looking to get a new banjo but who knew there were so many options! it's driving me crazy. as soon as i think i've settled on one, i become uncertain. do i scoop or no scoop? maple, cherry, walnut or mahogany neck or pot or both? new or used? and how old is too old? will it have a neck shape i like? import or domestic? and can i find it in my price range($500-$700, of course the cheaper the better).
you'ld think i was buying a house! which seemed easier then actually.
cedar creek banjos. anyone know about them?nothing in the reviews here or anywhere. http://cedarcreekluthiers.com/Banjos.htm found a used one, walnut rim and neck, $700 w/gig bag.
or Deering Goodtime classic - scooped or not scooped (i haven't played scooped, but like the sound of it when i've heard it on youtube) $500
RK-RB12 - walnut rim and neck - $599
AC Fairbanks No.1 Special - $600
I'm leaning towards the cedar creek because it looks like a nicely built banjo, even though it is stretching me quite a bit. it's also made in the USA, which i kind of like. it's also made of walnut, which is along the tone spectrum I like. I haven't played much in the way of banjos, and am a relative newbie (i.e. 4 months), but those i've played with and liked were often made of walnut or mahogany. the deerings always seem too bright or something although they do seem like good deals. I also really like Deerings slimmer necks, unlike the V-shaped necks like the RK's. But the RK's look better built then the Deerings. I've also only played on a GoldTone resonator banjo and didn't care for the neck. it felt fat to me. AC Fairbanks is/was a nice little banjo at a nearby shop. seemed pretty original, had a nice sound, but not necessarily the easiest to play at my level. i think it would be a great second banjo. i've been playing on a borrowed Harmony Bakelite, which I'd like to give back. I just think as soon as i make the purchase, something else will come along.
anyway, mostly thinking out loud. any insights into why you bought what you bought? any suggestions? i plan to decide in the next day or so.