Banjos

Aria four strings made in the USA, 19 round boxes. Micro installed after several tests: Shertler cell.

UTILIZATION

Usage on stage for concerts Jazz New Orleans and sea shanties! The sound in the treble is a bit random as to the accuracy, but we must not forget to set the instrument regularly. With its double case, the instrument is heavy (over five pounds) but it's bearable.

SOUNDS

Using 60mm Dunlop picks, the tone is correct at all times. Thicker, the soundman made a wry face (at least) because of the noise on the strings which forces him to cut frequencies. I play with an Irish Agreement (GDAE) not be too much sharper style New Orleans (CGDA). But I much prefer my banjo in the upper midrange, less aggressive.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 14 years and I have no reason to complain. I had two other instruments before much lower quality. This one is perfect for me. I'm not saying if I had a budget of 3ooo balls ... put.

We find ourselves before a key instrument in the country, blues, bluegrass and any other type of American folk music from the first half of the last century: the 5-string banjo! The Epiphone MB200 banjo is most likely manufactured in the People's Republic of China (or other Asian countries southeast, anyway it does not change much ...) but it is immediately set confidence by the general appearance of the latter, very classy. 5 strings pass over a floating bridge held only by the string tension. The neck is very thin, and if you get the guitar, it takes getting used to.
22 medium frets without a shadow of a defect from a mahogany covered with a rosewood fingerboard, all connected to a mahogany body which is also painted an eagle holding the American flag (as beautiful as stereotyped ^ ^). Figurative marks of pearl handle (at least it looks like), immediately attract attention and are more for visual appeal. Despite this, it seems necessary to clarify that my MB200, there is a visible imperfection insertion marks, which is a shame even if it does not interfere in any case the game
The skin is a Remo, and it is the skin of a snare, one would prefer a good piece of belly goat for authenticity, but what do you want original ... nowadays it is probably prohibited (or very expensive ...).
I am far from an expert in this type of instrument but it is very promising, and I did not have to complain so far.
8/10!

UTILIZATION

Since this is my first banjo, I have no basis for comparison, then I would find (in part) as a guitarist.
The handle is very nice, although a bit late before the 5th mechanics, but with only 4 strings used to it quickly, especially since it widens considerably thereafter. Funny shape, funny technique, a new style of play in perspective ...
Regarding weight, it is heavier than it looks and also a Gibson SG at this level (therefore quite bearable). Round shape, however, makes the game the way the more delicate guitar: it will have to get used to playing with banjo wedged between the two legs, and neck angle. Access to acute is perfect until the 19th fret, up to the 22nd is more laborious, but it happens very rarely, it is my opinion.

SOUNDS

The peculiarity of the banjo lies as much in its manufacture and tuning in this originality that is the acute rope above the other. We can try to play jazz or other top, but a tenor banjo (4 strings) seems more appropriate, although I did not know more than earlier in the use of the instrument.
I needed it for bluegrass, country and American folk music, so it is with the MB200 right in. I am overwhelmed by his immediately identifiable. Recess must get used to the new chord positions and some perfectly for basic guitar, are a real havoc on the banjo (and vice versa). Minor chords for example are quite tricky to do at first, and while essential, do not always sound. However, do not deprive yourself especially 7th chords, they are really hell, and it seems that it is made for!
In short, a fucking sound that can be obtained immediately by someone who does not horn on the fingertips: strings seems sharper me on my guitars ...

OVERALL OPINION

I use this great instrument for more than two months, and I always take as much pleasure in playing country standards made in the USA and discover more!
I had the opportunity to briefly try the little brother (MB-100), (literally "open-back") a banjo "Openback", the sound is less "full", but less well heard. That said, € 280 for the new MB-200 it does not seem very expensive for an instrument whose use may extend into pubs and recording. I like everything in this instrument, nothing prevents me from taking a blast to play.

The banjo is originally a very basic instrument with inexpensive materials (or recovery), so I do not see how some brands can offer this type of instrument over € 4,000, as some propose archtop guitars Jazz 150 €. But what do you want ... it is the market economy!

You want a banjo? Bah takes one!

This is a banjo guitar made in Germany. Mine was built in August 1971 (info found on the site of Vintage Framus, and with the serial number), and purchased by my father during his military service in Germany (I've read that somewhere it seems to me ...).
After a trip to the luthier for adjustments and slight repair (it had been stored without cover in a corner of the room for almost 20 years ..... Dad, it's not going at all! A tool that respects itself, regardless of value), I can give you some characteristics of the instrument:
- Mahogany solid good quality (unusual for the time, the brand and type of instrument)
- Cash plywood, veneered in maple on the outside (always check the inside of the box as it is often prone to cracks not visible from the outside with the weather and climate change)
- The tuners are original and not terrible I must confess (I think I will change in the near future).
-The skin is original and in very good condition.
-Keys and her easel Rosewood (but which one??)
-Decorative frames are often slightly bent as thin and very fragile, but it is only a cosmetic issue and does not affect the sound.

Not being banjoist, this instrument allows to have the sound of banjo (very nice in bluegrass, country ....) without having to learn the basics.
I play mainly fingers. To know that this type of instrument has a much shorter sustain a guitar, but this is quite normal.
I've installed the strings classical guitar folk, "bronze", shooting 12-53 (because of its short pitch) of at D'Addario, but I intend to try another type of string to find the desired sound.

The value of the instrument is not very high (I think 150 to 250 € now), so do not put too much money in the restoration of such a beast, unless justified by its sentimental value ... . (For me, the full adjustment and rehabilitation frets and mechanical, have cost me € 50 and I do not know if I would have been more.)

UTILIZATION

The handle is quite nice, and I have small hands ...
Access to acute is easy enough.
on the other hand it is not easy to find the right position to play when we sat down, and its weight is really so.

SOUNDS

I think I will complete in a few times because I just recovered (the maker of home) and just starting to really enjoy it.

OVERALL OPINION

I think I will complete in a few times because I just recovered (the maker of home) and just starting to really enjoy it.