need help buying a banjo!

siid

siid

New member
i want to learn how to play the banjo so Im looking for a cheap one on craigslist (under $300), but i dont know what i should be looking for. whats best for beginners ? 5 strings ? 6 strings ?

if anyone has the time to check these out, let me know if any of these seem okay or not pleaseee :)

https://longisland.craigslist.org/msg/5675885301.html

https://jerseyshore.craigslist.org/atq/5683459921.html

https://newyork.craigslist.org/wch/msg/5687382767.html

https://newyork.craigslist.org/que/msg/5681483385.html
 
#1 is chinese and is probably pretty poorly made but not terrible for $50

#2 is probably not quite what you're looking for because the resonator is huge

Same with #3, tenor banjo

#4 is not worth anywhere near $250

Your best bet is #1

Source: I play the banjo

And yeah, get a 5 string banjo

Avoid "vintage" banjos in general, people think they're worth way more than they are. They're generally old and beaten up, sound like crap, but because they're old, people somehow think that makes them worth money.
 
I am obviously partial to Deering since they have 3 Dropkick Murphys model banjos & that is what Jeff Darosa plays.

$30 bucks sounds awesome tho for an instrument for traveling.
 
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I was given a Rogue "travel" banjo for my birthday last year. It's not the best but it suits my needs very well and it sounds good (at least to me it does). It's not super high end so if you wanted to travel with it there's not much to worry about which is nice. I see them on Craigslist for like $50 sometimes, just have to keep your eyes open.
 
Hi hi fucking awesome that were gonna get more banjo players yes!!
Basically stay the FUCK away from a 6 string , if you wanna play a guitar buy a friggin guitar not some mutant 6 string clusterfuck. I traded in my 6 string the first day I got it for a 5 string banjo.

If ya buying new here's my advice - rather spend more and be happy, its so fucking annoying that banjos are so pricey (mines breaking and I can't afford to replace it) all those £250 bottom end ones are fucking jokes.
 
A cigar box, some thumb screws for tuning pegs, nails, and a piece of a pallet will only cost you some pocket change.
 
You may want to think about what kind of style you want to play. Open back 5-string for claw hammer, closed for finger picking, tenor for plectrum or strumming.
 
Ohhhh i forgot i posted this and to thank you guys for really tryina help me pick one haha I’ll post a pic of the one I ended up getting in a minute
 
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