Interested in playing the banjo? Great choice! You might have already stumbled upon some amazing banjo covers on YouTube that captured your attention. Did you know that this 17th-century instrument originally came from Western Africa? African cultures contributed their unique style of folk, blues, and country music to the Western world, which we still enjoy today.
If you’re looking for the perfect beginner banjo, you’re in the right place!
Things to Consider Before Buying a Banjo
1. Weight
If you travel a lot, you might consider the weight of your instruments for you to practice anywhere. 2-5kg+ is recommended.
2. Type & Sound
This will depend on your taste in music:
a) Acoustic banjos [Recommended for Beginners]
- Open-back/Clawhammer – has a soft and mellow sound (video example)
- Resonator – has a vibrant, loud, and lingering tone (video example)
b) Electric banjos [Recommended for Professionals]
They have a heavy electric tone (video example)
3. Neck, Head, and Back Composition
Wood, Plastic, Metal, Mahogany, Maple, etc
4. Strings Material
Nylon, Steel, Bronze
5. Number of Strings
4 & 5 string banjos are recommended for beginners for basic notes. 6-string banjos are for professionals because of extra notes, chords, and range.
6. Cost
The cost varies in quality and shipping fee.
Top 5 Best Banjo for Beginners
To start practicing your dream banjo cover, buying an acoustic banjo first rather than an electric guitar is best. We chose the best quality acoustic banjos that you will never regret buying.
1. Kmise Acoustic Dual Banjo
Kmise Acoustic Dual Banjo is both an open-back and resonator banjo. It makes you feel like a pro, even if you are only a beginner.
Their Phosphor bronze strings are unique, unlike the common nylon and steel strings.
Product Details
- Brackets – 24
- Frets – 22
- Drumhead – Polyester Film
- Back – Both Closed and Open (Removable)
- Armrest – Yes
- Bridge Material – Ebony cap
- Item Weight – 3.89 kg
- Back Material – Sapele
- Number of Strings – 4-5 strings
- Neck Material – Okoume wood
- String Material – Phosphor Bronze
- Shoulder Strap – Yes
- With Tuner? – Yes
- Colors – Maple, Black
2. AKLOT 5 String Open Back Banjo
AKLOT, unlike the mentioned Kmise, is an open-back banjo that is perfect for beginners. It suits mellow songs and slow-beat folk music. It only has one color variation, which is beige. This banjo is slightly heavier than the previous one.
It has a full-size adjustable maple body with 2 tuning wrenches, 4 picks, extra string, strap ruler, and cleaning cloth.
Product Details
- Brackets – 18
- Frets – 22
- Drumhead – Remo
- Back – Open
- Armrest – Yes
- Bridge Material – Saddle
- Item Weight – 4.4 kg
- Back Material – Maple
- Number of Strings – 5 strings
- Neck Material – Maple
- String Material – Steel
- Shoulder Strap – Yes
- With Tuner? – Yes
- Storage Bag – Yes
3. Mulucky 5 String Banjo
Mulucky Banjo may look like an open-back banjo, but it’s a resonator banjo.
It is perfect for travel lovers. You will never have to worry about your heavy load when bringing this instrument.
Product Details
- Brackets – 24
- Frets – 22
- Drumhead – Remo
- Back – Closed
- Armrest – Yes
- Bridge Material – Ebony
- Item Weight – 4 lbs
- Back Material – Mahogany
- Number of Strings – 5 strings
- Neck Material – Satin
- String Material – Alloy Steel
- Shoulder Strap – Yes
- With Tuner? – Yes
- Storage Bag – Yes
4. Vangoa Acoustic Dual Banjo
Like Kmise, it also has a dual closed and open-back feature.
You don’t have to worry whether you want a mellow or heavy sound because Vangoa has one for you.
Product Details
- Brackets – 12
- Frets – 12
- Drumhead – Mahogany
- Back – Both Closed & Open (Removable)
- Armrest – None
- Bridge Material – Wooden
- Item Weight – 2.2 kgs
- Back Material – Mahogany
- Number of Strings – 5-6 strings
- Neck Material – Mahogany
- String Material – Nylon & Steel
- Shoulder Strap – Yes
- With Tuner? – Yes
- Storage Bag – Yes
5. Pyle 5 String Resonator Banjo
Unlike any other brand, you will enjoy this banjo because of its free music lesson booklet. It has a unique acrylonitrile back material/composition and alloy steel strings.
However, it has a similar heaviness to the AKLOT banjo, which is 4 kilos.
Product Details
- Brackets – 24
- Frets – 22
- Drumhead – Remo
- Back – Closed
- Armrest – Yes
- Bridge Material – Maplewood
- Item Weight – 4 kg
- Back Material – Acrylonitrile
- Number of Strings – 5 strings
- Neck Material – Sapele
- String Material – Alloy Steel
- Shoulder Strap – Yes
- With Tuner? – Yes
- Storage Bag – Yes
