Need help picking out my next (first) classic banjo

I sold my Iida according to the terms of my Instrument nonproliferation policy with the Minister of Finance.

My budget is firmly sub $800 I have to keep it there.

So I've been working my way through the Pink Book, and am seriously just a bedroom player, I wont be playing out (because nobody I know plays classic music, and I don't have the desire to really)



If any of you were in my position, what would be your choice?



https://www.banjohangout.org/classified/108561

https://www.banjohangout.org/classified/107856

https://www.banjohangout.org/classified/107809

https://bernunzio.com/product/unsigned-schall-115-27-31184/

https://reverb.com/item/85794450-ca-1901-jb-schall-waldo-5-string-b...

https://reverb.com/item/86366416-s-s-stewart-princess-5-string-banj...

https://reverb.com/item/84176470-john-grey-sons-5-string-banjo-c-w-...

Much obliged, Ad

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Permalink Reply by Jody Stecher on February 20, 2025 at 15:57

Long ago I had a similar Weymann as a loan for a year. It was superb.  I am seriously tempted to buy this myself although I have not been acquiring any instruments in the past few years because of my advanced age.  I have not found Gotoh tuners to be heavy or any sort of a problem. So Adam: This might well be what you are looking for.

Orpheums are nice but tend to be on the quiet side.

Permalink Reply by IAN SALTER on February 20, 2025 at 16:43

I know that Joel has spoken highly of his Gariepy, but I don't know if this is the FVE model, or whether they are all good. Joel?

https://reverb.com/uk/item/86812301-gariepy-5-string-banjo-beautifu...

Permalink Reply by Joel Hooks on February 20, 2025 at 17:49

I’ll put it this way, my GFVE originally sold for $500 in 1966, about $4900 today.

The above is a beginner level banjo.  I don’t know anything about any other Gariepy and have not even seen another in person, only photos.  I’d not own a single one of the.

FWIW, as far as I can tell only three of the FVE models were ever made by Gariepy.

IAN SALTER said:

I know that Joel has spoken highly of his Gariepy, but I don't know if this is the FVE model, or whether they are all good. Joel?

https://reverb.com/uk/item/86812301-gariepy-5-string-banjo-beautifu...

Permalink Reply by Adam Tracksler on March 1, 2025 at 14:36
Permalink Reply by Adam Tracksler on March 5, 2025 at 22:35
Permalink Reply by Jody Stecher on March 5, 2025 at 22:53

Run the other way. This appears to be a "frankenbanjo", a composite of parts, mostly cheap ones.   The price is outrageous.  I wouldn't pay seventy five cents  for it let alone $750.

Adam Tracksler said:

Permalink Reply by Adam Tracksler on March 5, 2025 at 23:04

Yeah. I was just trying to find a Clifford Essex with those inlays. Couldn’t find one. 

Permalink Reply by Adam Tracksler on Friday
I found these two, and I know they are a little bit on opposite ends of the spectrum.

https://www.guitarandbanjo.com/inventory/used-5-string-open-back-ba...

Nice and simple. Cheap and Cheerful

https://reverb.com/item/87641240-wildwood-minstrel-2000-shttps://re...

Pushes my initial budget a bit, but I did have a Wildwood, and I loved it (It was a wooden tone ring exotic, but I loved playing it). I'd put nylon strings on the Wildwood.
Permalink Reply by Jody Stecher on Friday

Guitarandbanjo is a reputable seller. The price is good. I'd be worried this banjo might be a bit too quiet. But ask the seller. You'll get a straight answer from Leo.

The reverb link does not work.

Adam Tracksler said:

I found these two, and I know they are a little bit on opposite ends of the spectrum.

https://www.guitarandbanjo.com/inventory/used-5-string-open-back-ba...

Nice and simple. Cheap and Cheerful

https://reverb.com/item/87641240-wildwood-minstrel-2000-shttps://re...

Pushes my initial budget a bit, but I did have a Wildwood, and I loved it (It was a wooden tone ring exotic, but I loved playing it). I'd put nylon strings on the Wildwood.
Permalink Reply by Adam Tracksler on Friday

Try this link. 
Link wildwood minstrel

Permalink Reply by Joel Hooks on Friday

That Washburn has had the “hack’s reset” done to the neck.  This is when a second hole is drilled in the rim to put angle on the neck.  Then a thick shim is jammed between the fingerboard and the stretcher hoop to try and fill the gap.

Permalink Reply by Jody Stecher on Friday

Could be good. Wildwood banjos tend to be LOUD.   I'd rather have a nice mid-range Clifford Essex banjo, typically at a lower price. 

Adam Tracksler said:

Try this link. 
Link wildwood minstrel

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