Looking for opinions on this Gatcomb

[Adam Tracksler]

Bernunzio has this on sale, and it looks pretty nice.

https://bernunzio.com/product/gatcomb-model-25-30696/

I'm currently using an Iida Bluegrass banjo, which is okay, but I don't want to bother putting nylon strings on it since putting the new nuts on would be a PITA when I go to sell it; I'm sure the number of people who want a starter banjo with a classic setup is about 0.

I would love to hear your views and opinions.

[IAN SALTER]

That is a good point and supports your opinion of it being a lifetime banjo, but it is twice the upper limit of Ad's budget.

There are a few decent looking banjos on the UK eBay site, including an SSS 'Special' and a Bertolle 'Dexter' but the seller doesn't appear to post to the USA. The only seller that it seems does, has this CE 'Regal'. 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/186919729840?_skw=6+string+banjo&itm...

[John Cohen]

Joel, this Whyte Laydie is actually even nicer than the one you played at the last rally.

I know I have a dog in this fight, but regardless, there is not a R&L in the world that I'd play over a mid- to high-end Vega. Vegas are much better built and sound better. 

Joel Hooks said:

I have not played that R&L, I believe I did play this WL at the last rally.  I can’t comment on the R&L personally.

But there is likely a good reason we see and read about WL banjos in the hands of professionals.

[Jody Stecher]

What is the year the Whyte Laydie was built please? What is the price?

John Cohen said:

Joel, this Whyte Laydie is actually even nicer than the one you played at the last rally.

I know I have a dog in this fight, but regardless, there is not a R&L in the world that I'd play over a mid- to high-end Vega. Vegas are much better built and sound better. 

Joel Hooks said:

I have not played that R&L, I believe I did play this WL at the last rally.  I can’t comment on the R&L personally.

But there is likely a good reason we see and read about WL banjos in the hands of professionals.

[John Cohen]

It's a 1920. I'm asking $1600 plus shipping and handling. That includes a hard case.

I created a post about it a few days ago that includes a link to the Banjohangout classifides listing.

[Jody Stecher]

I saw a post about wanting to trade for an SS Stewart. That post had no link and no price and no mention of wanting to sell instead of trade.  

This is the same banjo?

Why such a low price? It seems too good to be true.  

[John Cohen]

Apologies, I'd pasted the link, but it apparently didn't get published. I'll add it.

Re price: That's what I paid for it, and it's roughly what these banjos are going for. The open back market is in a slump.

[John Cohen]

Here's a link:  https://www.banjohangout.org/classified/108040

[Jody Stecher]

Time flies. Prior to 2008 a David Day era Vega Whyte Laydie #2 usually sold for $5000. OK, this one doesn't have the fish monster on the peg head. I prefer a star.

[John Cohen]

It's the best sounding and playing example I've owned. Beautiful patina. The neck is truly straight. The original frets have minor fretwear at the lowest positions, but this doesn't cause me problems. The action is just right for a 1/2" bridge. I'd hold on to it if I didn't prefer Bacon FF Professionals.

[Jody Stecher]

I think I know who might want this. I'll let him know.  

John Cohen said:

It's the best sounding and playing example I've owned. Beautiful patina. The neck is truly straight. The original frets have minor fretwear at the lowest positions, but this doesn't cause me problems. The action is just right for a 1/2" bridge. I'd hold on to it if I didn't prefer Bacon FF Professionals.