Ultimate Banjo Comparison!

[@danyjr]

Rickard Maple Ridge - 0:39 Buckbee “Union Forever” - 1:30 Mike Ramsey “Chanterelle” Fretless - 2:22 Nate Calkins Mountain Banjo - 3:14 Pisgah 6 String Banjo - 4:07 Lyon & Healy “Sprague Concert” - 5:42 Barry Sholder Gourd Banjo - 6:31

[@JamesWilliamHoughton]

Love the mellow sound of those nylagut strings

[@joephillips4082]

I love the clawhammer style, and you execute it beautifully. I couldn't choose a favorite banjo; each was unique and spoke in its own way. I was most surprised by the clarity and punch of the mountain banjo. I didn't expect that tone, very enjoyable.

[@wutangclaney]

Just when I cut myself off from any more banjos. 😂 Love that Pisgah 6 string tubaphone. Great video, thanks man!

[@sheriewelsford]

The ones I really liked were Rickard Maple Ridge, Mike Ramsey “Chanterelle” Fretless, and the Pisgah 6 String Banjo. The Barry Sholder Gourd Banjo sounded very similar to a sittar. Thanks for sharing this.

[@peterpicker850]

I had the exact same three picked out before I read your comment!

[@fhsdohsdolj234]

Thanks, Baron! This video has sold me on the 6 string Pisgah 12" Tubaphone! Just bought one and I can't wait!

[@jagervolant7871]

I like the 2nd one

[@MrHacienda1]

Very nice Baron: You really can hear the differences among the banjos..and as a bonus, i'm going to learn that tune you played so well. I love the "plunky" sound of the banjo. I stuff a sock into the back of mine. Keep up the great videos.

[@loutherrell665]

Nice demonstration. I prefer steel strings for sure and the Tubaphone tone ring.

[@maritimesmusic2182]

Hi, do you have a tab of the version of "rats Gone to Rest" that you play. Thanks

[@N_A_Lund]

Big fan of the 14” spunover. Very antique sound, but BIG.

[@terryhill6935]

Realizing 4 years has gone by. But the first banjo Rickard had a growl the others didn’t. The last one Healey (Giant pot) awesome deep 4 th string.

[@glasswinder]

That was great. I can't wait to get myself another banjo 🎉🎉

[@bladerunner9646]

I liked the fretless and Lyon and Healy the best but they were all great. Thank you so much for the comparison.

[@lindathompson195]

I love claw hammer. I have a Good Time open back. I really enjoyed that. Thank you. I really loved the sound of all of them especially the 6 string.

[@lindathompson195]

Why do you have a rolled up cloth in back?

[@mandobaron]

@@lindathompson195 it mellows out the sound a little bit

[@jimburke4070]

Thanks Baron. This is the best comparison video I have seen.

[@ROCKINGMAN]

Beautiful old banjos, always reminds of those films, when you see a scene of the country with an air of romance or mystery. Great sound especially with a guitar, nothing like old country music. Which is a good modern cheapish open back model?

[@commonsurvivor]

Bruhhh,, the first one and that 6 string were amazing😍

[@carrieaceae1233]

Awesome comparison, thank you. What features makes it more plucky? Specifically between the first and second banjo? What would i search for to get a sound more similar to the second one?

[@craigmitchell8892]

what allows that Lyon & Healy “Sprague Concert” banjo to be tuned lower? I've been trying to figure out how to get a banjo to tune lower than a full step below the standard but never get a clear answer. I understand that nylon strings can be tuned a bit lower and long neck banjos can tune a bit lower than normal but I see people playing what look like normal 5 strings with steel strings and are achieving a lower sound, and how this is done eludes me... I'm not looking to get a cello banjo either this video is very useful

[@mandobaron]

@@craigmitchell8892 I’m not sure with steel strings, but there is a nylon “minstrel” set that tunes low. With steel it would be a matter of heavier string gauges, but I don’t know what they would be. I bet someone on the banjo hangout forum could help.

[@garybridgham5432]

I have JUST GOT START MAKING the folk banjoes I have plans for; I am retired and I am not dancing; I have no excuse. Arghh! P.S. I love the comparison video!!!

[@harvdog5669]

Hello sir.. Thankyou for the comparison,, but actually please remake the video using no rags in banjos, so we can get the real sound as they are and then put the rags back in for another round.. Thankyou..

[@marcioaraujos1]

Hi, Baron, How you're doing? I'm Márcio, in Brazil, I bought an open back Rover RB-20, trying to learn a little of this wonderful music style called Bluegrass, bit, after positioning the bridge and tuning the banjo, the strings vibrante a little when playing...can tou help me with this issue?

[@yvesserayet8114]

comment s'appelle le morceau que tu joues ? bravo

[@jeetray11]

All banjos sounded the way they should but the Gourd banjo pulled in some extra miles. Is it the banjo or the mic and recording I don't know but surely one can make a ton of good music with that instrument.

[@erichuet]

Great comparison Baron! Thanks a lot for this contribution! However I have one question: why do you put a piece fabric inside the rim? I do that when I play late and don’t want to bother my family. But for a test…!!! This definitely changes the sound!

[@Curdog49]

I think the gourd banjo sounded best with the slow speed and simple melody.

[@marinevet7273]

What scale length and nut width do you like for Clawhammer

[@charleswatson7154]

Buckbee!

[@wandering128]

Enjoyed that, thank you!

[@y.d.firstblood4681]

those are beautiful each one. do the each have same number of frets? much respect

[@robertjohnson1246]

Wait! do you do banjo tutorials now??

[@oldie4210]

I liked the Pisgah the best

[@quintinpace2627]

I guess I need a Dobson tone ring

[@Prajnana]

I'll second that! Best balance across the strings; the pronounced volume and sustain of the bass strings on the 12" rim instruments tended to muddle their overall ring, IMO.

[@Bowsersworld.]

really helpful video!

[@60beats44]

Thank you very much Baron. Which one of these would you choose as your 'if you had to take only one to a deserted island' banjo?

[@jameschristiansson3137]

He's still pondering your question carefully.

[@fiddleexpress-beckfamilyband]

Very informative, great video ☺️

[@stringfever0151]

Awesome!

[@tylerjones7310]

Do you ve bluegrass five string resonator banjos?

[@davidoverturf3465]

Hi Baron, thanks for the review. I'm wondering why you have so many banjos in your collection? Do you find the differences in each enough to guide you to one or the other depending on the tune, tuning, sound, or style? Or are you enamored of the owning so many fine instruments? Thanks!

[@mandobaron]

I'm generally interested in learning about all the different kinds of instruments, and they come and go, I don't tend to hang on to them all. In general, I find it useful to have a fretted, fretless, and the gourd banjo, but if I could only have one it would probably be the Rickard.

[@anonymousperson4363]

No regular bluegrass/resonator banjo?

[@erichayden1144]

The best part of this video is that you may have finally solved the equation to answer the age old question once and for all: What is the correct number of banjos to own?

[@luxfair]

The first one has the best tone. Hands down.