(HELP) Which one of these open-back should I get as a first banjo?
Hey everyone,
I’m looking to buy my first banjo and could use some advice.
I’m mainly into old-time / mountain sound (planning to play clawhammer), so I’m looking at open-back banjos. My budget is around €500.
I’m based in Europe, so Thomann is pretty much the only reliable shop I’ve found, and these are the models I’m considering:
- Gold Tone AC-1 (~€295)
- Gold Tone AC-12A (~€369 – only available as A-scale on Thomann)
- Recording King RK-OT25 (~€492, or ~€455 B-stock)
- Gold Tone CC Carlin 12 (~€743 – currently unavailable on Thomann, expected in a few months)
Right now I’m leaning more towards the RK-OT25 and the CC Carlin 12, but since this is my first banjo I’m not sure if going for something at that level makes sense.
Would you recommend starting with something cheaper first, or investing a bit more from the beginning?
Is the jump in quality worth for a beginner?
Also, if anyone knows other reliable shops in Europe that carry these (especially the CC Carlin 12), I’d really appreciate it.
Thanks a lot!