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Editor's picks

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  Gold Tone BUC Concert Banjo Ukulele (Vintage Brown)

  Musical Instruments (Gold Tone Musical Instruments)
  

  Rating (3 reviews):

  (5.0/5)

  

  I've always wanted one of these, and now I'm happy.

  I bought this one used from Amazon for a pretty good discount. It arrived promptly, but with a minimum of packing care, a broken string, and a strong aroma not unlike cotton candy. I'm certain that if the instrument had been more fragile, it would not have survived the delivery.That being said, once I found a nice set of strings (Aquila), this is a fun instrument to play. Nothing buzzes, the action is good, the geared string tensioners work well, and etc etc etc. It's got a wood resonator (not the deluxe version), which I didn't really care about one way or the other, and I have no idea how it affects the tone, but it looks nice.I'd do it again, but I'd make sure that the shipping department put some packing material in the box. 5/5 King Barber Shop "King Barber Shop" (Richardson, TX USA) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Gold Tone BUC Concert Banjo Ukulele (Vintage Brown) (Electronics) I bought this one used from Amazon for a pretty good discount. It arrived promptly, but with a minimum of packing care, a broken string, and a strong aroma not unlike cotton candy. I'm certain that if the instrument had been more fragile, it would not have survived the delivery.That being said, once I found a nice set of strings (Aquila), this is a fun instrument to play. Nothing buzzes, the action is good, the geared string tensioners work well, and etc etc etc. It's got a wood resonator (not the deluxe version), which I didn't really care about one way or the other, and I have no idea how it affects the tone, but it looks nice.I'd do it again, but I'd make sure that the shipping department put some packing material in the box. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , August 3, 2010

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  great sound and workmanship

  Saw some banjo-ukes on YouTube and wanted to try. Guitar chord shapes work, but high thumb note gives very different feel. It sounds wonderful and is loud. Have played smaller soprano size but concert size gives more fret room and still has that conventional uke pitch (GCEA)Comes with nice hard case. Yes! (P.S. mine is not electronic) 5/5 gray haired guy - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Gold Tone BUC Concert Banjo Ukulele (Vintage Brown) (Electronics) Saw some banjo-ukes on YouTube and wanted to try. Guitar chord shapes work, but high thumb note gives very different feel. It sounds wonderful and is loud. Have played smaller soprano size but concert size gives more fret room and still has that conventional uke pitch (GCEA)Comes with nice hard case. Yes! (P.S. mine is not electronic) Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , November 23, 2010

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  Absolutely Wonderful

  Amazon you are amazing, ordered this Banjolele on Thursday night and the following Tuesday it arrived on my doorstep in AUSTRALIA, normal shipping!!I am by no means an expert and just started learning the ukulele a few months ago but have discovered that these things are addictive, I have a Lag Soprano, Tanlewood Cove Creek Soprano, Kala Travel Soprano, Greg Bennet Concert and Ohana Concert, but wanted to play around with a Banjolele. I had a small windfall so jumped straight onto Amazon, read some reviews and decided on this one. It is a beautiful instrument, the pictures don't do it justice. The sound and build quality and great, it comes standard with Aquilla strings, and has a sturdy hard case, all in all it's a fantastic package. Within 1/2 hour of opening the box I knew that this would become my favourite instrument - I can't wait to show it off!!The banjolele is a bit heavier than I expected but nothing too much, I will use it with a strap so the... 5/5 Evelyn - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Gold Tone BUC Concert Banjo Ukulele (Vintage Brown) (Electronics) Amazon you are amazing, ordered this Banjolele on Thursday night and the following Tuesday it arrived on my doorstep in AUSTRALIA, normal shipping!!I am by no means an expert and just started learning the ukulele a few months ago but have discovered that these things are addictive, I have a Lag Soprano, Tanlewood Cove Creek Soprano, Kala Travel Soprano, Greg Bennet Concert and Ohana Concert, but wanted to play around with a Banjolele. I had a small windfall so jumped straight onto Amazon, read some reviews and decided on this one. It is a beautiful instrument, the pictures don't do it justice. The sound and build quality and great, it comes standard with Aquilla strings, and has a sturdy hard case, all in all it's a fantastic package. Within 1/2 hour of opening the box I knew that this would become my favourite instrument - I can't wait to show it off!!The banjolele is a bit heavier than I expected but nothing too much, I will use it with a strap so the... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , March 13, 2012

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  List Price: $458.00
  Price: $343.50
  You Save: $114.50 (25%)

  Features a maple neck, bound rosewood fingerboard, geared tuners, a single adjustable coordinator rod, and plate-style resonator

  Includes hard shell case

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  Gold Tone BUT Tenor Banjo Ukulele (Vintage Brown)

  Musical Instruments (Gold Tone Musical Instruments)
  

  Rating (5 reviews):

  (4.0/5)

  

  Problematic Gold Tone BUT Banjo Ukulele

  This is what I sent to Goldtone. It pretty much tells the story...I just got one of your Banjo-Ukes tenor in vintage brown today, new from Amazon.com. I have a few suggestions:1. Use better strings like Aquila.2. Make sure your easy-string tailpiece is deburred, since mine cut right through the cheap original strings upon bringing up to tune. The strings had been knotted on a no-knot tailpiece which contributed to them breaking. I bought some $10.00 Aquilas after spending an hour de-burring the tailpiece and restringing without knots. Directions should have been provided explaining the proper stringing on a no-knot tailpiece.3.If you ship with the bridge flat, some directions should be included as to placement, intonation, etc. Perhaps a a slip of paper under the strings.4.The resonator back has a filler piece in the binding like someone cut it too short. The resulting joints should be finished more smoothly. The wood has waves and indentations which... 3/5 R. Mayer (California) - See all my reviews, June 20, 2010

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  Gold Tone is HEALED!

  I originally low-rated the Gold Tone Tenor Banjolele, and am taking back what I said. It had been shipped to me in less than ship-shape. I took it to a really good instrument expert (at San Antonio's GUITAR TEX), and it came back TOTALLY improved! It DID get a new and better set of strings, along with some other adjustments. I'm VERY pleased. It's a keeper! 4/5 Pres in S.A. "Pres in S.A." (San Antonio, TX USA) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Gold Tone BUT Tenor Banjo Ukulele (Vintage Brown) (Electronics) I originally low-rated the Gold Tone Tenor Banjolele, and am taking back what I said. It had been shipped to me in less than ship-shape. I took it to a really good instrument expert (at San Antonio's GUITAR TEX), and it came back TOTALLY improved! It DID get a new and better set of strings, along with some other adjustments. I'm VERY pleased. It's a keeper! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , May 20, 2010

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  Gold Tone Tenor Banjolele

  I love this instrument. It's my second Gold Tone instrument. First was a tenor guitar. The neck is solid and weights a little more than most ukuleles but that is fine with me. It has a great tone that even won over my wife. It projects sound with good volume. Almost too much volume for my soft singing. A roll of tissue under the strings and behind the bridge quiets it down a bit when needed. I intend to use it to augment my tenor banjo playing in my dixieland bands. It came in a very good solid case. It was shipped in it's case, in a box, in another box. You can see this banjolele being played on my you tube channel "jazzbanjorex" if you are curious about it's sound. I may buy the baritone and tune it like a tenor banjo and just use the pair for performances. Hmmmm, that a thought. 5/5 jazzbanjorex - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Gold Tone BUT Tenor Banjo Ukulele (Vintage Brown) (Electronics) I love this instrument. It's my second Gold Tone instrument. First was a tenor guitar. The neck is solid and weights a little more than most ukuleles but that is fine with me. It has a great tone that even won over my wife. It projects sound with good volume. Almost too much volume for my soft singing. A roll of tissue under the strings and behind the bridge quiets it down a bit when needed. I intend to use it to augment my tenor banjo playing in my dixieland bands. It came in a very good solid case. It was shipped in it's case, in a box, in another box. You can see this banjolele being played on my you tube channel "jazzbanjorex" if you are curious about it's sound. I may buy the baritone and tune it like a tenor banjo and just use the pair for performances. Hmmmm, that a thought. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , February 18, 2011

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  List Price: $498.00
  Price: $373.50
  You Save: $124.50 (25%)

  Maple neck and Resonator

  EZ String tailpiece

  Rosewood Fingerboard

  Grover Style Metal Gear Tuners

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  Gold Tone Banjolele-DLX Banjo Ukulele Deluxe (Maple)

  Musical Instruments (Gold Tone Musical Instruments)
  

  Rating (1 reviews):

  (5.0/5)

  

  Goldtone Banjolele DLX

  I purchased this Banjolele DLX based on a sentence in Goldtone's site which says "It's design incorporates an arched top which lends itself to the playing style of George Formby". More about George below. The set-up upon receipt was EXCELLENT either done by Goldtone, the distributor or the retailer. Head was properly tensioned, string height was perfect, bridge in proper position, and neck angle was correct. The physical condition was also excellent in that there were no scratches, chips, dings, etc. One of the few of my many instruments that could be taken right out of the case and played and enjoyed without tearing it apart.Some other reviews indicated the tuners would slip and the banjolele could not be kept in tune. This referred to an older design when Goldtone used vintage 'friction' type tuners. These have now been replaced with geared tuners so this is not a problem anymore. Some web retailers are still using an older picture of the Banjolele which shows the old... 5/5 BanjoGuy - See all my reviews This review is from: Gold Tone Banjolele-DLX Banjo Ukulele Deluxe (Maple) (Electronics) I purchased this Banjolele DLX based on a sentence in Goldtone's site which says "It's design incorporates an arched top which lends itself to the playing style of George Formby". More about George below. The set-up upon receipt was EXCELLENT either done by Goldtone, the distributor or the retailer. Head was properly tensioned, string height was perfect, bridge in proper position, and neck angle was correct. The physical condition was also excellent in that there were no scratches, chips, dings, etc. One of the few of my many instruments that could be taken right out of the case and played and enjoyed without tearing it apart.Some other reviews indicated the tuners would slip and the banjolele could not be kept in tune. This referred to an older design when Goldtone used vintage 'friction' type tuners. These have now been replaced with geared tuners so this is not a problem anymore. Some web retailers are still using an older picture of the Banjolele which shows the old... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , December 21, 2010

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  List Price: $720.00
  Price: $540.00
  You Save: $180.00 (25%)

  It produces superior volume.

  A one-piece flange and resonator creates excellent volume and tone

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  Eddy Finn Banjo Ukulele w/ FREE Play Book

  Musical Instruments (Eddy Finn)
  List Price: $499.99
  Price: $299.00
  You Save: $200.99 (40%)

  Nut: 1.38"

  Fun w/ The Ukulele Included FREE

  Total Length: 24"

  Scale: 15.5"

  Number of Frets: 18

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  Eddy Finn Banjolele Series EF-UB-1 Ukulele, Mahogany Brown

  Musical Instruments (Eddy Finn)
  List Price: $269.95
  Price: $199.95
  You Save: $70.00 (26%)

  Adjustable coordinator rod

  Mahogany neck and rim

  10 brackets

  Includes heavy padded gig bag

  Open geared machine tuners

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  Lanikai LB6-S Soprano Banjolele with Gig Bag

  Musical Instruments (Hohner/Lanikai Stringed Instruments)
  

  Rating (3 reviews):

  (3.7/5)

  

  Fun instrument, but not much more

  You need to know what to expect from a banjolele when buying this instrument. Just because you play a ukulele doesn't mean you'll make a clean transition to it. Think of it as a really small banjo tuned like a ukulele.The bridge does not come installed; it's laying flat in a pouch on the gigbag. It takes a while to get it perfectly placed (about the same distance from the 12th fret as the 12th fret is from the nut, for those not in the know), complicated by the fact that the Aquila strings take a while to stretch out. It's going to take a good week or so before you can expect to play it with good intonation. Once that's out of the way, it's a fun instrument to play and you'll probably get some strange looks from people as you play it.The instrument also comes with a small wrench that's used to loosen up the rods that hold the head in place. You won't need this right away, but be sure to keep it for when you need to change the head.The gigbag... 3/5 Michael Robbie - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Lanikai LB6-S Soprano Banjolele with Gig Bag (Electronics) You need to know what to expect from a banjolele when buying this instrument. Just because you play a ukulele doesn't mean you'll make a clean transition to it. Think of it as a really small banjo tuned like a ukulele.The bridge does not come installed; it's laying flat in a pouch on the gigbag. It takes a while to get it perfectly placed (about the same distance from the 12th fret as the 12th fret is from the nut, for those not in the know), complicated by the fact that the Aquila strings take a while to stretch out. It's going to take a good week or so before you can expect to play it with good intonation. Once that's out of the way, it's a fun instrument to play and you'll probably get some strange looks from people as you play it.The instrument also comes with a small wrench that's used to loosen up the rods that hold the head in place. You won't need this right away, but be sure to keep it for when you need to change the head.The gigbag... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , January 30, 2012

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  Lanikai Soprano Banjolele

  I've bought Lanikai Instruments before and was very satisfied with them. However, the Banjolele was a 'whole new ball game". The unit came without any instructions as to how and where to install the bridge. Not Good!!!!!!!I would rate it as OK at best as far as an investment into a banjolele. I would not do it again. 3/5 Neil Bustamante (Reno, NV) - See all my reviews, May 3, 2012

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  So great!

  I love my lil' banjolele! I own another Lanikai uke, and I've always wanted to get a banjolele and this model is really great for me! I had a little bit of trouble getting the bridge set up properly, but as soon as I got that straightened out and tuned it, it played fine! I recommend this instrument to just about anyone! 5/5 Keara - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Lanikai LB6-S Soprano Banjolele with Gig Bag (Electronics) I love my lil' banjolele! I own another Lanikai uke, and I've always wanted to get a banjolele and this model is really great for me! I had a little bit of trouble getting the bridge set up properly, but as soon as I got that straightened out and tuned it, it played fine! I recommend this instrument to just about anyone! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , July 26, 2011

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  List Price: $420.00
  Price: Too low to display
  

  Soprano Size

  Includes Custom Gigbag

  Aged Brass Hardware

  6in Maple Rim

  Remo Fyberskyn Head

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  Eddy Finn Banjo Soprano Ukulele w/ Case ~ EF-UB-1

  Musical Instruments (Eddy Finn)
  

  Rating (1 reviews):

  (5.0/5)

  

  Great Sound

  This is the best deal you are going to find if you want a banjo sound coming out of a ukulele. It holds it's tune well, it sounds great, it is well made, and it looks freaking cool. You won't be disappointed. 5/5 NoCyc - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Eddy Finn Banjo Soprano Ukulele w/ Case ~ EF-UB-1 This is the best deal you are going to find if you want a banjo sound coming out of a ukulele. It holds it's tune well, it sounds great, it is well made, and it looks freaking cool. You won't be disappointed. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , January 3, 2012

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  List Price: $299.99
  Price: $199.95
  You Save: $100.04 (33%)

  Number of Frets: 18

  Scale: 12"

  Total Length: 20"

  Model: EF-UB-1 Open Back Soprano

  Nut: 1.38"

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  Hawaian Guitar Banjo Ukulele & Guitar 1926-1949

  Music (Yazoo)
  

  Rating (3 reviews):

  (4.7/5)

  

  .

  Four decades before Jimi Hendrix played guitar with his teeth, Roy Smeck was biting the strings on America's vaudeville circuit. An astonishing instrumentalist already, Smeck had to compensate for his lack of a singing voice by developing jokes and visual guitar gimmicks. Among his tricks were simulating a banjo duet on a single banjo, or playing Yiddish, Chinese or Scottish instrumental versions of "Yes Sir, That's My Baby." Roy could play anything with strings on it, and he could do it upside down, behind his back, or both. Eventually Hollywood discovered him and he was featured in the first talking picture ever. Ironically, "talkies" proved to be the downfall of vaudeville, and with it went Smeck's career. But to this day, Smeck remains America's original guitar hero. His virtuosity is rivaled by few, and this superb collection by Yazoo features 14 intrumentals with nothin' fancy but incredible playing. 5/5 DJ Joe Sixpack (...in Middle America) - See all my reviews, January 21, 2000

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  Dazzling, fireball fingerpicking

  Hotshot trick guitarist/multi-instrumentalist Roy Smeck tore up the Vaudeville circuit in the 1920s and early '30s, playing a dazzling mix of jazz, blues and Hawaiian-style music on guitar, banjo, mandolin and ukulele. He also became a world-famous author of countless music instruction books... This CD samples some of his best Hawaiian-style recordings of the 1930s, ranging from straight Hawaiian music to ragtime-y material and jazzy flights similar to Django Reinhardt's early stuff. Cool record, though you have to be really into instrumental material to sit through the whole disc. Nice sound quality, too! 5/5 COMPUTERJAZZMAN "computerjazzman" (Cliffside Park, New Jersey United States) - See all my reviews This review is from: Hawaian Guitar Banjo Ukulele & Guitar 1926-1949 (Audio CD) Roy Smeck could play any type of stringed instrument and play it like a man posessed. This CD covers the years 1926-49. He was truly a guitar whiz, and you will be amazed by his dexterity! If you like this type of music, you will probably also enjoy the music of Sol Hoopi and "King" Benny Nawahi. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , November 12, 2002

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  A WHIZ!

  Roy Smeck could play any type of stringed instrument and play it like a man posessed. This CD covers the years 1926-49. He was truly a guitar whiz, and you will be amazed by his dexterity! If you like this type of music, you will probably also enjoy the music of Sol Hoopi and "King" Benny Nawahi. 4/5 0, August 12, 2006

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  List Price: $17.98
  

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  Lanikai Concert Banjolele

  Musical Instruments (Hohner/Lanikai Stringed Instruments)
  

  Rating (3 reviews):

  (4.0/5)

  

  Heavy lifting

  This Banjolele has a nice sound, but is not easy to play. Don't even try playing it standing up. It's very heavy. A lot of steel and wood. It is loud and can be played well with other instruments. I have banjoleles from the 1800s that are easier to play and sound just as good. For the same price you can buy an older one that doesn't require a workout just holding on to it. 2/5 Santa's Elvis - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Lanikai Concert Banjolele (Electronics) This Banjolele has a nice sound, but is not easy to play. Don't even try playing it standing up. It's very heavy. A lot of steel and wood. It is loud and can be played well with other instruments. I have banjoleles from the 1800s that are easier to play and sound just as good. For the same price you can buy an older one that doesn't require a workout just holding on to it. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , November 28, 2011

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  Great buy!

  Good value for this great instrument. Looks much nicer in life than these pictures show. Sounds great! Just buy one already! 5/5 LordByrum - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Lanikai Concert Banjolele (Electronics) Good value for this great instrument. Looks much nicer in life than these pictures show. Sounds great! Just buy one already! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , February 10, 2011

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  Great sounding instrument!

  I am thoroughly enjoying this instrument. It is well constructed and sounds amazingly like a banjo. It is simple to play, just like a concert uke and I've had so many compliments on it. I like to use the banjolele when performing in a larger room because it is loud enough that it doesn't have to be mike'd. I would definitely recommend this instrument to anyone who wants to learn a string instrument and does not have a lot of musical experience. It's an easy switch from the ukulele and I enjoy having the variety for my solo performances. 5/5 jc recording (Sequim, WA) - See all my reviews This review is from: Lanikai Concert Banjolele (Electronics) Lanikai Concert BanjoleleI am thoroughly enjoying this instrument. It is well constructed and sounds amazingly like a banjo. It is simple to play, just like a concert uke and I've had so many compliments on it. I like to use the banjolele when performing in a larger room because it is loud enough that it doesn't have to be mike'd. I would definitely recommend this instrument to anyone who wants to learn a string instrument and does not have a lot of musical experience. It's an easy switch from the ukulele and I enjoy having the variety for my solo performances. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , December 12, 2010

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  List Price: $700.00
  Price: $399.99
  You Save: $300.01 (43%)

  Flame Maple Resonator

  Aged Brass Hardware

  Geared Tuning Machines

  Concert Sized

  Custom Fitted Gig Bag Included

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  Essential Chords for Guitar, Mandolin, Ukulele and Banjo: Second Edition, Chord Fingering Charts, Keys, Barre Chords, Arpeggio Scales, Moveable Soloing Scales, Blank Chord Boxes and Sheet Music

  Book (CreateSpace)
  List Price: $14.95
  

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