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

Bestseller No. 1
Pyle 5 String Resonator Banjo Starter Kit, Full Size 24 Bracket, Geared 5th Tuner Professional Instrument w/ Remo Drum & Hardwood Back, Gig Bag, Tuner, Picks, Strap, Tools
223 Reviews
Pyle 5 String Resonator Banjo Starter Kit, Full Size 24 Bracket, Geared 5th Tuner Professional Instrument w/ Remo Drum & Hardwood Back, 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
Bestseller No. 2
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
1,049 Reviews
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
Bestseller No. 3
Mulucky 5 String Banjo Mini - 28 Inch Travel Banjo Sapele Body Closed Solid Back Beginner Kit With Gig Bag Picks Strings Strap - B806
218 Reviews
Mulucky 5 String Banjo Mini - 28 Inch Travel Banjo Sapele Body Closed Solid Back Beginner Kit With Gig Bag Picks Strings Strap - B806
  • ♪ Bright and Percussive Sound - The drumhead of Mulucky mini banjo is made of polyester that has great elasticity to respond quickly.
  • ♪ Easy to Learn - The 28-inch banjo with 5 strings offers a distinctive sound that most players can easily grasp. And the chrome-plated closed tuning pegs are easy to tune and hold
  • ♪ Beautiful Sound - 5 string banjo mini with geared 5th tuner brings the classic tones, 12 brackets ensure even head panel tension to fusion melodious percussion timbres by gently beating on the head
  • ♪ Complete Beginner Kit - 1 x Pick-up, 1 x Strap, 1 x Ruler, 1 x Wrench, 1 x Cleaning Cloth, 3 x Picks, 3 x Finger Picks, 5 x Spare Strings
  • ♪ Warranty Service - We are a professional banjo supplier, committed to the spirit of music and supplying competitive instruments. If you have any dissatisfaction with this banjo, please contact us for a full refund or a replacement banjo
SaleBestseller No. 4
Kmise 5 String Resonator Banjo,Professional Sapele Back Full Size Banjos Starter Kit with Bag Tuner Strap Strings Picks Ruler Wrench Bridge
352 Reviews
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.
Bestseller No. 5
Ashthorpe 5-String Banjo - Full Size with 24 Brackets, Closed Back, Mahogany Resonator, Geared 5th Tuner, Padded Gig Bag
214 Reviews
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. 6
Mulucky Banjolele 4 String Banjo Ukulele Concert Size 23 Inch, Closed Solid Wood Back, Beginner Kit with Truss Rod Gig Bag Tuner String Strap Picks - BU806
368 Reviews
Mulucky Banjolele 4 String Banjo Ukulele Concert Size 23 Inch, Closed Solid Wood Back, Beginner Kit with Truss Rod Gig Bag Tuner String Strap Picks - BU806
  • ♪【Portable Size】 - The 23 inch banjolele is perfect for musical travel. Lightweight, suitable for parties, courses, etc. The mini banjo is easy to use, very suitable for beginners, and economical
  • ♪ 【Polyester Drum Skin】 - The drumskin of Mulucky banjolele is made of polyester that has great elasticity to respond quickly, equipped with premium Aquila strings from Italy and a high-quality closed-gear tuner, this banjo not only delivers bright, punchy sound but is a well-tuned and well-kept.
  • ♪ 【Comfort in Hand】- The 3mm motion at the 12th fret is very comfortable when pressed. Adjusting the truss rod can better balance the tension caused by the strings or climate change, and set the perfect string height to meet different needs
  • ♪ 【Premium Sapele】- The Sapele xylophone body with beautiful wood grain is hard, not easy to warp or corrode, making the banjo durable. The anti-corrosion chrome-plated pegs can stand the test of time, and the 15:1 transmission ratio ensures string pitch
  • ♪ 【Warranty Service】 - We are a professional banjo uke supplier, committed to the spirit of music and supplying competitive instruments. If you have any dissatisfaction with this banjolele, please contact us for a full refund or a replacement it
Bestseller No. 7
Mulucky 5 String Banjo, Full Size with 24 Brackets, Open Back, Maple Banjos with Remo Head, Geared 5th Tuner, Gift Package with Beginner Kit - MB1101
  • ♪ Remo Head: This open back banjo kit is flawlessly designed with a Remo head, made by the world-renown Remo drum company. The professional retro imitation animal skin; warm and retro tone, delicate, transparent, with moderate overtones. 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.
  • ♪ Sound - The open back produces a more mellow, softer sound, and since the sound chamber rests against the player, some of the sounds are absorbed into his clothing and the player’s body, which lowers the banjo’s volume
  • ♪ Adjustable Bracket - 24 brackets ensure even head panel tension to fusion melodious percussion timbres by gently beating on the head, It can be adjusted according to the sound you want
  • ♪ 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
  • ♪ Mulucky Banjo Kit: The 5 string banjo kit comes with a full-size banjo x1, spare strings set x1, tuner x1, tuning wrench x2, fingerpick x4, strap x1, cleaning cloth x1, and gig bag x1, ruler x 1. We are a professional banjo supplier, If you have any questions about this banjo, please contact us
Bestseller No. 8
Kmise, 4, Banjo Ukulele, Concert Size 23 Inch (with Bag Tuner Strap Strings Pickup)
852 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.
SaleBestseller No. 9
Costzon 5-String Banjo 24 Bracket with Geared 5th Tuner and Mid-range Closed Handle, Beginner Kit with 420D Oxford Cloth Bag, One Strap, Wiper, 3 Picks
472 Reviews
Costzon 5-String Banjo 24 Bracket with Geared 5th Tuner and Mid-range Closed Handle, Beginner Kit with 420D Oxford Cloth Bag, One Strap, Wiper, 3 Picks
  • 🪕【Solid and Durable Plywood Frame】: The panel is wood, and the back and side is Sapele Wood, and the fingerboard is made of Ma qiao Rosewood, which are solid and resistant to corrosion. The durable plywood frame is of high quality that has a long service time.
  • 🪕【With Geared 5th Tuner】: Our 5 string banjo brings you the classic tones and it is perfect for country, folk, bluegrass and even some modern rock. It features additional 5th geared tuner side-peg which is important upgrade over the common friction tuner.
  • 🪕【24 Adjustable Brackets and Remo Drum】: There is 24 consolidation brackets around the drum which is adjustable to make the sound meet the design requirements. It is needed to adjust the drum for several times in order to make a sound.
  • 🪕【Mid-Range Closed Handle and Steel Wire】: Mid-range closed handle is suitable for various ranges of people to hold and control. And the strings are made of mid-range steel wire which is solid but flexible to pluck, contributing to long service time and easy operation.
  • 🪕【With Useful Accessories】: The digital tuner has the ability to precisely adjust the sound level. Ideal for beginners and kids.With a strap and a carrying bag, it is easy to take the banjo along with you while protecting it from corrosion and scratch.
Bestseller No. 10
Ibanez B50 5-String Banjo Natural
  • 5-string banjo design
  • 24-lug configuration
  • Mahogany neck
  • Mahogany back and sides
  • Remo 11inch coated weatherking banjo head

Last update on 2023-08-20 / 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.