First Fretless

[Banjo Hound]

Greetings from the UK

So I think I may be ready to take the plunge and buy my first minstrel banjo! Living in the U.K means my options are restricted unless I import which adds extra postage & 23% duty!

Any recommendations and advice would be welcome.

Many thanks

Eric

[Paul Draper]

Possibilities.... flatfootjohnny.com or ballardbanjers.com Both makers are in the U.K.

[Paul Draper]

Here's one of Ballard's banjos, played by Anthony: http://minstrelbanjo.ning.com/video/boston-jig-buckley-1860

[Banjo Hound]

Thanks Paul,

I'm aware of both these guys but I'm not sure if I can afford their prices! I appreciate, however, that I may have little choice.

Like your videos by the way.

Eric




Paul Draper said:

Here's one of Ballard's banjos, played by Anthony: http://minstrelbanjo.ning.com/video/boston-jig-buckley-1860

[Chris Prieto]

My first fretless banjo was a Prust. it was cheap and I played it for a good year and half before I got a Bell banjo. It isnt the best banjo by any means but it got me going in the right direction.

Prices start at $200 so it's low enough to where the shipping and 23% should still be less than the banjos by both UK makers.

http://www.chloesgarden.com/Banjos%20on%20Web/Prust%20Banjos/Pricin...

[Chris Prieto]

Aaand if you stalk eBay the kits are sometimes even cheaper!

[Banjo Hound]

Thanks guys.

The Prust is on my radar as is the Gardner one that Tim did a review on. Andy Banjo in the UK also make a modern fretless banjo as do Deering but I'm not sure what to think about those.

Anther option is for me to wait until I come to the USA, next year and then bring one home with me as a "souvenir". That's a long time! 

Meantime I'll carry on with my starter banjo that I have put minstrel strings.  

Regards

Eric