I am so excited about this! I've been researching banjos obsessively. I knew I wanted a 5-string, as that is a true bluegrass banjo. Apparently a 6-string is basically a guitar with a banjo drum head and a 4-string is a tenor banjo. I also knew I wanted it to have a resonator as opposed to having an open back. A resonator covers the back of the drum head and helps to resonate the sound forward; allowing for a louder, richer sound.
I spent time researching brands, prices and customer reviews and came to the conclusion that I was going to have a hard time finding what I was looking for in my price range. I called around to all of the local music stores and surprisingly, banjos were out of stock everywhere. On a whim, I called Loftis Jewelry pawn shop and struck gold. A 5-string Fender banjo with resonator had just come in, hadn't even made it out onto the floor yet.
Now, for those of you who have had dealings with pawn shops will know what I mean when I say I stuck out like a sore thumb; as I have all of my teeth and my hair is washed regularly. Anyway, Dan (my new buddy at Loftis) had the Fender all shined up and waiting for my arrival. I fell in love instantly. I had to have it. I so wish someone could have seen me haggling with Dan and throwing around banjo terms like I knew what the hell I was talking about. He totally thought I was a legit banjo master, I just know it. In the end, I got my beautiful Fender, a tweed carrying case and a leather strap for a great price. I walked out of there with a banjo strapped to my back like a hillbilly badass.
First lesson is scheduled for next Thursday, January 10th. I am so excited!!!
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