Goodtime vs. Johnson 5-String Banjos

Subject: mickey help
Date: Sun, 18 Apr 2004 18:08:20 -0400

dear mickey,

I am in the process of learning banjo. I am using my pappap's as of right now. I have saved of a lil bit of money and i am having a hard time deciding whether to get the deering good time or the johnson 110. Please help me make a decision. thanks alot

jo

Greetings Jo,

If you're looking for a more traditional banjo, one that has features you'd find in a bluegrass banjo, the JB-110 would be more to your liking...keeping in mind it doesn't have a tone ring...and that the Cast Aluminum Rim serves as the tone ring, it still does have the traditional tuners...reverse Planetary...

Now, if interested in a more woody mellow tone, the Goodtime would serve you well...additionally, if you're looking at the open-back, there's less volume...which makes it a great banjo to learn on...only, be aware, for bluegrass, and once you do decide to play within a bluegrass band, you'll need a resonator banjo...

You might want to call our in-house banjo expert Tradd...who would be happy to assist you in finalizing your choice...888-209-8434...

Good luck with your research, Mickey

Johnson Planetary 5-String JB-110
This upgraded banjo comes with professional, planetary tuning machines, a beautiful inlaid headstock, and a cast aluminum rim. This banjo is great to play and has a ton of features packed into its low price. * Planetary Tuners * Cast Aluminum Rim * Bound Rosewood Fretboard * Inlaid M.O.P. Headstock Design * Mahogany Resonator with Thumb Screws * Geared 5th Peg * Mahogany Neck * 30 Brackets
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Please let me know if I can assist you further . . .

Subject: fiddle and banjo
Date: Wed, 26 Nov 2003 21:36:25 -0600

I enjoyed your website. I enjoyed your website. I have a fiddle that is pretty old. I was told that it was made in the 1800's in Germany. Inside the fiddle there is a stamp that reads: Giovan paola Maggini brescia 1623 I assume it is a replica of a giovanni or else the Smithsonian would be looking for it! Ha The case is quite interesting, A man who played for radio stations like wsix, wsm, wjhl, wkpt, (which I assume were county music stations in Nashville) named Big Bill Rucker (written on the case) who I never heard of owned it a one time. I tried to learn to play and discovered it was more difficult than I had talent for. I'm thinking about selling and wonder what I should ask as a price. Also, I am looking for a banjo for my son who is very talented musically. He plays the quitar and now wants to play the banjo. How does the Johnson 300 compare to say the Deering Goodtime or the Gold Tone series. Also, have you heard of a Leo Fender banjo. Are they a collectors item. Thanks, Brenda

Greetings Brenda,

Sorry, I have no idea what the value of your violin is...You might want to look for a local appraiser...sounds very interesting...especially being owned by Big Bill Rucker...not that I know who he may have been.

Yes, I have heard of the Leo Fender...the older ones were well made...and quite a bit more desirable than the newer ones. They're not considered collector's items by any means...at least not in the vintage sense as some Gibsons are...

The Johnson 300 is a nicely made banjo that will serve well as a solid beginner's banjo...it's quite a bit different than the Goodtime Series in features offered...the Johnson has the look and features of a bluegrass banjo...especially with the reverse planetary style tuners...the larger resonator, the high gloss finish, the heavy tone ring, and so on...all contribute to a full-featured bluegrass banjo. Now, the Goodtime offers a totally different advantage, it's light weight, it's made with all light maple woods, it has a nice woody tone, and best of all, it's made in the US. For versatility, the Goodtime would be a great choice...both would make great beginner-level banjos...

The Gold Tone series offers a wide array of models...from lower end to higher end...in fact, if you're looking for a near pro-level bluegrass model at an affordable price, you might consider the OB-250...which has very little compromise in features and quality parts...

Mickey

Subject: Banjo Question
Date: Thu, 28 Mar 2002 13:33:19 -0600

I have recently got the bug to take up banjo and focus on bluegrass. I stumbled on your site and have been enjoying all the information and commentary. I admire the candor and enthusiasm with which you approach all the questions that come in, so I would like your quick opinion on some banjos I am looking at. Although this might or might not lead to business for you, I would appreciate your opinion of each of these banjos that I have tested at a local dealer and the relative value for the price they are offering:

1) Johnson JB350 - new, $535 with case
2) Samick SB150 - new but has been on display for a long time, shows some signs of wear. $500 which they have told me is 1/2 half of the retail price
3) Deering Good Times II - new $399 with case. I know how you feel about this banjo, but would appreciate hearing you compare it to the other two.

Thanks very much

Greetings,

Glad to assist if we can...

The Johnson banjo is a good value on the high end...especially if it includes a tone ring...

I haven't seen too many Samick Banjos in person...most all I've seen are low end quality...

The Deering Goodtime 2 is your best deal as far as tonal quality goes...the Goodtime is the not an import as is the Johnson and Samick...It offers the nicest aesthetics with construction and solid maple woods. The 399.00 price is fair since it does include the Gig Bag...due to the resonator, you'll find the Goodtime 2 to have a decent projection along with a resonant woody tone...you can't go wrong with a Goodtime!

Mickey