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Editor's picks

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  Saga Appalachian Full Size Five String Resonator Banjo

  Musical Instruments (Saga Musical Instruments)
  

  Rating (10 reviews):

  (3.4/5)

  

  i've seen better but not for the price

  when i received the banjo i was immediately worried, i knew it was one of the last two in stock so the chances of a problem were high. i was right. there was a deep gash in the inner box the width of the box. when i pulled the banjo out of that box it had a dent in the head, about the size of a dime. it came with no instructions on how to set up the bridge(i'm a first-timer and it would have been nice to learn from Saga instead of Banjohangout.org, the DVD shows you how to start tuning and playing but not setup) after i figured that out and started tuning a chip of plastic fell off of the fake mother-of-pearl fifth string tuner. even before i added superglue it was still functional and it sounds fine in spite of the dented head so i didn't bother sending it back. all in all its not a bad instrument and i like playing it having come from a guitar background but somewhere between chinese workmanship and shoddy transport of what should have been labeled fragile it became a not so great... 3/5 Julio M. Balmaseda "Suburban Redneck" (Northern New Jersey, USA) - See all my reviews, July 31, 2008

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  Appalachian Banjo

  I received this banjo in a huge cardboard package (literally twice the size of the banjo box that it came in). This banjo is in a complete pack. When I opened it, I found no problems at all. I am a very basic beginner, but I was able to see how to set the bridge based on the picture on the front. The only small complaint I have is that I received a guitar pipe tuner instead of a banjo tuner---but really, just use a free online banjo tuner. Also, I really enjoy the black case--it even has a pocket for a strap and the picks, which could be easy to lose. I'm still not exactly sure how to use the strap on the banjo, so I just forego that part. However, the case has a strap which makes it very easy to travel. In short, this is an excellent product, and I think a great way to start learning how to play the banjo. 5/5 Ben C - See all my reviews This review is from: Saga Appalachian Full Size Five String Resonator Banjo (Electronics) I received this banjo in a huge cardboard package (literally twice the size of the banjo box that it came in). This banjo is in a complete pack. When I opened it, I found no problems at all. I am a very basic beginner, but I was able to see how to set the bridge based on the picture on the front. The only small complaint I have is that I received a guitar pipe tuner instead of a banjo tuner---but really, just use a free online banjo tuner. Also, I really enjoy the black case--it even has a pocket for a strap and the picks, which could be easy to lose. I'm still not exactly sure how to use the strap on the banjo, so I just forego that part. However, the case has a strap which makes it very easy to travel. In short, this is an excellent product, and I think a great way to start learning how to play the banjo. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , July 11, 2009

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  Banjo for Beginners.

  My son wanted to learn to play a "different" instrument. He chose the banjo and narrowed his purchase to this one. It is a quality instrument but not expensive. The sound is great and it appears it will last a long time. He's very happy with it. 5/5 Dale Ann Negen "DaleN" (So Cal) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Saga Appalachian Full Size Five String Resonator Banjo (Electronics) My son wanted to learn to play a "different" instrument. He chose the banjo and narrowed his purchase to this one. It is a quality instrument but not expensive. The sound is great and it appears it will last a long time. He's very happy with it. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , June 14, 2008

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  List Price: $295.00
  Price: $166.95
  You Save: $128.05 (43%)

  Vintage style nickel plated hardware

  Includes instructional dvd, adjustable strap, fingerpicks, and pitch pipe tuner

  Solid Wood Neck

  Full Size Five String Resonator Banjo

  Bound Rosewood Fret Board

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  Rover RB-20 Open Back 5 String Banjo

  Musical Instruments (Saga Musical Instruments)
  

  Rating (3 reviews):

  (4.3/5)

  

  When absolutely on a Beginning Banjo Budget

  This was my first banjo, bought from Amazon about 4+ years ago. Since then, I have bought a great many others. However, for the novice player that is on a really tight budget or a casual player looking for a low end, knock-around traveler, the RB20 does do the trick. It has a plastic pot similar to Bake-lite, which has after all these years held up admirably - the plastic pot has an additional advantage of not being subject to icky environments such as swampy banjo camps or greasy garages like a wood pot would. The pot itself is a very dark gun-metal gray, so it is not that obvious at all that it isn't wood. Has a good truss rod with a separate neck bolt, neck has remained straight in spite of a long life in a gigbag. The neck is set a little high to give low string action, but never had any issues with any fret buzzing until I started fooling around with various setups, bridge, tailpiece, head, strings, etc (I think the included No-Knot tailpiece is the most suited for this... 4/5 Tinfoot (Florida, US) - See all my reviews This review is from: Rover RB-20 Open Back 5 String Banjo (Electronics) This was my first banjo, bought from Amazon about 4+ years ago. Since then, I have bought a great many others. However, for the novice player that is on a really tight budget or a casual player looking for a low end, knock-around traveler, the RB20 does do the trick. It has a plastic pot similar to Bake-lite, which has after all these years held up admirably - the plastic pot has an additional advantage of not being subject to icky environments such as swampy banjo camps or greasy garages like a wood pot would. The pot itself is a very dark gun-metal gray, so it is not that obvious at all that it isn't wood. Has a good truss rod with a separate neck bolt, neck has remained straight in spite of a long life in a gigbag. The neck is set a little high to give low string action, but never had any issues with any fret buzzing until I started fooling around with various setups, bridge, tailpiece, head, strings, etc (I think the included No-Knot tailpiece is the most suited for this... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , December 19, 2011

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  Rover RB-20 Open Back Banjo

  This is a great sounding banjo with a good price. I'm fairly new to the banjo. I've played my friends banjos and ones in music shops but that's pretty much it. I was skeptical because I've never played an open back but I'm very happy with it. Tunes easy and stays in tune. No buzzing or anything. It's surprisingly a great quality banjo. 4/5 yarmouk334 (Dothan, Alabama) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Rover RB-20 Open Back 5 String Banjo (Electronics) This is a great sounding banjo with a good price. I'm fairly new to the banjo. I've played my friends banjos and ones in music shops but that's pretty much it. I was skeptical because I've never played an open back but I'm very happy with it. Tunes easy and stays in tune. No buzzing or anything. It's surprisingly a great quality banjo. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , July 6, 2011

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  Love this banjo

  I started with this banjo for clawhammer and still love to play it. I installed a Remo Renaissance Head and a compensated bridge but that's the only changes I have made. There ain't no rule that says you have to break the bank to play music. If you want a decent open back banjo that can stand up to kids, dogs, curious cats and weather then this is the one.I play because I love to play and have no plans to ever "gig". I like to play with friends but that is as far as I go. Others can be the performing stars. 5/5 Michael Machado (Redlands CA) - See all my reviews, January 18, 2012

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  List Price: $225.00
  Price: $146.99
  You Save: $78.01 (35%)

  Standard spacing using 24 Flat hook and nut set for head attachment

  Standard 11" rim made of composite material in metallic gun grey finish Grooved tension hoop

  Guitar style geared tuners with a friction 5th peg Standard 25 1/2" scale length

  Exquisite mahogany neck with East Indian Rosewood fingerboard inlaid dot position markers and adjustable truss rod

  Deluxe Vega style armrest Traditional No knot tailpiece

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  Oscar Schmidt OB5 5-String Banjo

  Musical Instruments (US Music)
  

  Rating (30 reviews):

  (4.5/5)

  

  A Serious Review (not that i don't like the last one)

  It's not a bad instrument for the price. Good sound, nice resonance, comfortable, sturdy feel. When it came out of the box one of the screws was out of the resonator and the others need to be tightened down, but nothing was broken or missing. I wish it had came with a change of strings, since I'm not sure how long this set has been on it, but I guess that's why it only costs a hundred-fiddy. I'm a beginner on this instrument (played electric bass for 6 years) and I'm definately pleased with the cost and the actual product. 4/5 Spyral "Its All Just A Ride" (Michigan United States) - See all my reviews This review is from: Oscar Schmidt OB5 5-String Banjo (Electronics) It's not a bad instrument for the price. Good sound, nice resonance, comfortable, sturdy feel. When it came out of the box one of the screws was out of the resonator and the others need to be tightened down, but nothing was broken or missing. I wish it had came with a change of strings, since I'm not sure how long this set has been on it, but I guess that's why it only costs a hundred-fiddy. I'm a beginner on this instrument (played electric bass for 6 years) and I'm definately pleased with the cost and the actual product. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , September 25, 2006

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  Great for the price

  Banjo arrived in new condition - nothing broken, I just loosened the strings, set the bridge, tuned it up and started plunking around on it. It's only the second banjo I've had, but it sounds great, rings well and frets well.I'm surprised to get this good of an instrument for such a low price. Granted - I've never played one of the gold standard banjo's. For learning or just plunking around, this one is great. 5/5 B. Harrah "bertonh" (Columbus, OH United States) - See all my reviews, October 26, 2007

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  Oscar Schmidt banjo

  I am a first time learner of the banjo so don't know much about them, butI am pleased with the quality. Didn't get the case at the time of purchase so it was shipped in a cardboard box which got a whole punched init at time of shipping. The banjo had a dent on the back but not bad enough to make me want to go to the trouble of returning it. I recommendthat you request better packing or order the case at the same time. 4/5 E. Easters (Alabama) - See all my reviews, February 14, 2008

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  List Price: $429.90
  Price: $196.00
  You Save: $233.90 (54%)

  Mahogany resonator

  Rosewood fingerboard

  30 bracket cast aluminum tone ring

  Fancy traditional fingerboard inlays

  Geared 5th string tuner

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  SX Country 5-String Banjo w/Bag

  Musical Instruments (SX)
  

  Rating (6 reviews):

  (3.7/5)

  

  What you don't know....

  What you don't know can really discourage other people. Now I'll admit I'm no great banjo picker, but I am an amateur luthier. It's obvious that the previous reviewer doesn't know how to set up an instrument before you sit down and play it. I think this is a wonderful begining or for that matter travel banjo. Heck I might even consider stepping up on stage with it. It has a lovely sound when the head is tuned properly and when the tuning machines are snugged up there's no slippage at all. PLEASE buy this banjo! Then take it to your local music store and let their luthier set it up for you. You WILL be delighted. The sound is great, the action good and I see nothing wrong with the quality. I'm a very very camper.Bill Morrison 5/5 Bill Morrison - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: SX Country 5-String Banjo w/Bag What you don't know can really discourage other people. Now I'll admit I'm no great banjo picker, but I am an amateur luthier. It's obvious that the previous reviewer doesn't know how to set up an instrument before you sit down and play it. I think this is a wonderful begining or for that matter travel banjo. Heck I might even consider stepping up on stage with it. It has a lovely sound when the head is tuned properly and when the tuning machines are snugged up there's no slippage at all. PLEASE buy this banjo! Then take it to your local music store and let their luthier set it up for you. You WILL be delighted. The sound is great, the action good and I see nothing wrong with the quality. I'm a very very camper.Bill Morrison Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , November 29, 2011

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  Very poor quality

  I understand when I purchase an instrument for such a relatively low price that I won't receive the same degree of tone or durability or bells and whistles as I would from a more expensive product, but I think I should have the right to expect something better than garbage. The bottom string (the one strung 5 frets up) gave off a jarring buzzing sound, especially when fretted and the tuning pegs were loose. You could actually feel them turning backwards when tuning.In exchange for the one star I have to give this product, I can say that if you were to strum it, it looks and sounds like a banjo enough that people would know that is what you are playing. Unfortunately, they would also know that you are playing a very crummy one. 1/5 N. Sarver (Ocean Shores, WA USA) - See all my reviews, January 5, 2009

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  This thing is Awesome!!!!!

  for 150$ i had my doubts at first but after i read bills review i decided to take a gamble i am very glad i did! it came with d'arrio strings already attached and a very nice padded gig bag! the banjo itself is beautiful! the inlay is very attractive and sliding action on it is magnificent its playability is amazing for its price the armrest is quite good too the only complaint i have is that the tuning pegs were a little loose but that's an easy fix just take a screwdriver and tighten the pegs some i did this and it stays in tune quite well this banjo is suitable for beginners and experts alike! im telling you if you get this banjo you WILL NOT be disappointed!! 5/5 Stephen A. Leyburn (indiana,us) - See all my reviews, February 1, 2012

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  Arched Curly Malapoka back with a beautiful natural finish!

  Free Padded Carry Bag Included !

  5 String Banjo with fully floating bridge.

  Slim, fast, mahogany neck with a flat radius for easy playing up and down the frets.

  24 brackets, mahoganny pot, and a chrome armrest.

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  Deering Goodtime 5-String Banjo

  Musical Instruments (Deering Banjos)
  

  Rating (20 reviews):

  (4.6/5)

  

  Five stars for value and quality

  I do not own a Deering Goodtime but I have had a number of opportunities to play them during Dan Levenson's workshops and at at a local KC metro music store (Mountain Music Shoppe). They are outstandingly playable and represent far better value for the money than any comparably priced alternative that I have come across.I first became interested in banjo through Stephen Wade's wonderful Banjo Dancing one man shows and decided that I wanted to begin exploring banjo on my own. At that time, late seventies, there were very few options available. The choice was buying an open back "maker" banjo at > $1000, buying a used hootenany era banjo in the $500 to $800 (often with a Pete Seeger long neck), buying an Asian disposable with flashy pearloid cosmetics and buzzy frets, or building my own (the twisted route I took.).Several years on, I was lucky enough to be able to buy a marvelous Bart Reiter at a fairly reasonable price thanks to some shop wear... 5/5 T. Gorham (KC Metro USA) - See all my reviews, August 17, 2004

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  The best banjo for the money

  This is the best inexpensive banjo on the Market. It was my first banjo. The key thing is that it is built to sound like a real banjo, hold together and make an appropriate sound. Deering used some technologies that are not standard for a five string banjo to do this, which may make this not look as nice as comparable models put out by Rover or even the Gold Tone lower end models which are not bad. However, this banjo sounds and plays very good. I was about 52 when I got my first Good Time, but I was like a kid, taking it to bed with me. Even after I acquired a fine Bacon Belmont vintage banjo, I found that there were tunes and applications that I prefered the Good Time for. It had a bluesier twang and worked better for slide playing. Moreover, if you follow the banjo literature on banjo-l listserve and other places you will find that there are many modication plans to improve the Good time by adding a skin head, changing the bridge etc. This is like the... 5/5 Tony Thomas (SUNNY ISLES BEACH, FL USA) - See all my reviews This is the best inexpensive banjo on the Market. It was my first banjo. The key thing is that it is built to sound like a real banjo, hold together and make an appropriate sound. Deering used some technologies that are not standard for a five string banjo to do this, which may make this not look as nice as comparable models put out by Rover or even the Gold Tone lower end models which are not bad. However, this banjo sounds and plays very good. I was about 52 when I got my first Good Time, but I was like a kid, taking it to bed with me. Even after I acquired a fine Bacon Belmont vintage banjo, I found that there were tunes and applications that I prefered the Good Time for. It had a bluesier twang and worked better for slide playing. Moreover, if you follow the banjo literature on banjo-l listserve and other places you will find that there are many modication plans to improve the Good time by adding a skin head, changing the bridge etc. This is like the... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , June 27, 2005

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  Goodtime Banjo is the best beginner/intermediate banjo on the market

  I have been playing Bluegrass and Clawhammer banjo for a number of years and have owned quite a few banjos. Once I discovered Deering's Goodtime, I got rid of all my other banjos, I was smitten. Owning a Goodtime raised the bar for me in regards to quality of sound and playability.The Goodtime banjo has a great sound, is easy to hold and easy to play. It has a very natural feel to it. I use this banjo as my work horse. I have since bought other higher end banjos ($1000+) that sound good too but I always fall back to my Goodtime.My daugher and son are starting to learn the banjo too, and I've found that the Goodtime is perfect for them. Because they are children, I use a capo on the 4th fret of the neck and then retune the banjo to open G (as I say to my kids, "just like a parents banjo") and then they are off and running.Banjos will come and banjos will go but in my little stable of banjos, the Goodtime will alway be present. 5/5 D. Vaughan - See all my reviews, December 26, 2005

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  List Price: $499.00
  Price: $349.00
  You Save: $150.00 (30%)

  Six-year warranty

  5/8-Inch maple/ebony Goodtime bridge with adjustable Deering tailpiece

  Three-ply, 11-inch maple rim with steel tension hoop and high crown head

  Sealed, geared tuning machines, including fifth string

  Low-profile, 22-fret rock maple neck with hardwood bow tie inlays

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  How To Play The 5-String Banjo (Music Sales America)

  Book (Pete Seeger)
  

  Rating (24 reviews):

  (4.3/5)

  

  A review by one who learned to play the banjo from this book

  Thirty-four years ago I started buying and using banjo instruction books. Today I have only one still in my possession, Pete Seeger's "How to Play the 5-String Banjo." In addition to his many other gifts, Seeger has mastered the difficult job of teaching a musical instrument on paper. His approach is to take the student step by step with clear explanations in the text to making music as quickly as possible. Even readers with absolutely no knowledge of musical notation will be able to grasp his explanations and his illustrations. His drawings of the fingerboard are not the most sophisticated graphics in the business, but they don't have to be. The book (which isn't very long) also teaches the student about traditional and home made music as it touches on many styles of banjo playing. Seeger clearly uses banjo instruction as another means to spread his lifelong gospel of the integrity, value and sheer joy of music that comes out of living rooms rather than... 5/5 Bruce D. Collins (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews This review is from: How to Play the 5-String Banjo, Third Edition (Paperback) Thirty-four years ago I started buying and using banjo instruction books. Today I have only one still in my possession, Pete Seeger's "How to Play the 5-String Banjo." In addition to his many other gifts, Seeger has mastered the difficult job of teaching a musical instrument on paper. His approach is to take the student step by step with clear explanations in the text to making music as quickly as possible. Even readers with absolutely no knowledge of musical notation will be able to grasp his explanations and his illustrations. His drawings of the fingerboard are not the most sophisticated graphics in the business, but they don't have to be. The book (which isn't very long) also teaches the student about traditional and home made music as it touches on many styles of banjo playing. Seeger clearly uses banjo instruction as another means to spread his lifelong gospel of the integrity, value and sheer joy of music that comes out of living rooms rather than... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , September 1, 1998

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  Great read. Tough for beginners.

  So, there I was. A thirty-something workaholic looking for a new hobby to unwind a bit, but with very little in the way of musical experience. Nonetheless, inspired by a local Allison Kraus concert, I found a hot deal on a great used banjo on E-bay and I was off and running! What fun! I'm hooked on the 5-string twang!! About 3 months or so at 30-minutes a day (give or take) and I can play well enough to entertain myself - and my wife and the cat can at least stay in the same room!Not many banjo instructors in New England, so I thought I'd go in for a few good teach-yourself manuals. I bought four. In order of usefulness they were - Revised Banjo Primer by Geoff Hohwald - First Lessons Banjo by Jack Hatfied - How to Play the 5-string Banjo by Pete Seeger - How to Play Banjo by Tim Jumper. The Banjo Primer was the best of the lot. I was able to make good progress with about 30 minutes practice each day. The instructions were clear and the tunes were fun to... 2/5 Michael J Edelman (Huntington Woods, MI USA) - See all my reviews, December 29, 2003

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  Everybody's first banjo book

  What can you say about a little book that started out as a handful of mimeographed sheets, and has been in print for over 40 years? Like thousands of other player, my banjo playing began with a borrowed Harmony 5 string banjo and the this little book. And what a marvelous little book it was! In a few pages Pete introduced me to scores of styles, tunings and songs. I didn't even know there was more than one way to play a banjo, but by the time I worked my way through this book I could frail, I could play a bit of clawhammer, and I could even work my way through a slow and tortured version of Earl Scruggs' great "Foggy Mountain Breakdown". All the songs and techniques are presented in a simplfied tablature, and Pete's explainations and the illustrations are goods enough that I managed to develop a pretty good clawhammer stroke even though I'd never actually heard one played before.It's amazing how much Pete squeezed into this tiny book. Besides instruction in playing,... 5/5 0, April 1, 2001

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  List Price: $16.95
  

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  Deering Goodtime 2 Classic 5-String Banjo

  Musical Instruments (Deering Banjos)
  

  Rating (6 reviews):

  (4.8/5)

  

  Fantastic banjo for a beginner

  I am a beginning banjo player and, after doing some research, decided that I wanted to invest in an American-made banjo. The Goodtime series has an excellent reputation as a good beginner's banjo and when I saw Amazon's price for this upgraded model, I jumped at it. The banjo has not disappointed in any way. The level of craftsmanship compared to a few other beginner banjos I had looked at in various guitar shops is obvious from the moment you open the box. It is just a really well-made instrument and the sound was great right from the beginning. The planetary tuners have made it easy to keep in perfect tune and I rarely have to make adjustments--a common frustration myself and other friends have had in starting out on cheaper instruments. I have only been playing for about 3 weeks, but it has been a very positive experience thanks to this instrument. 5/5 A. M. Bauer (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews, March 13, 2011

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  Right out of the box.

  This is not my first banjo. This is my first good quality banjo. It was obvious as soon as I took it out of the box.It showed up in perfect condition. The woodwork is quality and looks great. I like the dark stain and satin finish.I tuned it and as soon as I started playing, I noticed the clear bright tone. Each note rings true and there are no strange vibrations included that my other, more cheaply made banjos had in the past.Since I got this, I felt good about devoting a lot of time practicing and playing it. It stays in tune with the usual minor adjustments. The hardware, planetary tuners and such are all good quality too.I like the capo spikes. I can tune to the popular keys with ease.I did have a chance to call Deering Customer Service with some questions I had. It was nice to find out that they were able to answer my questions, not make me feel like an idiot and they were very friendly too.I am still a novice... 5/5 Moondog - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Deering Goodtime 2 Classic 5-String Banjo (Electronics) This is not my first banjo. This is my first good quality banjo. It was obvious as soon as I took it out of the box.It showed up in perfect condition. The woodwork is quality and looks great. I like the dark stain and satin finish.I tuned it and as soon as I started playing, I noticed the clear bright tone. Each note rings true and there are no strange vibrations included that my other, more cheaply made banjos had in the past.Since I got this, I felt good about devoting a lot of time practicing and playing it. It stays in tune with the usual minor adjustments. The hardware, planetary tuners and such are all good quality too.I like the capo spikes. I can tune to the popular keys with ease.I did have a chance to call Deering Customer Service with some questions I had. It was nice to find out that they were able to answer my questions, not make me feel like an idiot and they were very friendly too.I am still a novice... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , March 13, 2012

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  Buy it

  Don't be scared by the "beginner banjo" thing. This is an amazing banjo, I've had people with 20+ years of banjo play it and say how great it is. I looked at a few other banjos with more ornate features but I decided to go with a banjo that puts the money in the wood and quality not fancy inlays. If you're looking for a banjo that's going to last, go with this. 5/5 Jesse 13 - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Deering Goodtime 2 Classic 5-String Banjo (Electronics) Don't be scared by the "beginner banjo" thing. This is an amazing banjo, I've had people with 20+ years of banjo play it and say how great it is. I looked at a few other banjos with more ornate features but I decided to go with a banjo that puts the money in the wood and quality not fancy inlays. If you're looking for a banjo that's going to last, go with this. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , October 25, 2011

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  List Price: $909.00
  

  Deering peghead shape

  Three-ply maple rim

  Warm brown stain

  Planetary tuners

  Capoing spikes on frets 7,9 & 10

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  Washburn Banjo, 5 String

  Musical Instruments (US Music)
  

  Rating (8 reviews):

  (4.5/5)

  

  The Good, the Bad & the Ugly...

  Review for Washburn B-9 5-string banjo. I have played guitar for eight years and wanted to try banjo. Having never owned nor played a banjo I decided to purchase this one. Here are the facts...The Good - This banjo came well packaged. It is attractive for an inexpensive banjo and carries the Washburn name. It can sound much better than the way it does straight out of the box with proper setup. It took me half an hour to fully check and adjust banjo. With the head properly tightened the banjo has a snap and crisp sound that I wanted for bluegrass sound. Most all the components are nicely fit together and the chrome pieces are very attractive. It carries a warranty from Washburn also. Tools for adjustment included as well as instructions for some basic setup. I was pleased with the sound and look of this banjo.The Bad - After two weeks of daily playing the sound that I had worked to get from this banjo would slowly be gone. Investigation led me to the... 3/5 C. D. Potter "BlueRanchRider" (USA) - See all my reviews, October 18, 2010

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  Excellent!!

  I bought this banjo for my wife to learn to play. We love it. It looks great and is easy to play. I tuned it when we received it and it is still in tune. It sounds like an expensive instrument. What a great value. Our friends and relatives think we spent a lot more for it when they see it. I recommend this product highly to anyone wanting a beginner banjo or one to practice on. 5/5 Ken Callahan (Lexington, KY United States) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Washburn Banjo, 5 String (Electronics) I bought this banjo for my wife to learn to play. We love it. It looks great and is easy to play. I tuned it when we received it and it is still in tune. It sounds like an expensive instrument. What a great value. Our friends and relatives think we spent a lot more for it when they see it. I recommend this product highly to anyone wanting a beginner banjo or one to practice on. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , September 16, 2010

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  Works for my use, but a few problems

  When I wanted to learn the banjo, my wife purschased me a B9 as a Christmas present. I have been playing about two years on it, and being a beginner, don't have much of knowledge base to use as comparison. For the most part I am satisfied, but like another reviewer, the fifth fret seems either mis-installed or shaved down. Recently, when it wouldn't stay in tune, I had an acoustic instrument repairman look at the banjo. He confirmed that a tuning peg was cracked and may have been since I owned the instrument, so I was without a banjo for a while. It eventually got fixed and I still play it, but the Mastercraft instrument I bought while the Washburn was out of service seems to be a much better product. 3/5 A. Debban "HistoryBuff" (Virginia, USA) - See all my reviews, December 23, 2010

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  List Price: $444.90
  Price: $206.99
  You Save: $237.91 (53%)

  5 String, Remo head

  Flat head construction

  Cast aluminum tone ring

  Chrome standard tailpiece

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  PYLE-PRO PBJ60 5 String Banjo with Chrome Plated Hardware

  Musical Instruments (Sound Around)
  

  Rating (5 reviews):

  (3.2/5)

  

  Good, inexpensive way to get into things; some assembly required.

  Overall, I'm satisfied with this banjo. I didn't expect it to be great because of the price, but it surpassed my expectations. A couple of things worth knowing that aren't mentioned in the description: 1) The rim is layered wood (I thought it might be aluminum because of the price, so that was a pleasant surprise). 2) The tuning peg for the 5th string is a friction peg, not geared. Even still, the cost of replacing it with a geared peg is so low, it still makes this banjo worth the buy. I ordered it next-day so it didn't have a lot of time to get damaged in transit. I don't know what kind of tone ring it has, if any, because I didn't take the time to remove the head to inspect that part. The sound is good, the bridge is easy to install (I followed the instructions in Banjo for Dummies), the neck is a good width, and the strings are easy on the fingers and give a clear tone.The only complaints I have are that the frets closest to the pot have a very slight gap... 4/5 Kevin Buckner "Fornaxx" (Ut) - See all my reviews, February 4, 2012

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  Price - Quality ratio = Superb!

  I purchased this banjo for my husband's 40th b-day. It has been a decades long wish of his to try and play banjo and I was so pleased to find this unbelievable deal for such a quality instrument! I wanted to find him something solid, with good reviews (I checked several sites), a little bit of "flair" (beautiful solid hard woods and mother of pearl fret inlays), but was also easy to learn on. So far, this banjo has fit the bill!I spent a long time researching and shopping on various sites and found this banjo to be the most reasonably priced (for the quality). Now, keep in mind it does NOT come set up or tuned (some other sites offered this option before shipping, and I'm not sure if this co. would have... I was too anxious to get it shipped quicker!). You can take it in to any local music store to have it tuned or if you are musically inclined at all, you can do what we did= I purchased a Snark tuner, also from Amazon... an incredible device!! And I got "Banjo for... 5/5 Tamara Pineda "amazon woman" (rochester, ny) - See all my reviews, January 20, 2012

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  Banjo

  It was a great banjo. Plays great. You have to get it tuned when you get it, and you have to get the bridge put on but other than that is is a fantastic banjo. 5/5 HelloTaco03 - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: PYLE-PRO PBJ60 5 String Banjo with Chrome Plated Hardware (Electronics) It was a great banjo. Plays great. You have to get it tuned when you get it, and you have to get the bridge put on but other than that is is a fantastic banjo. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , December 20, 2011

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  List Price: $379.99
  Price: $149.99
  You Save: $230.00 (61%)

  Rosewood Fingerboard

  Chrome Plated Hardware

  Maplewood idge

  Top Material: REMO Drumhead - Weight: 7.21 lbs.

  Mahogany Neck, Back, and Side

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  Fender FB-54 Banjo, Natural

  Musical Instruments (Fender Acoustic Guitars)
  

  Rating (3 reviews):

  (4.0/5)

  

  Fender Banjo FB-54

  I bought this banjo as an anniversary gift for my wife, she's a guitarist. Before I purchased I compared brands and prices and realize banjos can be quite expensive for quality (at least from the online reviews I read). I asked a musician guitarist friend and he recommended the FB-54 as a great learner's banjo. Finally, I went up to a guitar shoppe that had banjos. I compared them. The Fender FB-54 is about the best in it's price range. I couldn't see a whole lot of improvement over the more expensive banjos.The FB-54 is made in China (stamp on back of tuning head). The banjo comes alone with strings and bridge. The guy at the guitar shoppe strung it and set it up for me. The fit and finish is very good. Inlays are smooth and nice. It has great tone and sound. Plenty of volume for me. I'm very pleased with this purchase and got it for less than $339 with a 10% off coupon to the major national guitar shoppe chain; hint: it's a center for selling guitars. There was a small... 5/5 G. Jensen "Viking Wood" (DFW, TX USA) - See all my reviews, August 10, 2011

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  I'm a beginner on any instrument and thus one on the banjo.

  I love the Fender FB-54 Banjo, from the stand point of look, feel & the sound is great. The one draw back for me personally is the width of the neck at the top. It is a little narrow for my fat fingers. I'm having trouble fretting the second string & getting free vibration of the first & third. If anyone knows of a banjo that has a wider finger board I'd love to know about it. I think I'd keep the Fender any way, but I might consider a second banjo to learn on. 4/5 cth1951 - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Fender FB-54 Banjo, Natural (Electronics) I love the Fender FB-54 Banjo, from the stand point of look, feel & the sound is great. The one draw back for me personally is the width of the neck at the top. It is a little narrow for my fat fingers. I'm having trouble fretting the second string & getting free vibration of the first & third. If anyone knows of a banjo that has a wider finger board I'd love to know about it. I think I'd keep the Fender any way, but I might consider a second banjo to learn on. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , March 9, 2011

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  Fender FB-54 banjo

  Bought a Fender FB-54 banjo less than 2 years old. I needed an owners manual but Fender cannot provide any owners/users manual for this product either on their website or their customer care. Very disappointing as Fender WAS good at supporting their products. The banjo itself is nice quality though but I will have to take it to a professional to setup. 3/5 brownstone47 - See all my reviews This review is from: Fender FB-54 Banjo, Natural (Electronics) Bought a Fender FB-54 banjo less than 2 years old. I needed an owners manual but Fender cannot provide any owners/users manual for this product either on their website or their customer care. Very disappointing as Fender WAS good at supporting their products. The banjo itself is nice quality though but I will have to take it to a professional to setup. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , April 8, 2011

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  List Price: $459.99
  

  Mahogany neck w/ rosewood fingerboard

  Aluminum Rim With 30 Piece Bracket, Laminated Mahogany Back

  Stylized Snowflake Inlays

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