Reddit mentions: The best banjos

I was actually in this exact situation when I started playing - was a highschooler with free time and just wanted to learn banjo.

1. Get a banjo: If you don't have one already, then this part is sort of a requirement. A standard 5-string is the best place to start. This Deering is a fantastic beginner banjo (and not too bad for performing either), but if price is an issue, I've heard that Gold Tone's work just fine as well.
   
2. Get some books/material: This book is by the master himself (Earl Scruggs). It's sort of an essential for anyone looking to play classic 3-finger (Scruggs style) banjo. If you're looking to play Clawhammer perhaps, this is a very good book for learning.
   
3. PRACTICE: It can seem difficult at first, but I recommend practicing as much as possible. When I first started, I practiced for about 1-2 hours everyday for a solid month. I was able to improve very quickly. And the best part is that I enjoyed every bit of it. That's another thing, if you really enjoy playing, then practicing shouldn't be verry difficult for you.
   
   Good luck, and have fun!

I'm not sure what the banjo market is like in the UK, but in the US high quality used banjos are plentiful and it rarely makes sense to buy new.

Compared to other instruments, banjos are more expensive than you'd think. If you're buying a guitar in the $200 price range, if you look around long enough you'll actually find some sweet sounding and playing instruments. This is rarely the case with banjos in my experience.

With that being said, an instruments "set up" is what determines how playable and enjoyable an instrument is. A well setup bluegrass banjo is going to have a playable action all along the neck, proper bridge placement and head tension. A good setup on your banjo is a hugely important part of the learning process and it'll likely cost you anywhere from $50-100. Figure that any banjo you buy new or used is going to need a setup.

Here's an example of a really bare bones banjo Epiphone MB-100 that you could order from Amazon. This isn't really a bluegrass banjo but it's somewhat in your price range. BG players are generally looking for a banjo with a tone-ring and a resonator to help ring out above the rest of the jam. These things increase the price of the instrument but aren't critical if you don't see yourself playing with other people.

Don't forget about your setup cost! Add another $50-100 dollars to get it somewhere near playable.

What I'm driving at here is that you're probably better off waiting until you have a little more money to spend so you can actually get something that's worth learning on.

I cant say anything re: parlor guitar, but I bought this jameson 5 string resonator banjo for SUPER CHEAP to teach my self how to play and it has been absolutely outstanding value.

It has 5 stars over 228 reviews on amazon - seriously the best deal ever on an instrument.

I know that $135 is over your $100 budget, but you just arent going to get a banjo for less than that - even an open backed one.

Hello! I am new to banjo and just recently did this whole new banjo thing and purchased one in November for myself. It was pretty inexpensive, yet I got a great quality banjo for myself. I'm learning bluegrass with a resonator. I'm not sure if you're looking for a high quality banjo to start with that large budget, but the one I found was referred to by a handful of different websites as "The best quality banjo you can get for it's price."

Here is the link to the banjo from the company website:
http://jamesonguitars.com/banjos/

I am Canadian but bought mine through the American Amazon for $155 USD:
http://www.amazon.com/5-String-Bracket-Closed-Jameson-Guitars/dp/B0033P1O6S

The Canadian Amazon link if you wish to compare price:
http://www.amazon.ca/5-String-Bracket-Closed-Jameson-Guitars/dp/B0033P1O6S

Price is much cheaper through the American Amazon, although it may not ship to you in Canada as I had to use a friend with an American address to retrieve it.

If you have more questions for someone who has already gone through the whole "I'm new to this, what should I do?!" phase, send me a message :)

I picked up [this banjo] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0033P1O6S?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title) earlier this week. I've been picking at it just about daily off and on for a good few hours and I love it. Great sound, good quality construction. Very happy with it thus far. And certainly didn't break the bank if my conviction to learning how to play peeters out.

I've got this guy and he's pretty nice, with almost universally good reviews on amazon. Plus the resonator is detachable, so you can play either style. Personally I think the tone is better without the resonator so I practice without it, even though I'm working on bluegrass finger picking. It's nice to have the choice.

You must play with picks to get that characteristic bluegrass plucking sound. The clawhammer style is actually playing with the back of your index or middle finger nail. Dixieland and/or Irish banjo uses a guitar pick. I've never heard of any other banjo style that's played with your finger tips alone, like you would with a base.

Rogues tend not to hold a tune, the tone leaves a bit to be desired , and the action is mile high at best.
If that's your price range, I'd look used. Get in touch with an old-time group in your area, I'd bet someone has a used axe they could sell or loan you. If you can kick in a bit more, the Rover RB-20 is supposed to be a decent cheap banjo. Elderly will do a great job setting it up for you, but Amazon has it pretty cheap if you've got someone you trust to do setup for you. If you can kick in a little more still, Goldtones and Deering Goodtimes are great beginner options for clawhammer. I got my Goodtime on sale for under $300 a few years ago when they changed the specs and the headstock. I can't find any that cheap now, but keep a lookout- sales do happen.

I am very VERY much a beginner, but I'm still happy with my cheap Amazon (Jameson Guitars) Banjo. It stays in tune, and sounds like a banjo. I'm sure something 10x-20x more money sounds much better, but for me this has been a nice inexpensive intro.

https://www.amazon.com/5-String-Bracket-Closed-Jameson-Guitars/dp/B0033P1O6S/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1484096293&sr=1-1&keywords=banjo+jameson

I know it's expensive and all (If I win, pick whatever you want from the wishlist, it really doesn't matter), but nobody I know likes the banjo, so I guess that makes it unique.

I really like a wide cast of characters. Not just main ones, but little side characters that show up throughout the story. Like, if there was an old guy who was camping and met the protagonists out in the forest, and they meet again awhile later but in a completely different setting, but again it's only in passing. It makes it seem like there's a huge world surrounding the main storyline.

5-String Banjo 24 Bracket with... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0033P1O6S?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

This is the one I started with. I wanted to see if I enjoyed it/had any skill before buying a nice one. It will do the job, but if you can find a better beginner banjo used in a store it is Much better as these from amazon really need set up work. But overall, it works, you can learn on it. Happy picking.

I just got myself one of these

It needed a fair bit of set up, but if you follow the directions in the "step by step to pro banjo setup" link in the side bar it sounds pretty good once set up. The main issue I had was the head was not properly tensioned.

The hardware on it is decent. All geared tuners, even the fifth string, and a Remo weatherking head. The external finish is very nice... the insides are not all that polished, but it does sound good...

The resonator comes off with four thumb screws and the banjo is built so that you won't get torn up by the tension brackets, so you can play it with the resonator attached for bluegrass and take it off if you prefer for clawhammer.

Edit: I just noticed the price has gone up $42 since I ordered it, but even at $189 it's still a pretty good deal IMO.

I am also in the market for a new banjo but don't have those type of funds to work with as OP. Would this be a good starter? I know nothing about stringed instruments( I played brass my whole life) so any suggestions would be helpful. I have like a 200 dollar budget

This has some good information. I appreciate the comment. One thing I wish I could hear is someone playing Scruggs style on the banjo that I'm looking at. It's super entry-level, but it seems like a good one for the price point.

http://www.amazon.com/Recording-King-RKOH-05-Dirty-Thirties/dp/B00EON6J22

The one at the local shop has a different head on it though. It's new, but it has a fiberskin type head.

Ok great, thanks! Think I should go for this Deering or save almost $200 and go for the Dirty Thirties?

I would be wanting to play Bluegrass music. Similar to the music The Hillbilly Gypsies play. I would like to buy something that is a good price for a beginner, but won't leave me wanting to upgrade once I get better.

I'm seeing a Deering on Craigslist for $300 http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/msg/2959405250.html, and this Gold Tone's on Amazon for a little more http://www.amazon.com/Gold-Tone-CC-50-Cripple-String/dp/B002RARBEO or http://www.amazon.com/Gold-Tone-CC-50RP-Cripple-Resonator/dp/B002RARBEY.

I'm partial to rosewood necks on guitars, so that might influence my choice of a banjo.

EDIT: I just found this one in Harrisburg http://harrisburg.craigslist.org/msg/2885484805.html I don't know anything about the brand but he makes the price sound like a deal. Plus, it comes with a hard case.

http://www.amazon.com/Deering-GOODTIME-BANJO-GT-Goodtime/dp/B001Q9F34W

This one is great. It feels like a "real" banjo and comes well set up and ready to play. Had it for a year and no issues.

Coolest Item is a banjo. Whats not cool about a banjo. Back in college there was a guy who would practice and play out in front of my dorm every night. It was fucking rad. He'd sit out on the stoop ranching an American Spirit and just playing his heart out. Cool guy.

Get the cheapest banjo you can find on Craigslist. Just make sure it's structurally sound (no holes in the head, cracks in the wood, etc) and each string rings on all the frets. If he's never played an instrument, it'll take him a while to get the basic motions (rolling, fretting, sliding, etc). There's no reason to spend a lot until he has those down and you know he'll stick with it. After that, you can upgrade.

If it must be new, Amazon has Goldtone CC-100 on they're year end sale which would be a great starter.

For bluegrass, he'll want a resonator banjo eventually, but it doesn't matter for starting out. Open back banjos tend to be cheaper and quieter.

Don't worry about getting left hand instruments. If he's never played anything before, he's got to train his hands no matter what and right handed instruments are going to be a lot cheaper and easier to find.

I’m a beginner and purchased this Jameson banjo last year. It’s been really great. Nice sound and inexpensive.

I'm also a beginner, and was in the same boat as you about a week ago. I considered buying used, but quickly got frustrated looking for a good deal. I also have a history of quickly dropping new hobbies, so I wanted to pay as little as possible for a playable banjo.

Based on the endorsement here, and the reviews on amazon, I ended up pulling the trigger on the 5 String Jameson Guitars Banjo.

It does have a resonator, but it's easily removed with a Phillips-head screwdriver. For under $200 I got the banjo, an introductory book, and a few sets of strings to play around with. So far I'm very pleased with the banjo, my only complaint is that the string action is rather low, and there's no bridge cut out like you see in many of the open backed banjos.

Also take a look at this thread, they have a couple recommendations for other places to look.

I don’t know anything about Jameson, but I bought this epiphone as my first banjo, specifically to learn clawhammer, and I thought it was excellent for the price.

MB-100

That's a very nice one, I have this gold tone which I like a lot...

Gold Tone Banjolele-DLX Banjo Ukulele Deluxe (Maple) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000T08KYY

New myself and was just browsing Amazon. Would something like this be at all recommended or a decent beginner option?

Link

Here's a nice epiphone 5 string for $275.
https://www.amazon.com/Epiphone-MB-200-Banjo-Red-Brown/dp/B0002OON4S
Here's what it can sound like.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-FFkv9pt8s

:)

I would also recommend going with the Goodtime. They're a bit cheaper on Amazon, and they're really, really worth it, quality-wise. A lot of the low-end banjos made overseas are cheaply put together and have problems with the action (distance of strings from the fretboard) or crappy tuners, and won't sound very good either, whereas my Goodtime's been played for almost a decade, I've abused the hell out of it for the past year (playing several hours a day, lugging it around on the bus, regularly changing the tuning), and it's escaped with only a couple minor scratches and nicks. Still totally playable and sounds fine. It is a little bit quieter than other banjos will be at jams, but I get along pretty well.

Thanks all for the great suggestions, i really appreciate all the responses!!!

i browsed around fruther on Reddit, and have been eyeballing this:
Deering Goodtime, 5 string, openback at Amazon

I think for the price, that would be a great starter... i am leaning towards bluegrass, but will have to consider alot through the learning process...
I doubt that i would sell any equipment i purchase, as i really like having equipment available to have spontanious jam sessions, and i also am a terrible musical Pack Rat... Quite the flaw.

looks like the vega is sale priced as well - $1200 instead of $1700...

https://www.amazon.ca/Vega-Little-Wonder-Banjo-Deering/dp/B0024FAU1S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1496252239&sr=8-1&keywords=B0024FAU1S

I think you're going to get this because then you will play us all music. That item looks mighty fine.

This is the one I got. Has a really good sound to it and for $150 it exceeded all my expectations.

Washburn B7?

And I'm assuming you're talking about this for the Fender

Are you wanting to play bluegrass or clawhammer?

Because you should be able to find comparable banjos for a cheaper price.

Sometimes you have to take the resonator off to see the model numbers and additional info inside the banjo.

Are you sure it's not an RK-35? I've seen those in that price range.

https://www.amazon.com/Recording-King-RK-R35-BR-Madison-Resonator/dp/B003EV6EIO

Edit to add: Maybe it's an RK-R20?

https://www.guitarcenter.com/Recording-King/Bluegrass-Series-RK-R20-Songster-Banjo.gc

Don't buy for looks. You can add a black head to any banjo for about 30 bucks.

Get either a GoldTone, Deering, or Recording King.

They will all be higher quality for only a little more. Totally worth it.

That item looks mighty fine.

I think that you are going to get the banjo!

Remember that Rogues are the lowest of the low end. Basically they're right above a toy banjo you would buy a little kid for Christmas. $80 is about what I'd pay for any Rogue instrument.

I recommend this one as a starter. For the price it's very, very good.

You're going to get this, so we can jam. That item looks mighty fine.

This is my first banjo. Seems alright to learn the basics on, and about spending too much scratch in case you don't like it.

What do you think about this?
http://www.amazon.com/5-String-Bracket-Closed-Jameson-Guitars/dp/B0033P1O6S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1394748648&sr=8-1&keywords=banjo

Mandolins usually have more than 4 strings. Could you mean a banjolele (banjo/ukelele hybrid)?

https://www.amazon.com/Ukulele-String-Banjos-Ukelele-Concert/dp/B01GDNZNPY/ref=pd_cp_267_1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=ef4dc990-a9ca-4945-ae0b-f8d549198ed6&pf_rd_r=7GJ63NRGGC8W23F8WZJ9&pd_rd_wg=ftGEz&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&pd_rd_w=HQTQ3&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pd_rd_r=5added81-f1ad-11e8-8ab7-d7d92181ecc1&pd_rd_i=B01GDNZNPY&psc=1&refRID=7GJ63NRGGC8W23F8WZJ9

Oh boy!!

This

Or This

But they're really just on there to show people what kind of person I am. I know very well It'll never happen and I'd feel so guilty if it did because they're ridiculously expensive

Looks an awful lot like a Jameson but with a different logo on it. Sorry dude!

banjo i always wanted one someday ill get it when ever i have extra money