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Why did Gibson stop making dobros and banjos


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Hey,

 

Why doesn't Gibson make banjos or dobros anymore? Yeah, I know about the flood in nashville in 2006 or something but the mandolin manufacturing was restored so why not the banjos or dobros? I know the market isn't that big probably but we're talking about a part of Gibson's history and heritage (maybe not that big but still).

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Hey,

 

Why doesn't Gibson make banjos or dobros anymore? Yeah, I know about the flood in nashville in 2006 or something but the mandolin manufacturing was restored so why not the banjos or dobros? I know the market isn't that big probably but we're talking about a part of Gibson's history and heritage (maybe not that big but still).

 

I read somewhere the machinery to produce specific parts of both instruments was destroyed so they couldn't anymore. Deering make some fantastic US made banjos though at good prices in the meantime!

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  • 9 months later...

I read somewhere the machinery to produce specific parts of both instruments was destroyed so they couldn't anymore. Deering make some fantastic US made banjos though at good prices in the meantime!

 

seriously

 

If this is true what a shame

 

 

Deering makes some killer banjos

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  • 1 month later...

seriously

 

If this is true what a shame

 

 

Deering makes some killer banjos

I just picked up a Deering Goodtime (entry level) for a song (no pun)

 

I'ts definitely an no frills beginners banjo, but I am having a blast playing it.

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I gave the banjo a serious shot 35yrs ago.... :blink:

 

But never really enjoyed it or made much progress

 

Last week I was web shopping for cables, strings etc and espied a 'clearance' discount Gretsch open back 5 stringer

 

It arrived next day

 

It is much better than expected....I am following Pete Seeger's revered tutor book....

 

I am having a blast.... [thumbup]

 

V

 

:-({|=

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  • 2 months later...

All of the other banjo brands that were mentioned (Deering, Ome, etc.) are fantastic but when it comes to banjos "only a Gibson is good enough." I've owned hundreds of stringed instruments (mostly banjos) and I have a very refined ear and I can tell you that to me, this is the truth.

 

I've hope the news of Gibson reentering the banjo world is true!

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  • 3 months later...

Fair points being made... [thumbup]

 

Hard commercial constraints and the ethos of the company(and past success etc) tend to rule

 

I guess Gibson/Epiphone are doing very nicely with their guitars

 

And perhaps regard the specialised area of folk instruments of lesser importance

 

In a word

 

I blame Slash.... [biggrin]

 

V

 

:-({|=

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True enough that only the stuff that sells is sold, but that doesn't seem like Gibson. The 2015 line was, generally, not received well. Yet that did not deter them; they took the good bits and released it again (essentially) as the 2016 HP line.

 

Which also doesn't seem to be doing well given that, at least in the UK; 2 of the big stores near me only order in a couple as demos, and then request stock on an when-purchased basis.

 

The T line? Abundance of them everywhere; I think someone at Andertons mentioned that they've had 3 orders from Gibson on those; they're flyin' out the door...

 

It would be nice to see a big company like Gibson, despite the loss of the equipment, pioneer and engineer themselves some new gear. And for me? I'd like to see a range of mandolins, with some models at less than $1000...

 

Rambling over.

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  • 2 months later...

I've had a Deering Boston for 10+ years. It is a great instrument. My 3rd banjo, I'm sure I'll never need another. Gibson is a large company, but the banjo market has always been very small (probably 98% in just the US), and I'm guessing it's not got any projected growth. Probably more in amplified 6 stringer 'banjos' than in the 5 stringers. I'd prefer Gibson focus on what they already do so well and not try to compete with established companies based on their history.

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