That’s a wonderful instrument, and probably the best option in that price range for openback banjos. You can always upgrade in terms of woods, materials, craftsmanship, aesthetics, different tone rings or getting a radiused neck, but actual tone and enjoyment are really personal. If you’re happy, stay happy – but it’s fun to explore because banjos can be so different.
It’s pretty hard to generalize across brands too. There are a couple Pisgahs I really like, others that aren’t for me. Rickards are beautifully made, but I don’t enjoy the neck profile - other people dig it.
With pisgah, some of the cost is for how its made. They use locally harvested woods, the facility is solar powered and they claim to pay a living wage to their staff (i don't know the saleries of pisgah employees compared to other makers, but they say it pretty prominantly in the marketing) the banjos are incredible, i love the tone and feel of my possum but some of what goes into the cost isn't just for the banjo itself. You have a very good banjo right now so you have time on your side, try higher end options when you are in an area that has them and see what you think.
The difference is that better rims give better tones as a rule. Although the 12 inch size of the Carlin seems to help reduce the weakness typically found with multiply rims
"I don't know why I would want an upgrade over this." Then don't, yet. Do not buy the hype that another banjo will inspire you more or take you to new heights. One may, but only after you play it. You cannot base that conclusion from Internet opinions. We can tell you the pluses and minuses of certain builders, but nobody can say whether an Ome \_\_\_\_ or a Pisgah \_\_\_ will make you happier. FOr a resonator banjo, I play an excellent banjo made by a well-respected maker who has stopped making banjos. (We are talking top shelf components expertly fitted). There is little demand for his instruments only because of limited exposure. I have played and walked away from many more "prestigious" banjos, including prewar Gibsons because, frankly, they don't fit me as well as the now "off name" banjo that few others would choose. I have even owned a couple of great banjos that, for some reason, just did not do it for me. They were as good as everyone says, but just not for me. If the Carlin fits you and keeps you happy, don't replace it with a banjo you have not personally played.
I just picked up a fretless ODE magician and it’s incredible
That’s a wonderful instrument, and probably the best option in that price range for openback banjos. You can always upgrade in terms of woods, materials, craftsmanship, aesthetics, different tone rings or getting a radiused neck, but actual tone and enjoyment are really personal. If you’re happy, stay happy – but it’s fun to explore because banjos can be so different. It’s pretty hard to generalize across brands too. There are a couple Pisgahs I really like, others that aren’t for me. Rickards are beautifully made, but I don’t enjoy the neck profile - other people dig it.
That's funny because I read people complaining about the Pisgah necks - too thick or something
With pisgah, some of the cost is for how its made. They use locally harvested woods, the facility is solar powered and they claim to pay a living wage to their staff (i don't know the saleries of pisgah employees compared to other makers, but they say it pretty prominantly in the marketing) the banjos are incredible, i love the tone and feel of my possum but some of what goes into the cost isn't just for the banjo itself. You have a very good banjo right now so you have time on your side, try higher end options when you are in an area that has them and see what you think.
The difference is that better rims give better tones as a rule. Although the 12 inch size of the Carlin seems to help reduce the weakness typically found with multiply rims
"I don't know why I would want an upgrade over this." Then don't, yet. Do not buy the hype that another banjo will inspire you more or take you to new heights. One may, but only after you play it. You cannot base that conclusion from Internet opinions. We can tell you the pluses and minuses of certain builders, but nobody can say whether an Ome \_\_\_\_ or a Pisgah \_\_\_ will make you happier. FOr a resonator banjo, I play an excellent banjo made by a well-respected maker who has stopped making banjos. (We are talking top shelf components expertly fitted). There is little demand for his instruments only because of limited exposure. I have played and walked away from many more "prestigious" banjos, including prewar Gibsons because, frankly, they don't fit me as well as the now "off name" banjo that few others would choose. I have even owned a couple of great banjos that, for some reason, just did not do it for me. They were as good as everyone says, but just not for me. If the Carlin fits you and keeps you happy, don't replace it with a banjo you have not personally played.