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PostPosted: Fri Apr 03, 2015 2:30 pm 
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A reader writes:

I have had a curious interest in a 6-string Banjo for a while now.... It seems they do get a bad rap as a hybrid alien sort of instrument, usually those who have no playing style and just strum it and expecting some miracle sound!!!!! (They usually play a guitar just as bad!). Most reviews seem that you have to read between the lines and consider the source.

I've played guitar for 30+ years (off & on) and consider myself a "casual" professional. Had a few lite-rock bands and have done paid events, parties, weddings, and small clubs over the years....but never relied on it for making a living! Always enjoyed music! Anyway, I have seen several "low-cost" brands that you do not mention but would like your input. Fender, & SX(Rondo Music) specifically because I have seen these pop up often in banjo searches. Understood, these are aprox. $150 and can't expect much. I have not had my hands on any of them yet, but I never exclude China/Asian products because I've seen great stuff from them. What's your thoughts? Would either of these become a "keeper"? By that, meaning they would fulfill the casual, yet decent quality music entertainment, Yet command a little respect from other musicians without the LOL comments?

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Who is your favorite guitar player? What are your favorite guitar-based songs? That will help me recommend a kind of 6-string you might find most useful.

I will say this: most 6-strings under $200 are made in the same few factories with no quality control. Stagg, Johnson, Savannah, Rover, etc. make great canoe paddles. You're in a big market. See if you can find a used Washburn or Dean in the price range you're looking at. MOST used 6-strings you see on Craigs list were bought by 2nd rate guitar players who thought the banjo would turn them into a first-rate banjo player (that's what the ads say), and they never even got the things set up properly.

My under-$500 favorite right now is the electric Dean Backwoods 6, because its UNPLUGGED sound is perfect for the kind of music I play on it I've tried some more expensive ones, but, until you start getting into Deering Bostons or whatever, they're not that much of an upgrade. The acoustic-only Backwood 6 is less useful - it has too much ring and sustain for most styles of playing - although Country or Bluegrass lead guitar pickers and Irish banjo pickers can get nice sounds out of them.

Going out to a practice soon, but I'll try to get back to you when I get back. - Paul


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PostPosted: Fri Apr 03, 2015 2:31 pm 
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The reader replied:


Wow! Quick response! Thanks for your input.

I seriously don't have a favorite player (really!) but I very much enjoy most music that encompass a variety of instruments.
My music background started in elementary school as a clarinet player. So an orchestra or string section combined with modern music always got my attention. I loved Moody Blues style, as well as other groups as the Beatles when they took a guitar trio and combined it with an orchestra production.
Yet I love the unique guitar style and sound of the rock group "Boston"

But lately I've taken a favor to classic Country music in general. Yet I still admire and enjoy the talent of Taylor Swift! Crazy, huh??
Simply put, I like everything and my curiousity has recently gravitated to the banjo. And being a guitar player, my original thought was the 6-string banjo sounded like a logical move.

I do understand that many of the Asian/China brands probably come from the same factory with minimal quality of any sort. But sometimes some production brands/models stand out that seem to defy the "cheap" expectations. Example: I purchased a Gretsch G5120 hollowbody guitar a while back for $500 brand new (made in Korea) and the quality was truly exceptional, especially for the price. I could never afford (or justify) a Pro Level Gretsch, but by comparison, a $500 Korean model gave almost everything I could want for quality & performance vs a $4000 pro model (still made in Japan?).

So.... to continue......
I have been cruising the Craig's List ads with the optional hope of a used banjo bargain.... don't seem to find any used 6 string Banjos so far..... not sure if it's because no one buys them or everyone keeps them!

But I've also ran across a few used 5 string Banjos (made in China) that pop up occasionally.
Do you have any familiarity with the Iida brand? From what I understand, they were circa 1970-80's & made in China. I found some info on the web that gives decent marks on this brand.... compared to what? ...can't say since I, myself, have no experience with banjos at all.

I almost bought a Model 227 Iida that was in very good condition for only $75. I hesitated because my mindset was still on a 6-string banjo and missed out.

Last week I've discovered a friend of mine has had a 5-string Iida 235 (research indicates it may be a Mastertone copy - late 70's) in excellent "almost new" condition and with the orig.hard case! He's had it over 20+ years and never really learned to play it, and may consider selling it (no price mentioned as of yet). I'm thinking a 5 string banjo may fill my curiousity needs, and if I can get this one at a great price (don't know what is fair price for this one), it might be worth trying to learn.
Any input or comments would be appreciated.


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Paul Race playing a banjo. Click to go to Paul's music home page.Whatever else you get out of our pages, I hope you enjoy your music and figure out how to make enjoyable music for those around you as well.

And please stay in touch!

    - Paul Race Click to see Paul's music home page Click to contact Paul through this page. Click to see Paul's music page on Facebook Click to see Paul's music blog page Click to hear Paul's music on SoundCloud. Click to sign up for the Creek Don't Rise discussion forum. Click to learn about our Momma Don't Low Newsletter. Click to see Paul's Twitter Page Click to see Paul's YouTube Channel.



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