Banjo for around £1000

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UK 5

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For 5 String Banjo Players based in the British Isles.

523 Members, Created 1/27/2011 -

Administrators: alfiedog (owner) , HSmith

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From klaatubarada on 12/30/2021 4:55:17 AM

Hi all,

So I'm thinking of upgrading from my Deering Goodtime to something a bit better. Does anyone have any recommendations for an open back or one with a removable resonator? I'm flexible on price if I need to go a little higher.

Cheers

12 Comments
	alfiedog says: 12/30/2021 2:14:24 PM If you want a Bluegrass Banjo you cant go wrong with a Recording King RK35. Thomann in Germany have them in stock for less than £800.
klaatubarada says: 12/30/2021 2:34:46 PM Cheers for the tip. I'd read some good things about that and the RK75 and both seem quite promising. I've kept an eye on the used banjos at Eagle in case anything popped up but no luck. Have you ordered from Thomann before?
	alfiedog says: 12/30/2021 4:21:32 PM Yep a few times, and had no problems. Purchased a Maple RK35 from them when they were first introduced (probably the 1st 35 in this country) Personally i only buy strings from Eagle, wouldn't buy a Banjo from them.
klaatubarada says: 12/31/2021 1:00:26 AM Ah, that's good to know. I'll take a look at what Thomann have in stock for Recording King.
	conic says: 12/31/2021 7:10:35 AM RK35 is great banjo but not easy to make an openback due to no shoe & brackets the flange is not removable like the goodtime unless you buy a "Bracket Band Assembly" for approx £150 or get one made. The goodtime is a great banjo so dont rush into anything. There is a very nice deering eagle on ebay for £1450 which has a shoe & bracket design so should be able to remove the flange, it also comes with a deering hard case where the RK 35 does not come with a case.
klaatubarada says: 12/31/2021 7:26:55 AM That Deering looks pretty damn good but I've had a few issues over the years with sellers who insist on collection only (plus the ensuing mess-around from couriers). I might give the RK35 a closer look as it seems like a good work horse of a banjo.
	tonytcc says: 1/1/2022 8:47:53 AM I have a Deering eagle and I love it. I would also like to have a look at the RK banjos which I’ve not seen /or heard. Good luck with your search - I’d be leaving any buying till end of Jan at least.
	tonytcc says: 1/2/2022 10:16:40 AM I have a Deering eagle and I love it. I would also like to have a look at the RK banjos which I’ve not seen /or heard. Good luck with your search - I’d be leaving any buying till end of Jan at least.
klaatubarada says: 1/2/2022 10:27:44 AM Yeah, I'll wait and see if anywhere does a January sale (or folk selling unwanted Xmas prezzies).
	gazcwatson says: 1/9/2022 9:21:25 AM why an open back?
klaatubarada says: 1/9/2022 9:28:10 AM Next door neighbours with a newborn that's a light sleeper and uninsulated walls. I've tried a few different mutes (the Eagle Music slide-on one, and Mike's Mute from here) with little luck.
	Waltraud says: 10/16/2022 12:26:33 PM I'd go for a gold tone OB150 they're great. As is the higher priced but excellent ib3 Twanger
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