5 String Banjo Question
 

Howdy everyone. My wonderful wife is thinking of learning the banjo. She wants to keep her budget at about 300 (new or used) for a beginner instrument. Can always upgrade later if she stays with it. Since we play classic country, I'm assuming a closed back ?????

What brand/model in your opinion would suggest ???

Since the closest music store that might carry a banjo is a couple hour drive, will prob order off the internet.

Thanks and looking forward to your advice

Bill

Sounds like a lovely lady - if you love her, talk her out of it NOW for her own good... :eek:

LOL..... I've tried :evilgrin:

Banjos of a given quality tend to be more expensive than guitars of the same quality.

I would strongly suggest a Goodtime, made by Deering (one of the top banjo makers) specifically as an entry-level instrument of high quality:

https://www.deeringbanjos.com/collec...oodtime-banjos

Street price circa $490.

Also, closed back models (called "resonator banjos" in the banjo world) are louder than openbacks, maybe something to consider when looking for a beginner's banjo. ;) Resonator models are also more expensive. Go for an openback, they're 100% okay for classic country.

Thanks frankmcr ! I will take a look at the deering. Bet I can find a good deal on reverb

Thanks again
Bill

I second the Deering Goodtime as a good banjo to start on and it's pretty much professional-grade too.

Current Banjos:
Vega No. 2 Tubaphone
OME North Star Walnut
Eastman EBJ-WL1 Whyte Laydie
Vega 12" Old Tyme Wonder
Rickard 12" Maple Ridge Dobson
Pisgah 12" Walnut Tubaphone
Bart Reiter Regent Whyte Laydie
Deering Sierra Flathead

Goldtone ac 5 acoustic resonator banjo
 

I have one & it's a pretty good banjo for 300 or so bucks & it's loud too. I'd buy another.

i have to believe there are lots of lightly used banjos available on Reverb....just sayin'

Hi WB,

My wife is the banjo picker in our house, but I do all the setups, pickup installations, etc.

I would NOT buy a new $300 banjo. IMO, there's not much difference between them and a $150 banjo.

I would look at used Deering Goodtime first and Goldtone second.

In the used market a Goodtime resonator should be available for $300-350.

Deerings are American made and high quality - great bang for buck instruments.

The Goodtime is often suggested as a good instrument to purchase as a starter banjo. They will be a higher-priced option, being American made.

There are a lot of satisfied Goodtime players, but do be aware that they do not have a truss rod. If you purchase a used one make sure the neck doesn't exhibit excessive forward bow. That's the single most often cited problem that you might find with the Goodtime, anything else can be taken care of easily.

First off - BEWARE - there are FAKE Deering Goodtime banjos aout there for about $100 on eBay - READ THIS: https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/ebay-...o-buying-blues

Here's a fake: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Deering-Goo...wAAOSwWhZc98KL




+1

The Goodtime comes in a few versions. One advantage of the original Goodtime is that it is fairly light weight. There are much heavier Goodtime models as well.

If I recall correctly, there is a resonator add-on kit for the Goodtime open-back model.

Another vote for the Goodtime in either open back or resonator. It's the perfect starter and a great kick around once you upgrade.

How About Recording King?
 

Here's one on Reverb:
https://reverb.com/item/27107008-rec...resonator-back

Morgan Monroe and Recording King make some decent banjos. I would not recommend an 8-9 lb banjo for a beginner. A beginner will likely find one that weight uncomfortable both in the lap or on a strap.They are LOUD. To achieve LOUD means more brackets, added hardware and a tone ring - all of which make them quite heavy.

Thats the beauty of a Goodtime. 80% of the volume and 1/2 the weight. My .02

My Dad gave me an old Healy and Lyon 5 string open back many years ago Yet being so wrapped up in career stuff, and the guitar, that I never learned how to play it. Once retired I thought it would give it a go but was leery of playing that old instrument. So I looked around, checked it all out, and found a Jameson Guitars 5-String Banjo 24 Bracket, resonator for about $150. It is easy to play and for me to learn on. It is well built from my perspective with no sharp edges on the fret ends or brackets. For my first modern made banjo it will be fine until I decide if I will move up. It looks great by the way and is available on Amazon.

My Dad gave me an old Healy and Lyon 5 string open back many years ago yet being so wrapped up in career stuff, and the guitar, that I never got to learn how to play it. Once retired I thought it would give it a go but was leery of playing that old instrument. So I looked around, checked it all out, and found a Jameson Guitars 5-String Banjo 24 Bracket, resonator for about $150. It is easy to play and for me to learn on. It is well built from my perspective with no sharp edges on the fret ends or brackets. For the first modern made banjo it will be fine until I decide if I will move up. It looks great by the way and is available at a major online retailer.

Hey everyone, sorry for the delay in my replies. Was in the hospital with some heart problems. Will read thru all of your great advice and reply soon

Bill

Hi Bill

I suggest the newish Gold Tone AC1 ($200) or AC1-R ($306) available from most dealers or direct at goldtonemusicgroup.com.

I bought the similar AC4 four string version. I liked it so much that I bought another to play in different tuning.

AC1 won best of show at the 2018 Summer NAMM.

AC1 weighs only 3.75 pounds because the lovely polycarbonate (?) rim weighs less than maple and its sculpted design requires less metal hardware.

My AC4s sound loud and clear as a banjo should. I got two of the Gold Tone mutes (folded brass strip that slides onto the bridge piece under the strings) for practising without annoying others in the house.

The zero fret feature is much nicer than expected. The string spacing is 1 inch at the nut (the same as my Deering Good Time).

The neck is sleek and easy to play. The neck has an adjustable truss rod and the sculpted heel is nice. The strings were set up perfectly.

I use electric guitar gig bags instead of banjo gig bags - light weight, perfect fit, proper size pockets, accommodates a foldable music stand, and many good. choices.

Cheers.

Another supporter of the Deering Goodtime. They’re a lot of banjo for the money.

One thing to keep in mind - Banjo’s have more adjustments than a guitar and can be very sensitive to proper setup. An instrument bought online may need a setup which could wipe out any savings.

Check out The Banjo Hangout. I’m a longtime member there and it’s a great resource for everything Banjo related. Good classified selection and most of the folks who frequent the site are nice people.