Which to Learn: Acoustic Guitar or 5-String Banjo

Subject: Banjo Questions
Date: Mon, 8 Mar 2004 13:12:31 -0600

Hi Folks (Mickey),

Greetings,

Before I begin my barrage of questions I want to thank you for the awesome website all of you have created! It really shows your level of dedication to folk music of all types and the people who dabble in it. I can't begin to tell you how much I've learned in just the few hours I've spent researching it.

That's great to hear! We love to help out...

OK the barrage! When compared to one another, in general, which instrument is "Easier" to learn on the fret board, the guitar or banjo?

The Guitar and Banjo can be equally difficult to learn...especially if you're fingerpicking the guitar...now, if you're flatpicking, it's quite a bit easier to play the guitar...for, 5-string banjo requires the mechanics of learning to fingerpick...as far as the fretboard goes, I would say they're both difficult to master and can be easier

I must have what would be considered larger fingers because I have a hard time piling three fingertips inside one fret on a six string to consistently form a good clean "A" cord! Is this as large a problem on the banjo...that is, are the finger formations on the fret board more simple and is the banjo fret board as "Tight" as it is on a six string (space between the strings and length of each fret)?

On a banjo, the frets are the same relative distance as the guitar...fortunately, on the banjo, it's open-tuned, therefore, an A chord, at the second fret, only requires one finger to barre the chord....not 3 fingers scrunched up on one fret as on guitar...I believe, overall, chords are easier to accomplish on banjo than on guitar....

For playing the banjo Bluegrass style (Which holds the greatest interest with me but certainly not exclusively) the right hand's dexterity is very important. Other than the obvious practice, practice, practice, are there any methods or exercises that will aide the practice in increasing finger dexterity, precision and speed (The practice board thingie looks like a great idea)?

Yes, there are many studies and exercises that can be pursued daily to increase your dexterity...we include many of these for both the picking and fretting hands on our website at:
http://www.folkofthewood.com/page3.htm

I'm about ready crack open my piggy bank and buy a Goldtone BG 250F from you folks as my first banjo. Any thoughts on that choice?

I believe it's one of the best values in the industry...you have many of the standard features you'd expect from a high-end bluegrass banjo such as the Planetary style tuners and the flange....along with a resonator allowing for better projection in loud playing situations...

I've read a bunch of your FAQ's and have come to the same conclusion that you've often shared, it seems to be the best value for the buck. Do you still have that opinion or is another brand/model starting hedge it a little in your mind?

Yes, I still hold to the Gold Tone as one of the most feature-rich banjos for the least money...another great make is the Morgan Monroe...which offers relative quality to the Gold Tone along with an amazing value...

I was a little concerned with one comment you made about it and that was there was reason to be concerned over its quality, or something very close to that effect. Have you seen problems in specific that should be watched out for with this brand?

As is true with any import, there are compromises (otherwise, the American-made banjos couldn't compete)...which reflect the pricing...these compromises are usually aesthetic such as finish flaws or construction anomalies...usually not affecting tone or playability...with our 9-point set-up checklist, you can be assured that you will be receiving a banjo that's well set-up and ready to play...which should be the most important considerations when looking for a student-level banjo...and don't forget, we have a 100% trade-up policy that allows you to grow into more expensive models without a loss of initial investment.

Is there another brand/model in the $600 or less price range that would be a better value for me? As a beginner, are there any add-ons that would be useful to have you installed on it?

I believe you're on the right track with the Gold Tone...there are other comparable quality banjos that fall into this price range, such as the Morgan Monroe...both would serve you welll...

Yes, there is one very useful add-on: the Shubb 5th String Capo...of which will allow you to play in other keys besides open-g...without resorting to closed-position playing...

Finally...what the heck kind of banjo does Jimmy Mills play? I 've heard it's some type of rebuilt pre-war classic!?!?!? Whatever it is, it's the brassiest, boldest banjo I've ever heard...Of course his wicked fast fingers just makes me crack up laughing everytime I hear him start to really turn up the heat.....WOW!!!! How is it possible that human fingers can move that fast?

Yes, I saw Jimmy with Ricky Skaggs at the Ryman in Nashville during the NAMM Show...he was as solid as ever...and really supported the entire Kentucky Thunder and seemed to also drive the band forward...I've got some great photos of this show, along with Jimmy Mills on our website...

As far as the banjo he uses, I have no idea...I concur with you, it's monstrous in tone...Mickey

Thanks for your help Mickey