There are a number of elements to consider when buying a banjo. The main thing to look for is a banjo that is comfortable, easy to play, and does not hurt your hands. Push down on the strings up and down the neck to make sure they have enough give and do not cut your fingers. Pluck the strings with your strumming hand to test the amount of pressure needed to create a sound. You want to be able to strum lightly and still hear the note clearly.

Quality banjos for beginners can be found for about $100 to $150.

In this range, you will not have a great deal of options regarding the sound of the banjo, so look for quality more than anything else. The head, rim, and resonator of the banjo should appear solid and well-made. These lower-end banjos will usually include more metal than wood in the body and neck. If you are purchasing a banjo in this price range, your best bet is to shop at a reputable music store that can guarantee that you are getting a good instrument.

You can get a significantly better sounding banjo for only another $150-$200, so it may be worth going for the upgrade if you will be playing your banjo frequently.

This level of instrument should contain some wood parts and the metal may be of higher quality than the beginner banjos. You will start to find more stylistic features in this price range, along with some modifications that can affect the banjo's sound.

Most banjos are made overseas, with manufacturers in Korea or China. Deering is the only major banjo manufacturer in the United States offering lower-end pricing. The GoodTime product line has models beginning at about $300, or $400 for a banjo with a resonator. Gold Tone is an American company that uses Asian parts to produce quality banjos in this price range as well. Saga also manufactures their banjo parts in Asia for assembly in the United States.

Banjo kits are another way for hobbyists to get a great sounding banjo at a much lower price. Kits allow you to build your own instrument piece by piece. Most instrument kits have instructions intended to be followed even by novices, so they are generally easy to assemble. Some kits include the finishing materials to seal the wood when assembly is completed. If not, you will want to invest in a quality, hand-rubbed finish to protect your new banjo from heat and moisture.

Once you have found the right banjo, you may want to also purchase a carrying case, electronic tuner, or other accessories. For most musical styles, you will need a pick before you can begin playing. There are finger or thumb picks available in either metal or plastic. Banjo picks vary in thickness and size, depending on your hand strength, string thickness, and style of playing. Be sure to buy plenty of extra picks as they are small and very easy to lose.

Originally posted 2008-11-10 05:38:08. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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