Buying a zither banjo

[Austin]

I can't seem to find one in good shape. Are they rare? I really want one because they seem unique.

[Jody Stecher]

Zither-banjos practically grow on trees in the UK. Especially the lower models by Windsor. Just look on eBay UK. There are low priced zither-banjos by many makers there.

 Not as common in North America but not rare. 

[IAN SALTER]

Those zither banjos currently on eBay UK, that appear to be in reasonable condition and are not ridiculously priced, are only for collection from the seller. 

[Jody Stecher]

Yes. My point is that they are not rare. Low price indicates non-rarity. So many were manufactured and many or most are still around.  I have had several  and all were easy to obtain. Oddly, given their abundance, I have never owned a Windsor.  I've had zb-s by Temlett, Barnes & Mullins, Abbott, Cammeyer, and J.E. Dallas.

IAN SALTER said:

Those zither banjos currently on eBay UK, that appear to be in reasonable condition and are not ridiculously priced, are only for collection from the seller. 

[Austin]

You think an ad on the hangout would help?

Jody Stecher said:

Yes. My point is that they are not rare. Low price indicates non-rarity. So many were manufactured and many or most are still around.  I have had several  and all were easy to obtain. Oddly, given their abundance, I have never owned a Windsor.  I've had zb-s by Temlett, Barnes & Mullins, Abbott, Cammeyer, and J.E. Dallas.

IAN SALTER said:

Those zither banjos currently on eBay UK, that appear to be in reasonable condition and are not ridiculously priced, are only for collection from the seller. 

[Jody Stecher]

What's the hurry?  Keep your eyes open.  A nice one at a good price will appear near you eventually.  If you are truly interested now you will be just as interested two years from now. If it's a whim, in two years you will be grateful you resisted BAS* and didn't buy a zither-banjo. 

* banjo acquisition syndrome

Austin said:

You think an ad on the hangout would help?

[Austin]

I missed the chance to buy a really good condition one for like $500. Still kick myself for missing that deal

Jody Stecher said:

What's the hurry?  Keep your eyes open.  A nice one at a good price will appear near you eventually.  If you are truly interested now you will be just as interested two years from now. If it's a whim, in two years you will be grateful you resisted BAS* and didn't buy a zither-banjo. 

* banjo acquisition syndrome

Austin said:

You think an ad on the hangout would help?

[John Cohen]

Very few zither banjos have held up well over the years due to the way that they're constructed. If you're serious about playing one, I'd suggest waiting for a Weaver or a Cammeyer Vibrante to turn up.

[Jody Stecher]

I've seen and played dozens of mid level zither-banjos that needed no work or minimal work.  

Since acquiring my own zb-s nothing whatever has gone wrong over two decades.  The big exception is the Cammeyer Patent which while structurally sound is a decorative disaster. 

John Cohen said:

Very few zither banjos have held up well over the years due to the way that they're constructed. If you're serious about playing one, I'd suggest waiting for a Weaver or a Cammeyer Vibrante to turn up.

[Jody Stecher]

$500 for what?  That's too high for 80% or more of zither-banjos that come up for sale. Upper models are another story. $500 for a Cammeyer Vibrante Royal is a bargain.

Austin said:

I missed the chance to buy a really good condition one for like $500. Still kick myself for missing that deal

Jody Stecher said:

What's the hurry?  Keep your eyes open.  A nice one at a good price will appear near you eventually.  If you are truly interested now you will be just as interested two years from now. If it's a whim, in two years you will be grateful you resisted BAS* and didn't buy a zither-banjo. 

* banjo acquisition syndrome

Austin said:

You think an ad on the hangout would help?

[Joel Hooks]

Sometimes I think that I might like to have a zither banjo, but then I come to terms with the fact that I would likely never play it.   But I am glad that other people do, they have a neat sound.

[Austin]

I was thinking of just stringing up my banjo with zither banjo strings

Joel Hooks said:

Sometimes I think that I might like to have a zither banjo, but then I come to terms with the fact that I would likely never play it.   But I am glad that other people do, they have a neat sound.

[John Cohen]

I wouldn't do that to a regular banjo.

Austin said:

I was thinking of just stringing up my banjo with zither banjo strings

Joel Hooks said:

Sometimes I think that I might like to have a zither banjo, but then I come to terms with the fact that I would likely never play it.   But I am glad that other people do, they have a neat sound.