Top 10 Best Banjos – Reviews and Expert Picks For 2023

The banjo is a stringed instrument that is popular in bluegrass, folk, old-time, and country music. It has a unique sound that has been around for centuries and is still beloved by musicians and music lovers alike. Whether you are an experienced banjo player or just getting started, you need to know what to look for when selecting a banjo. This article will provide you with information on how to choose the best banjo for your needs and what features to consider when making a purchase.

Our Picks: Best Banjos

SaleBestseller No. 1
Vangoa 5 String Banjo Remo Head Closed Solid Back with beginner Kit, Tuner, Strap, Pick up, Strings, Picks and Bag
  • 1. REMO DRUM HEAD It uses high-quality Remo drum head as Banjo panel that can produce a sweet tone. You can also gently beat the head to fusion different timbres in your melodies.
  • 2. ADJUSTABLE STRING HEIGHT It equips a truss rod that can adjust the string height, so that you will feel comfortable and perform fluently.
  • 3. DURABLE MATERIAL Mahogany neck, sides and back have beautiful wood grain, hard and not liable to warp or corrode, making the banjo durable.
  • 4. SMOOTH DECENT TOUCH It has a fine bright paint, glossy and smooth, giving you a comfortable playing experience.
  • 5. ECONOMICAL KIT Coming with bag, guitar Tuner, Strap, Pick up, Strings, Picks, you can get these accessories which is suited to beginner one-off at a cost-effective price.
Bestseller No. 2
Kmise, 4, Banjo Ukulele, Concert Size 23 Inch (with Bag Tuner Strap Strings Pickup)
816 Reviews
Kmise, 4, Banjo Ukulele, Concert Size 23 Inch (with Bag Tuner Strap Strings Pickup)
  • 1. The drum head of Kmise banjolele made of polyester with great elasticity has a quick response. Equipped with superior Aquila String from Italy and high quality closed geared tuners, this banjolele can not only produce a bright and percussive tone but also be in an accurate intonation and stay in tune well.
  • 2. Compared with other banjoleles, Kmise banjolele with action 3mm at the 12th fret is very comfortable for beginners to learn because players do not need to press too hard with such a low action. Preset with truss rod inside the neck, players can adjust the action with the wrench as needed. Smooth fretboard and neat fret wires also offer comfortable touch and protect hands from being scratched.
  • 3. Multifunctional strap with an adjustable length from 45.6'' to 66.1'' can release the pressure of the banjolele and set hands free to play. The strap equips with two hooks can allow players not to drill a hole on the banjolele but fasten the hook on the metal frame and tie the leather belt on either headstock or strap lock.
  • 4. Kmise banjolele has various playing methods. It can be in a traditional resonator style or an open back style by detaching its back. Traditional resonator style produces a mellower, softer sound while the open back style has a brighter sound. The package also comes with a piezo pickup that can connect the recording equipment for stage performance, which makes Kmise banjolele a super playable and multifunctional musical instrument.
  • 5. Kmise responsible for every item we sold and do our best to offer the best shopping experience, feel free to contact us once your product has any problem.
Bestseller No. 3
Ashthorpe 5-String Banjo - Full Size with 24 Brackets, Closed Back, Mahogany Resonator, Geared 5th Tuner, Padded Gig Bag
  • Traditional style: This 5-string banjo is perfect for any style of play with its guitar-style headstock and neck combined with a tambourine shaped body. Whether you’re playing mellow country tunes, folk, bluegrass, clawhammer-style, even rock, you’ll get a great response and sound from this right-handed banjo.
  • Remo head: This banjo kit is flawlessly designed with a Remo head, made by the world-renown Remo drum company. The crisp white, frosted head delivers bright sound and clarity. The head is secured with 24 chrome-plated brackets and resting on the Remo head is a beautiful 5/8" maple/ebony bridge for superior string vibration transfer.
  • High-quality craftsmanship: Ashthorpe's banjo features a mahogany neck and purpleheart fretboard with finely manicured, smooth seated frets. The body is crafted from mahogany with a high-gloss finish. The closed-back resonator can be easily removed, allowing this banjo to be played open back. Designed with a 5-ply maple and mahogany shell, a 5-ply maple rim, 15:1 ratio geared tuners with high-quality tuning pegs, an adjustable hinged tailpiece, and chrome-plated armrest.
  • Geared 5th tuner and adjustable truss rod: This 5-string banjo also includes a geared 5th string tuner, typically found on more expensive banjos. The geared 5th tuner is an upgrade over the common friction tuner, providing more accurate tuning and less slippage. The adjustable truss rod allows you to adjust the neck, ensuring it remains straight.
  • Banjo bundle kit includes: This banjo is safely stored inside a 15mm premium fabric padded “gig bag” guitar case with pocket, carry handle, and shoulder strap. Extra strings, a polishing cloth, and three celluloid picks are also included.
Bestseller No. 4
Kmise 5 String Resonator Banjo,Professional Sapele Back Full Size Banjos Starter Kit with Bag Tuner Strap Strings Picks Ruler Wrench Bridge
  • ♫ The Kmise 5 string banjo uses a high-quality drumhead that can produce a pleasant sound. The player can beat the drumhead panel when plucking the string to come percussion with a beautiful melody
  • ♫ The lacquered removable back cover makes the entire banjo more advanced and beautiful. Just open the gorgeous sapele back cover to get a cleaner sound; with the resonator the sound is fuller.
  • ♫ This banjo has a polished chrome installed armrest to provide comfort while playing.The sturdy, padded nylon gig bag holds the instrument security, allowing you to take your beloved banjo with you on trips
  • ♫ The okoume wood neck and sapele wood back combine to produce a beautiful and very distinct tone characteristic as well as looking great.
  • ♫ Comes with storage bag, banjo shoulder strap, extra strings, digital clip-on tuner, polishing cloth,allen wrench to adjust truss rod if needed,and quality metal finger picks.If you have any question about your banjo,please contact kmise for a quick resolution.
SaleBestseller No. 5
Deering Goodtime 2 Resonator Banjo with Hard Case
  • 11″ Frosted Top High Crown Head
  • Blonde Slender Rock Maple Neck
  • 3-ply Violin Grade Goodtime Maple Rim
  • 22 Pressed In Nickel Silver Frets
  • Includes a Gig bag
Bestseller No. 6
Jameson Guitars 5-String Banjo 24 Bracket with Closed Solid Back and Geared 5th Tuner
  • Includes padded gig bag: Included with this 5-string banjo is a deluxe 15mm padded gig bag for secure carrying and storage. In addition, this guitar case is designed with a front pocket, backpack shoulder straps, and a carrying handle.
  • Premium craftsmanship: Crafted from the finest woods, with a 5-ply maple and mahogany shell, mahogany neck, closed back mahogany resonator, as well as a purpleheart fretboard, this beautiful 5-string banjo from Jameson is exceptional.
  • High-quality design: Jameson's banjo features a Remo Weatherking drum head, a 5/8-inch maple ebony bridge, a chrome plated armrest, an adjustable tailpiece, and truss rod. Also, designed with a removable resonator allowing you to play the banjo both open and closed back.
  • Geared 5th tuner: As a 5-string banjo, this model features a 5th geared tuner side peg. This is a beneficial enhancement over the more typical friction tuners, allowing for better control of your instrument’s sound.
  • Beautiful tone: The design behind this banjo and the chosen materials enable it to produce an eloquent, rich tone. It offers distinctive and beautiful sound characteristics, perfect for playing bluegrass, clawhammer, folk, country, and rock tunes.
Bestseller No. 7
Deering Artisan Goodtime II 5-String Resonator Banjo
  • Artisan Goodtime II 5-String Resonator Banjo
  • With a Bluegrass resonator back for projection, the Artisan Goodtime Two banjo has a 3-ply violin grade maple rim and produces a bright and clear tone that projects well and is louder than its open back counterpart
  • The Artisan Two is enhanced with a Rich Brown stain, white detailing and spikes at 7, 9, and 10
  • The use of spikes enables you to expand your playing from the key of G to easily play in the keys of A, B and C
  • Here is a banjo you can have right there by your easy chair or take out an play in a jam
SaleBestseller No. 8
Deering Goodtime Openback Limited Edition Bronze Banjo (G-LTD-BRZ)
  • Neck Wood: Rock Maple
  • Neck Shape: Comfortable "D" Shape
  • Tuners: Sealed Geared Tuners
  • Frets: 22 Pressed In Nickel Silver Frets
  • Rim: 3-Ply Violin Grade Maple
SaleBestseller No. 9
Pyle, 5 String Resonator Banjo Size 24 Bracket, Geared 5th Professional Instrument w/Remo Drum & Hardwood Back-Full Beginner Starter Kit Gig Bag, Tuner, Picks, Strap, Tools
  • COMPLETE BANJO SET: Pyle brings you an all-in-one banjo set, everything you need to start playing. Comes w/ a gig bag, digital tuner, spare strings, 3 finger picks, cleaning cloth, detachable shoulder strap w/ hanger & wrench (to adjust the brackets)
  • PROFESSIONAL FULL SIZE : 38.6” instrument features a tunable 5-string banjo with 24 brackets and 22 frets, equipped with a classic traditional style binding design. Features a coated and polished rich wood finish with chrome-plated hardware/accents
  • HEAVY DUTY HARDWARE: This complete all-in-one standard acoustic banjo starter kit is equipped with a geared 5th string tuner and high quality remo drum head. It is handcrafted from sapele hardwood
  • ADJUSTABLE TRUSS ROD: Features adjustable truss rod & pearl color tuner pegs w/ additional 5th geared tuner side-peg. Adjust the truss rod can balance the tension caused by strings/climate change, set up perfect string height to meet different needs
  • SAPELE WOOD: Features a rich and polished Sapele wood resonator, high-density man-made wood fingerboard, and remo milky skin banjo top, it is designed to sound as good as it looks. Includes maplewood bridge stand and truss rod adjustment tool
SaleBestseller No. 10
ADM 5 String Full Size Banjo Guitar Kit with Remo Drum Head and Geared 5th Tuner, 24 Bracket Beginner Banjoe Set Gift Package with Free Lessons & Starter Accessories for Adult Teenager, Large Size
  • ♫【HIGH-QUALITY REMO DRUM HEAD】Selected banjo panel will produce a sweet tone, ensuring clarity sound. Proper bridge setting can stay stable when fast fingerpicking
  • ♫【SUPERIOR MATERIAL】Black walnut fingerboard and bridge, sturdy and stable, make the sound more layered. Sapele sides and back have beautiful wood grain, hard and not liable to warp or corrode, making the banjo durable
  • ♫【ECONOMICAL KIT WITH FREE LESSONS】Our pack is constucted with bag, digital tuner(battery not included), strap, strings, picks, hanger and clearing cloth. You can get these accessories which is suited to beginner one-off at a cost-effective price. Meanwhile, you will also enjoy extra one-month lesson by contactng us when the item arrive
  • ♫【GEARED 5TH TUNER】It is important for both tuning and playability, bringing you the classic tones and perfect for country, folk, bluegrass and even some modern rock. And it is an important upgrade over the common friction tuner
  • ♫【THICKENED BAG for BETTER PROTECTING】An thicker bag will protect the banjo better, making it a great idea to take for traveling, camping, hiking, going to the beach. And also perfect for anyone who has always wanted to learn to play this iconic instrument

Last update on 2023-01-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

How to Choose the Best Banjo

Choosing the best banjo for your needs can be a daunting task. The first thing to consider is your playing style. Are you a beginner or an advanced player? Are you looking for a traditional banjo or a more modern version? Once you’ve determined your playing style, the next step is to consider the type of banjo you want. There are five-string, four-string, and tenor banjos, and each has its own unique sound. You should also consider the size of the banjo, as well as the material used for the body and neck.

The sound of a banjo is determined by the type of strings used and the tuning. Most banjos use steel strings, however, there are some that use nylon strings. Different tunings will create different sounds, so you should consider which one will be best suited to your playing style. Lastly, you should consider the price and quality of the banjo you are looking at.

Things to Consider When Buying a Banjo

When purchasing a banjo, there are several factors to think about. First, consider your budget and the amount you are willing to spend. Next, consider the type of music you will be playing and the type of sound you are looking for. Also look at the quality of the instrument and make sure it will last a long time. Finally, consider the size of the banjo and make sure it is comfortable for your hands.

Product Features

When buying a banjo, you should consider the features it offers. Look for a banjo that has a good tone, with a rich sound that is easy to play. It should also have a solid neck and body, adjustable tuning pegs, and a sturdy bridge. Check to see if the strings are adjustable, and look for a banjo that has a good warranty.

Types of Banjos

There are several different types of banjos available. Five-string banjos are the most popular and are great for traditional bluegrass and folk music. Four-string banjos are great for jazz and ragtime music. Tenor banjos are great for Irish music and have a higher pitched sound than other types. Finally, there are electric banjos, which are great for any type of music and offer a wide range of sounds.

Benefits of Playing the Banjo

Playing the banjo has many benefits. Learning to play can be a great way to relax and have fun. It can also be an excellent way to express yourself musically. Banjos are relatively easy to learn, so you won’t need to spend a lot of time practicing. Finally, playing the banjo can help to improve coordination and dexterity.

Pros and Cons of the Banjo

Like any instrument, the banjo has both its pros and cons. One of the biggest pros is that it is relatively easy to learn. Also, banjos are fairly inexpensive and there are a wide variety of styles and sounds available. The biggest con of the banjo is that it can be difficult to carry around, as it is usually larger than other stringed instruments.

FAQs

Q: What is the best type of banjo for a beginner?
A: The best type of banjo for a beginner is a four-string banjo. It is easy to learn and has a shorter neck, making it easier to hold.

Q: How long does it take to learn to play the banjo?
A: It depends on the individual and how often they practice. However, most people can learn the basics of the banjo in a few weeks.

Q: How much does a banjo cost?
A: The cost of a banjo varies depending on the type and quality. Entry-level banjos can cost anywhere from $100 to $500, while more advanced banjos can cost upwards of $1000.

Verdict

The banjo is a wonderful instrument that can be enjoyed by musicians of all levels. There are a variety of types and styles available, as well as a wide range of prices. When selecting a banjo, it is important to consider your playing style, budget, and the type of sound you are looking for. With a bit of research and patience, you can find the perfect banjo for your needs.