Banjo Suggestions?

[masmith]

Ok folks - I know quite a bit about the guitars but nothing about banjos. My wife is determined to learn banjo and I want to get her one for Christmas.

I know literally nothing about banjos. We both like quality hand made things, especially instruments. Currently we have a Taylor GS-K we both play. She wants to learn banjo so we can play folk songs together.

I am looking for a banjo- preferably a used one, that will serve well for a beginner but also last, like the equaivalent of an entry all solid wood acoustic if that makes sense.

Are there certain types of banjos, styles / types that are more easily playable? Brands that are better than others? Good sellers?

[Bikewer]

The standard for most folks is the contemporary 5-string banjo, but there are all manner of different ones, and different styles writhin the “5-string” variety.

There are tenor banjos (usually 4-string) 6-string banjos (tuned like guitars),
“Long neck” banjos made in appreciation of Pete Seeger’s design...
Banjos with resonators, banjos with open backs, modern “drum head” designs and traditional “skin-head” types...

Most are physically easy to play; actions and string tension generally less than typical guitars.
Resonator banjos tend to be loud, open-back designs a little quieter.

The open-back designs are often preferred for traditional “frailing” or “clawhammer” styles.. The resonator models preferred for “Scruggs-style” playing, usually with fingerpicks.

I just bought one of the new Gold Tone AC-1 open-back models. This is an entry-level instrument price-wise, retailing for right around 200 bucks. But it’s quite nice... The “pot” is made in one piece of a composite material which holds down both weight and cost. Sounds very good and comes well set-up from the factory.
A lot of resonator banjos are quite heavy, and a good, supportive strap almost a necessity.

[whd28]

Check out the Deering Goodtime. Entry level, but well-made in the USA.

[roylor4]

Originally Posted by whd28

Check out the Deering Goodtime. Entry level, but well-made in the USA.

+ one on Goodtime. High quality with no frills. Goldtone is probably most banjo pickers 2nd choice in the solid but budget category. My wife has both. I prefer the Goldtone tone, it is deeper and plunkier than Deering. Deering is brighter and cuts better. This is true among open back or resonator types.

One huge plus for both of these brands entry level banjos - they are light in weight. Many Gibson and Gibson-esque BG type banjos can hit 10-12 lbs.

Good luck.

[hat]

Therapy?
Seriously, a lot depends on what type of music she will be playing. A bluegrass banjo is a lot different that an old timey open back frailing style banjo. Getting one that matchs the style she will be trying to learn will help. But basically, look for one with a wood hoop, and cast tone ring. A neck that mounts to the hoop with two bolts rather than one is better easier adjusting of neck angle). One that is designed for easy removal of the resonator for open back use may help, again depends on style of music it's being used for.

[ManyMartinMan]

Friend’s don’t let friends.......

[john bange]

you could get thousands of replies and opinions to this thread...here's mine

as a folky-type banjo player...I would lean toward an open back 5 string banjo.
if your wife is comfortable with finger picks...a resonator banjo works great.

I play nylon strings...guitar, ukulele...and banjo

I think I would look for a used Bart Reiter standard 5 string or similar model from another domestic builder. I would string it with Aquilla or Sands nylgut strings. You should be able to find one at sub $1000 price range. If she finds that banjo is not for her, it is easily sold without losing a bunch of money.

I tune my banjo the same as my baritone uke,(G,D,G,B,E) with a G drone(5th) string.
With this tuning, you are playing songs you are familiar with on the Taylor right away.

[masmith]

Thank you everyone for the replies! We both play fingerstyle and a bit more of a mild style, so I think the open back suggestion is right on, as well as the 5 string. She definitely will not be using picks.

The internet universally suggests the Deering Goodtime, but if I can find a higher end instrument that is used I think that would be preferred.

Where should I look? reverb? Any retailers that are known for good quality used instruments?

There is an ad for a Deering Goodtime open back with a “custom Frailing scoop” and custom armrest. What exactly is a Frailing scoop?

[Steve DeRosa]

Originally Posted by masmith

...I know literally nothing about banjos...

Never stopped anyone for the last 200 years - don't let it stop you now...

Originally Posted by john bange

...I tune my banjo the same as my baritone uke, (G,D,G,B,E) with a G drone (5th) string...

That's an old studio players' trick popularized by the late Tommy Tedesco, first-call guitarist for the infamous "Wrecking Crew"; FYI it's since acquired the name of "highgrass" tuning, owing to the raised first string ("bluegrass" tuning is gDGBD) - I use it myself, and I'd recommend it to any guitarist looking to make the transition to "legit" banjo rather than the 6-string guitjo that often serves as a first instrument...

[SpruceTop]

Any Deering Goodtime banjo, new or used, will be a great beginner banjo and many professionals also use them. Spend a bit more in the Goodtime line and get one of the Artisan models, which have planetary tuners and railroad spikes for the 5th-string capoing. Also, they look much more elegant and professional looking.

[masmith]

Any suggestion of places to find them other than reverb? Esp to find a used model?

[H165]

Apologies for cluttering up your Banjo Suggestions? post with useless info.

[jimmorgan]

IMHO, don't ask for banjo advice from a bunch of guitar players Go over to banjohangout.org. They also have extensive classified section where you can find a good deal on a quality used banjo.

[masmith]

Interesting- I will keep looking and let you guys know what I find.

[masmith]

This looks like a great deal for an artisan with a hsc

https://reverb.com/item/16630269-dee...2018-w-new-hsc