Gold Tone vs Deering 5-String Banjos Questions & Answers

Subject: banjo info
Date: Mon, 02 Aug 2004 15:43:06 +0000

Mickey: Hello! I feel like I've spent days on your website..... and probably haven't even touched the surface..... I am interested in purchasing a banjo, (primarily to play bluegrass)! I am or will be a beginner.

Greetings Jim,

I'm glad to assist...

Didn't know a thing about banjos, (except I really like the sound) until I started doing research, and came upon your site, as well as others. (Your site by far, was the most infomative!!)

Thanks for the kind words regarding our website...we try.

Anyway, based on info, budget, I had come down to two! The Deering Goodtime special and the Goldtone BG250F...

These are both good choices for different reasons...

I'm sure I'm repeating someone's questions from previous mails....but, here goes....

At first I was leaning toward the Goldtone, because in one of the mails I read, you stressed the importance and added value, regarding planetary tuners. But then in another mail I read, you said " That for a beginner, this feature wouldn't be necessary for at least 2 years".....

This is true...for, after delving into bluegrass banjo as a student, you'll eventually want to learn some Earl Scruggs' standards...which require reverse Keith-style tuners. Most everything you'll play will not require the reverse tuners...the real advantage to the reverse tuners is the ability to tune quickly...because of the easy access. The guitar style tuners are not as accessible.

So, because of that, I thought I would switch back to the Goodtime Special. I like the look and sound of it, and also the fact that it's American made....

anyway, my question(s)....

**Do you still stand by that statement above, about the planetary tuners, not being needed for quite a while, as a beginner?

Yes...I still stand by this...the planetary tuners are the traditional tuners that give a banjo a natural look...and, they're easier to tune than the guitar-style tuners...

**what are your thoughts on 5th string capos, for a BEGINNER? I thought this would be a good idea, to get it put on from the beginning!

Here's another feature that you may not need for 6 months to a year. Eventually, you may tire of playing the same song in the same key. With the 5th string capo, you'll be able to play the very same song, using the very same pattern, in an entirely new key...adding a very refreshing tonality to your efforts.

I also thought the Shubb sliding capo, was a better idea than the rr spikes, **thoughts??

Yes, to me, it's less intrusive...the nails protrude on the fretboard...and get in my way. I find the Shubb to be simple fast and accurate...it also adds a nice aesthetic feature to your banjo...and the nicest feature of all, it's seldom that you have to retune the fifth string after capoing...the rr spikes almost always sharpen the 5th string...

**And lastly, I would be looking for the most appropriate beginner instructional video and possibly a book or two, to start out with. If you could make a recomendation, for those items, I'd appreciate it. I will be seeking an instructor, at one point, but because I'm in New England, I've only located a couple, in my area, and I expect to be doing a lot of the learning on my own!

The most important tool for the beginner is a well-rounded video...it's the next best thing to having a personal instructor...for, it's very critical that you learn proper positioning and good form from the beginning. Look for a methodology video...one that teaches technique first and songs second.

Here's a good selection of videos:

5-String Banjo Instructional Videos Order Code Retail FOTW Price Further Description

Anyone Can Play Bluegrass Banjo MB-94350VX $19.95 $15.96 60 Minutes VHS Very Basic Level
Bluegrass Banjo Video MB-94915VX $29.95 $23.96 60 Minutes VHS Basic Chording/Back-Up
Introduction to the 5-String Banjo FOTW-ITT5B $39.95 $34.95 105 Minutes VHS Beginning/Intermediate

Hope something here helps...Mickey

Thank You Very Much,

I expect to be making a decision very soon,

Sincerely, Jim Robinson

PS: As much I say, I want to play bluegrass,,,, I really liked the Video Sample #2 of the Christmas song, you played on the Goodtime Special. Faroff - I could see myself, attempting to play these type tunes also!!

Thanks again, and keep up the great work on the site!

Subject: Boston vs Gold tone Bluegrass 250
Date: Tue, 23 Mar 2004 21:53:55 -0500

Hi
I will be new to banjo playing, although have been guitar player for several years. I am looking for a good sounding, good value banjo, one that will make you want to play it all night. I am considering the Boston, or the Gold tone bluegrass 250. Please send me a price quote on the Boston and a comparison of the two.

Thanks, Joe

Greetings Joe,
The Boston and the BG-250 are completely different banjos and should be juded on their individual merits...

Both the Boston and the Gold Tone BG-250 will serve fine on different levels...the Boston is made in the US and offers superb craftsmanship and materials...only, it does not have a tone ring...the Steel Rim itself serves as the tone ring...giving it a unique tonal range not imitated by any other banjo I've heard...the Deering Boston would serve well as a recording banjo or if you're looking for versatility in one banjo...to perform within a variety of styles...

The Gold Tone BG-250 offers an amazing value...you really do get a lot for the money...reverse planetary style tuners, a tone ring, a resonator (no flange on the BG-250...there is a flange on the BG-250F)...this Gold Tone would work well within bluegrass settings for its full tone and projection...

Mickey

Subject: left handed banjo
Date: Fri, 9 Jan 2004 06:28:32 -0500

hi mickey,we talked about the od250 in a lefty.i talked to james on the phone and he said the 250+ would be a much better buy.now the we are getting into that price range since both make a lefty an oppinion on the ob250+ verus the deering sierra?now since i'm a beginner ,am i getting carried away here or should i go for a little upgrade to the better banjo. bob
ROBERT GEALY

Greetings Robert,

I still believe the OB-250 Standard will do you fine...the OB-250+ is a better buy in that it offers an upgraded tone ring along with other high-end features...only, as you state, then you're getting into a higher price range...and in this case, you might also consider the American-made Sierra...if you're trying to decide between the two, your main consideration would deciding between maple woods or mahogany...the 250+ offers maple woods that seem to contribute to a more bluegrass tone...the Sierra is a workhorse banjo that offers more versatility in tonal range...more warmth...and would fit in well with a variety of styles.

My suggestion is to purchase the best you can afford...you will be inspired to practice...and, this in itself is a commitment to learn on your part...We wouldn't want it to end up in a closet with other best laid plans...the better the quality, from the OB-250 and up, the more likely you will find yourself inspired to play...Mickey

Date: Tue, 22 Oct 2002 02:30:11 -0700
Subject: Deering Sierra vs Gold Tone OB-250

Hi Mickey,

I am in the market for a banjo and would like your advice on the Gold Tone OB-250 vs. a Deering Sierra. I have read many of your comments on your website so I know how much you think the OB-250 is a great value. I have played a borrowed OB-250 and really liked it. What I would really like to know is whether it is worth spending the extra dough and buying a Deering Sierra. How different are the two in terms of playability and sound quality? I am an intermediate player insterested primarily in bluegrass, but I honestly do not see myself ever playing on stage or in a band, mostly just playing for myself and amongst friends, so I am wondering if the Boston wouldn't be a bad choice either? Could you also tell me how much you sell the Sierra and Boston (Planetary), of course with a case as well. Thanks for your help!

Regards,
Eric Oishi

Greetings Eric,

Glad to assist if I can:

Yes, the Gold Tone is the best value you'll find in a full-featured 5-string banjo...the OB-250 offers features that cannot be found on banjos within the same price range. With maple woods, bell brass tone ring and Planetary-style keys, the OB-250 has all the features you'd expect in a high-end bluegrass banjo.

The Deering Sierra is finely crafted and American-made...it's a full-featured pro-level banjo...it does offer mahogany woods which contributes to a warmer tone...than a maple banjo such as the OB-250. I believe the mahogany woods do make for a more versatile banjo which can be applied effectively to many styles of music.

Both offer excellent playability; the Deering Sierra has the sleekest neck...if you like a thin, fast neck...

The OB-250 has a crisp, bright tone...with decent bottom end...

The Sierra offers a warm, full tone...with a powerful bottom end...

The Boston has a steel rim that serves as a tone ring...giving it a unique tone that cannot be compared to tone ring banjos such as the OB-250 and Sierra...

Be sure to check out our video samplers to listen to the differences between all 3 of these banjos:

http://www.folkofthewood.com/page319.htm

Subject: Last Stages of my Search
Date: Wed, 27 Mar 2002 08:51:47 -0500

Mickey...Let me first say that your web site has been most informative. I
am now in my fourth month of banjo searching and I have narrowed my search
down to the Gold Tone OB-250, OB-250+, or Deering Sierra (mostly due to
affordability and quality).

I am an intermediate banjo player who is looking to move up from a "no-name"
open-back banjo to an intermediate-professional style banjo. My music of
preference is bluegrass, although I like to play all kinds of music on my
banjo. The hard driving Scruggs three finger style is my playing preference
and his sound is what I am after, but I also want to enjoy the ranges from
Earl's breakdown to Doug's Tune. I am looking for a quality bluegrass
instrument that will last me a lifetime but will not jeopardize my
children's college fund.

Here are my questions: 1) What is the wood of choice for a bluegrass
resonator? mahogany (like on the Sierra) or maple (Gold Tones) and what
does this do for the sound of the banjo. 2) For a budget in the $1,000 +
or - range, what bluegrass banjo would you recommend (of the three I
mentioned or any others that you would recommend)? 3) Of the three banjos
I've selected, and you had the means to purchase any of the three, which
would be your pick and why?

Thanks,
Keith Tillman

Greetings Keith,

Thanks for the kind words regarding our website...

You're on the right track for the best values in the industry:
Gold Tone OB-250, OB-250+, or Deering Sierra

All of these are tremendous performers at a phenomenally low price...

The Sierra will offer a warmer, fuller tone which can be applied to many styles of music effectively...

The Gold Tone OB-250/+ will have a brighter, crisper tone which is highly desirable in a bluegrass setting...maple wood banjos, in combination with bell brass tone rings, are most commonly played by bluegrass banjoists. Maples offer a crisp hard tone that is characteristic of a high-end bluegrass banjo...Mahogany woods work well for a full warmer tone...which allows for more versatility in tonal range. Both will have a decent volume and projection depending on the set-up...tightness of head, proper strings, tailpiece tension, choice of bridge, etc.

Out of the three you've listed, I would personally have a difficult time choosing which would be the best for my style and approach...since I play a variety of styles, the mahogany woods would work well for me...even so, I love the look and tone of the maple woods offered on the OB-250 series...

Hope the above helps somehow...Mickey

Date: Wed, 20 Feb 2002 21:43:34 -0500
Subject: Boston vs OB-250

Hi again,

We should be able to work something out. I have done a few deals on ebay,
but I value my free time, so if I can do something with a dealer and remove
any worries and hassles, it is worth it to me.

I am sorry for taking up so much of your time with all of this. I am
interested the Boston Planetary and the deal you offered. I hope you don't
mind answering a few questions:

How would you compare the sound and craftsmanship of the Deering Boston
Planetary and the Gold Tone OB-250 or OB-250G? (I have done a little guitar
building and really cant stand sloppy work. give me a well-made simple
instrument any day!)

I would say that the OB-250 has more projection and has more of a classic Bluegrass tone. The Boston is a mahogany banjo with more warmth...due to the rim serving as the tone ring, it would have a slightly hollow sound. I recently finished a video ("Intro to the 5-String Banjo") which includes quite a few samplers comparing the Deering line. You might want to view and listen to it before making your final decision. I was truly surprised at how resonant the Boston came off on video.

I am a little worried about the lack of a tone ring in the Boston, though I
my primary concern is sound quality and playability. Do you feel the lack
of a tone ring compromises this banjo in any way? Is this a "long haul"
banjo for a serious but amateur (non pro) musician?

I believe that the Boston is a great intermediate banjo...outside of this, I've also heard that some Nashville studio musicians swear by the Boston due to its unique resonance. Be aware, you'll always have our full trade-up policy that will protect you in case you ever feel that you've outgrown the Boston model. Even so, a Boston will keep any beginner/intermediate player busy for years to learn on...the neck is fast and comfortable...the neck even compares to Deering's higher end line-up. The craftsmanship is superb and impeccable on any Deering including the Boston.

You're most welcome Roberto...

Mickey

Date: Thu, 31 Jan 2002 19:54:30 EST
Subject: banjo picks and banjos

Mickey
For a beginner, how would a Deering Boston or Gold Tone OB be? Which one of these would you recommend? Or would you recommend something else? And what guage of picks would you recommend?
Thanks, Woody

Greetings Woody,

Both the Deering Boston and the Gold Tone OB are superb banjos...for different reasons...the OB-250 does have a bell brass tone ring...although, it's an import banjo, it plays and sounds superb...the Boston is made in the US and has nice attention to detail. Now, the Boston does have a steel rim that serves as a tone ring so does have more of a hollow sound. I love the playability of both of these banjos. For beginner to intermediate level players, I'd recommend either one of these banjos. They both have great features that balance each other out...now, for the money, the OB-250 is a great value because it does offer the planetary style tuners and the real tone ring. Additionally, it offers maple woods with lots of punch. The Boston has a mellower tone and has guitar style tuners...unless you opt for the custom installed planetary tuners...

I recommend the Dunlop .018 fingerpicks...these are just soft enough to be pliable...for ease of shaping and great comfort. I've tried many other picks and found most to not only be uncomfortable, but to shift around alot.

Hope this helps...Mickey