Banjoleles: Zither Heaven vs Firefly

Lukestr10 · May 31, 2013

So I was looking to buy a banjolele and I came across these two. I've heard they both have really good quality for the price, but I just want to hear what you guys think. Personally, I like the way the Zither Heaven looks, but yeah, just let me hear your opinion. Thanks

Zither Heaven- http://www.zitherheaven.com/mm5/mer...en=PROD&Category_Code=UKB&Product_Code=UKB4CM

Firefly- https://www.fleamarketmusic.com/store/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=263

dhoenisch · May 31, 2013

If those were my two options, I would go with the firefly. The zither banjo isn't really a banjo as it uses a wood head instead of plastic. It probably won't have much of a banjo sound. I played a firefly, and it was decent.

Dan

ksiegel · May 31, 2013

dhoenisch said:
If those were my two options, I would go with the firefly. The zither banjo isn't really a banjo as it uses a wood head instead of plastic. It probably won't have much of a banjo sound. I played a firefly, and it was decent.

Dan

It also doesn't have tuning pegs - it uses a key to tune, much like an autoharp/piano/psaltry. Functional? yes. Pain in the butt? Oh, yeah.

I've had my Firefly about 2 years now. Love it! (Got Peghed tuners, rosewood fingerboard.)

-Kurt

strumsilly · May 31, 2013

the fireflies are a little overpriced when new, imho,, but they are made in the US, play nice ,and are light, which is unusual for a banjolele. I give them 2 thumbs up. they come up for sale used fairly often, so if you're patient you may be able to save some on a used one. I prefer the wood fretboard, only because the frets are hard to \see on the plastic. I've had both and they play about the same.

SailingUke · May 31, 2013

I like my firefly, but wish they had a tenor scale.
I have one of these in a tenor. http://tmeadbanjos.com/
The voice falls between a banjo and ukulele, it has a wood top.

Lukestr10 · May 31, 2013

I think I've decided to go with the firefly (even though that tmead tenor banjo uke was tempting)
Thanks for all the input!

fumanshu · May 31, 2013

Of the 2 I would pick the Firefly, it looks better build....the Zither one look too cheesy for me......it looks more like a kind of toy instrument....maybe it sounds great but I would go with the Firefly.....

https://soundcloud.com/baouke/star-filante-by-caro-bao

PhilUSAFRet · Jun 1, 2013

I played a Firefly at the Tampa Bay Uke Getaway in November. It's cute as hell, light as a feather, and has a great, loud, banjo uke sound. May not have all the metal rims, pegs, etc., but it sure is fun to play. I have a very heavy Rally Concert size banjo uke, but I sure wouldn't mind having a Firefly....I'd probably play it a lot more than the Rally.

mm stan · Jun 1, 2013

I played one yesterday...the firefly at HMS>..it sounded Okay....would be a great start to get in the banjo....one thing they are feather light which is great....

Banjoleles: Zither Heaven vs Firefly

Lukestr10

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dhoenisch

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ksiegel

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strumsilly

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SailingUke

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Lukestr10

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fumanshu

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PhilUSAFRet

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mm stan

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