Gibson TB2 and Paramount A short scale.... a good buy?
Gibson TB2 and Paramount A short scale.... a good buy?
I was in a well known chain of music shops over Christmas, and had a play on both of the above banjos. While normally an enthusiast about buying vintage, both these seemed overpriced and had issues. The TB2 did sound great, (although with a very simple wooden? tone ring) but had a lot of frett wear and issues on the neck., - £900. The Paramount had a really dodgy neck and lots of wear, and suprisingly didn't sound good at all. What with the Lange tone ring and all, I thought it'd have a lot of punch. Might be a set up issue. -£ 1700. I really fancied the idea of a short scale Paramount, I've seen them advertised in America (where I've bought my vintage banjos) for $1200. Just curious about the above banjos if anybody can add to the my small pot of knowledge, especially the TB2. Just for the record, I'm not thinking of buying these particular instruments.
Re: Gibson TB2 and Paramount A short scale.... a good buy?
The Paramount seems very pricey. I bought a 19fret Style A that had just been refretted for $675. Somebody refinished it badly is why it was low but it doesn't sound like the one you were looking at is much better.
I really like the 19fret, it has a nice sound to it. Maybe the 17 is a lot different, or maybe it wasn't setup well.
Re: Gibson TB2 and Paramount A short scale.... a good buy?
Yes, it was Leeds, and it is too pricey. You must have noticed the neck........ £1700 or near enough is a lot of cash. Have a look at Vintage Instruments.com, they've got one (or did have) for $1200.- Paramount B short scale. I reckon it's in better condition, and having imported a couple from the states, after costs and taxes, they're still a good buy.
Gibson TB2 and Paramount A short scale.... a good buy?
Gibson TB2 and Paramount A short scale.... a good buy?
I was in a well known chain of music shops over Christmas, and had a play on both of the above banjos. While normally an enthusiast about buying vintage, both these seemed overpriced and had issues. The TB2 did sound great, (although with a very simple wooden? tone ring) but had a lot of frett wear and issues on the neck., - £900. The Paramount had a really dodgy neck and lots of wear, and suprisingly didn't sound good at all. What with the Lange tone ring and all, I thought it'd have a lot of punch. Might be a set up issue. -£ 1700. I really fancied the idea of a short scale Paramount, I've seen them advertised in America (where I've bought my vintage banjos) for $1200. Just curious about the above banjos if anybody can add to the my small pot of knowledge, especially the TB2. Just for the record, I'm not thinking of buying these particular instruments.
# Posted on December 27th 2008 by gilezzznik
Re: Gibson TB2 and Paramount A short scale.... a good buy?
was that paramount in leeds I nearly bought that but thought it was too pricey
# Posted on December 27th 2008 by glengarslasher
Re: Gibson TB2 and Paramount A short scale.... a good buy?
The Paramount seems very pricey. I bought a 19fret Style A that had just been refretted for $675. Somebody refinished it badly is why it was low but it doesn't sound like the one you were looking at is much better.
I really like the 19fret, it has a nice sound to it. Maybe the 17 is a lot different, or maybe it wasn't setup well.
Cheers.
# Posted on December 27th 2008 by whangee
Re: Gibson TB2 and Paramount A short scale.... a good buy?
Yes, it was Leeds, and it is too pricey. You must have noticed the neck........ £1700 or near enough is a lot of cash. Have a look at Vintage Instruments.com, they've got one (or did have) for $1200.- Paramount B short scale. I reckon it's in better condition, and having imported a couple from the states, after costs and taxes, they're still a good buy.
# Posted on December 27th 2008 by gilezzznik
Re: Gibson TB2 and Paramount A short scale.... a good buy?
Thx But I bought a Dave Boyle Short Scale now this is a beautiful instrument fantastic tone etc
# Posted on December 28th 2008 by glengarslasher