BANJO TONY - Posted - 08/10/2011:  07:03:20

ok every time some one looking to buy a Gold Tone some one hear says no get a Goldstar or an RK.so my question is what so wrong with them & can they fix it?.

JimThorn - Posted - 08/10/2011:  07:24:58

I think the recommendations for RK start flowing when people start mentioning they're thinking of buying a beginner Gold Tone. The trend is always to recommend a better instrument to prevent dissatisfaction. I don't think there's necessarily anything wrong with a Gold Tone, I've played them. Gold Tone has a few Intermediate level banjos, but I don't think people have played them, so they don't recommend them. Just my opinion.

pickinchik - Posted - 08/10/2011:  07:25:25

I don't think there's anything wrong with them.  I love my WL-250.  

chancy - Posted - 08/10/2011:  07:29:10

I have 2 Recording Kings and 2 Gold Tones along with a few others. The main difference between the Gold Tones and the others  to me are attention to detail. Both Gold Tones, a MC-150 and a OB-250, have cosmetic flaws and a few others that are not just cosmetics. The OB-250 has more than the lower model which suprises me. The Recording Kings, a RK-85a and a RK-87, are both pretty much flawless as far as finish as well as my other banjos. The sound of the gold tone OB-250 is not comparable to other banjos in its price range especially when considering Recording King. They also have alot of setup issues when they arrive new which would be an issue to a new player or someone who doesnt have the know how to tinker with head tension and other things like that. The other banjos I have gotten new have a better setup straight out of the box. They are not bad when considering cost but I would say something like a recording king would be better in the same price range.

BANJO TONY - Posted - 08/10/2011:  07:29:28

even when they say I'am thinking about buying lets say a OB -250 plus some one will say,have you tried a RK 85 or a Goldstar. so why do they get such a bad rap.

chancy - Posted - 08/10/2011:  07:38:37

I've never heard a OB-250 plus. It might be a totally different animal than my standard 250.

mtnpckr - Posted - 08/10/2011:  07:42:33

i don't think they have a bad rep, indeed , they were the recommended "best bang for the buck" before RK and Gold star came back on the scene. Gold Tone did unfortunately have a few less than good units from their new supplier just about the same time that RK & GS were hitting the marketplace. Gold Tone did quickly and quietly correct this situation.

And that is probably the biggest issue that they have had. they took care of business without a lot of media hoopla and allowed their new competitors an image marketing coup.

I own two Gold Tones, a 2002 OB250 and a newer CC-OT and am very satisfied with both. I have looked at RK's and GS' at various places and didn't see or hear any reason to give up my Gold Tones. Its more a marketing problem than any real difference.

Also, if you follow the threads, its always the same people screaming about RK and GS, and I believe several of them have a financial interest of some sort.

Edited by - mtnpckr on 08/10/2011 07:44:14

StraitsBlueGal - Posted - 08/10/2011:  07:55:53

I've been eyeing the OB 250+ for is combo of Tony Pass rim and tone ring, but I'm happy enough with my RK 35 (which was an ENORMOUS step up from a relative's old aluminum Washburn) and the price difference of over $1000 versus $675 is enough to keep me from trying the 250+. Not anti-GT sentiment - the next thing I buy won't be another classic BG tone ring instrument (it will be a Nechville, or something like a Deering Hartford or Turtle Hill Woody - something different altogether). The RK 35 is a tremendous deal though - well set up, powerful, classic BG sound for under $700 (at least well set up if you buy from Banjo Hut or someone else good).

lethegoodtimesroll - Posted - 08/10/2011:  08:19:23

I have ordered and received 2 Gold Tone products when I took em out of the box the the cosmetic imperfections were so obivious. I just packed em back up and returned them.

erikforgod - Posted - 08/10/2011:  08:22:51

Nothing wrong with em as far as I can see.....I think it is all about personal state and preference.

Goldstarman - Posted - 08/10/2011:  08:25:13

I guess i depends on who you ask, someone who has been playing for years or a novice. Ive had a gold tone, and about any other make you can think of. Goldstars and RK are heads and shoulders above them as far as playability, sound and attention to detail.

bumblecrow - Posted - 08/10/2011:  08:25:44

The Gold Tone White Lady my buddy has is an awesome banjo.  Sounds great, plays great.

banjo5string - Posted - 08/10/2011:  08:34:54

From the OB-250 line, the main problems I see are the thick wall resonator, cheaper grade hardware, and the same ole peghead and inlay design. Their necks always seemed a tad thick to me as well. Plus, all of their bluegrass banjos seem to be made of maple, with no other choices available.

I'd like to see some variety in their designs without being so gaudy. Anyone remember the Todd Taylor model? I like Todd, but that was one ugly banjo IMO, especially the resonator.

JimThorn - Posted - 08/10/2011:  08:52:11

quote:

---

Originally posted by Goldstarman

I guess i depends on who you ask, someone who has been playing for years or a novice. Ive had a gold tone, and about any other make you can think of. Goldstars and RK are heads and shoulders above them as far as playability, sound and attention to detail.

---

 That's true, I've only been playing for two years and only tried a handful of banjos, so I'll defer to Goldstarman's opinion.

Bill Rogers - Posted - 08/10/2011:  09:01:33

GT's openbacks are fine in their price ranges; no serious competitors.  The resonator banjos have quality competition in the market though.

yumagah - Posted - 08/10/2011:  09:23:14

  The answer to the original question is really not about Gold Tone at all.  There are a number of users on BHO who try to answer every question by recommending RK or Gold Star.  Since Gold Tone has a major spot in the Chinese import marketplace, they are just the most likely target. I have posted on this subject before: the problem is not with any particular brand of imported banjo, rather it's some BHO users who try to use the forum as free advertising.  I read the forums often enough to hear about occasional QC problems with most brands of imports, including GS and RK.  The best advice is to play the banjos yourself and make your own decision. Be skeptical when you hear any particular brand getting hyped or bashed.

I have a Gold Tone OB-250 and it is comparable to anything else in its price range. It arrived at my hoise with no flaws or defects, and it gets raves from others at the jam I attend.I have played the most expensive RK banjo, listing for 50% more, and found it no better than the OB-250.  But I believe the differences between high-level banjos are fairly small.  There is a series of videos on Youtube with banjoist Len Camp playing the OB-250 and several other more expensive banjos.  Plug your pc into a good stereo and see if you can hear the difference.

thecirclebroke - Posted - 08/10/2011:  09:23:14

I think it's price related...no one offers a better deal right now for a true-mastertone-style banjo like RK and Goldstar with their RK-35 and GF-85's, both around 600-700 bucks

PD Kirby - Posted - 08/10/2011:  09:28:05

I'm inclined to agree with Bill, the openbacks are first class rigs I especially like the WL 250 and have toyed with the idea of getting one. I bought an OB 250 back in 2002 to use for a back up to my RB-250 and didn't care for it too much. I picked up a Gold Star RK 85 and I play it more than my RB-250. YMMV

BDCA - Posted - 08/10/2011:  09:37:23

The problem with Gold Tone is Cognative Dissonance. That is the natural desire to reassure ourselves that we have made the right buying decision. So people with RKs will naturally recommend them over Gold Tones and vice versa. Part of the syndrome is that we tend to overlook negatives in those products we have purchased and look for them in competitive products, even by comparing ads, etc.

I have owned two Gold Tones and I know they are way better than any Gold Star or RK, really! No kidding...Way better!! Seriously, better sounding, shinier and they smell better too or I wouldn't have bought them..

Cya!

Bob

TXhookey - Posted - 08/10/2011:  11:39:00

My very limited experience is:  I have a $300 RK openback and a $800 Goldtone BG250.  The construction/assembly (not hardware) of the RK was better than the construction/assembly of the Goldtone.  I do like the neck of the GT so I am happy with it, but it some work to fix the construction/assembly issues (poor setup, poorly mounted or pulled out resonator lugs, poor neck to pot fit, neck lags not parallel )

I have seen other posts stating that these are "cheap" banjos so you get what you pay for.  I can agree with that for the lower frills hardware, but the construction/assembly of a "cheap banjo" should be proper, not perfect, but functionally sound.  The RK was very good, the GoldTone poor at best.

BANJO TONY - Posted - 08/10/2011:  17:08:10

does anyone from Goldtone read this stuff,you would think they would be listening,so they could fix these small issues of hardware & spotty bad finish so they could sell more banjos.

lethegoodtimesroll - Posted - 08/10/2011:  18:54:16

Gold Tone Resonator Guitars. Paul Beard Signature series..There is nothing that can touch em. Great Dobros

goldtopia - Posted - 08/10/2011:  22:05:08

I had a Gold Tone OB250 and was happy with it and did not notice any cosmetic flaws. 

Bill.O

motleyminstrels.co.uk

elohim-ufogods.co.uk

McUtsi - Posted - 08/11/2011:  00:38:01

Is there a discrepancy in headstock tilt-back angle between Gold Tone &,say,an old

Gibson Mastertone banjo..?..I believe there is,but I´m not a 100% sure,McUtsi

choolie - Posted - 08/11/2011:  03:19:14

Here in the UK as far as i can see, you can't get no gold stars in the same price range as gold tones. Cheepest one i seen here is £1000 not $. But you can get gold tones from maybe £200

nasados - Posted - 08/11/2011:  04:39:10

I have an OB250+ for about 10 years now and it was a good buy for the money. There are no imperfections on the finish or hardware and it sounds good. I have tinkered by replacing the bridge with a Hatfield compensated bridge and also put on a Fultz tail piece. I can't say that either modification made a big difference on the tone. I think alot of the tone comes from what my hands are doing. I would recommend this banjo to anyone.

Regards,

Jeff

prewartb3 - Posted - 08/11/2011:  04:45:17

Gold Tone makes a good banjo for the $1,000 market.

BDCA - Posted - 08/11/2011:  05:18:33

I have owned 2 Gold Tone Irish tenors, one is an arch top and the other has a Whyte Ladie tone ring, neither of them the Cripple Creek versions. Both sound and play well with no flays or problems.  I have also owned or own within the past few years a 1927 Gibson Bella Voce (+-$12,000) , a Deering Gold GDL (+-$6000), A 1925 Paramount Leader ($1000) and a 1919 Paragon ($5,000). So I have experience with top pro model banjos.

I replaced my Gibson Bella Voce with a Gold Tone Irish tenor because the Gibson was just to valuable to take to gigs and sessions. The Gold Tone was an excellent replacement and sounded "almost" as good as the Gibson and played significantly better. I thought I would upgrade the cheap Chinese rim with a Cox rim and really get a good sounding banjo. It actually made very little difference. This would indicate they use pretty decent rims. The setup and head changes had a far greater effect on tone.

The finish on both GT banjos was excellent and the hardware was fine. The hard ware is not up to the same standard as, say, the Deering but the banjo costs a fraction of the price. In addition, my experience with GT customer service has been phenomenal. I have also visited their facility in Florida and am impressed with Wayne's strategy of providing Chinese craftsmanship with US design, QC and set up. Were they the first, probably not, but they certainly paved the way for RK and GS. Is GT perfect...absolutely not, but for every person complaining about a minor blemish (with good justification) there may be 20 or 50 folks happy as clams with their new purchase.

As I mentioned earlier, people tend to recommend what they know and the RK company has a strong commercial presence on BHO and it's natural that they would want to promote their products. I recently got to play with an RK85 and found it to be a well made, good sounding instrument, but significantly better or worse than the Gold Tones...I think it's a wash.

So my recommendation is to purchase which ever instrument fits your needs and budget best. If there is a serious problem with any of them, I am sure the dealer and company will stand behind the banjo. Buy from a reputable source and learn how to get the best out of your banjo through propper set up, and most importantly, HAVE FUN!

Cya!

Bob

DeanT - Posted - 08/11/2011:  05:37:24

>...Wayne's strategy of providing Chinese craftsmanship with US design, QC and set up...<

This is what throws me. I loved my Gold Tones (three of them). Great designs, played great, sounded great. But none of them showed any signs of having been inspected or set up by anyone. I still like the company, and I buy parts and smaller products from them. But I'm zero for three in the QC and set-up.

BDCA - Posted - 08/11/2011:  05:43:02

quote:

---

Originally posted by 1four5

>...Wayne's strategy of providing Chinese craftsmanship with US design, QC and set up...<



This is what throws me. I loved my Gold Tones (three of them). Great designs, played great, sounded great. But none of them showed any signs of having been inspected or set up by anyone. I still like the company, and I buy parts and smaller products from them. But I'm zero for three in the QC and set-up.

---

Did you buy directly from Gold Tone? I would assume that if it is from a dealer, it's the dealer's responsibility to set up the instrument. That's what their margin is for. If not, then tsk tsk.

Last year they sent me a brand new loaner banjo for a gig because they sent my banjo to my home address while I was on the road, and it was PERFECT right out of the case. The package arrived arrived at 6pm and I was playing it all night with not the slightest issue or problem.

YMMV!

Cya!

Jody Hughes - Posted - 08/11/2011:  06:25:04

There is nothing wrong with them. I've had two students with them that sounded great.

I say just find something you like and play it.

MTBanjo - Posted - 08/11/2011:  07:49:04

I've heard some very nice Gold Tones. I had a couple lessons with a guy here in town, and he played a Gold Tone. Granted, his main instrument is now fiddle, but the Gold Tone was good enough for him.

I haven't played many Gold Tones, but in my personal, limited experience, they just feel a little cheaper. I've played a couple RKs, and a few Gold Stars, and they just seem, to me, to be better quality and better sounding. I hold them, and I feel like I'm holding a darn good copy of a top of the line banjo. Where when I hold a Gold Tone, I feel like I'm holding a good quality, lower end banjo.

This is just my experience and based on a lot of "intangibles".

I'll agree that it's a lot of the same people touting the GSs and RKs, but if you pay attention to who they are, they are NOT the dealers who are selling them. It's not people with a financial interest. It is, however, people who have bought one and love them. Whether their opinion is objective or subjective is a whole different story, but I don't see it as "BHO members using the forum as free advertising". I don't see that as a fair statement. Certainly a lot of them do some "free" advertising here (although they also donate instruments for BHO raffles and pay for real ads here, so I don't see it as free), but they aren't the ones saying "don't buy Gold Tone, but "this" or "that".

DeanT - Posted - 08/11/2011:  08:06:44

>Did you buy directly from Gold Tone? I would assume that if it is from a dealer, it's the dealer's responsibility to set up the instrument. That's what their margin is for. If not, then tsk tsk.<



The first one came from Music123, the second from Banjo.com, and the third and by far the worst, came from Janet Davis.



The one from banjo.com was an electric banjo, and it came set up real good, however, it didn't work plugged in. The tone ring had been installed right on top of the ground wire and severed it. The one form Music123 came with the tailpiece bolt inside the resonator, the tailpiece and strings dangling, and the the bridge loose in the box. The one from JD had miss drilled and filled holes, wood filler, touch up stain/paint, striped out tailpiece screw and wood burrs. What difference does it make if they are going to a warehouse store or a dealer? The first two, I could give the shadow of the doubt to shipping vibrations... however I've shipped my share of set-up banjos and none of them have vibrated apart. I might also add that none of this stopped me from setting them up properly, and enjoying them. However, not everyone is so inclined. In each of my experiences, if I would have been a non mechanically inclined beginner, it would have been incredibly disappointing. I might also add that eventually the resonator inserts/blocks on the first one came loose, and needed to be reglued. A no-brainer for me, but a possible showstopper for someone else. And last but not least was the morning I woke up to find my tailpiece had broken in half in the night, at a casting flaw! Again, I just put an after market tailpiece on and played on. Some kid in boonville country would have been SOL with something like that. The last straw was no reply to several emails, with photos included. All I have to go on is my own personal experience, and I'd had enough. I will also add that my experiences took place in 2005-2006. Maybe things have gotten better. I've had better luck and less trouble with the domestic used banjos that I've bought since, and still play today.

Edited by - DeanT on 08/11/2011 08:08:02

arnie fleischer - Posted - 08/11/2011:  08:16:02

I bought my open back Gold Tone WL 250+ directly from Gold Tone.  I wanted a reliable, relatively inexpensive banjo that played easily and looked and sounded good because I didn't feel comfortable taking either of my old, irreplaceable open back banjos out on gigs.  

I inspected the Gold Tone closely when it arrived because fit and finish and set-up were things that that I had specifically mentioned when I ordered it. The banjo was fine in every respect, including a perfect (and gorgeous) modified tree of life inlay unique to Gold Tone.  It was set up as I had requested to produce the type of tone I was looking for.  I've been playing it for several months now and am completely happy with it.  

TXhookey - Posted - 08/11/2011:  09:55:48

I would think that the retailers should be concerned if a banjo direct from Gold Tone is setup better than a banjo that is sent to them.

I'm not saying they're bad banjos and that every banjo is a problem, but based on my experience and experiences of others, their QC is not good.  When I was in manufacturing, defects of .1 of a percent was catastrophic, that is 1 in 1000. 

GoldTone plays a valuable role in the banjo industry (competition helps lower prices) and have the materials for a very good product.  The tolerances, assembly, QC and setup seems to be the problem. 

With out proper QC and setup, they are basically sellling a kit banjo of finished good parts preassembled to show you how it goes together, then you get to work out all of the bugs and do the setup.  Their current pricing doesn't reflect this.

I think conversations like this are a good way to get them addressed, if they are interested, or a way to lose market share if they are not.

The negative is how many new players get a poorly setup banjo (any brand) and lose interest and leave the banjo economy?

Anyone work for a large banjo retailer that has a better grasp on quality in larger sample sizes.  If you want to message me, I'll post any comments if you want to remain anonymous?

the-fish - Posted - 08/11/2011:  10:05:58

Ill not be fooled by the banana in the tail pipe again on this subject. As with anything, play b4 you buy

TXhookey - Posted - 08/11/2011:  10:11:42

I emailed Wayne at Gold Tone, if it was my company I would like the chance to review or join the conversation. 

BDCA - Posted - 08/11/2011:  10:13:34

Bottom line is the bottom line. Gold Tone gives dealers +-50% discount off retail. They get paid to inspect and set up the instruments. At that margin, Gold Tone is relying on the dealer to check the instruments and fix or report any problems PRIOR to shipping to the end user. If a banjo is defective it should be sent back BY THE DEALER, not the end user. We don't know about all the horrible defects that may happen between China and Florida, and possible Gold Tone has their hands full with larger issues. BUT there is no excuse for a dealer to ship an instrument with defects, poor setup, etc, because THAT'S WHAT WE PAY THEM FOR. That is also why none of the manufacturers sell instruments at highly discounted prices, because it would compete with their dealers. If the dealer isn't erning his 50% discount, then he is simply drop shipping instruments for a commission.

I don't know this for a fact but I would suspect the defects (great and small) are much less on banjos purchased directly from Gold Tone rather than through a mass market dealer. My local music shops is both a Gold Tone and RK dealer and they thoroughly inspect and set up every instrument before it goes on display.

Cya!

Bob

BDCA - Posted - 08/11/2011:  10:21:52

Dave:

When I was in manufacturing, defects of .1 of a percent was catastrophic, that is 1 in 1000.

I am guessing you weren't manufacturing in China???

Cya!

Bob

Bradskey - Posted - 08/11/2011:  11:18:12

There's nothing particularly wrong with Gold Tone banjos. They're not my favorite but they're not bad. The brand has probably the best customer service there is. I don't like their banjos' looks and I don't like their generic Asian parts. It's nothing personal and I'm not trying to validate my own choices to other people. For years I have noticed that anytime a newb asks about a Gold Tone or some other import, some persons will immediately tell them to get a Gold Star or an RK instead. I've recommend both brands a lot myself, but the difference is, if a person didn't explicitly ASK about an RK or Gold Star or say something along the lines of "any other recommendations?", then I just address what I know or think about the banjo models the person was actually asking about. Gold Tone does do a good job of providing a lot of different quality instruments that people can afford, and their lauded Gold Tone Beard resos are a great example of that. But for resonator banjos I think the competition is doing them one better. I'm still sure plenty of people have great Gold Tone banjos that they really enjoy.

TXhookey - Posted - 08/11/2011:  15:42:48

BDCA, actually we were.  We were a new company that expanded an existing manu.'s capabilities to manufacture our product (which was an "enhanced" version of our competitor's product.  Our company eventually became the dominant player in the industry, with a product that was basically designed by our competitor and in the plant that they were using.

The main difference was that we had a QC and reengineering facility in the US.  We did not notify the factory of Manu. problems and fixed them all ourselves.  Manufacturing issues continued to show up on our competitors product but not on ours. The end result was that our product was a "better" product and we gained the majority in market share.

The parts we had to fix were extensive.  I'm not talking cosmetic blemishes but functional issues.  We had a dealer panel that was very active in helping to address new concerns and helping us identify issues and areas of improvement.  We had a traveling repair tech that met with the dealers in their shops and their repair shop staff to see the "real" issues in the field.  It was a good formula and worked.  In the end, the product that hit the market was very reliable.

TXhookey - Posted - 08/11/2011:  16:01:09

Wayne emailed me back, which is appreciated.  He is hesitant to post on forums, which I can understand.  He did say that they did have a problem with the BG250 which has been identified and that those blocks are no longer used.  He also said he would let the operations manager, Tommy, who sometimes posts aware of the discussion.

He also commented that when you make an entry level product, it ends up in a lot of entry level players hands which can create problems or perceived problems that may or may not be something that is manu. related (my paraphrase, but believe it is accurate) which is reasonable.

Anyway, I would still recommend to anyone that they try any banjo before buying and pick the one they like best.  If my BG250 Wide neck was stolen, I would buy another one.  The neck fits my hand nicely and in my opinion, can sound great for $800 and the alternative is a much more expensive banjo or custom neck. 

BANJO TONY - Posted - 08/11/2011:  17:07:47

now you just got to wonder,if you buy a banjo from John at banjo.com or Janet,what the hell give with no set up.these two companys are both acostic companys & you would think that no banjo should leave Janet Davis Or banjo.com with out a set up it just makes them look bad & there both Great people,ps I love John just like family have you tried to talk to him about this,after all his company name starts with banjo,1four5.plus I though ALL banjo went thur Goldtone before they went to any store to get looked over for QC & set up by them.

DeanT - Posted - 08/11/2011:  20:32:48

That was 5 years ago, and John was great to deal with. The banjo was set up fine. I fixed the ground wire myself. I have extensive electric guitar experience. It was no big deal then... but it would not have been a HUGE deal to someone else who didn't know what to look for or how to fix it. I don't expect Banjo.com to take electric banjos apart to inspect the wiring, and I don't know if they even plugged it in... but I expected Gold Tone to put it together properly. What Janet Davis sent me had no excuses. It almost looked like a return/repair/blemished model. Heck, some kid might have even pulled the wrong one off the shelf. I don't think anyone from JD looked at it... they never would have let it through. I bit it on that one and called it a lesson learned. Thrice bitten and forever shy. I fixed it up myself and used it as a trade at Guitar Center for PA gear.

PD Kirby - Posted - 08/11/2011:  21:02:26

Posted by Bob:"I don't know this for a fact but I would suspect the defects (great and small) are much less on banjos purchased directly from Gold Tone rather than through a mass market dealer. My local music shops is both a Gold Tone and RK dealer and they thoroughly inspect and set up every instrument before it goes on display."

I learned the same lesson the hard way, I bought my first Asian Banjo's from a large Internet  Dealer and it was obvious to me they did little in the way of set up or if they did do a set up shame on them. When I buy anything now I go to the local music store in the next town over and deal with someone who sells and sets up their instruments while you wait. I will play it for a while and if there is something I don't like they have always been willing to fix it on the spot. I for one am willing to pay a little more for an instrument from the local guy because if I have a problem I can jump in the truck and take it down for service plus it helps keep my neighbors employed. (take care of your own house first) I realize that not everyone has the luxury of having a well stocked music store local to them but if they do I would strongly recommend that you pay the extra money and in the long run it will cost you less in both money and aggravation (which you can't put a price on).

Yosh - Posted - 08/11/2011:  21:50:27

Nothing wrong with Gold Tone. I have a BG250F banjo and a GT Paul Beard Signature Resonator guitar. Both are good instruments for the price. The BG250F did arrive with a broken plastic tuning peg but they quickly mailed a replacement.

Pablo9364 - Posted - 08/12/2011:  02:02:40

Nothing wrong with gold tone.  All models are different. I have OB250+ with tony pass rim.  There was a manufacturing fault which was corrected under warranty. this fault obviously bypassed their quality control.  It needed to go to a luthier about 3 times(over a year) before I was happy with it. Its now a superb banjo which I now wouldn't change. This is one of their top of the range banjos . I expected better on initial purchase after paying the cash.  Its like they only need to go a little bit further with minor improvements/adjustments/quality control and SET UP and hey suddenly its HOT! Everyones different I', sure many would have liked this one straight away but thats just my experience for what its worth. 

I had the CC100 which after one set up job was a superb instrument. I was so happy with this I wore the frets off it. ha

BANJO TONY - Posted - 08/12/2011:  02:23:19

Wayne I think most people here are on your side & when some one ask what do you think about an OB-250 I for one do not like hearing why don't you get an RK or a Gold star & for the most part thanks for staying away from this web site there is eought people here pushing there stuff when it's should be just the avg banjo player taking here.

BDCA - Posted - 08/12/2011:  05:10:24

quote:

---

Originally posted by BANJO TONY

Wayne I think most people here are on your side & when some one ask what do you think about an OB-250 I for one do not like hearing why don't you get an RK or a Gold star & for the most part thanks for staying away from this web site there is eought people here pushing there stuff when it's should be just the avg banjo player taking here.

---

I am afraid we are faced with usual gun argument here..If none had guns, then no one would need guns. The problem is that the top folks at many manufactures not only are represented here, but are active on the forum. Greg Rich from RK, Tom Mirisola, from AMB, Janet Deering, to name a few. I welcome their presence because it is an opportunity to learn about their products from "The Horses Mouth". I think it would be a good idea for Wayne or Tommy to take a more active role in the forum, especially in htreads like this where their brand name is the subject. and if their are issues, we know they are aware of them and they are being addressed.

I lived in England for a number of years, and was in awe of Question Time in Parliament. It's when the prime minister stands up and takes questions form the opposition. No scripts, no hold barred. I think a similar Question Time where a manufacturer is invited to participate in a monthly thread specifically about his brand and products may be an excellent idea.

Just a thought,

Bob