$500 Banjo VS $2000 Banjo Comparison | banjo vs banjo showdown | Product review

[@BanjoLemonade]

Is the Pisgah 4 X’s better than the Gold Tone? What do you guys think?

[@chuckjeffery944]

Yes. And “ Made in the USA “ by country folks.

[@jambonejim1249]

Very useful video for me as I'm thinking of taking up the instrument. To my completely non-banjo ear the custom Pisgah has a richer more full tone, but I can say that neither is offensive. The Gold is brighter and would cut through more maybe. Anyway, cheers food for thought this was.

[@jmoffitt36]

Absolutely it's a solid hand crafted instrument with top of line components. Sounds amazing and well balanced. The Gold tones sounds great and has its own character, at times even prefer it. It is a work horse dings and weathering just gives it character. It's the one you play around the campfire and backyard jams.

[@markh9875]

Well, there are always diminishing returns as the price goes up. An instrument that costs four times as much might be "only" 10% better or 50% better or twice as good - whatever that means. Whether it is _worth_ four times as much money depends on what the player/owner wants and how much s/he wants it. I think with bluegrass banjos (resonator banjos played in Scruggs style), the price stops making a difference in the sound somewhere between 1500 and 3000 dollars. With _new_ banjos, most of the added expense above 1500 dollars is engraving, inlays, gold parts, etc. When dealing with antique instruments, the calculus will be different, of course.

[@hurdyg1]

they both sound great but I like the $500.00 silver tone better as it has a more woody tone and the other Banjo has a more brassy tone which I am not found of.

[@b.arc.5118]

Thank you for this great video, great playing, thought and work. Your set up on the Pisgah -esp. the pot hardware is gorgeous, and it sounds great.

[@BanjoLemonade]

Thank you kindly!

[@greyhairedpoetaster4838]

To me the big difference was the tone, yes, but also the sustain (fourth string is the test) of the Pisgah. Big difference. Whether there is a $1500 difference probably doesn't matter. Comes down to wanting to sound as good as you can on the instrument you decide to play. And THAT comes after you've essentially learned how to play it. Thus, a beginner and journeyman model, with a price tag to match. Thanks for the video. It was a good comparison and I agree with your assessments as well. Also, nice claw-hammer playing.

[@pauljosephbuggle3722]

I like them both but I must admit that the Pisgah has a beautiful sound. As you said yourself, you play it all the time. It gives you a lot of pleasure and it has sentimental value. I reckon you'll get a good return through the joy you'll feel playing it. Owning something you love is one of life's pleasures. In 20 years time you'll have forgotten how much it cost. However, buying a beginners banjo is something different and that Goldtone is fine. Banjo players are obsessive and I reckon each of us had to go through a few banjos to get the right one for us. I bought a banjo handmade by a luthier in WV ( Don Kawalek) for 850 dollars and I paid another 100 dollars for a scoop and spikes. But it got caught in customs in Spain and I had to stump up 25% in import duty. Then they lost it. It went missing for a month somewhere in Madrid. The luthier and myself went through hell reclaiming. Eventually, they found it and sent it too me. We decided to call it Papillion because it escaped from Devil's Island. So how am I ever going to part with it. I paid for it 3 times, first the banjo, then the taxes, and then the drama in Madrid. Instruments should tell stories and yours tells the story of your patrons' appreciation, that money came from all around and little by little. You've earned it. (mind you Pisgah ain't cheap)

[@BanjoLemonade]

Hahah Papillion, I really enjoyed that movie by the way. Not sure how accurate it was, but it was great. Yes you’ll keep it forever because of the adventure. Pisgah’s are not cheap no, but for their non-custom models around $1300 is very competitive with other makers. Thanks Paul!

[@CharlieDavis-ww4zf]

Lovely review. I really appreciate your work. I thought the Goldtone sounded better for the first tune but not for the others, but there was certainly not enough difference to justify an extra $1500. However, I have lately been converted to nylon strings, and to me now any banjo sounds better and plays easier if you abandon steel.

[@johnschneider4160]

I have a custom cherrywood Pisgah with a Dobson tone ring. In comparison with my Deering Goodtime, the Pisgah has a deep, yet clear tone that rings like a bell. You could say it has a "contralto" voice. But I still like my Deering Goodtime for its clean sharp sound, too. I used D'Addario strings.

[@darpope2752]

THE best video you've done so far!!!! Your audio clips were brilliant. "Barefoot" sound clips from both banjos to compare. The volume difference aside, the Pisgah did sound 4 times better, richer, fuller, better highs, mid, lows, better substation. You admitted the Pisgah played easier than the Gold Tone. Was it twice as easy to play? That makes the Pisgah a $1000 banjo. As you move up the neck, you said it was yet easier to play. How were the hammer on's, pull off's, slides? Over all, do you feel that's a $2000 banjo? AND PLEASE, don't feel guilty that your fans, helped you to buy a nice banjo. You've helped us learn how to play music. You take time from your family to help us. You bought the a/v equipment, and computers to make the videos for us. You work to help kids buy and learn how to play disclaimers. You give more than you might guess, to people you don't know. When God blesses you for the good you do, don't be embarrassed by his blessings! Remember the prayer of Jabez's, Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain. I Chronicles 4:10

[@BanjoLemonade]

Thanks, I actually ended up selling this banjo (pisgah), still have the gold tone. It wasn’t “the one” if that makes any sense to you. I’ve had a Stone custom banjo now for over a year and I absolutely love it and won’t sell it. Costs a lot less than Pisgah, better all around in my opinion.

[@darpope2752]

@@BanjoLemonade Hahahaha! I understand where you're coming from. Finding the right banjo is like finding the person you want to marry. You can't always explain it, but you know love when you find it. My wife has several banjos (more than ten) at all kinds of price levels. She has a Pisgah, and some, even more expensive instruments. Her favorite one keeps changing, but she has a forever second favorite that costs less than $200 new. It's made by a friend of your's, and the nicest guy I've ever dealt with. The guy who owns Backyard Music (backyardmusic.com). He makes a "cardboard" banjo (not really cardboard, it's a slice of the round concrete tubes they use to pour footings on construction sights). AND with a wood neck, and parts, it's a real durable beginner/travel banjo tunned to standard G. You GOTTA get one and review it on your channel!!!! Talk about something fun to play... I'm learning how to play Amazing Grace on a banjo! No bluegrass rolls yet, but who knows what the future holds for me!!!! Hahahaha!!!!

[@jethrobodine4638]

Great video Mandy! seems the Gold Tone has a lower/deeper sound and the Pisgah is brighter?? hard to explain. i totally agree on the lower end model can be taken anywhere. as a photographer i have a 3k camera and a 800 dollar camera, both do the job, but i do not haul my more expensive/heavier camera everywhere but i sure use it on events that count. i have the Deering Goodtime Americana and love it, no tone ring, but seems to put out the sound. i fell in love with the sound of the Deering Vega Vintage Star banjo with the Dobson tone ring so i bought that as well. i can feel the difference in the two banjos ($900 vs $2300) and i really like them both, i think they both have their place. i would say though the Vega Vintage Star would be the one i pull out on events that count.

[@martin701]

Hi. Great video as always! I live in the UK and have been playing for around 19 months. It’s addictive of course and I’m loving the journey. I started off with a fairly high end UK banjo from a fairly new company that was named after a famous explorer (I’m sure you will know which or will Google it). I just could not get along with it at all and the build quality in my view was not great for the price. I sold it. I now have a fantastic banjo made by a UK maker near Winchester in the UK. I absolutely love it. The point I would make is that you can pay a little or a lot but if you don’t get on with the instrument don’t buy it! If you do, grasp it with both hands. The second banjo maker, who is now becoming well known and who I seriously think will become the new Romero in time, said something to me I won’t forget: “you need an instrument you WANT to pick up. It’s no good sitting on the banjo stand”. Wise words I think. Keep up the great work!

[@BanjoLemonade]

Very good points Martin! I agree of course, if it’s not a pleasure to play, you won’t play it.

[@patricklebon1943]

I made banjos by my own. I orderd two banjos from Pisgah because these are better than what I made. ;)

[@kenvorland]

Awesome video as always banjo girl ,B.G.. Rock on

[@michaelrobinsonphd1311]

I thought the Gold Tone had a muddier sound. The Pisgah was very clear, I'm not sure how much of that was the wood, construction, or the difference between a rolled brass ring in the GT and the expensive tone ring in your Pisgah. The culmination of all three I would suppose. I have had the Gold Tone in years past, I too found it to be a fine instrument, but obviously, as you have shown, you get what you pay for, and I agree, just get a banjo and play. I love your playing. May God richly bless you. Michael

[@BanjoLemonade]

Thank you Michael. I only did it for fun anyway and to prove my point about it not mattering one little bit. Just get one and play it. Thank you so much for the blessing! It means a lot. May God Bless you and yours as well with peace, mercy, and grace!

[@darkmysterytemple]

My advice is to focus on the wood. I do not even like tone rings unless wood. Also weight is an issue especially if you ever stand up to play. I generally would not buy over 1000$ unless it has good resale value. Bone tuners slip less but not a big deal. Invest in a good strap , be comfortable playing it and you must like the sound. The sound you like. And why not like what it looks like too. A nice video.

[@johnellsworth5697]

Great video! I learned so much. thank you.

[@johnnybx3254]

Your piggy sounds wonderful! Your goldi is a great treasure because you cut your teeth on it 👍👏👏👏

[@BanjoLemonade]

Thanks John!

[@jerryharbin340]

Very informative. Thank you. I am in my 70s and just started learning Banjo. I like both banjos but the Pisgah has a rounder, more meaty tone to me. I am a retired professional musician, a singer and choir director. Enjoyed your presentation very much.

[@BanjoLemonade]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ukekeysandbees]

Great review Mandy! The Pisgah sounds better ...but I find my banjo sounds different/rubbish if I haven't played it for a while, and also what location it's in, .. once it's played for 20 minutes it's ok again. The string near the edge is also a nuisance on some other banjos too, sounds like the wider neck is the answer to that, the best sounding banjo I have is a Gold Tone MC150 RP, it sounds really nice and the tone ring is a really heavy alloy, the pot is 3/4'' Maple so it's a heavy banjo to handle for stand up gigs.

[@BanjoLemonade]

Thanks Bill. For sure with the 20 minutes, haha. You and I both know that any banjo in your hands is a good banjo (for the moment). Nice, your videos definitely show it too.

[@juniorco3109]

depending on which song, they alternated on which sounded better....

[@mutangpadan5311]

It's quite obvious that the Pisgah sounds more 'stable.' But at 2k for an open back is quite a sum to me. I might go for a Deering with the tone ring for more than half the amount.

[@BanjoLemonade]

Yep couldn’t agree more.

[@ToolsAreToys]

I have two banjos. One is a super cheap chinese mass produced thing that cost me about $50 new, shipped from the factory in china. The other is a fairly high/mid end fender banjo that had really good reviews that I was lucky enough to get a great deal on. The thing is, I have owned the "cheap" chinese banjo for a lot longer, I have grown used to it and because it was so cheap i have not been afraid to make some minor modifications and adjustments to it over the years. With some time and healthy wear and tear, it is pretty unrecognizable from when I bought it. I barely touch my "Expensive" one now, but play the chinese cheapo almost every day.

[@pennythecat]

Of course if you are starting out to learn the banjo there is no need for a fine instrument you would no doubt appreciate. Once you commit and make progress in your craft, you might be able to understand the value of the more expensive instrument. In my mind, the 2k banjo is absolutely worth it-it has a warm, full tone and I love the look of the fretboard. I disagree with you regarding taking the 2k banjo out of the house-I’d take it everywhere-you just need to be mindful, but it probably needs a few nicks and bumps from the “road” to get the tone just right. Also, you had a choice what to do with your Patron money you earned, so in fact you did buy a 2k banjo with your money. I say good choice because it makes you and probably your family very happy-and that is something to take pleasure in. Another good video (although you need to work on that sunshine/lighting!!)

[@BanjoLemonade]

Oh my goodness that first ding I will feel the pain. Haha. I love the look of the fretboard too! They have a black material fretboard but I wanted the natural look way more. That sunshine is a tough cookie, she does what she likes. Thanks for commenting!

[@tracnunya7165]

I got the mulucky b1102 200 bucks and it banjoes just fine

[@craigjacob3704]

Great video thank you.

[@j.h.holliday5748]

I'd choose the Gold Tone any day. Much better sound than the Pisgah.

[@BanjoLemonade]

Thanks for commenting!

[@carlallen5096]

Great

[@braillynn]

How do you get the artwork on the head?

[@BanjoLemonade]

repidograph pens and sharpie

[@tomreilly2704]

I don’t have two thousand to spend on a banjo either, but as you said a 500 dollar banjo you will be upgrading in a few years so at what price point will you upgrade to so that you don’t have to upgrade again but under 2000 dollars is 1000 dollars the key or between 1000 and 2000 and please name a few manufacturers if possible thank you in advance,enjoy your videos

[@BanjoLemonade]

If I made it sound like you can’t get by forever with a $500 banjo, then I misspoke. Because you can. Typically people do want to upgrade though after a few years. Doesn’t mean you need or have to do so. I really like my $1300 Bart Reiter Standard.

[@bigxpredator599]

I was watching your lesson on wagon wheel and I was wondering do I do double thumb for the whole song or just when “I made it down the coast” verse starts playing?

[@BanjoLemonade]

Double thumb whenever you like.

[@darkmysterytemple]

@@BanjoLemonade Beautiful reply and just how it should be.

[@zm6658]

awesome video. subbed!

[@BanjoLemonade]

👍

[@Merkinmacher]

Thank you for this- lovely

[@BanjoLemonade]

Thanks!

[@jtravis76]

Both have a great sound. Enjoyed all The sound clips. The Gold Tone has more grit, so if I were playing a coal mining song or something similar, this would be my pick. The other is more angelic sounding and I believe that all the angels in Heaven will be playing this banjo over the golden harp. he he

[@BanjoLemonade]

I agree Jeremy!

[@tedtedsen269]

REMEMBER a small difference can mean a lot to a good musician it don't necessarily needs to be BIG

[@billanthony1426]

love this review. but none are 12"

[@BanjoLemonade]

I don’t like a 12” pot, sorry. Just not right for me personally but they sound great.

[@dragonflyn52]

Enjoyed. Von

[@BanjoLemonade]

Thanks

[@drpacman9996]

The pisgah sounds more delicate, warmer in places but some how brighter at the same time. I would imagine the difference is more pronounced not through my iPhone, also the difference to a novice will probably be non existent

[@tomreilly2704]

That being said that you don’t have to upgrade from the goldstone, you did mention you really like your Bart Reiter at 1300 dollars , is the Pisgah at 2000 a big jump up in playability? What would you look at in the 800 to 1000 range or save and wait .

[@BanjoLemonade]

Bart Reiter all the way. For me anyway. Reiter has one for $1100 I think.

[@gijsbertuslaurensvandevooren]

2000 sound marvelous. 500 average.

[@veroldaley1]

It was good listening to the review ,to me it depends on the tune you were playing ,on the whole the more expensive Banjo sounds just that bit better but 1500 dollars better maybe not

[@BanjoLemonade]

Thank you for your thoughts on it. I agree.