Great review, Gabe! I really enjoy my OB3 and was curious about the Bela Fleck model. Thanks for discussing the differences! Please folks, stick around (or jump to) the end and hear Gabe play...It's worth it.
I have heard great things about this banjo. It seems from everything I have seen that Gold Tone is doing good things. I played the Twanger and was impressed - and not just for the price - for any price!
Gabe, I have a early seventy’s walnut Fender Artist Banjo. I could have Gold Tone install this model neck on it. My dilemma is, I’m not sure if I would like a radius neck or not. Other than that, it might prove to be an interesting sounding banjo being that it’s two different types of wood. What do you think? I do enjoy your videos. Please keep making them.
Thanks for this review, Gabe!! It sounds great. I got mine from Gold Tone about a month ago and have been obsessed with how it feels. Though i recently discovered a crack in the neck and had to send it back to Gold Tone. :( They're sending me another brand new one and should get here soon hopefully!! Maybe you said this in another vid, but it v much feels like the tone of the banjo "jumps out" of the pot, and your playing on it sounds fantastic. I'm a broke ass grad student so something like a Nechville is not in the cards for a while, and I appreciate how much you really get with this price tag. Also for pickers who are interested in the more contemporary sound, there's really nothing else like this banjo on the market. Pair it with the propik heritage and *chefs kiss*! I was wodnering how you felt about adjusting your playing to the height of the bridge? Maybe bc I have smaller hands but it feels a litrle weird. Def worth it for the sound you get tho! Thanks again :)
The bridge height was a little tricky but after sitting with it a while I find that I’ve “adapted” to it. I just kinda played around with hand placement and angles, arch, etc, until it felt right. If you eventually decide that it’s too high you can most likely have a good banjo luthier recut the heel for a more standard height.
Funny you should mention it Gabe: I bought an OB-3 recently and blinded myself with it's mirror finish. I can still hear it sounds better than my previous banjo.
I just got this banjo with the black head. Sounds too warm. Need more volume and traditional tone. What head model do you use and what model bridge and height?
I prefer the top frosted high crown remo weatherking from Stew Mac. I like a Scorpion bridge by the great Silvio Ferretti. The heels on the Bela banjos are cut for a 7/8ths bridge.
@@theholyorderlds there shouldn’t be if its the same height. You might need to adjust head tension, but i found just putting Silvio’s bridge on there made a big improvement on its own.
@@AndyOrr-ie9vb ....you are going to be so happy....I absolutely love it!!!! The neck seems like it would take a lot of getting used to but it really doesn't... since I have sausage fingers it makes it way easier to play....CONGRATULATIONS!!! And Banjo Ben is awesome!
You sold me. I'll take a dozen of 'em (soon as my rich uncle dies and leaves me a fortune). Meantime, I'd love to sit and just listen to you play yours.
This banjo is totally gig-able. In fact, I used my OB-3 Twanger for a gig just the other day. I’m mostly playing my old Gibson these days, but I could play a gig or record with this banjo and be totally happy.
Wicket banjo man sounds awesome
Nice review, Gabe - sounds great!
Great review, Gabe!
I really enjoy my OB3 and was curious about the Bela Fleck model. Thanks for discussing the differences!
Please folks, stick around (or jump to) the end and hear Gabe play...It's worth it.
Great video, Gabe, thanks for creating and sharing.
I just got one. I absolutely love it!
That banjo has a fantastic sound! Thank you for sharing Gabe.👍🏻🪕😊
Thank you for the review. Sounds beautiful, great playing too!
HI Gabe thank you for the great review I hope to get this banjo sometime listening in 🇮🇪 Ireland
Dude I wish I had your skills.
Love your videos
I have heard great things about this banjo. It seems from everything I have seen that Gold Tone is doing good things. I played the Twanger and was impressed - and not just for the price - for any price!
Amazing playing as always.
Thanks Gabe for the great review.
"Big Country" ... perfect way to end the video!
Thanks for the review!
Beautiful music!!!
Nice review! It really does sound good! Thanks! Enjoy that beautiful instrument!
Sounds great 👍
Gabe, I have a early seventy’s walnut Fender Artist Banjo. I could have Gold Tone install this model neck on it.
My dilemma is, I’m not sure if I would like a radius neck or not.
Other than that, it might prove to be an interesting sounding banjo being that it’s two different types of wood. What do you think?
I do enjoy your videos. Please keep making them.
Great sounding banjo !
Thanks for this review, Gabe!! It sounds great. I got mine from Gold Tone about a month ago and have been obsessed with how it feels. Though i recently discovered a crack in the neck and had to send it back to Gold Tone. :( They're sending me another brand new one and should get here soon hopefully!! Maybe you said this in another vid, but it v much feels like the tone of the banjo "jumps out" of the pot, and your playing on it sounds fantastic.
I'm a broke ass grad student so something like a Nechville is not in the cards for a while, and I appreciate how much you really get with this price tag. Also for pickers who are interested in the more contemporary sound, there's really nothing else like this banjo on the market. Pair it with the propik heritage and *chefs kiss*!
I was wodnering how you felt about adjusting your playing to the height of the bridge? Maybe bc I have smaller hands but it feels a litrle weird. Def worth it for the sound you get tho! Thanks again :)
The bridge height was a little tricky but after sitting with it a while I find that I’ve “adapted” to it. I just kinda played around with hand placement and angles, arch, etc, until it felt right. If you eventually decide that it’s too high you can most likely have a good banjo luthier recut the heel for a more standard height.
I also recommend getting one of Silvio’s bridges for it. He’s the best!
@@gabehirshfeld8688 Where do you find Silvio's bridges?
Great review! Thanks, Gabe!
What a Beauty Great vid!!!
Thans Gabe, Nice finger work btw
What are u playing at the end of the video. I would to learn that.
Funny you should mention it Gabe: I bought an OB-3 recently and blinded myself with it's mirror finish. I can still hear it sounds better than my previous banjo.
Dose it have a truss rod ? Sounds fantastic 🪕👍
It does.
I just got this banjo with the black head. Sounds too warm. Need more volume and traditional tone. What head model do you use and what model bridge and height?
I prefer the top frosted high crown remo weatherking from Stew Mac. I like a Scorpion bridge by the great Silvio Ferretti. The heels on the Bela banjos are cut for a 7/8ths bridge.
@@gabehirshfeld8688if I switch to a Silvio bridge is there any setup issues I need to worry about?
@@theholyorderlds there shouldn’t be if its the same height. You might need to adjust head tension, but i found just putting Silvio’s bridge on there made a big improvement on its own.
You have 11/16 or 7/8 Silvio?
I see a scorpion 11 /16 in standard and Crowe spacing. Is this the one?
Banjo Ben has one in stock for a Black Friday deal for 20% off . A good deal just got better! And.. I have urges.. :-)
Get it!!!! You won't regret it!
@@benperea8483 You're a bad influence, Ben! 😇 It should ship today!
@@AndyOrr-ie9vb ....you are going to be so happy....I absolutely love it!!!! The neck seems like it would take a lot of getting used to but it really doesn't... since I have sausage fingers it makes it way easier to play....CONGRATULATIONS!!! And Banjo Ben is awesome!
@@AndyOrr-ie9vb I posted a couple of UA-cam videos if you want to check them out...Ben Perea UA-cam 🙂...I can't put it down lol
Gabe were you using the same strings as used by the factory?
No, those were heavier than I prefer. I use the GHS JD Crowe studio set.
You sold me. I'll take a dozen of 'em (soon as my rich uncle dies and leaves me a fortune). Meantime, I'd love to sit and just listen to you play yours.
Was the bridge you installed have the same height as the original?
Yes, same height. 7/8”
Thank you!
Okay, nice review. Question is, is this a banjo you will see yourself using in the future?
This banjo is totally gig-able. In fact, I used my OB-3 Twanger for a gig just the other day. I’m mostly playing my old Gibson these days, but I could play a gig or record with this banjo and be totally happy.
Great info……☮️🎶🔛🌎
Nice
i need to earn more money