music shop in Perth you're speaking of. Although I'd guess they bought their Deering/Vega stock when the USD$ was considerably higher against the AUD$ than now
I'll second (or third) the idea that a vintage banjo may be the way to go. The Gold Tone and Deering banjos can be OK, but they're not as good as a decent vintage banjo, and won't hold their value the same. My first banjo was a Gold Tone, and since then I have had several banjos that cost me the same that were much better.
If you're specifically in the market for an "Irish tenor", which usually refers to it being short-scale, 17 fret. Then my highest recommendation would be an Orpheum. The Vega Little Wonders can be good, although, they're more plunky with less ring than the Orpheum, so it depends on what you're after for sound.
In general, a 17 fret banjo will never sound like a 19 fret one, so if your fingers are up for a bit more work (you get used to it), then going after a 19 fret model will open up the variety (and availability) of banjos greatly.
Best mid-priced tenor banjo?
Best mid-priced tenor banjo?
Hi all,
I'm thinking of buying my first Irish Tenor over the internet. They don't seem to be very common around Melbourne, so that means I can't try them out for comparison. What's more, the prices here are horrendous. So anyway, on my shortlist are the Gold Tone IT-250R http://elderly.com/new_instruments/items/GTIT250R.htm and the Deering Goodtime Special Resonator. http://elderly.com/new_instruments/items/TGOOD2SP.htm
Both are resonator models, prices are similar. The only thing that really stands out is that the Gold Tone has planetary tuners. Has anyone tried these out? Any general impressions?
# Posted on June 6th 2007 by fabphil39
Re: Best mid-priced tenor banjo?
I don't know about these but another option is buying a vintage tenor banjo. If you buy from a reputable dealer and have a local shop that can set it up for you then you'd be better off than buying either Gold Tone or the Deering. Models to watch out for are the Vega Model N or the Bacon Model C, but any vintage era banjo with a straight neck should be just fine. Look for one that's been updated with planetary tuners and a new synthetic head. The old tuners and skin heads are going to be headaches if you're a beginner. Here in the states we have several reputable shops such as Spruce Tree Music, Intermountain Guitar and Banjo and Bernunzio. These stores usually have playable old tenor banjos in stock for $400 or less and if you order from one of these shops you're better off than ordering from someone on Ebay. Vinnie Mondello might also have some in stock too, and he's one you would be safe ordering from on Ebay and I've seen his refurbished banjos go for low prices on Ebay.
# Posted on June 6th 2007 by tannisroot
Re: Best mid-priced tenor banjo?
I have the Gold Tone 250R. I really love it. I have gotten a lot of compliments about its tone, and it is a joy to play. And a pretty good deal.
# Posted on June 6th 2007 by crazy_fingerz
Re: Best mid-priced tenor banjo?
do you mean Melbourne, Australia. I'm about to take up the tenor here in Sydney and I'm looking at buying a 19 fret tenor by Essex, typically sold here for $299. I currently play 6 string banjo and have an Essex 6 String which I am very happy with, so I plan to stick to the brand. I've never tried their tenor but I thought it may be worth mentioning.
# Posted on June 6th 2007 by camwebby
Re: Best mid-priced tenor banjo?
There is a bloke named Doole in Geelong who makes well-regarded tenor banjos, probably a bit pricy but it couldn't hurt to contact him and see what he can do for you.
It wouldn't hurt to contact Tony O'Rourke either http://www.amtr.com.au/home/aORourke/ - he teaches and might be able to steer you right.
If you're buying from the USA (not a bad idea with the USD$ so low) then remember to consider Australian duty and GST which will be added (about 17% combined I think) , unless you know someone who can collect over there and hand carry - and pretend it's theirs. Big ask for a non-banjo player!
# Posted on June 6th 2007 by Bren
Re: Best mid-priced tenor banjo?
the goldtone is a half decent banjo, i have one, but for the same money you would get a better vintage one, the vega little wonders are hard to beat, plus hold their value should you decide to upgrade in the future.
http://www.bernunzio.com/new_result.php?type=Banjo#Banjo%20-%20tenor
# Posted on June 6th 2007 by molloy
Re: Best mid-priced tenor banjo?
My understanding (from the Australian Customs website) is that duty is only payable if the item purchased is valued over AUD1000. That means about USD800 at current exchange rates. If we take as an example the Deering Goodtime Special.
Price = USD679 (that's ok it's under AUD1000)
Shipping = approx USD250
That's USD929 = AUD1161
That sounds high, especially when you realize that shipping is about 27% of the cost. That is, until you call the local distributer and find out that they're selling the same instrument for AUD1899.
So basically I want to pay enough money to get a good quality instrument, but don't want to be ripped off in the process.
# Posted on June 6th 2007 by fabphil39
Re: Best mid-priced tenor banjo?
That's a hellova markup, I'm guessing that's the music shop in Perth you're speaking of. Although I'd guess they bought their Deering/Vega stock when the USD$ was considerably higher against the AUD$ than now
# Posted on June 6th 2007 by Bren
Re: Best mid-priced tenor banjo?
I'll second (or third) the idea that a vintage banjo may be the way to go. The Gold Tone and Deering banjos can be OK, but they're not as good as a decent vintage banjo, and won't hold their value the same. My first banjo was a Gold Tone, and since then I have had several banjos that cost me the same that were much better.
If you're specifically in the market for an "Irish tenor", which usually refers to it being short-scale, 17 fret. Then my highest recommendation would be an Orpheum. The Vega Little Wonders can be good, although, they're more plunky with less ring than the Orpheum, so it depends on what you're after for sound.
In general, a 17 fret banjo will never sound like a 19 fret one, so if your fingers are up for a bit more work (you get used to it), then going after a 19 fret model will open up the variety (and availability) of banjos greatly.
Good luck with it!
Pete
# Posted on June 6th 2007 by Reverend