houndman55 Posted October 22, 2014 Share Posted October 22, 2014 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). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cody78 Posted October 23, 2014 Share Posted October 23, 2014 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! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JuanCarlosVejar Posted October 23, 2014 Share Posted October 23, 2014 The plan is to resucitate the banjos then dobros. But it will take then a while JC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikeo Posted August 20, 2015 Share Posted August 20, 2015 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Country Jim Posted August 22, 2015 Share Posted August 22, 2015 Ome (formerly Ode) made in Boulder, Colorado. Good as anything to come out of Kalamazoo, IMHO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slimt Posted August 22, 2015 Share Posted August 22, 2015 Prucha is another Fine Banjo.. I like the Bat Model.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JPmusic Posted October 3, 2015 Share Posted October 3, 2015 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Versatile Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 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.... V Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
k-zoo sport Posted December 10, 2015 Share Posted December 10, 2015 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! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave F Posted December 17, 2015 Share Posted December 17, 2015 http://www.gibson.com/Products/Acoustic-Instruments/Banjo/Gibson-Original.aspx Sort of sad. It took 9 months to get my mandolin. You would think that just from the history point of view they would keep it available as an order only. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin 1940D28 Posted March 30, 2016 Share Posted March 30, 2016 What sells, sells, what doesn't, doesn't. Simple, isn't it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Versatile Posted April 1, 2016 Share Posted April 1, 2016 Fair points being made... 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.... V Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pesh Posted April 1, 2016 Share Posted April 1, 2016 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fortyearspickn Posted June 6, 2016 Share Posted June 6, 2016 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zentar Posted June 6, 2016 Share Posted June 6, 2016 A change to a strong economy may be all Gibson needs to start the banjo, dobro line back up. Dobros are low on the consumers list of high demand items. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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