Tenor Banjo

[Em Tee]

I am thinking of purchasing a tenor banjo in the $500 range. Suggestions on brands and models? Looking for something i don't have to do much for set up. Plan to tune it GDAE.

[AndyV]

What genre(s) will you play?

[Jill McAuley]

In your price range (though you might need to go maybe $100 higher) I'd be looking for a used Gold Tone IT-250 or a Deering Goodtime tenor banjo. Of the two, I'd lean more towards the Gold Tone, mainly because I've never been a particular fan of the Deering Goodtime range, but lots of folks like 'em so your mileage may vary. Another option is to look for a vintage tenor banjo - you could possibly find one of the lower range Vega open back tenor banjos, Slingerland Maybell, or a variety of differently branded Lange made tenors in your price range with the caveat that they may need a fair bit of work to make them playable, and you want to ensure that they don't suffer from a warped neck.

[Charles E.]

Spot on.

[Harley Marty]

Over here in Ireland I’ve noticed that Framus tenors are a popular choice in that kind of price range. I don’t know a lot about them, they don’t sound as offensive as some of the other cheapies about

[Bernie Daniel]

OP, did you see this over on the banjo hangout? It appears to be great condition Gold Tone Tenor IT 250 with HSC and tuned like a mandolin. Them's good banjers

https://www.banjohangout.org/classified/70932

[Mike Snyder]

My Orpheum #1 wasn’t much more than the stated amount. Did need some work, though.

[derbex]

I have an ancient Vega F http://www.banjobuyer.com/banjo/22124 they sound very good. If you can find one with uprated tuners all the better.

[Bernie Daniel]

I "made" a 1929 Gibson TB-3 from an original neck and pot and then added in an appropriate flange and found a great 1960's Gibson tone flathead tone ring for it. Killer tenor.