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Date: Mon, 05 Jul 2004 00:49:42 -0400
Subject: 12 String Banjo

Also, do you ship these instruments and what is the availability of each of these two models.

Thanks very much for your feedback.

Bob

Greetings Bob,

I am a long time 12 string guitar player (Taylor, and Guild before that) and recently heard a Deering D12 played at a show - I was taken by the sound. Could you compare for me the Goldtone 12 string banjitar and the Deering D12, in terms of sound, playability, quality and price (that's all...). I have viewed the data available on your web site, and have listened to the videos. Your overall assessment would be of great help.

Well, this can be difficult since both of these banjos are in entirely different price ranges and classes...as long as this is a consideration before assessment, I'll try my best:

1. The Deering D-12 is a mahogany banjo...lots of warmth...very pleasant sounding overall...I used the Deering D-12 extensively in our video: "Introduction to the 6 & 12-String Banjo"...and, it really carried very well...the D-12 comes standard with the frosted head which also assists in toning it down...this can be a good thing since a 12-string banjo can be so overpowering...

The Gold Tone Banjitar GT-1200 is a maple resonator banjo...and, with the clear head, it has a sharper more brilliant tonal range. Very crisp...very clear and bright...

2. The Deering D-12 does not include any pick-up system; the GT-1200 does include the sliding mag pick-up...which works very well...

3. The Deering D-12 is American-made and reflects impeccable craftsmanship; the GT-1200 is an import...and seems to be the best value available when looking for affordability...

4. The Deering D-12 comes with a very high-end sandcasted tone ring (very powerful with a bell-like tone); the GT-1200 has an import tone ring...of which I'm unsure how it's manufactured...seems to work well just the same...

Both the D-12 and the GT-1200 are excellent 12-string banjos...yes, they do have entirely different tonal characteristics...yet, both would serve well in a professional setting. I happen to own a D-6 myself of which I'm thrilled with...it serves my needs very well. I'd love to get a matching 12-string D-12 someday....

Hope this helps,

Mickey