Johnson Banjo Questions
Subject: Johnson banjos
I would like to know so more about the Johnson banjos currently on sale from 195.00 - 225.00. I don't know anything about banjos and need to know if they are acceptable instruments for someone who has guitar knowledge and would like to start playing banjo. Also, do they produce quality sound?
Thank you.
Thia Torelli
Greetings Thia,
The Johnson banjo will serve you well as a beginner-level instrument...it's also a great value...the most important consideration when purchasing a Johnson banjo is the set-up....for ease of playability and correct intonation (to play in tune all the way up the neck).
The sound is also influenced by the set-up...we ensure the head is properly tightened before it ships...in this price range, it's not going to have the sound of a professional level banjo with a brass tone ring, however, again, it makes a great student level banjo and the sound is unmistakably banjoistic...Mickey
Subject: Johnson JB-300
Mickey,
Fan-bloody-tastic site
Hours, days, weeks, years of interest and journeys elsewhere.
I've just bought the latest Johnson JB-300 banjo.
Getting it from Grand Central Music, Duluth, Mn @ $607 (inc. strap, extra strings, stand, case, shipping)
Banjo & case is $489 (£266).
I looked at all the non-US models in the $500 price range.
Apparently it weighs a ton.
It has a new "floral-style" inlay - not the usual "hearts".
Found your site after purchasing it.
Any thoughts
Greetings...I love your icons! Makes it easy to find an interrogative sentence...
The JB-300 is about as fine a banjo as you can ask for within the 500.00 price range...and, yes, it's quite heavy due to having a real tone ring...
As is true with any import banjo, you should only make sure that it's set up correctly before being shipped:
1. make sure the head is tightened well...
2. make sure they tighten all of the lug screws that hold on the resonator...and they also need to put tape over them to ensure that they don't vibrate loose...it can raise havoc when one of these lug nuts (thumbscrews) is floating around during shipping...
3. make sure they properly intonate your banjo...with the proper bridge placement...unless you already know how to do this...otherwise, it will not play in tune up the neck...
4. make sure that the truss rod and coordinator rods have been properly adjust for neck angle and string height...
If all of the above is implemented correctly, you'll gain many years of enjoyment from your JB-300...most do provide this service with the cost of the banjo...I'm sure Grand Central will assist you this if they haven't already...
I've had a pre-WW2 'no name' banjo (Dad's), and a recent no name banjo made from various other banjos by a banjo expert.
Gave up years ago because of lack of information, instruction and the internet
Decided to start again at 48 - absolute beginner aiming to have fun..
If I get better and a recent win comes through we may be in touch for a Gibson.....
I love American banjos.
Me too! I own a Gibson RB-800 of which I'm thrilled to play...
We used to make pretty good ones in the UK.....many years ago when they were more popular.
Yes, I'm very familiar with the banjo craze of England...and am sure of why it waned...I believe that there were many diverse styles being played during its heyday in the UK...here in the states, it appears that banjo has been pigeonholed as a bluegrass instrument...and, in reality, the banjo has great potential as a classical, rock or ragtime instrument...I love all styles including bluegrass and would love to see the banjo explored within other genres...
Keep up the good work.
Absolutely superb site.
Thanks so much for the kind words...and, hopefully, you receive your banjo ready to play...Mickey
I like your comments - not the least bit patronising.
Regards, Peter Dansie of Devon, England.
Hi Mickey
Sorry to bombard you with all of these questions lately....
Is the Johnson JB-200 a good banjo to take to a jam session or to perform on as far as volume, projection and tone is concerned?
Thank you
Tyler
Greetings Tyler,
The JB-200 is a great value...it's a student level banjo...if set up with a tight head, it may have the projection you're looking for...only, it may still be a compromise for you since you already have a student level import...it may be a step up from what you're playing...only, I'd have to personally see and hear what you're playing to pass accurate judgment.
The tonal quality would be comparable to other import banjos in this price range...it does have a brass tone ring and the planetary tuners which make it desirable for bluegrass settings...it will sound as good as the JB-300 with the same features other than the flamed resonator...again, a lot will depend on the set up...my suggestion would be to go with a very tight head and have the strings changed to a GHS Light Gauge with a bronze fourth...Mickey
Johnson Tone Ring This banjo has a sharp attack with minimal sustain for a sound sought out by any purest. Besides the functional necessities (like planetary tuners and a two piece flange plate) we've added an inlaid floral headstock pattern, heart shaped position markers, and an engraved tailpiece. * Rolled Brass Tone Ring * Inlaid M.O.P. Headstock Design and Heart Position Markers * Rosewood Bound Fretboard * Planetary Tuners * Geared 5th Peg * Engraved Waverly-Style Tailpiece
Subject: Re: Buying Your First Banjo
Your thoughts on the Johnson JB-110 Planetary 5 String. (tone, quality etc)
Again this would be the first time I ever touched a musical instrument. If I
lost interest later on I would not have spent to much.
It appears it has some nice features and is kind of reasonably priced for a
beginner.
Bill
Greetings Bill,
The JB-110 is a fine student level 5-string banjo...it works well to learn on as long as it's properly set up...hence, whomever you do decide to purchase through, just make sure that they include a proper set-up with the purchase price...most banjos within the price range of the JB-110, are relatively the same in quality and craftsmanship...expect some quality compromises and imperfections...of which do not necessarily affect the banjo's playability as long as it's set up properly...so, it would still serve well as an instrument to learn on...it will not have the tonal quality of a more expensive American-made banjo...again, it would serve its purpose as a beginner's banjo...
If this is the first time you've picked up a banjo, make sure that you have all the tools at hand:
1. an extra set of banjo strings...
2. an electronic tuner...
3. 2 metal fingerpicks
4. 1 plastic thumbpick
(and extra picks in case you lose any)
5. an instructional video to guide you through your first steps...a methodology approach...not just a video that teaches one song after another...a video that teaches you how to use all of the above tools and teaches proper foundation as in proper positioning...
Therefore, make sure you get an entire package with your first banjo...this ensures that you will not be impeded in your efforts to learn...
Hope this helps...Mickey
Subject: revision to my
I did some more searching last night, and I discovered that the banjo I saw
in the store was the Johnson 110, and the one I saw online that offered the
left handed option was the 24 bracket. What are the main differences in
these two models? Is the sound going to be noticable different? The weight
and feel? I noticed that the 110 is a bit more decorative. What otehrs
differences did my novice eyes miss, besides the number of brackets? What
are planterary tuners?
After talking to my hubby last night, he wants a banjo too, but he is right
handed. He is interested in the Johnson 110. The shopping list is getting
out of hand!
Thanks agian!
Jennifer
Greetings Jennifer,
I don't believe the sound is noticeably different...at this level, they're all essentially student-level banjos. It would take an experienced ear to differentiate these models...
The weight and feel is also similar between these student models...all of the necks are exact...I believe the 110 might be slightly heavier due to the Aluminum Rim...the other main difference would be the planetary pegs vs. the guitar tuners.
Planetary tuners are reverse tuners which are found on traditional banjos...other tuners used on banjos outside of Planetarys are regular guitar style tuners.
JB-110:
* 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
JB-100:
* 3-ply Maple Rim * Mahogany Resonator with Thumb Screws * Geared 5th Peg * Mahogany Neck * Individual Gear Machine Heads * 24 Brackets * Nickel Plated Armrest
Mickey
Subject: NATO wood
First, what do you think of Johnson banjos as compared
to the Gold Tone CC-100R or the Saga Style III ? I
don't see where you play those on your site and no one
on Banjo Hangout talks about them. But the Johnson
looks good and has the features I want in my price
range. I'm just starting to learn to play and learn
about banjos in general so any general advice or
pointers on where to learn more would be most welcome.
Second, what is this Nato wood ? There aren't Nato
trees growing around here in South Carolina. And all I
hear about NATO is that it's something we ought to be
getting US out of. Is this a synthetic or composite or
what ?
thanks much for your time
regards,
Dale Cauthen
Greetings Dale,
The Johnson is a decent value...and is really comparable to the Saga Style III. Both are import banjos and offer traditional features at a tremendous price...
However, I like the focus of the Gold Tone line and believe you're getting an even better value on any Gold Tone model.
I hope to further review the banjos in question and soon have video samplers of all of them...
In reference to NATO wood, I found this info on Durable Wood Products U.S.A.:
Mora
Mora excelsa and Mora gonggrijpii.
__________________________________________________________________
Family: Leguminosa
Other Common Names: Nato, Nato rojo (Colombia), Mora de Guyana (Venezuela), Marobukea, Mora (Guyana), Mora Moraboekea (Surinam), Pracuuba (Brazil).
Distribution: M. excelsa: Widely distributed in the Guianas and less so in the Orinoco Delta of Venezuela; dominant on river levees and flood plains forming dense stands. M. gonggrijpii: Restricted to Guyana and Surinam, a dominant species best adapted to hillsides on heavy clay soils.
The Tree Usually 100 to 120 ft high and 2 to 3 ft in diameter with clear boles 60 ft and more above very large buttresses that may extend 15 ft up the trunk. Trees of M. excelsa 160 to 200 ft high and 4 ft in diameter are reported.
The Wood General Characteristics: Heartwood yellowish red brown, reddish brown or dark red with paler streaks; sapwood 2 to 6 in. wide, distinct, yellowish to pale brown. Texture moderately fine to rather coarse, rather harsh to the feel; luster medium to high; grain is straight to commonly interlocked, very variable; astringent taste and slightly sour odor.
Weight: Basic specific gravity (oven-dry weight/green volume) 0.76 to 0.84; air-dry density 59 to 65 pcf.
Mechanical Properties: (First set of data based on the 2 -in. standard, the second on the 2-cm standard.)
Hello Bee, To catch up on your other questions:
Oh, no, not another question. Does the Johnson Tone Ring sound way better than the Johnson Planetary?
It sure does...it has less of a hollow tone...and more punch and volume.
How much more does it weigh?
A couple of pounds more...
Would it be worth the extra dollars to get a tone ring or is the difference mostly cosmetic?
If you can afford it, most definitely.
And, could the Johnson Planetary be fitted with a tone ring later?
This wouldn't be cost effective...it would be better for you, and equal in cost, to take advantage of our upgrade policy when you're ready for a tone ring. Mickey
Yes, that is the correct address. I was wondering if the Johnson Tone Ring sounds enormously better than the Planetary and how much heavier it is. Got any used ones?
Thanks,
Bee
Hello Bee,
I've held your order for you...it's ready to ship when you finalize your decision.
I do have the Johnson Tone Ring banjos in stock...and yes, they do have more power and resonance (a far less hollow tone) due to the tone ring. It is quite a bit heavier...Sorry, we don't have any used ones in stock...Stay tuned for our video samplers on these. Mickey
Hello again Bee,
Thanks. Those last ones are a bit outside my budget, though. So I'm trying to decide between the Johnson Planetary and the Goltone CC-100R. Does the Johnson have a tone ring and what does a tone ring do? Do you have any sound samples of the Johnson? I'm kinda leaning toward the Johnson, but it's a lot because it looks so good. Is it very heavy? I listened to the sample of the Goldtone and it sounded great. Hmmm.
Greetings Again, The Johnson Tonering banjo does have a tonering...the Johnson Planetary does not...although, at the very least, it does have reverse Planetary pegs. I'm working on doing some video samplers of the Johnsons now. The Johnson Planetary is relatively light. Keep in mind, banjos with tonerings are usually relatively heavy.
Next question: If I decide to buy the Johnson, I'd like to take you up your offer for the free accesory package and also purchase the Canadian case. Would I then e-mail the order to you, or use the form on the site?
You may your order or use the form on the site (the form was intended to be sent by mail or faxed) Mickey
Hello again,
Been frying my brain trying to research all these banjos. Can't seem to find anything on the Johnsons anywhere else online. But I did run across info on several sites warning that cast aluminum will sound "tinny". Now I'm really confused. Also wondering about the weight. Maybe I should go with the lightweight Goodtime 2. Is the accesory package only thrown in with the Johnson? Or maybe the Gold Tone CC-100R. How much does it weigh and what would it cost to add planetary tuners to it. Would that take long? Need to decide this week so I can order. HELP!!!!
Hello Bee,
No, it doesn't sound so much tinny as it does hollow...I've been playing banjo for 25 years and the Johnson is truly a great value...especially with the reverse banjo keys...
We also have the Goodtime 2 and the CC-100s in stock (The CC-100R weighs in a little more than a Goodtime due the tonering)...Mickey
Howdy ya'll,
Having a great time with my fiddle & thanks for replacing the string! Now I'm trying to decide on a banjo for my companion. I see a lot of mention of the Goodtime and GoldTone, but what about that Johnson Planetary or the Blueridge BB-60? (I really like the Johnson's look) Looking for something that'll fill the house with bluegrass, but aren't some of the resonators removeable so you can play other styles? Companion is big enough to handle something heavy, but I'm not & I know I will want to play anything musical that wanders through here. A compromise would be good. I don't have a lot of money, but I don't want to just get the cheapest. I would want to include a hardshell case, strap, picks, and one or two beginner books with the banjo. A nice birthday present, I reckon. Then perhaps Santa will bring me a mandolin! :>)
Thanks,
Bee Branch
Hello Bee,
The Johnson Planetary is superb for the price...and, we set them up for very easy playability making the learning process far more inspiring.
I also like the Planetary model mostly because at the very least it has reverse (Planetary) tuning pegs. Which, to me, is one of the most important attributes I look for in a traditional 5-String Banjo (along with the resonator)...Mickey
I saw a Johnson "Tone Ring" Banjo for sale on the E-Bay which was listed by you. I noted that the reserve was not met by end of auction time. I am interested in a Johnson (naturally..since it is my last name). If not listed in your catalog which I am requesting, please send me info if you have it. thanks. Fred
Sure Fred!
This banjo has a sharp attack with minimal sustain for a sound sought out by any purest. Besides the functional necessities, like planetary (reverse) tuners and a two piece flange plate, we've added an inlaid floral headstock pattern, heart shaped position markers, and an engraved tailpiece.
* Rolled Brass Tone Ring
* Inlaid M.O.P. Headstock Design and Heart Position Markers
* Rosewood Bound Fretboard
* Planetary Tuners
* Geared 5th Peg
* Engraved Waverly-Style Tailpiece
Let me know if you have any further questions or if I can assist you with anything else...
Mickey Cochran
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