$150 vs $4000 Banjo! Can You Hear the Difference?!

#shorts #music #banjo

[@jakelong4517]

I don't know if it's a $3850 difference but yes, there's a big difference.

[@Big-Red-Music]

Valid!

[@danniequesenberry9951]

With a pickup on that old banjo you know hooked to a trailer ......uh no a amplifier............it might sound just as ringingsome uh just as good 👍

[@huntfisheat73]

I was literally going to say the exact same thing until I seen your comment LOL. I love the sound of it but not $3,800 worth.

[@ursafan40]

Yes, big difference. I liked the cheap banjo better

[@Big-Red-Music]

It has its place!

[@charliewoot22]

Big difference in sound, but the inexpensive still sounds pretty good especially for the price. That expense banjo definitely sounds outstanding though.

[@Big-Red-Music]

And it’s easier to play than the cheaper one!

[@ralphw7950]

either banjo the playing is great

[@lloydmoss217]

I agree… I think the 150 sounds great… Of course the $4000 one is gonna sound a little warmer… But I would be very happy with $150 one. But more importantly, the audience can't tell the difference, nor would they care

[@FlatlandBreeze]

Maybe not necessarily in sound but playability is so much better with a better model

[@Big-Red-Music]

You got that right!

[@independentmind1977]

sure, but we're splitting hairs. The difference is in the longevity of the instrument, the neck build (finger spacing is a thing for me) how well it stays in tune because of material stability etc. I'd still take the cheaper instrument to have around the house, I think it sounds pretty damn good.

[@Big-Red-Music]

That’s why I have both!

[@lancevoorhees7318]

Thinking of buying one for around the house, thanks for your opinion!

[@timb.9224]

All I know is if you hear banjo music while walking thru the woods you better turn and RUN !!! lol

[@Big-Red-Music]

This can be true lol

[@wesleezink1537]

Huge clarity difference

[@mutangpadan5311]

Definite difference but not necessarily at a cost of 3,850 gap.

[@Big-Red-Music]

Possibly!

[@karlpilch3016]

Huge difference. I definitely prefer the cheap one. Expensive one sounds like weak sauce. I guess beauty really is in the ear of the beholder. I'm being totally honest and don't understand how someone could prefer the latter in a blind taste test.

[@Big-Red-Music]

Some prefer the dark muddy sound!

[@logansimpson6835]

huge clarity difference but i honestly like the cheap one more just because it’s got that twang to it like an original banjo reminds me of red dead redemptions songs

[@Big-Red-Music]

What a great game too!

[@justacinnamonbun8658]

The more expensive banjo sounds louder and clearer. But TBH if you're dressed in grey and your marching on a Union position, you probably don't want to do that with a $4000 banjo anyway, there's a good chance it gets full of holes so... Cheap banjo for the win!!!

[@Big-Red-Music]

Good play by play lol

[@formattmusic1359]

The better one sounds cleaner on the tone. The tone is more rounded, you can hear the crispness in the reverb. Its a very clean sound compared to first one. The first one was kind of muddy, and I felt like I was hearing a buzzing on one of the higher strings on the first one. Plus, it looks like the better one is lined with brass. Brass is a great metal to use to give the tone of the strings a bit of twang. I play guitars, and I have a guitar that has as Brass nut, and it changes the sound to make it more twangy.

[@Big-Red-Music]

Great Rundown!!

[@BP-or2iu]

Honestly I like the cheap one. Sounds fatter and older. New sounds obviously more clear but is also more thin sounding. More highs. At least to my ear.

[@Big-Red-Music]

Some songs tend to like that darker sound too!

[@thomasfoss9963]

Maybe i should paddle faster, but i thought the same thing-- The cheaper banjo had a deeper, brighter tone----

[@JJ_TheGreat]

@@thomasfoss9963Funny… Those two words: “deeper” and “brighter” aren’t usually said together (unless it is different for banjos)… Usually, the word “deeper” is paired with the word “warmer” or even “richer” tone.

[@dited358]

The expensive one sounds soulless, instruments are meant to have character not be 'perfect"

[@Big-Red-Music]

With me playing it, it doesn’t sound perfect lol

[@sunflowersurfer]

This is a unique instrument and each had a unique sound just as each player brings their own style.. they both sounded great

[@Big-Red-Music]

Good answer!

[@iksroizdnak]

They both sound good if you know how to play. The cheap one reminds us of the old hillbilly movies. We don't need clarity to enjoy the music.

[@Big-Red-Music]

Good point!

[@ClansmanK]

I like the first one better. Sounds authentic WV

[@Big-Red-Music]

Growl!

[@mikek7625]

My wife didn't watch just listened. She chose cheap 1. She's more into playing. I'm a listener. Myself I hear small differences 4k sounded louder. I'm sure the materials are the difference

[@Big-Red-Music]

Amazing how different everyone’s ear is and what they prefer

[@JJ_TheGreat]

Yes, I am more like you! I recently started practicing active listening techniques!

[@Kodama666]

the resonance on the nicer one is definitely a bit more crisp and uppity sounding, they both sound awesome tho

[@martiraz]

Well yeah, a clear difference in sound there, but I also found myself thinking... Is that a bad thing? As I see it it's two different sounds, that both can work depending on what feel the song intends to convey.

[@Big-Red-Music]

It definitely depends on the flavor of the song you’re after!

[@DownhillAllTheWay]

I would be much more interested to see the comments if this had been a blind test, where everything was obscured except the sound. I can't help but wonder how many people prefer the more expensive one because they have been told it is the more expensive one. Through my cheap ear buds, I can hear a difference, but it's not much. If I was looking to buy one, I don't think this would really help me decide - even if I could have one or the other at the same price.

[@Big-Red-Music]

Feel, Longevity and playability have a lot to do with it as well. So there’s more factors but I agree with your statement

[@AnalogKid333]

It’s not just the sound it’s the quality of build, durability, playability, eye appeal and value in 30 years. I mean a Ford will get you to town but so will a Ferrari.

[@Big-Red-Music]

Good! Well said!

[@woodster2078]

Definitely a sound difference, one is deeper and a little more rich and clarity is better than the other.

[@Big-Red-Music]

Yessir!

[@mikes5687]

There's a difference but not a difference that covers that price Gap

[@Big-Red-Music]

There are some mid range banjos that get close

[@danobrien3695]

just because there is a "Sound difference" does not mean it's a bad thing...I heard a difference...the 4k one probably had new strings on it...

[@Big-Red-Music]

Nope. 2 months old. Lol. You’re right though.

[@shadowwolf9329]

There is a slight sound difference between the two yet they both sound good

[@Big-Red-Music]

True!

[@illinoisvalleymusicians]

Big difference. Cheap banjo has a much more pleasant tone.

[@Big-Red-Music]

Tastes! All different!

[@illinoisvalleymusicians]

@BigRedMusicChannel absolutely agreed. Aparently, I have a champaign taste when it comes to acoustic guitars and a beer taste when it comes to banjos. Lol

[@Chris_the_Dingo]

To my ears the expensive one sounded smoother, more compressed

[@Big-Red-Music]

Bingo!

[@davidguzower2890]

Yes. The second one was CRISP & CLEAN.

[@Big-Red-Music]

I agree!

[@chicoraSC]

The mic makes the first sound fuller to me 😯...but with other instruments it would sound muddy.😔 Sounds like you are having to work more on the first one than the second. That would make the first one hard to improvise on and have fun. Love your playing!🎉

[@Big-Red-Music]

Thank you! I definitely have to dig more on the cheaper model!

[@lucasmin3757]

Expensive sounds much more Jello, smoother, silkier with big projection! The cheap one sounds a bit chocked and restricted...

[@Big-Red-Music]

Nail on the head!

[@ericryckman1559]

There is a lot more clear resonance in the second one. I kinda like the muddy sound of the cheap one.

[@Big-Red-Music]

They both have their place!

[@lautaroc123]

Massive. Was it worth $3850 more? If you can afford it it is

[@Big-Red-Music]

That’s true!

[@morganbrickwall7902]

Cheap banjo has more soul, expensive one sounds tinny and cheap. Expensive banjo: tell me you appropriating banjo music without telling me you are appropriating banjo music.

[@Big-Red-Music]

Unusual take.. lol. But fair

[@blinddeadmcjones5255]

A great player makes anything sound good

[@Big-Red-Music]

Can’t argue with that

[@frankborgaard1959]

Cheap one more dark, but sounds cool,. It's how It's set up that counts, I think.

[@Big-Red-Music]

That has a good amount to do with it!

[@jacobalexander7192]

Definitely a difference between the two but probably not worth the cost

[@Big-Red-Music]

Guess that would depend on the situation. I see a lot of people with expensive banjos that can’t play it. Collectors items at that point. Lol.

[@Ingodwetrust52546]

I like the cheap one better

[@Big-Red-Music]

Everyone has different taste!

[@schwarzesonne6529]

Expensive one has a more tinny sounding noise but also more clarity on notes I could go either way with these banjos and be happy at the end of the day

[@Reginald-Montgomery-Astird-III]

I’ve been picking for 40 years and banjo snobbery has gotten out of hand, of course the cheapest banjo isn’t going to sound as good as a $4000 dollar one so why not make a more valuable comparison between mid priced instruments and “professional” models? What you’re doing here is like comparing a Geo Metro to a Mustang, apples to oranges. In my experience the difference between super cheap and expensive is in most cases huge but there often isn’t that much of a divide between mid range and expensive instruments (sound wise, no doubt money buys ornament otherwise unattainable with more economical instruments)

[@Big-Red-Music]

Well if I had a mid range model here I would have used it. These are what I had lol. Your point is indeed valid though.

[@idahoduckhunter]

Big difference in note clarity(tone ring?). I bet the expensive banjo was a treat to play though.

[@Big-Red-Music]

That tone ring has a lot to do with it!

[@NathanRobinson-cy2ln]

I think the cheap on is okay. The expensive is way better though. I feel like banjos that sound like the cheap one hurt to play. I have a cheap banjo but it is like a between. It was $200. I don't even have a ring tone in mine. lol I do play Scruggs Style though.

[@Big-Red-Music]

They can hurt if not set up well!

[@johnsisk6575]

The better you sound to yourself, the better you will play.

[@Big-Red-Music]

I’ve been saying this for years!

[@johnsisk6575]

@@Big-Red-Music I've been doing this for years.

[@taterobinson1247]

Definently a difference in clarity

[@Big-Red-Music]

Definitely!

[@jayclose1945]

Different yes, better? That's up for debate

[@Big-Red-Music]

True!

[@nothomelessonyoutube]

My best guess isn't the sound. The biggest difference is for the comfort and aesthetic appreciation of the banjo owner. The more expensive is probably built better, made from nicer materials, and is probably built to last. That's why it costs more.

[@Big-Red-Music]

True but better equipment music wise usually means better sound. Not always the case but here I can see it

[@ItsJustVin]

I think the best difference is the players convenience, I recently got a used $1k banjo sold for cheap and it feels so much easier to play than my first $150 banjo

[@Big-Red-Music]

I can see that

[@zippygogo3660]

Cheap banjo doesn't look like it has the resonator on , so yea that would make a big difference in clarity , so in all honesty is this an honest comparison ?

[@Big-Red-Music]

Resonator is definitely on

[@zippygogo3660]

@@Big-Red-Music ok cool , I guess it just looks smaller , I watched the vid a few times and just wasn't sure

[@tellfile]

Yes, the first one had sort of thumpy hollow sound that I used to be so dissatisfied with on mine. Couldn't afford one that sounded like Ralph Stanley's. I wanted one that sounded so good that even though I couldn't play worth a flip, I could still enjoy its voice quality.

[@Big-Red-Music]

I feel that’s important when learning, is to find one that sounds good to you so you’ll play it more

[@blondienhouston4825]

Oh, Yeah! Much crisper on #2

[@Big-Red-Music]

I agree!

[@johnpeter1999]

There's about a $500 difference in sound

[@Big-Red-Music]

Depending on the banjo, that’s accurate

[@gregorywhite9095]

My friend bought a cheap banjo...like wrestling with a snake.

[@Big-Red-Music]

That’s a great analogy!

[@davidsawyer1599]

Yes. Do I know how to properly describe the difference? Heck, no.

[@Big-Red-Music]

Layman’s Terms are my favorite lol

[@peterscheffler3043]

Expensive one sounds crisper and brighter to me, but different types of songs and tunes sound better with different kinds of banjos. And maybe there are differences in playability, durability, ability to stay in tune, and of course how pretty they are. Most important, you are good enough that you can make any banjo sound great!

[@Big-Red-Music]

Good take!

[@vestro59]

Brightness in the tone

[@Big-Red-Music]

Yup!

[@jamiemyers4696]

yes! But not a big enough difference to say its worth an extra 3850

[@Big-Red-Music]

I can understand that!

[@PCH847]

Truthfully I believe your playing made both banjos sound rather good!! I’m learning to play and can say with conviction neither the cheap nor expensive banjo would improve my sound…lol

[@Big-Red-Music]

Thank you!

[@JJ_TheGreat]

Yeah, I believe I can hear the difference. The 2nd one had more richness in the background - lower-end.

[@Big-Red-Music]

Good ear!

[@oldgreen100]

Yes, but the cheap one is good in it's own way

[@Big-Red-Music]

Very true

[@Dorphie]

If there is it's not enough for me to notice or care.

[@Big-Red-Music]

Well. That’s a valid opinion lol

[@Photognick521]

Clarity Plain and simple. Can definitely hear a difference

[@Big-Red-Music]

Big difference for sure

[@johntomlinson-j6x]

actually thought the cheap one sounded better

[@Big-Red-Music]

It has its place for sure

[@kkh42792]

Banjos are like cars. The cheap one works just fine but the expensive ones are badass

[@Big-Red-Music]

Bingo!

[@smilingdog2219]

Yes, the expensive one had more pronounced tone & volume. The cheap model didn't sound terrible, especially when played by somebody who knows what they're doing.

[@Big-Red-Music]

Agreed. It depends on the feel you’re after at times.

[@garyblair1853]

To me it is like comparing day. And night

[@Big-Red-Music]

You are so right!

[@garyswanson7718]

Not $3850. difference !!!

[@Big-Red-Music]

Probably right lol

[@joshuajohnson7183]

Beautiful tone on the more expensive banjo.

[@Big-Red-Music]

Sure is!

[@cancelchannel3394]

Expensive banjo had more ring and clarity, cheap banjo sound was muffled, but both a good sound depending on what you like

[@Big-Red-Music]

Agreed!!

[@jimgardner5129]

More resonance, possibly extra harmonics? I'm only listening on my phone speaker. BTW, loving the T-shirt.

[@Big-Red-Music]

Thanks Jim!

[@pickngrimace2726]

The cheaper one actually has more low end fullness, but the expensive one "cuts better" because it has more treble / bass. I actually like the cheap one better (hate to admit it). I must be a heretic for saying this.

[@Big-Red-Music]

Blasphemy!!!! Haha! I actually understand through. Lows are hard to find on banjos in general!

[@IMadeThis123]

Expensive resonates better…the price is for inlay on the neck and better materials like woods, heads, etc.

[@Big-Red-Music]

Tone ring, labor etc

[@edwardr.hubbardjr.8280]

Cheap one sounds better.

[@Big-Red-Music]

Some like the darker tone

[@davidj898]

Difference is in the size of head of the banjo; smaller banjo has a bright sound and the larger has a warmer sound.

[@Big-Red-Music]

Same head size, crown height may be different though

[@fergyspoolshots]

I could tell the difference on from the very first D note. Your skill makes the cheaper banjo sound decent though.

[@Big-Red-Music]

Definite difference! Thank you!!

[@jeffreyklima7612]

The cheaper one sounds better😂

[@Big-Red-Music]

Hey it’s a free country lol..

[@victorrodriguez6920]

Sorry maybe i'm just not good enough but I can't tell no shit better difference

[@Big-Red-Music]

It happens lol

[@jackalbeam2532]

The sound difference is my wallet crying in agony.

[@Big-Red-Music]

Very true

[@kevinmencer3782]

The expensive one is more responsive and clear, but honestly, you're such a good player that the difference with you at the wheel is minimal.

[@Big-Red-Music]

Thanks man!

[@simonlinser8286]

Definite difference but the player just sounds good with any banjo. Ive heard a famous guitarist quoted as saying: a good guitarist can make even a bad guitar sound great, and if someone blames the instrument they're not that good. Something like that at least.

[@Big-Red-Music]

Pretty accurate there!

[@tylerwilson5534]

The more expensive one sounds sharper. But the cheap one sounds good too. But u can hear a slight difference. Nice pick'n

[@Big-Red-Music]

Thank ya!

[@darpope2752]

Which sound ring is in the neckville? It sounds wonderful, so rich and full. BUT is the sound worth the cost?

[@Big-Red-Music]

The more expensive one is a Hatfield! It has a Blaylock ring. I’m a penny pincher so my response is biased lol.

[@darpope2752]

Beautiful banjo, beautiful sound!

[@jackedwards7420]

Yeah i heard the difference, the "cheap" one sounded much, much better than the "expensive" one!

[@Big-Red-Music]

Everyone’s ears are different!

[@PFCBeetleBailey]

Big difference, but your picking could make a cigar box sound great

[@Big-Red-Music]

Thanks buddy!

[@jimmysutton286]

Yes

[@colincleary5972]

Is the cheap one a harley benton by chance?

[@Big-Red-Music]

It’s actually an older Kay!

[@thomasfoss9963]

Ahh-- I have an old Kay guitar that still sounds great

[@greenboyatgafarms2250]

pretty good bit different however I'd never and hell pay $4,000 for it

[@Big-Red-Music]

You should go price Pre War Gibsons lol.

[@greenboyatgafarms2250]

@@Big-Red-Music no thank you the only thing I play is the radio😂

[@wsearp]

I hear the difference but not enough for me to cough up $4,000.00....

[@Big-Red-Music]

For me, it’s always been tough to let go of money so I understand that

[@wsearp]

@@Big-Red-Music I have a Washburn five string that I would put up against any other banjo..... Yeah, it may be slightly less in sound but only an expert would tell the difference........ It's the set up that really counts....

[@AxelPlaysMusic]

I would love a comparison between a $1000 banjo like the gold tone OB150 or Rekording King RK35, vs the $4000 one in this video! I wonder what the quality and sound difference really is

[@Big-Red-Music]

I plan on doing that soon!

[@AxelPlaysMusic]

@@Big-Red-Music Cool! btw your playing is insane, I love how good your rolls sound. Very balanced and completely in control!

[@RickRaddatz-g6v]

Who cares when it's corn bread and chicken and front porch pickin

[@Big-Red-Music]

Good point

[@Mascotal]

The cheap one reminded me of the hillbilly on "Deliverance". Job done.

[@Big-Red-Music]

Pretty accurate there lol

[@Joe-xg3pj]

Not a $3850 difference

[@Big-Red-Music]

It’s not for everybody I reckon!

[@GuruishMike]

Well, it's a bit hard to tell since I'm listening on crappy macbok air speakers, but I think the more expensive one sounded like the notes were crisper, each note was distinct, and it had a brighter sound. I liked the cheap banjo as well tho, maybe more than the expensive one.

[@Big-Red-Music]

Each brings something different to the table

[@patrikkis3584]

As a guitar player, I think the expensive one is brighter, but the real difference is in the huge amount of little details that add up to be a much better instrument

[@Big-Red-Music]

Bingo my friend!

[@JJ_TheGreat]

“Brighter”? Really? I heard more from the background/bass of the more expensive one! So I would call it “Warmer” or “Richer”… Isn’t “Brighter” the opposite of “Warmer”? Unless tones for banjo are different.

[@mojo3443]

You throw a tone ring in the cheap one it’ll make it sound 10 times better. That’s the difference. The $150 one doesn’t have a tone ring and the resonator is completely different as well

[@Big-Red-Music]

Both true

[@plucknpick6414]

The real difference is when you play with other instruments ! I suspect the more expensive one plays better with other instruments. I always purchase a banjo when I can play it with other instruments before I buy!

[@Big-Red-Music]

Good Point!

[@nunyab.1678]

There is, but not 3850 dollars worth.

[@Big-Red-Music]

That’s the case with most people!

[@jefftrask8651]

Huge difference not only in sound but playability

[@Big-Red-Music]

Oh yea!

[@damon7956]

The expensive one sounded better, but the cheaper one didn't sound bad, didn't have quite as much punch or clarity. The expensive one seems to ring out a little more.

[@Big-Red-Music]

That tone ring helps!

[@oldguysrule-iv7sh]

Yep, more distinct sound in the high dollar,is it the tone ring

[@Big-Red-Music]

That ring helps!

[@brittanyneiswinger3561]

Yes big difference! Sound is way more smooth not quite as boxy sounding as the cheap one. But im sure theres some that sound just as good thats alot cheaper

[@Big-Red-Music]

Good ear!

[@stevewolfe3214]

I could hear the difference. Recently, I was in a Music store and could hear the difference better in person. Also, even Steve Martin takes his lesser banjo into the swamp as witnessed by the video during the pandemic

[@Big-Red-Music]

Good ole Steve is a fun guy