How to Buy a Banjo

Types of Banjos

There are three main types of banjos that are played. They are:

Dixieland– a Dixieland banjo is a 4-stringed instrument. These types of banjos are used for playing Dixieland band style music or jazz and Irish music. Popular models include the following:

• Deering Goodtime 2 Tenor 4-string
• Gold Tone Cripple Creek Tenor 4-string

Clawhammer- Individuals that enjoy a strumming method called mountain or frailing favor the clawhammer banjo. People who use this type of banjo don’t use picks. They play by hammering down on the strings with their nails and picking with their fingertips. This is a highly rhythmic style of old-time American music. Clawhammers are 5-stringed banjos. Banjos that fall into this category include:

• Bean Blossom Hobo 5-string
• Deering Goodtime Classic 5-string
• Gold Tone Cripple Creek 100 Plus 5-string
• Savanah SB-070 5-string Open Back
• Gold Tone Cripple Creek 100 5-string Open Back

Bluegrass- is an old American style of music that is different from the other styles of music played on the banjo. Each player has their own melody and with multiple players, each plays a solo they play off one another. An example of this type of music is the tune, "Dueling Banjos" which is well known because it was played in the movie "Deliverance."

• Deering Goodtime Special Classic 5-string
• Gold Tone Cripple Creek 100R Plus 5-string
• Johnson JB-200 5-string
• Liberty Constitution 5-string
• Morgan Monroe MNB-1 5-string

How to Buy a Banjo

Whether you are an adult or a child, there are some basics you should know about how to buy a banjo. The simplest thing to figure out for beginners is the size of the banjo they will need. Children under the age of 10 will typically need a child-size banjo. Everyone else should use an adult sized banjo. Beginner banjos come in right or left-handed models, so choose the one you are most comfortable with; there is no need to re-string a right-handed model to accommodate a lefty.

Guitar and Banjo

While it is easier to learn the banjo if you already know how to play the guitar, it is not necessary. Beginners who are shifting from guitar to banjo usually start with a 4-string model and then work up to the 5 or 6-string models.

Style of Music

The style of music you want to play will determine the banjo model you'll want to buy. Choose from Dixieland, Clawhammer or Bluegrass styles.

Open Back Banjos

The open back banjo became popular again after the movie "O Brother Where Art Thou?" was released. The open back banjo has a muted sound because the clothing the player is wearing muffles the sound being projected backwards. An open back banjo is perfect when playing for yourself or a small group of people.

Resonator Models

A resonator model banjo projects the sound forward and is perfect for someone playing for a large group of people or an audience. Most people choose this type of model because it provides a clearer sound. There are also many models available that have a removable resonator.

Brackets

The number of brackets used on the banjo model you use will increase the sound clarity. The brackets are what hold the head on the pot assembly (the round part of the banjo). The more brackets you have, the better the sound quality will be.

Banjo Weight

The value of the banjo is largely determined by weight. If it weighs less than 6 pounds, it is usually a low quality banjo and will cost $50 to $200. Anything heavier is more expensive and a higher quality instrument, and those range in price from $200 to several thousand dollars.

Learning to Play

The banjo is an easy instrument to play, especially if you start with the 4-string model. As long as you set aside 30 minutes to an hour each day to practice, you should be playing simple tunes within a month or two. There are many DVD’s that teach you how to play banjo and there are many teachers ready to take on new students. Start now and in no time you’ll be pickin’ and a grinnin’!