{"id":72,"date":"2016-01-21T14:02:42","date_gmt":"2016-01-21T14:02:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.instrumenttop.com\/?p=72"},"modified":"2020-01-02T11:31:17","modified_gmt":"2020-01-02T11:31:17","slug":"best-beginner-banjo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.instrumenttop.com\/best-beginner-banjo\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Best Beginner Banjos 2020"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>If your favorite iTunes list or YouTube channel has some Earl Scruggs, Bill Keith, Wade Ward and Don Reno, then you might just be a fan of banjo music. You know who you are.<\/p>\n<p>If your ears enjoy listening to the sound of the banjo but your fingers are itching to play one, then you\u2019ll need to do a bit of research before you choose one.<\/p>\n<p>Below, we help you find the best beginner <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Play-a-Banjo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">banjo<\/a> by comparing and contrasting the top picks for a novice. We help you get informed before you buy, so keep reading and arm yourself with banjo knowledge!<\/p>\n<h2>Consider This for Beginner Banjos<\/h2>\n<p>As you hunt for the right banjo, here are a few things to consider:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Music Type.<\/strong>\u00a0Do you plan to play bluegrass or Dixieland tunes?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Dixieland, Irish Music.<\/strong>\u00a0For more lively tunes, a four-string banjo is an excellent choice.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 55px;\">There are three types:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>17-Fret Tenor Banjos<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>19-Fret Tenor Banjos<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>Plectrum Banjos<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Bluegrass, Country, Gospel, Jazz, Folk, Classical, Rock.<\/strong>\u00a0A five-string banjo is standard for any of these types of music, and unless you have very specific musical intentions (such as the Dixieland or Irish Music), then a five string is the way to go.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 55px;\">Our list below contains five-string banjos, which are recommended for beginners.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Dominant Hand.<\/strong>\u00a0This may seem like an obvious suggestion, but make sure you consider which hand you prefer to play with before you buy a banjo.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 27px;\">You\u2019ll find left-handed and right-handed banjos, so make sure you know which one you\u2019re buying before you plunk your money down!<\/p>\n<h2>6 Best Banjos for Beginners Table<\/h2>\n<style>\r\n\r\ntable#t2 {\r\nborder-collapse: collapse;\t\r\nborder-width: 0px;\r\nborder-style: outset;\r\nmargin: 20px 0;\r\nline-height: 2.0em;\r\ntext-align: center;\r\nvertical-align: top;width: 100%;border-top: 1px solid #EEEEEE;border-bottom: 1px solid #EEEEEE;box-shadow: 0 0px 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.4);\r\n}\r\ntable#t2 thead tr {\r\n\r\n}\r\ntable#t2 thead tr th.t2 {\r\ncolor: #333333;\r\nbackground: none repeat scroll 0 0 #FFFFFF;\r\nfont-size: 1em;\r\nletter-spacing: 0;\r\nline-height: 2.0;\r\npadding: 4px;\r\ntext-transform: none;\r\ntext-align: center;border-bottom: 1px solid #EEEEEE;\r\n}\r\n\r\ntable#t2 thead tr th#t2.start {\r\n\r\n}\r\ntable#t2 thead tr th#t2.end {\r\n\r\n}\r\ntable#t2 tbody tr {\r\n    background: none repeat scroll 0 0 #FFFFFF;\r\n}\r\ntable#t2 tbody tr.table-alternate {\r\n    background: none repeat scroll 0 0 #FDFDFD;\r\n}\r\ntable#t2 tbody tr td#n1 {\r\n\twidth: 20%;\r\n\t}table#t2 tbody tr td#n2 {\r\n\twidth: 20%;\r\n\t}table#t2 tbody tr td#n3 {\r\n\twidth: 20%;\r\n\t}table#t2 tbody tr td#n4 {\r\n\twidth: 20%;\r\n\t}table#t2 tbody tr td#n5 {\r\n\twidth: 20%;\r\n\t}\r\n\r\ntable#t2 tbody tr td {\r\n    padding: 5px;\r\n\tborder-width: 0px;\r\n\tfont-size: 1.0em;\r\n\tborder-top: medium none;border-bottom: 1px solid #EEEEEE;\r\n    text-align: center;\r\n\tline-height: 1.2;\r\n\tvertical-align: top;\r\n}\r\n}\r\ntable#t2 tfoot tr {\r\n}\r\n\r\ntable#t2 tfoot tr td {\r\n    background: none repeat scroll 0 0 #FCFCFC;\t\r\n\tpadding: 4px;\r\n\tborder-width: 0px;\r\n\tcolor: #7a7a7a;\r\n\tfont-size: 1.0em;\r\n\tborder-top: medium none;\r\n    text-align: center;\r\n}\r\n<\/style><table id=\"t2\">\n\t\t<thead>\n\t\t\t<tr><th scope=\"col\" class=\"t2\" id=\"n1\">Picture<\/th><th scope=\"col\" class=\"t2\" id=\"n2\">Name<\/th><th scope=\"col\" class=\"t2\" id=\"n3\"># of strings<\/th><th scope=\"col\" class=\"t2\" id=\"n4\">Price<\/th><th scope=\"col\" class=\"t2\" id=\"n5\">Rating (1-5)<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tfoot><tr><td><center>Picture<\/center><\/td><td><center>Name<\/center><\/td><td><center># of strings<\/center><\/td><td><center>Price<\/center><\/td><td><center>Rating (1-5)<\/center><\/td><\/tr><\/tfoot>\n\t<tbody><tr class=\"table-alternate row1\"> <td id=\"n1\" class=\"start\"><a class=\"easyazon-link easyazon-link-image easyazon-link-image-align\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-easyazon-asin=\"B001Q9F34W\" data-easyazon-locale=\"US\" data-easyazon-localize=\"data-easyazon-localize\" href=\"http:\/\/amazon.com\/dp\/B001Q9F34W\/?tag=guitarratin04-20\"><img alt=\"\" class=\"easyazon-image aligncenter\" height=\"110\" src=\"https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/41GJ%2BD1WeCL._SL1000_.jpg\" width=\"35\" \/><\/a><\/td><td id=\"n2\" ><a class=\"easyazon-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-easyazon-asin=\"B001Q9F34W\" data-easyazon-locale=\"US\" data-easyazon-localize=\"data-easyazon-localize\" href=\"http:\/\/amazon.com\/dp\/B001Q9F34W\/?tag=guitarratin04-20\">1. Deering Goodtime 5-String Banjo<\/a><\/td><td id=\"n3\" >5<\/td><td id=\"n4\" >$$$$<\/td><td id=\"n5\" >4.8<\/td><\/tr><tr class= \"table-noalt row2\"><td id=\"n1\" class=\"start\"><a class=\"easyazon-link easyazon-link-image easyazon-link-image-align\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-easyazon-asin=\"B0033P1O6S\" data-easyazon-locale=\"US\" data-easyazon-localize=\"data-easyazon-localize\" href=\"http:\/\/amazon.com\/dp\/B0033P1O6S\/?tag=guitarratin04-20\"><img alt=\"\" class=\"easyazon-image aligncenter\" height=\"110\" src=\"https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/712qwxBt6LL._SL1500_.jpg\" width=\"35\" \/><\/a><\/td><td id=\"n2\" ><a class=\"easyazon-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-easyazon-asin=\"B0033P1O6S\" data-easyazon-locale=\"US\" data-easyazon-localize=\"data-easyazon-localize\" href=\"http:\/\/amazon.com\/dp\/B0033P1O6S\/?tag=guitarratin04-20\">2. 5-String Banjo 24 Bracket with Closed Solid Back and Geared 5th Tuner By Jameson Guitars<\/a><\/td><td id=\"n3\" >5<\/td><td id=\"n4\" >$<\/td><td id=\"n5\" >4.7<\/td><\/tr><tr class=\"table-alternate row3\"> <td id=\"n1\" class=\"start\"><a class=\"easyazon-link easyazon-link-image easyazon-link-image-align\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-easyazon-asin=\"B001FA9WVC\" data-easyazon-locale=\"US\" data-easyazon-localize=\"data-easyazon-localize\" href=\"http:\/\/amazon.com\/dp\/B001FA9WVC\/?tag=guitarratin04-20\"><img alt=\"\" class=\"easyazon-image aligncenter\" height=\"110\" src=\"https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/61UXP7jVD6L._SL1500_.jpg\" width=\"35\" \/><\/a><\/td><td id=\"n2\" ><a class=\"easyazon-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-easyazon-asin=\"B001FA9WVC\" data-easyazon-locale=\"US\" data-easyazon-localize=\"data-easyazon-localize\" href=\"http:\/\/amazon.com\/dp\/B001FA9WVC\/?tag=guitarratin04-20\">3. Epiphone MB-100 Banjo, Vintage Satin Brown, Chrome Hardware<\/a><\/td><td id=\"n3\" >5<\/td><td id=\"n4\" >$$$<\/td><td id=\"n5\" >4.3<\/td><\/tr><tr class= \"table-noalt row4\"><td id=\"n1\" class=\"start\"><a class=\"easyazon-link easyazon-link-image easyazon-link-image-align\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-easyazon-asin=\"B0062IWNCC\" data-easyazon-locale=\"US\" data-easyazon-localize=\"data-easyazon-localize\" href=\"http:\/\/amazon.com\/dp\/B0062IWNCC\/?tag=guitarratin04-20\"><img alt=\"\" class=\"easyazon-image aligncenter\" height=\"110\" src=\"https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/512DnMi7TOL._SL1000_.jpg\" width=\"110\" \/><\/a><\/td><td id=\"n2\" ><a class=\"easyazon-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-easyazon-asin=\"B0062IWNCC\" data-easyazon-locale=\"US\" data-easyazon-localize=\"data-easyazon-localize\" href=\"http:\/\/amazon.com\/dp\/B0062IWNCC\/?tag=guitarratin04-20\">4. PYLE-PRO PBJ60 5 String Banjo with Chrome Plated Hardware<\/a><\/td><td id=\"n3\" >5<\/td><td id=\"n4\" >$$<\/td><td id=\"n5\" >4.3<\/td><\/tr><tr class=\"table-alternate row5\"> <td id=\"n1\" class=\"start\"><a class=\"easyazon-link easyazon-link-image easyazon-link-image-align\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-easyazon-asin=\"B000A39GUW\" data-easyazon-locale=\"US\" data-easyazon-localize=\"data-easyazon-localize\" href=\"http:\/\/amazon.com\/dp\/B000A39GUW\/?tag=guitarratin04-20\"><img alt=\"\" class=\"easyazon-image aligncenter\" height=\"110\" src=\"http:\/\/www.instrumenttop.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/51aXuZUBfTS._SL1000_.jpg\" width=\"35\" \/><\/a><\/td><td id=\"n2\" ><a class=\"easyazon-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-easyazon-asin=\"B000A39GUW\" data-easyazon-locale=\"US\" data-easyazon-localize=\"data-easyazon-localize\" href=\"http:\/\/amazon.com\/dp\/B000A39GUW\/?tag=guitarratin04-20\">5. Oscar Schmidt OB5 Gloss Mahogany 5-String Banjo<\/a><\/td><td id=\"n3\" >5<\/td><td id=\"n4\" >$$$<\/td><td id=\"n5\" >4.0<\/td><\/tr><tr class= \"table-noalt row6\"><td id=\"n1\" class=\"start\"><a class=\"easyazon-link easyazon-link-image easyazon-link-image-align\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-easyazon-asin=\"B0002IP4VU\" data-easyazon-locale=\"US\" data-easyazon-localize=\"data-easyazon-localize\" href=\"http:\/\/amazon.com\/dp\/B0002IP4VU\/?tag=guitarratin04-20\"><img alt=\"\" class=\"easyazon-image aligncenter\" height=\"110\" src=\"https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/51DHSJ%2Br93L._SL1200_.jpg\" width=\"88\" \/><\/a><\/td><td id=\"n2\" ><a class=\"easyazon-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-easyazon-asin=\"B0002IP4VU\" data-easyazon-locale=\"US\" data-easyazon-localize=\"data-easyazon-localize\" href=\"http:\/\/amazon.com\/dp\/B0002IP4VU\/?tag=guitarratin04-20\">6. Washburn Banjo Starter Kit (Gig bag, Strap, Picks, Pitch Pipe)<\/a><\/td><td id=\"n3\" >5<\/td><td id=\"n4\" >$$$<\/td><td id=\"n5\" >3.8<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\n<h2>Banjo Wood<\/h2>\n<p>The wood used for the neck of the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instrumenttop.com\/best-banjo\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">banjo<\/a> varies, and each one will offer a unique tone ring and the response.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Mahogany.<\/strong>\u00a0This will offer a gentle, warm sound as you play and give you a slower response.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Maple.\u00a0<\/strong>With a maple neck, you\u2019ll have a crisp, sharp sound. You can play either very soft or very loud.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Walnut.<\/strong>\u00a0While this isn\u2019t as popular as mahogany or maple, it seems to have an in-between sound, if you will: brighter than mahogany and warmer than maple.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Open Back vs. Closed Back<\/h2>\n<p>The classic banjo had an open back, which quite literally means that the back side is not covered. These are more popular for old-time music or string band music where the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.dummies.com\/how-to\/content\/banjo-for-dummies-cheat-sheet.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">banjo<\/a> volume doesn\u2019t need to be as loud.<\/p>\n<p>Closed back banjos, as the name implies, have a covered back side are used more for bluegrass music. They have a resonator and flange which project the sound out toward the audience, making the sound louder.<\/p>\n<h2>Top 3 Best Beginner Banjo Reviews<\/h2>\n<h2><a class=\"easyazon-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-easyazon-asin=\"B001Q9F34W\" data-easyazon-locale=\"US\" data-easyazon-localize=\"data-easyazon-localize\" href=\"http:\/\/amazon.com\/dp\/B001Q9F34W\/?tag=guitarratin04-20\">1. Deering Goodtime Banjo<\/a><\/h2>\n<a class=\"easyazon-link easyazon-link-image easyazon-link-image-align\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-easyazon-asin=\"B001Q9F34W\" data-easyazon-locale=\"US\" data-easyazon-localize=\"data-easyazon-localize\" href=\"http:\/\/amazon.com\/dp\/B001Q9F34W\/?tag=guitarratin04-20\"><img alt=\"\" class=\"easyazon-image alignright\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/41GJ%2BD1WeCL._SL1000_.jpg\" width=\"77\" \/><\/a>\n<p>While the Deering Goodtime Banjo is rather pricy, you will be entering the world of banjo playing with a bang.<\/p>\n<p>This 22-fret maple neck banjo will give you a crisp, sharp sound as you play. The frets are precise, which ensures the correct intonation over the fingerboard, and the slim neck makes it comfortable for anyone to hold.<\/p>\n<p>This is the banjo that experienced players wish they would have purchased as their first banjo, so if you\u2019d like to save yourself the regret, invest now for a lifetime of quality music!<\/p>\n<h2><a class=\"easyazon-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-easyazon-asin=\"B0033P1O6S\" data-easyazon-locale=\"US\" data-easyazon-localize=\"data-easyazon-localize\" href=\"http:\/\/amazon.com\/dp\/B0033P1O6S\/?tag=guitarratin04-20\">2. Jameson 5-String Geared 5th Tuner Banjo<\/a><\/h2>\n<a class=\"easyazon-link easyazon-link-image easyazon-link-image-align\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-easyazon-asin=\"B0033P1O6S\" data-easyazon-locale=\"US\" data-easyazon-localize=\"data-easyazon-localize\" href=\"http:\/\/amazon.com\/dp\/B0033P1O6S\/?tag=guitarratin04-20\"><img alt=\"\" class=\"easyazon-image alignright\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/712qwxBt6LL._SL1500_.jpg\" width=\"83\" \/><\/a>\n<p>This Jameson closed back banjo for right-handed players features a slim neck and a powerful sound quality.<\/p>\n<p>It has a mahogany resonator with 7-ply maple and mahogany shell, a geared fifth tuner, 24 brackets and an adjustable hinged tailpiece.<\/p>\n<p>Ideal in quality and price for your first banjo purchase. A solid bluegrass banjo with removable resonator so you can play a little clawhammer or frailing style!<\/p>\n<p>If you don\u2019t have the funds for our top choice, then this is the next <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instrumenttop.com\/best-beginner-violin\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">best beginner<\/a>\u00a0banjo.<\/p>\n<h2><a class=\"easyazon-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-easyazon-asin=\"B001FA9WVC\" data-easyazon-locale=\"US\" data-easyazon-localize=\"data-easyazon-localize\" href=\"http:\/\/amazon.com\/dp\/B001FA9WVC\/?tag=guitarratin04-20\">3. Epiphone MB-100 Banjo<\/a><\/h2>\n<a class=\"easyazon-link easyazon-link-image easyazon-link-image-align\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-easyazon-asin=\"B001FA9WVC\" data-easyazon-locale=\"US\" data-easyazon-localize=\"data-easyazon-localize\" href=\"http:\/\/amazon.com\/dp\/B001FA9WVC\/?tag=guitarratin04-20\"><img alt=\"\" class=\"easyazon-image alignright\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/61UXP7jVD6L._SL1500_.jpg\" width=\"83\" \/><\/a>\n<p>Epiphone makes another great entry-level closed back banjo for those just starting out. Unlike the first two, this is an open back banjo that offers you excellent sound for any old-time tunes.<\/p>\n<p>The body is mahogany with a rosewood fretboard, and while it does offer a nice, warm sound, it may require a bit of fine-tuning right out the box.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amherst.edu\/academiclife\/departments\/courses\/1516S\/MUSI\/MUSI-167H-1516S\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">beginner<\/a>, have an experienced friend or teacher help you to adjust everything. This is a mid-level banjo that you can start out with, but as you gain experience, you\u2019ll definitely want to upgrade to something from a higher quality scale.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If your favorite iTunes list or YouTube channel has some Earl Scruggs, Bill Keith, Wade Ward and Don Reno, then you might just be a fan of banjo music. You know who you are. If your ears enjoy listening to the sound of the banjo but your fingers are itching to play one, then you\u2019ll [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":102,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[11,8],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.instrumenttop.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/72"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.instrumenttop.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.instrumenttop.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.instrumenttop.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.instrumenttop.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=72"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.instrumenttop.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/72\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1294,"href":"https:\/\/www.instrumenttop.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/72\/revisions\/1294"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.instrumenttop.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/102"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.instrumenttop.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=72"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.instrumenttop.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=72"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.instrumenttop.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=72"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}