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Oct 5, 2024 - 12:16:17 PM
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2 posts since 10/28/2023

I am interested in purchasing an open-back travel banjo for an upcoming sailing trip that will be tight quarters. I have seen a few online that are collapsible but have no idea what to look for. Any advice?

Oct 5, 2024 - 1:31:29 PM

3734 posts since 12/31/2005

Budget?

Oct 5, 2024 - 2:00:10 PM

465 posts since 2/22/2019

Nechville OB with Helimount would allow banjo to be easily taken apart.

Oct 5, 2024 - 3:18:13 PM
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224 posts since 9/1/2020

Are you sure you want it to 'break-down'?
That basically requires a set-up each time you do that, then play...
Maybe just think in terms of compact/lightweight.
Short scale banjos can be fun and easy.

Also, knowing your budget can help people advise. 

Edited by - Bruce Berry Banjos on 10/05/2024 15:20:50

Oct 5, 2024 - 3:23:30 PM

465 posts since 2/22/2019

If its a Nechville Helimount breakdown/setup is not an issue.

Oct 5, 2024 - 4:29:17 PM

159 posts since 11/14/2022

No Deering affiliation, but got a Goodtime Jr. for my young son to play. I use it frequently to mess around on. Surprisingly good sound, compact and high quality. Standard tuning, too. Kind of pricey, but worth it.
deeringbanjos.com/products/goo...-jr-banjo

Edited by - GeeBeeThreefinger on 10/05/2024 16:30:25

Oct 5, 2024 - 5:11 PM

3734 posts since 12/31/2005

quote:
Originally posted by GeeBeeThreefinger

No Deering affiliation, but got a Goodtime Jr. for my young son to play. I use it frequently to mess around on. Surprisingly good sound, compact and high quality. Standard tuning, too. Kind of pricey, but worth it.
deeringbanjos.com/products/goo...-jr-banjo


There is a used one in the classifieds:  https://www.banjohangout.org/classified/106438

Oct 5, 2024 - 6:46:42 PM
Players Union Member

tonygo

USA

171 posts since 12/29/2022

quote:
Originally posted by GeeBeeThreefinger

No Deering affiliation, but got a Goodtime Jr. for my young son to play. I use it frequently to mess around on. Surprisingly good sound, compact and high quality. Standard tuning, too. Kind of pricey, but worth it.
deeringbanjos.com/products/goo...-jr-banjo


Good banjo, put nylon strings on it for going to sea. 

Oct 5, 2024 - 7:35:22 PM
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1 posts since 9/22/2018

I like the Goldtone AC-Traveler, inexpensive and durable. I keep one in my car. Much better would be the Goodtime Jr (which I actually have for sale in the Banjo Hangout classifieds!).

Oct 5, 2024 - 11:57:32 PM
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pfalzgrass

Germany

104 posts since 9/13/2017

quote:
Originally posted by kathrynf

I am interested in purchasing an open-back travel banjo for an upcoming sailing trip that will be tight quarters. I have seen a few online that are collapsible but have no idea what to look for. Any advice?


I am a sailor too, so here is my experience with sailing and banjos:

First thing to consider, it is always remarkable humid on sailboats, so don't bring an expensive banjo! The wood might suffer.

Have a heavy padded gigbag to store the banjo. When sailing hard and the vessel is heeling, things slide around in the cabin.

I have used tranjo banjos for sailing, they use a different construction for the body and have a compact size. 

Oct 6, 2024 - 7:53:41 AM
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15953 posts since 6/2/2008

quote:
Originally posted by kathrynf

I am interested in purchasing an open-back travel banjo for an upcoming sailing trip that will be tight quarters. I have seen a few online that are collapsible but have no idea what to look for. Any advice?


I've only seen the $2900 Sloan Jo2Go and the $1200 Farris Tranjo. Plus one or two used Tranjos for under $800.

For a sailing trip, my advice would be to spend as little as you can because besides wanting a banjo that doesn't take up much space I believe you want one you don't mind exposing to the salt air or even possibly getting splashed.

Between the two I mentioned, I'd go with the Tranjo. It sounds good enough.

But what I actually did in your situation exactly two years ago for a short October cruise on a schooner sailing out of Rockland, Maine, was to buy a full sized used Rover RB35 for around $300 shipped. Its head is under 11 inches and its resonator seems a bit smaller than typical. In a gig bag, it was compact enough. During the day, it was on our bed. At night, I think it was standing in a corner. Had I not won the eBay auction for it I was going to buy either a Gold Tone AC-1 or RK Dirty Thirties open back for under $300. I also brought a guitar in a gig bag.

If your situation is similar (meaning space in your cabin is only a concern during the day when you're not there) my advice is to determine whether a folding banjo is absolutely necessary. If it isn't, then go with an inexpensive full sized open back that might prove to be compact enough. 

Good luck.

Oct 6, 2024 - 9:57:51 AM
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2 posts since 10/28/2023

This is all such great advice. I am now rethinking the collapsible option...a cheap banjo seems to be the way to go. We pick up our boat in Tortola, BVI. I haven't ever tried to fly with a banjo and am worried about being able to actually bring it on. I haven't consulted the forum threads yet but my guess is that there is advice about how to make sure the airline allows you to take a banjo in the cabin!

Oct 6, 2024 - 10:14:35 AM

15953 posts since 6/2/2008

What fun! We were guests on a tri-maran cruise out of Tortola 20 years ago. For one of our host's planned events, I bought a new inexpensive guitar, put it in a hard case and checked it. It arrived fine.

Do search the threads here. I believe you're supposed to be able to bring an instrument on board and put it in the overhead. You might have to treat that as your 1 carry-on, not your "personal item."

I know of people who in fact take the neck off, put the disassembled banjo in their carry-on and put tools in their checked bag. But that does require the ability to reassemble a banjo and get the action right.

Good luck whatever you decide.

Oct 10, 2024 - 4:47:38 PM

7 posts since 10/9/2024

People make banjoleles that are like 26 inches.

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