Banjo Parts Questions about Parts & Amplifying

Date: Sun, 20 Jan 2002 15:47:49 -0700
Subject: Best Value in a Start-Up Banjo

Thanks Mickey,

HELP!!! I'm kind of confused. There is a lot of information. I saw that the OB-250+ with hardshell case was a big price difference than just the OB-250. Why? I do want to get the most bang for my buck so I'm hoping you can point me in the right direction. Do I need a pickup on a banjo? Can I get a good sound from one? What is a planetary tuner? What is the cut-a-way option? No hurry, whenever you get time. Thanks Mickey.

Greg

The OB-250+ has some major upgrades...the upgraded JLS tonering for one...at this price level, you might also consider a Deering Sierra which is a true workhorse of a 5-string banjo....

I wouldn't personally install a pick-up on a banjo...if I was to be competing against drums and bass, I'd probably go for a Deering Crossfire. Otherwise, I'd use a microphone. We do have McIntyre banjo pick-ups that will work in any acoustic banjo...check out the Crossfire video samplers...that banjo sounds like a piano plugged in...

A Planetary tuner is the standard reverse tuning machine...some banjos at a low price point have guitar tuning machines as opposed to "Planetary" style...well, Planetary really is a brand of key but has become more and more a generic term referencing reverse banjo keys as opposed to guitar tuning machines.

The cut-a-way option you're asking about is really used on open-back banjos...where the frailing or clawhammer styles prevail...the lower portion of the fingerboard is cut out to allow more strum room for frailers who want to change their tonal range from playing by the bridge to playing at the lower fingerboard...

I think the best all-around value is the OB-250 for a resonator banjo offering maple woods and a solid tone ring...some of my favorite banjos being made today are the Stellings and the Deerings such as the Calico...Gibson is also making a superb banjo today...I love their Flint Hill Special!

Wishing you the best...Mickey