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Subject: Deering 6 string
Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2004 14:19:10 -0700

Hey Mickey,
Thanks for your response below. I have a few questions if you please......

Greetings James,

1) Do these prices come with a case?

As you can see, we separate the pricing for the cases...giving you the choice as opposed to us choosing one for you.

2) If I wanted to get a B-6, how long would the wait be for an order?

I'm not too sure about the B-6...I do know that we have a Deering Deluxe 6-string in stock now....call James @ 888-209-8434 for delivery on the B-6...

3) I know this is subjective, but I'm a guitar player looking to get into a
banjo sound without having to learn to play the banjo.....obviously my
reason for getting a 6 string! Anyway, how does the Steel rim sound on the
B-6 in comparison to the Tone Ring of the D-6?

I also play guitar...and am a 5-string and a 6-string banjo player...I've developed rolls that work well on a 6-string and will assist you in getting a 5-string banjo sound from a 6-string...check out our Crosspicking Guitar lessons...of which can be played with fingerpicking or flatpicking:
http://www.folkofthewood.com/page3.htm

The B-6 has its own voicing with a the steel rim that serves as a tone ring...it's very resonant...it does not have the bell-like tone of the Deering D-6...nor the projection and volume of the D-6...even so, it has its very own voice that's good in its own right. The Deering D-6 has more of a standard banjo voicing since it has the bell brass tone ring...

Since I can't sit down to
compare the two I thought I'd ask your opinion! Also, does that mean that
there is no Tone Ring at all in the B-6?

The steel rim itself serves as the tone ring...

4) I live in Albuquerque but I might be in El Paso in a couple of weeks.
How far of a drive are you from El Paso? Any closer than a drive from
Albuquerque?

Yes, we're at the halfway point...


Thanks for your time, and patience!

Hope something here helps...Mickey

James Broska

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Date: Fri, 28 Nov 2003 20:23:43 -0800

i would like to purchase a 6 string banjo. where do i start? do u sell them. ? thanks.r.

Greetings,

And, yes, we sell them...they can be found in a few sections of our website...here's a starting point:
http://www.folkofthewood.com/page674.htm
The two main manufacturers of 6-strings are Gold Tone and Deering...Morgan Monroe has also introduced a 6-string banjo.

Additionally, you can hear different 6-string models on our Video Samplers Page:
http://www.folkofthewood.com/page319.htm

We also have a comprehensive instructional video available for 6-string banjo:
http://www.folkofthewood.com/page2296.htm

Hope something here helps...Mickey

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Subject: 6 string banjitar
Date: Thu, 30 Oct 2003 12:29:11 -0700

I play both guitar and percussion; I am very interested in the Deering D-6 Banjitar. I am searching for a tone with deep bass responce and sustain.  Which models and or brands would you consider for acheaving this sound?

Ed Stone

Greetings Ed,

The best banjitar being made, of which I can assess from my own experience, would be the Deering D-6. The main reason is that this banjo has a sandcast tone ring...The strings ring out loud and clear on both the bass and treble side...this seems to also offer the sustain you're looking for...

The Deering B-6 (Boston) model is OK...only, it has a stainless steel rim that serves as the tone ring...so there seems to be no bell-like tone as offered on the D-6. Even so, it still offers tremendous resonance and is still nicely constructed...it's a great value at the price.

Gold Tone offers a nice line-up of 6-string banjos too...the GT-750, with the clear head, has a clear crystal tone...it may not have the lower end resonance you're looking for...even so, because of the tone ring, it does offer a very clear voicing...lots of clarity and beautiful higher end notes...they play well too!

Morgan Monroe also offers a banjitar...theirs is most definitely a great value considering the price...

Yes, there's quite a bit to choose from...however, the ultimate 6-String without compromise is the D-6. Gold Tone and Morgan Monroe offer a tremendous value in their 6-strings...and, remember, through us, you could always trade up to the D-6 at a later date without any loss of initial investment.

Keep on Pickin', Mickey

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Date: Mon, 18 Mar 2002 10:50:56 -0500
Subject: Trade-in towards Gold Tone GT-750

Hello,

As for the Banjitar, I'd like the 750 model with the standard peghead
arrangement (3 to a side tuners), but I would like the volume option
they mention. I'd also like the hardshell case. By way of curiousity,
do you know the brand and gauge strings they are set up with?. Would
also like a strap (partial to Levy's, but will follow your
suggestions). Any other accessories you might recommend would be
appreciated.

Thanks,
Jack Glenn

Thanks Jack, We appreciate your interest in working a trade with us.

We can custom-order your 750 to include the volume control option...I'm not sure what brand of strings they're using, although, as far as gauges go, light gauge seems to work best on 6-string banjos. As far as a banjo strap goes, my recommendation would be the FOTW Circle strap...this strap literally cradles a banjo and evenly distributes the weight optimally (and, on a heavy banjo it becomes critical after standing for any length of time)...no other strap works as well that I've ever seen...I would recommend an adjustment wrench for tightening the head periodically, a Shubb guitar capo, and metal fingerpicks with a plastic thumbpick for a powerful tone...

Let me know if you have further questions...

Mickey

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Subject: Re: Fwd: six string banjo
Date: Fri, 15 Mar 2002 16:15:17 -0500

Hi, Mickey -

Many thanks for the information. It's very helpful. I just looked at a photo of the GT-750, and I'm quite interested. I do have a couple of questions. The first one is probably only cosmetic. I notice that the pictured model has a clear head. Any chance of getting it with a standard white head? Next, ignoring the tonal nuances, how does the GT-750 play as compared to the Deering B-6. Are the action and neck width comparable?
Peter

Greetings Peter,

Sure, we can install the frosted head for you...although, you might want to consider hearing the banjo with a clear head. The clear head offers crystal clear highs...the frosted head will bring down the highs and add a little more bass to the lower end. We can install the frosted head before it ships, or we can send out the frosted head separate from the banjo so that you can make the choice of keeping the GT-750 stock.

The playability is fine on the GT-750...the neck is nice and wide...the B-6 is different in some ways and is slightly tapered for a thinner feel.

As far as action goes, we can set it up for as low as you'd wish on either banjo before shipping.

Mickey

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From: Justificator@aol.com
Subject: six string banjo
Date: Wed, 6 Mar 2002 14:10:40 -0500

Hi -

I am considering buying a six string banjo, and am interested in either the Gold Tone GT-500 or the Deering B-6. I would want to get a good case with whichever one I decide on.

I have a couple of older instruments that I would like to use for trade-in. I've attached pictures of both. The Gibson guitar dates back to 1970, and the Slingerland banjo is a 1930 vintage. Both are in good shape.The guitar has no cracks or splits, and only shows some checking of the finish. Everything is original except the tuning machines, which were upgraded from the originals. The banjo does not have any dings or damage either. Both of them tune well and play fine. They have been stored in a closet with the strings relaxed. In addition to these two, I also have an Oscar Schmidt 15 chord autoharp, model 15 EBH/R N. Please let me know what further information you will need to give an estimate of how a trade-in might work out.

Many thanks,

Peter Homberg


Greetings Peter,

Glad to assist if I can:
The GT-500 vs the Deering B-6

GT-500
Includes a real tone ring...
Has a maple body and neck which contributes to a sharper tone...

Deering B-6
The Steel Rim serves as the tone ring giving it a different tonal quality...
Has a mahogany body which contributes to a softer, warmer tone...

They are both great 6 strings that can be applied effectively in many different settings.

We do our best to offer current market value on all trade-ins minus re-sell costs.