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 Adam Tracksler on Friday

Finding one has certainly proved difficult. 

Permalink Reply by Adam Tracksler on Monday

After talking to Leo, I think the Washburn is out. (Unless someone can make an amazing case to buy it)

The wildwood just dropped in price. 

Also this bacon is on sale this week. 

And finally this Rettberg and Lange  

thanks in advance to everyone who has chimed in.  Unless you have something else you know about or recommend I'm choosing one of these three. 

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Permalink Reply by Joel Hooks on Monday

Either of those look fine, but with this increase in budget you could also check out the offerings from John Alvey Turner.  In fact, the $1000- 1500 range is a very good budget for classic era banjos. Buy once, cry once. 

The only problem that you might face is that binding on banjos of this age might be loose or might become loose.

Permalink Reply by Richard William Ineson on Monday

This might be worth looking at, it needs tidying up and a new fifth peg. You could make an offer on it, if you can get it for less than £300.00 it might make a good banjo at a reasonable price. You need to ask for a photograph of the area round the missing fifth peg to make sure that sure that there is no damage to the neck. .https://www.google.co.uk/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChcSEwi0m8GG2P-LAxU2klAG...

Permalink Reply by Jody Stecher on Monday

For my taste the Rettberg and Lange is the most appealing. Two of the features I particularly like will not appeal to everyone. The scale (vibrating length from nut to bridge) is 28.5 inches.  That is long. If you have small hands you won't like this. It's fine for average hands but be aware  this is longer than most banjos. The pot is 12 inches. With the right setup this will increase the volume and increase the mids and lows. There is no mud at all in the two videos so I think there will be no problem. The videos all show the condition and colors better than the photos. This seems to me to be the nicest banjo you have asked about and the price is not bad at all.  Plus you get heel carving.  It doesn't make it sound better but it looks great.

Adam Tracksler said:

After talking to Leo, I think the Washburn is out. (Unless someone can make an amazing case to buy it)

The wildwood just dropped in price. 

Also this bacon is on sale this week. 

And finally this Rettberg and Lange  

thanks in advance to everyone who has chimed in.  Unless you have something else you know about or recommend I'm choosing one of these three. 

ad  

Permalink Reply by Joel Hooks on Monday

I cannot vouch for the banjo, but the seller of the R&L, Kyle VanMeter is a straight shooter, knows his stuff and can fully be trusted.  I'd buy from him before I would buy from Bernunzio. 

In fact, I have bought from Kyle, sort of.  My wife got a small sized (8" rim) Frank Converse branded banjo from him which she gave to me for Christmas/Birthday/Anniversary (to cover all of those events-- well I guess I bought it, but she saw it listed and recommended it as a gift).  It was ready to go out of the box.

I've had many great conversations with Kyle.  Good guy.

Permalink Reply by Jody Stecher on Monday

Some years ago I bought a banjo from Bernunzio that was damaged. And other damage had been badly repaired and covered with shoe polish. I got a refund but i had to pay the shipping cost to return it. Never again.  Buyer beware.

Joel Hooks said:

I cannot vouch for the banjo, but the seller of the R&L, Kyle VanMeter is a straight shooter, knows his stuff and can fully be trusted.  I'd buy from him before I would buy from Bernunzio. 

In fact, I have bought from Kyle, sort of.  My wife got a small sized (8" rim) Frank Converse branded banjo from him which she gave to me for Christmas/Birthday/Anniversary (to cover all of those events-- well I guess I bought it, but she saw it listed and recommended it as a gift).  It was ready to go out of the box.

I've had many great conversations with Kyle.  Good guy.

Permalink Reply by IAN SALTER on Monday

I can't advise you on the R&L, but it certainly does look appealing. Buy it if you think that Jody's observations wouldn't apply to you and if the consensus is that it will serve you well, as you develop as a player.

Personally, I still like that cheap old Wurlitzer, but I am interested in the pre 1900 repertory.

https://www.banjobarn.com/banjo/108428

Permalink Reply by Adam Tracksler 15 hours ago
Thanks for everyone's input. I went with the R&L.
Permalink Reply by IAN SALTER 15 hours ago

Congratulations Adam. I hope it is as good as it looks. Have a look at those two books that I linked in.

Permalink Reply by Joel Hooks 14 hours ago

Adam, send me an email (email is on my website) and I will send you Walter Kaye Bauer's "Jigs and Reels book.  It is great reading in C notation. 

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