Looking for first gold detector

[calgeologist]

I have been a lurker around this site for a while now and have gained a lot of valuable tips.

I am currently looking at buying my first detector (for gold only) and have read all these threads about which ones to buy. I know there is a thread about the Gold Bug and the Whites GMT and I have read it a couple of times, but I have a few questions regarding my locations (Northern California) that I would like some advice on.

Right now I am leaning towards the GMT. The grounds that I will be detecting are very hot and mineralized. I will be mostly poking around small streams that have shallow bedrock composed primarily of slate, limestone, chert, and metavolcanics. I also know there there is an abundance of iron pyrite as well as arsenopyrite and magnetite.

I just wanted to know if these were the right types of machines that I should be looking at or not.

Thanks
CalGeo

[63bkpkr]

Well calgeologist welcome to Tnet! I own the GMT with all three coils and a new set of wireless TDK 700 earphones, see the thread in this area Wireless Headphones - Again. I've had the GMT for several years but had not used it enough at first to really Begin to know it. In 2010 I used it to find about a quarter oz of nice gold nugget flakes, 1/8" - 1/4" diameter ~ 0.015" thick, look back in the 2010 September posts in this area for pictures. Last year I went out bedrock hunting per Lanny's instructions and found gold in solid rock, well almost solid rock with cracks as its the cracks that allow the gold to get under the rock. I find the Auto Ground Balance to be the thing for me. Whatever of these two machines you purchase read the manuals over and over and get out there and learn how to use them over and over....Best of success......63bkpkr

[Oakview2]

I would love to see the posts of your finds, but am unable to find the posts as of yet. Could you post the name of the thread or a link to them. Would love to see your finds. Happy Hunting....

[calgeologist]

Well calgeologist welcome to Tnet! I own the GMT with all three coils and a new set of wireless TDK 700 earphones, see the thread in this area Wireless Headphones - Again. I've had the GMT for several years but had not used it enough at first to really Begin to know it. In 2010 I used it to find about a quarter oz of nice gold nugget flakes, 1/8" - 1/4" diameter ~ 0.015" thick, look back in the 2010 September posts in this area for pictures. Last year I went out bedrock hunting per Lanny's instructions and found gold in solid rock, well almost solid rock with cracks as its the cracks that allow the gold to get under the rock. I find the Auto Ground Balance to be the thing for me. Whatever of these two machines you purchase read the manuals over and over and get out there and learn how to use them over and over....Best of success......63bkpkr

Thanks for the response. I have read about many of your trips and they sound like a blast. Anyways I am going to get the GMT after doing a bit more research last night. May I ask where you bought yours?

[Diggit]

The GMT is a fine choice and a good machine,you will be happy with your purchase.

[TerryC]

Calgeo, The GMT is a DYNAMITE machine. I bought both the GMT and GB2 at the same time. Got to test BOTH side by side. I chose the GB2 and my brother TimC now has the GMT. I posted on both. If you cannot find my videos on the machines, youtube has the original videos. Use terry cieszki to see them. If you can plant the coil above some nuggets, the GMT will find them for you. VERY sensitive machine. TTC

[Terry Soloman]

Just to throw a curveball... You may also want to check out the Tesoro Lobo Super Traq (which was designed by the same engineer that designed the GMT), as it has Automatic ground balance and tracking. We use this machine at our gold prospecting school near Rich Hill, Arizona for several reasons. Easy to learn and use, just as sensitive as the GMT and GBII, made in Arizona, and a lifetime warranty. It is also a kick-butt coin and relic shooter..

[TerryC]

Just to throw a curveball... You may also want to check out the Tesoro Lobo Super Traq (which was designed by the same engineer that designed the GMT), as it has Automatic ground balance and tracking. We use this machine at our gold prospecting school near Rich Hill, Arizona for several reasons. Easy to learn and use, just as sensitive as the GMT and GBII, made in Arizona, and a lifetime warranty. It is also a kick-butt coin and relic shooter..

Terry, If you are in the Rich Hill area in all of May.... It's time we met! TimC and I will look for you. May I send a PM? Tnx. TTC

[Terry Soloman]

Terry, If you are in the Rich Hill area in all of May.... It's time we met! TimC and I will look for you. May I send a PM? Tnx. TTC

PM me anytime Terry! or email me TerrySoloman@aol.com I don't think I am going to get out there again this Season. I was just there last month to film a segment for an upcoming special on the History Channel with Robert Martensen, Calvin Bunker, Mike Furness, Chris and Steve Gholson, Bret Chilcott and a few others. I would enjoy meeting you as well!

[Goodyguy]

Enjoyed the slide show Terry !
Those nuggets on the slide show are huge .....that what you guarantee your adventure clients will find ? If so, sign me up

I did recommend your company to a Buckeye headed to Arizona to prospect for the first time. GO WEST YOUNG MAN

Think he and his son left for AZ from Ohio on a greyhound bus a couple of days ago for an adventure they wont soon forget.
Cant wait to hear the details when they return. The real gold will be in the time they are spending together.

GG~

[TerryC]

Whoa, Terry! Looks like I'll need to get an AUTOGRAPH when we meet! (ha ha!). I will certainly watch the special you helped to put together. Also need to look up Calvin Bunker to get 2 or 3 FOOT PRINTS. Outstanding required tools for AZ miners! Thanks for the info. Soon! TTC

[TerryC]

Enjoyed the slide show Terry !
Those nuggets on the slide show are huge .....that what you guarantee your adventure clients will find ? If so, sign me up

I did recommend your company to a Buckeye headed to Arizona to prospect for the first time. GO WEST YOUNG MAN

Think he and his son left for AZ from Ohio on a greyhound bus a couple of days ago for an adventure they wont soon forget.
Cant wait to hear the details when they return. The real gold will be in the time they are spending together.

GG~

Slow down just a LITTLE bit, GoodGuy. That pic of Gohlson is probably recent, but he may be showing some nugs he picked up in a recent trip to Australia. The trip is featured in the most recent copy of Gold Prospecters. They look familiar but ..... yes, page 10 of the MAR/APR Gold Prospecters shows Gohlson holding a few LARGE nugs and I can see that at least one appears (to me) to be one shown in the slides. We'll have to wait for the History channel special to be sure. Stay thirsty, my friend. TTC

[TerryC]

Just to throw a curveball... You may also want to check out the Tesoro Lobo Super Traq (which was designed by the same engineer that designed the GMT), as it has Automatic ground balance and tracking. We use this machine at our gold prospecting school near Rich Hill, Arizona for several reasons. Easy to learn and use, just as sensitive as the GMT and GBII, made in Arizona, and a lifetime warranty. It is also a kick-butt coin and relic shooter..

Ok, Terry. Tell me why my next machine will be a Tesoro and not a Whites TDI (PI) machine? I've been looking at the Whites yet will honor your opinion. I, and others I know, respect your opinion. Tnx. TTC

[Terry Soloman]

Slow down just a LITTLE bit, GoodGuy. That pic of Gohlson is probably recent, but he may be showing some nugs he picked up in a recent trip to Australia. The trip is featured in the most recent copy of Gold Prospecters. They look familiar but ..... yes, page 10 of the MAR/APR Gold Prospecters shows Gohlson holding a few LARGE nugs and I can see that at least one appears (to me) to be one shown in the slides. We'll have to wait for the History channel special to be sure. Stay thirsty, my friend. TTC

Yes Terry is correct. The nuggets Chris is holding are nuggies I asked him to bring, as EXAMPLES of large natural gold nuggets - they were NOT found that day. The special is titled, "What is the Earth Worth?," and our segment "illustrates" gold. Then there's diamonds, copper, timber, yadda-yadda-yadda.. It is not about prospecting. That is one of the reasons I agreed to do the shoot. It isn't reality TV, it is a documentary. All of us brought some big gold to show, but of course, Chris and Steve ALWAYS steal the show!

[Terry Soloman]

Ok, Terry. Tell me why my next machine will be a Tesoro and not a Whites TDI (PI) machine? I've been looking at the Whites yet will honor your opinion. I, and others I know, respect your opinion. Tnx. TTC

That is actually a tough call T. I have swung the TDI in California, and Arizona, and I didn't like it. My buddy however - who does find gold with it, would give you his dog before parting with his! I will stay with the Lobo for a couple of reasons 1) Weight 2) Durability 3) Battery life 4) Auto ground balance and tracking 5) Price 6) I find gold with it 7) It is made by my friends in Prescott, AZ, and guaranteed for life..