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Editor's picks

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  New 5-String Banjo 24 Bracket with Closed Solid Back By Jameson Guitars

  Musical Instruments (Jameson Guitars)
  

  Rating (81 reviews):

  (4.8/5)

  

  Very nice instrument

  This banjo is beautifully crafted. It plays very well right out of the box without additional set-up, except for a little tuning. If you are looking for a beginning banjo, this one is very nice. With a closed back (resonator) it would usually be used by BlueGrass players, but if you want you can easily take the resonator off and play it clawhammer or frailing style. 5/5 noclaimtofame (MI United States) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: New 5-String Banjo 24 Bracket with Closed Solid Back By Jameson Guitars This banjo is beautifully crafted. It plays very well right out of the box without additional set-up, except for a little tuning. If you are looking for a beginning banjo, this one is very nice. With a closed back (resonator) it would usually be used by BlueGrass players, but if you want you can easily take the resonator off and play it clawhammer or frailing style. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , September 22, 2010

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  This banjo looks and sounds great! Fair price for the value!

  I am a novice, but to me this banjo looks and sounds great (once you tune it!)! You might as well go ahead and buy an electronic tuner, if you are a novice like me. Go ahead and buy the 'Banjo for Dummies' book which will tell you how to tune it. And get the finger picks and a strap. You really need all of these to get started learning to play the banjo. At first I just bought the banjo, book and finger picks. Started reading the book and the first couple of chapters told you what you need to get started. Then I had to go get the electronic tuner. Then the strap, etc. The instrument really sounded horrible right out of the box, as compared to the book/cd sample music. I knew the tuning must be way off. Tuned it and it sounds great and just like on the cd! (to my novice ears).I am very pleased with the purchase. 5/5 Kenneth (Hickory, NC, United States) - See all my reviews, October 2, 2010

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  Awesome awesome banjo!

  I bought this banjo as a first banjo without any real knowledge of banjos. For the price i dare you to find a better product. The banjo arrived on time without a scratch on it.With a small amount of tuning i was playing it the minute i took it out of the box.If your looking for a beginning banjo that sounds/looks/plays/feels...Good, Then buy THIS banjo. Thanks:] 5/5 Jepharie - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: New 5-String Banjo 24 Bracket with Closed Solid Back By Jameson Guitars I bought this banjo as a first banjo without any real knowledge of banjos. For the price i dare you to find a better product. The banjo arrived on time without a scratch on it.With a small amount of tuning i was playing it the minute i took it out of the box.If your looking for a beginning banjo that sounds/looks/plays/feels...Good, Then buy THIS banjo. Thanks:] Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , November 24, 2010

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  List Price: $399.95
  Price: $179.95
  You Save: $42.45 (24%)

  24 Bracket with Closed Mahogany Back

  Made by Jameson/Davison Guitar Company

  Amazing Low Price on Best Selling Banjo

  Ships Fast - Top Seller - Customer Favorite

  New 5 String Full Size Banjo

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  Oscar Schmidt OB5 5-String Banjo

  Musical Instruments (US Music)
  

  Rating (39 reviews):

  (4.4/5)

  

  A Serious Review (not that i don't like the last one)

  It's not a bad instrument for the price. Good sound, nice resonance, comfortable, sturdy feel. When it came out of the box one of the screws was out of the resonator and the others need to be tightened down, but nothing was broken or missing. I wish it had came with a change of strings, since I'm not sure how long this set has been on it, but I guess that's why it only costs a hundred-fiddy. I'm a beginner on this instrument (played electric bass for 6 years) and I'm definately pleased with the cost and the actual product. 4/5 Spyral "Its All Just A Ride" (Michigan United States) - See all my reviews This review is from: Oscar Schmidt OB5 5-String Banjo (Electronics) It's not a bad instrument for the price. Good sound, nice resonance, comfortable, sturdy feel. When it came out of the box one of the screws was out of the resonator and the others need to be tightened down, but nothing was broken or missing. I wish it had came with a change of strings, since I'm not sure how long this set has been on it, but I guess that's why it only costs a hundred-fiddy. I'm a beginner on this instrument (played electric bass for 6 years) and I'm definately pleased with the cost and the actual product. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , September 25, 2006

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  Oscar Schmidt banjo

  I am a first time learner of the banjo so don't know much about them, butI am pleased with the quality. Didn't get the case at the time of purchase so it was shipped in a cardboard box which got a whole punched init at time of shipping. The banjo had a dent on the back but not bad enough to make me want to go to the trouble of returning it. I recommendthat you request better packing or order the case at the same time. 4/5 E. Easters (Alabama) - See all my reviews, February 14, 2008

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  Great for the price

  Banjo arrived in new condition - nothing broken, I just loosened the strings, set the bridge, tuned it up and started plunking around on it. It's only the second banjo I've had, but it sounds great, rings well and frets well.I'm surprised to get this good of an instrument for such a low price. Granted - I've never played one of the gold standard banjo's. For learning or just plunking around, this one is great. 5/5 B. Harrah "bertonh" (Columbus, OH United States) - See all my reviews, October 26, 2007

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  List Price: $429.90
  Price: $203.00
  You Save: $226.90 (53%)

  Geared 5th string tuner

  Rosewood fingerboard

  30 bracket cast aluminum tone ring

  Fancy traditional fingerboard inlays

  Mahogany resonator

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  How To Play The 5-String Banjo (Music Sales America)

  Book (Pete Seeger)
  

  Rating (33 reviews):

  (4.0/5)

  

  A review by one who learned to play the banjo from this book

  Thirty-four years ago I started buying and using banjo instruction books. Today I have only one still in my possession, Pete Seeger's "How to Play the 5-String Banjo." In addition to his many other gifts, Seeger has mastered the difficult job of teaching a musical instrument on paper. His approach is to take the student step by step with clear explanations in the text to making music as quickly as possible. Even readers with absolutely no knowledge of musical notation will be able to grasp his explanations and his illustrations. His drawings of the fingerboard are not the most sophisticated graphics in the business, but they don't have to be. The book (which isn't very long) also teaches the student about traditional and home made music as it touches on many styles of banjo playing. Seeger clearly uses banjo instruction as another means to spread his lifelong gospel of the integrity, value and sheer joy of music that comes out of living rooms rather than... 5/5 Bruce D. Collins (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews This review is from: How to Play the 5-String Banjo, Third Edition (Paperback) Thirty-four years ago I started buying and using banjo instruction books. Today I have only one still in my possession, Pete Seeger's "How to Play the 5-String Banjo." In addition to his many other gifts, Seeger has mastered the difficult job of teaching a musical instrument on paper. His approach is to take the student step by step with clear explanations in the text to making music as quickly as possible. Even readers with absolutely no knowledge of musical notation will be able to grasp his explanations and his illustrations. His drawings of the fingerboard are not the most sophisticated graphics in the business, but they don't have to be. The book (which isn't very long) also teaches the student about traditional and home made music as it touches on many styles of banjo playing. Seeger clearly uses banjo instruction as another means to spread his lifelong gospel of the integrity, value and sheer joy of music that comes out of living rooms rather than... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , September 1, 1998

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  Great read. Tough for beginners.

  So, there I was. A thirty-something workaholic looking for a new hobby to unwind a bit, but with very little in the way of musical experience. Nonetheless, inspired by a local Allison Kraus concert, I found a hot deal on a great used banjo on E-bay and I was off and running! What fun! I'm hooked on the 5-string twang!! About 3 months or so at 30-minutes a day (give or take) and I can play well enough to entertain myself - and my wife and the cat can at least stay in the same room!Not many banjo instructors in New England, so I thought I'd go in for a few good teach-yourself manuals. I bought four. In order of usefulness they were - Revised Banjo Primer by Geoff Hohwald - First Lessons Banjo by Jack Hatfied - How to Play the 5-string Banjo by Pete Seeger - How to Play Banjo by Tim Jumper. The Banjo Primer was the best of the lot. I was able to make good progress with about 30 minutes practice each day. The instructions were clear and the tunes were fun to... 2/5 Michael J. Edelman (Huntington Woods, MI USA) - See all my reviews, December 29, 2003

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  Everybody's first banjo book

  What can you say about a little book that started out as a handful of mimeographed sheets, and has been in print for over 40 years? Like thousands of other player, my banjo playing began with a borrowed Harmony 5 string banjo and the this little book. And what a marvelous little book it was! In a few pages Pete introduced me to scores of styles, tunings and songs. I didn't even know there was more than one way to play a banjo, but by the time I worked my way through this book I could frail, I could play a bit of clawhammer, and I could even work my way through a slow and tortured version of Earl Scruggs' great "Foggy Mountain Breakdown". All the songs and techniques are presented in a simplfied tablature, and Pete's explainations and the illustrations are goods enough that I managed to develop a pretty good clawhammer stroke even though I'd never actually heard one played before.It's amazing how much Pete squeezed into this tiny book. Besides instruction in playing,... 5/5 0, April 1, 2001

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  List Price: $16.95
  

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  PYLE-PRO PBJ60 5 String Banjo with Chrome Plated Hardware

  Musical Instruments (Sound Around)
  

  Rating (12 reviews):

  (3.4/5)

  

  Price - Quality ratio = Superb!

  I purchased this banjo for my husband's 40th b-day. It has been a decades long wish of his to try and play banjo and I was so pleased to find this unbelievable deal for such a quality instrument! I wanted to find him something solid, with good reviews (I checked several sites), a little bit of "flair" (beautiful solid hard woods and mother of pearl fret inlays), but was also easy to learn on. So far, this banjo has fit the bill!I spent a long time researching and shopping on various sites and found this banjo to be the most reasonably priced (for the quality). Now, keep in mind it does NOT come set up or tuned (some other sites offered this option before shipping, and I'm not sure if this co. would have... I was too anxious to get it shipped quicker!). You can take it in to any local music store to have it tuned or if you are musically inclined at all, you can do what we did= I purchased a Snark tuner, also from Amazon... an incredible device!! And I got "Banjo for... 5/5 Tamara Pineda "amazon woman" (rochester, ny) - See all my reviews, January 20, 2012

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  If it was possible to leave a 0 star rating, I would.

  This banjo came to me with a huge ding in it and in addition to that it was scratched up, regardless of the fact that it was supposedly new. The banjo itself was of poor craftsmanship and the tuner knobs could not hold the strings in tune. It also , much like the other review states, does not match the box or picture. It does NOT come with the arm rest. The packaging also had a washer rogue washer and other metal scraps floating around in it. Due to the other users experience Im not even going to mess around with trying to replace it, Im just going to return it and get a different brand. I don't normally write product reviews, but this one was so bad I just don't want anyone else to waste their time or money. This banjo is garbage, it may seem like a sweet deal but its really just a waste of your time. Expect to have to return it several times before you get one thats actually almost acceptable. The only place this item belongs in is a dumpster. It blows my mind that Amazon would back... 1/5 Cheetah Head - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: PYLE-PRO PBJ60 5 String Banjo with Chrome Plated Hardware (Electronics) This banjo came to me with a huge ding in it and in addition to that it was scratched up, regardless of the fact that it was supposedly new. The banjo itself was of poor craftsmanship and the tuner knobs could not hold the strings in tune. It also , much like the other review states, does not match the box or picture. It does NOT come with the arm rest. The packaging also had a washer rogue washer and other metal scraps floating around in it. Due to the other users experience Im not even going to mess around with trying to replace it, Im just going to return it and get a different brand. I don't normally write product reviews, but this one was so bad I just don't want anyone else to waste their time or money. This banjo is garbage, it may seem like a sweet deal but its really just a waste of your time. Expect to have to return it several times before you get one thats actually almost acceptable. The only place this item belongs in is a dumpster. It blows my mind that Amazon would back... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , January 19, 2012

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  Good, inexpensive way to get into things; some assembly required.

  Overall, I'm satisfied with this banjo. I didn't expect it to be great because of the price, but it surpassed my expectations. A couple of things worth knowing that aren't mentioned in the description: 1) The rim is layered wood (I thought it might be aluminum because of the price, so that was a pleasant surprise). 2) The tuning peg for the 5th string is a friction peg, not geared. Even still, the cost of replacing it with a geared peg is so low, it still makes this banjo worth the buy. I ordered it next-day so it didn't have a lot of time to get damaged in transit. I don't know what kind of tone ring it has, if any, because I didn't take the time to remove the head to inspect that part. The sound is good, the bridge is easy to install (I followed the instructions in Banjo for Dummies), the neck is a good width, and the strings are easy on the fingers and give a clear tone.The only complaints I have are that the frets closest to the pot have a very slight gap... 4/5 Kevin Buckner "Fornaxx" (Ut) - See all my reviews, February 4, 2012

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  List Price: $379.99
  Price: $138.66
  You Save: $241.33 (64%)

  Mahogany Neck, Back, and Side

  Maplewood idge

  Rosewood Fingerboard

  Chrome Plated Hardware

  Top Material: REMO Drumhead - Weight: 7.21 lbs.

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  Deering Goodtime 5-String Banjo

  Musical Instruments (Deering Banjos)
  

  Rating (30 reviews):

  (4.7/5)

  

  Five stars for value and quality

  I do not own a Deering Goodtime but I have had a number of opportunities to play them during Dan Levenson's workshops and at at a local KC metro music store (Mountain Music Shoppe). They are outstandingly playable and represent far better value for the money than any comparably priced alternative that I have come across.I first became interested in banjo through Stephen Wade's wonderful Banjo Dancing one man shows and decided that I wanted to begin exploring banjo on my own. At that time, late seventies, there were very few options available. The choice was buying an open back "maker" banjo at > $1000, buying a used hootenany era banjo in the $500 to $800 (often with a Pete Seeger long neck), buying an Asian disposable with flashy pearloid cosmetics and buzzy frets, or building my own (the twisted route I took.).Several years on, I was lucky enough to be able to buy a marvelous Bart Reiter at a fairly reasonable price thanks to some shop wear... 5/5 T. Gorham (KC Metro USA) - See all my reviews, August 17, 2004

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  The best banjo for the money

  This is the best inexpensive banjo on the Market. It was my first banjo. The key thing is that it is built to sound like a real banjo, hold together and make an appropriate sound. Deering used some technologies that are not standard for a five string banjo to do this, which may make this not look as nice as comparable models put out by Rover or even the Gold Tone lower end models which are not bad. However, this banjo sounds and plays very good. I was about 52 when I got my first Good Time, but I was like a kid, taking it to bed with me. Even after I acquired a fine Bacon Belmont vintage banjo, I found that there were tunes and applications that I prefered the Good Time for. It had a bluesier twang and worked better for slide playing. Moreover, if you follow the banjo literature on banjo-l listserve and other places you will find that there are many modication plans to improve the Good time by adding a skin head, changing the bridge etc. This is like the... 5/5 Tony Thomas (West Palm Bach Florida USA) - See all my reviews This is the best inexpensive banjo on the Market. It was my first banjo. The key thing is that it is built to sound like a real banjo, hold together and make an appropriate sound. Deering used some technologies that are not standard for a five string banjo to do this, which may make this not look as nice as comparable models put out by Rover or even the Gold Tone lower end models which are not bad. However, this banjo sounds and plays very good. I was about 52 when I got my first Good Time, but I was like a kid, taking it to bed with me. Even after I acquired a fine Bacon Belmont vintage banjo, I found that there were tunes and applications that I prefered the Good Time for. It had a bluesier twang and worked better for slide playing. Moreover, if you follow the banjo literature on banjo-l listserve and other places you will find that there are many modication plans to improve the Good time by adding a skin head, changing the bridge etc. This is like the... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , June 27, 2005

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  Goodtime Banjo is the best beginner/intermediate banjo on the market

  I have been playing Bluegrass and Clawhammer banjo for a number of years and have owned quite a few banjos. Once I discovered Deering's Goodtime, I got rid of all my other banjos, I was smitten. Owning a Goodtime raised the bar for me in regards to quality of sound and playability.The Goodtime banjo has a great sound, is easy to hold and easy to play. It has a very natural feel to it. I use this banjo as my work horse. I have since bought other higher end banjos ($1000+) that sound good too but I always fall back to my Goodtime.My daugher and son are starting to learn the banjo too, and I've found that the Goodtime is perfect for them. Because they are children, I use a capo on the 4th fret of the neck and then retune the banjo to open G (as I say to my kids, "just like a parents banjo") and then they are off and running.Banjos will come and banjos will go but in my little stable of banjos, the Goodtime will alway be present. 5/5 D. Vaughan - See all my reviews, December 26, 2005

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  List Price: $499.00
  Price: $399.00
  You Save: $100.00 (20%)

  Sealed, geared tuning machines, including fifth string

  5/8-Inch maple/ebony Goodtime bridge with adjustable Deering tailpiece

  Six-year warranty

  Low-profile, 22-fret rock maple neck with hardwood bow tie inlays

  Three-ply, 11-inch maple rim with steel tension hoop and high crown head

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  Washburn Banjo, 5 String

  Musical Instruments (US Music)
  

  Rating (8 reviews):

  (4.5/5)

  

  The Good, the Bad & the Ugly...

  Review for Washburn B-9 5-string banjo. I have played guitar for eight years and wanted to try banjo. Having never owned nor played a banjo I decided to purchase this one. Here are the facts...The Good - This banjo came well packaged. It is attractive for an inexpensive banjo and carries the Washburn name. It can sound much better than the way it does straight out of the box with proper setup. It took me half an hour to fully check and adjust banjo. With the head properly tightened the banjo has a snap and crisp sound that I wanted for bluegrass sound. Most all the components are nicely fit together and the chrome pieces are very attractive. It carries a warranty from Washburn also. Tools for adjustment included as well as instructions for some basic setup. I was pleased with the sound and look of this banjo.The Bad - After two weeks of daily playing the sound that I had worked to get from this banjo would slowly be gone. Investigation led me to the... 3/5 C. D. Potter "BlueRanchRider" (USA) - See all my reviews, October 18, 2010

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  Excellent!!

  I bought this banjo for my wife to learn to play. We love it. It looks great and is easy to play. I tuned it when we received it and it is still in tune. It sounds like an expensive instrument. What a great value. Our friends and relatives think we spent a lot more for it when they see it. I recommend this product highly to anyone wanting a beginner banjo or one to practice on. 5/5 Ken Callahan (Lexington, KY United States) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Washburn Banjo, 5 String (Electronics) I bought this banjo for my wife to learn to play. We love it. It looks great and is easy to play. I tuned it when we received it and it is still in tune. It sounds like an expensive instrument. What a great value. Our friends and relatives think we spent a lot more for it when they see it. I recommend this product highly to anyone wanting a beginner banjo or one to practice on. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , September 16, 2010

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  Good Instrument

  I think CD Potter must have gotten a bad banjo. Mine has been played regularly since November (it is now March) without any of the problems he mentions. The sound stays good, nothing has come apart. tuning pegs are solid, no buzzing, etc. This is the third banjo I have had in my life and the best one yet. I don't know what I am missing by not having an expensive one, and am curious to find out. Others I have seen are more ornate, but I am only interested in playing. For this I see no reason to pay for a more expensive instrument. Afterword - It is now a year later and I have purchased a serious pro banjo, yet I still use this one regularly. It is just as easy to play as the good one ($1k) but it WEIGHS one fifth as much. The good one (Washburn B-17) is MUCH louder with a true bell brass tone ring. But I needed an inexpensive banjo to decide If I would be committed. 5/5 Nino Deprophetis "Antilabelling League" (Philadelphia) - See all my reviews, March 4, 2012

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  List Price: $444.90
  Price: Too low to display
  

  Cast aluminum tone ring

  Chrome standard tailpiece

  Flat head construction

  5 String, Remo head

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  Deering Goodtime 2 Classic 5-String Banjo

  Musical Instruments (Deering Banjos)
  

  Rating (13 reviews):

  (4.9/5)

  

  Right out of the box.

  This is not my first banjo. This is my first good quality banjo. It was obvious as soon as I took it out of the box.It showed up in perfect condition. The woodwork is quality and looks great. I like the dark stain and satin finish.I tuned it and as soon as I started playing, I noticed the clear bright tone. Each note rings true and there are no strange vibrations included that my other, more cheaply made banjos had in the past.Since I got this, I felt good about devoting a lot of time practicing and playing it. It stays in tune with the usual minor adjustments. The hardware, planetary tuners and such are all good quality too.I like the capo spikes. I can tune to the popular keys with ease.I did have a chance to call Deering Customer Service with some questions I had. It was nice to find out that they were able to answer my questions, not make me feel like an idiot and they were very friendly too.I am still a novice... 5/5 Moondog - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Deering Goodtime 2 Classic 5-String Banjo (Electronics) This is not my first banjo. This is my first good quality banjo. It was obvious as soon as I took it out of the box.It showed up in perfect condition. The woodwork is quality and looks great. I like the dark stain and satin finish.I tuned it and as soon as I started playing, I noticed the clear bright tone. Each note rings true and there are no strange vibrations included that my other, more cheaply made banjos had in the past.Since I got this, I felt good about devoting a lot of time practicing and playing it. It stays in tune with the usual minor adjustments. The hardware, planetary tuners and such are all good quality too.I like the capo spikes. I can tune to the popular keys with ease.I did have a chance to call Deering Customer Service with some questions I had. It was nice to find out that they were able to answer my questions, not make me feel like an idiot and they were very friendly too.I am still a novice... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , March 13, 2012

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  Fantastic banjo for a beginner

  I am a beginning banjo player and, after doing some research, decided that I wanted to invest in an American-made banjo. The Goodtime series has an excellent reputation as a good beginner's banjo and when I saw Amazon's price for this upgraded model, I jumped at it. The banjo has not disappointed in any way. The level of craftsmanship compared to a few other beginner banjos I had looked at in various guitar shops is obvious from the moment you open the box. It is just a really well-made instrument and the sound was great right from the beginning. The planetary tuners have made it easy to keep in perfect tune and I rarely have to make adjustments--a common frustration myself and other friends have had in starting out on cheaper instruments. I have only been playing for about 3 weeks, but it has been a very positive experience thanks to this instrument. 5/5 A. M. Bauer (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews, March 13, 2011

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  UPDATED! PLEASE READ! No Doubt About It, This Banjo Is the Real Deal!!

  EDITED NOTES<<<<<<<<<< Please read the review through to see that I do recommend this banjo. However, the price was $549 when I purchased it. For the price over 720 now I would recommend the RK-35 which has full tone ring and beats other banjos in the 1000-2000 range. Just want folks to know the price has jumped more than 150 in the last few months. EDITED NOTES>>>>>This banjo is everything the original Goodtime banjos are and much more. The extras include planetary tuners (compare headstock photos), a more traditional banjo headstock design, spikes for capoing at the 7th, 9th, and 10th frets pre-installed. The color is a beautiful dark stain,(which is one major reason I purchased this one), and the neck has side dots for reference marked now.The LOOK - This banjo is attractive, much more than the original goodtime. I never liked the blonde look of the original and this one is fabulous. I like the dark 'chocolate' stain and... 5/5 C. D. Potter "BlueRanchRider" (USA) - See all my reviews, March 30, 2012

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  List Price: $909.00
  Price: $749.00
  You Save: $160.00 (18%)

  Planetary tuners

  Three-ply maple rim

  Deering peghead shape

  Capoing spikes on frets 7,9 & 10

  Warm brown stain

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  Banjo For Dummies

  Book (For Dummies)
  

  Rating (67 reviews):

  (4.3/5)

  

  Best Overview Yet!

  A little personal background: I've been playing the 5-string banjo since 1979. Started with Scruggs-style Bluegrass, dabbled with Melodics, discovered the joy of Clawhammer (and antique banjos) and then found my `calling' in Classic style (1870-1920). Lately I've been playing a lot of the very earliest ("Minstrel") style. Yes, I also play some Tenor...I bought this book because I'm an inveterate banjo-tutor collector; part of this is because I just love all things banjo and part is that I've always wanted to find the "perfect" banjo tutor.I've been reading thru it for a week now, playing some of the examples, etc. (esp. the Minstrel and Classic stuff, as that's what I've been playing mostly of late). I'm very impressed!I guess I can't really say what I expected of this book. I've had a couple of the computer related ones over the years and, quite frankly, they didn't help me out much. A lot of that was pure 'lack of interest' in the subject... 5/5 Marc Smith "trapdoor2" (Huntsville, AL USA) - See all my reviews, August 16, 2007

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  Banjo for Dummies

  I'm a beginner and found this book very helpful. It covers everything you could want to know about banjos, from tips on purchasing one to playing every thing. I am delighted with this purchase and would recommend it to anyone who wants to learn to play this instrument. 5/5 S. Nolte (Seattle) - See all my reviews, February 5, 2008

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  Get off to a flying start!

  For someone coming out of the 4- string banjo styles (Jazz Tenor and plectrum banjos) with quite some knowledge of setting up and playing the banjo, it is hard to find fault with anything written in this book. What I already knew is stated clearly and simply, and the stuff i didn't is accessible and of direct benefit for playing the five-string banjo... You even get to understand where the different styles tie in together.Good stuff!! 5/5 Guy T. (Baarn, NL) - See all my reviews This review is from: Banjo For Dummies (Paperback) For someone coming out of the 4- string banjo styles (Jazz Tenor and plectrum banjos) with quite some knowledge of setting up and playing the banjo, it is hard to find fault with anything written in this book. What I already knew is stated clearly and simply, and the stuff i didn't is accessible and of direct benefit for playing the five-string banjo... You even get to understand where the different styles tie in together.Good stuff!! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews&nbsp; Was this review helpful to you?&nbsp;, October 27, 2007

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  List Price: $24.99
  

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  SX Country 5-String Banjo w/Bag

  Musical Instruments (SX)
  

  Rating (12 reviews):

  (4.0/5)

  

  What you don't know....

  What you don't know can really discourage other people. Now I'll admit I'm no great banjo picker, but I am an amateur luthier. It's obvious that the previous reviewer doesn't know how to set up an instrument before you sit down and play it. I think this is a wonderful begining or for that matter travel banjo. Heck I might even consider stepping up on stage with it. It has a lovely sound when the head is tuned properly and when the tuning machines are snugged up there's no slippage at all. PLEASE buy this banjo! Then take it to your local music store and let their luthier set it up for you. You WILL be delighted. The sound is great, the action good and I see nothing wrong with the quality. I'm a very very camper.Bill Morrison 5/5 Bill Morrison - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: SX Country 5-String Banjo w/Bag What you don't know can really discourage other people. Now I'll admit I'm no great banjo picker, but I am an amateur luthier. It's obvious that the previous reviewer doesn't know how to set up an instrument before you sit down and play it. I think this is a wonderful begining or for that matter travel banjo. Heck I might even consider stepping up on stage with it. It has a lovely sound when the head is tuned properly and when the tuning machines are snugged up there's no slippage at all. PLEASE buy this banjo! Then take it to your local music store and let their luthier set it up for you. You WILL be delighted. The sound is great, the action good and I see nothing wrong with the quality. I'm a very very camper.Bill Morrison Help other customers find the most helpful reviews&nbsp; Was this review helpful to you?&nbsp;, November 29, 2011

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  This thing is Awesome!!!!!

  for 150$ i had my doubts at first but after i read bills review i decided to take a gamble i am very glad i did! it came with d'arrio strings already attached and a very nice padded gig bag! the banjo itself is beautiful! the inlay is very attractive and sliding action on it is magnificent its playability is amazing for its price the armrest is quite good too the only complaint i have is that the tuning pegs were a little loose but that's an easy fix just take a screwdriver and tighten the pegs some i did this and it stays in tune quite well this banjo is suitable for beginners and experts alike! im telling you if you get this banjo you WILL NOT be disappointed!! 5/5 Stephen A. Leyburn (indiana,us) - See all my reviews, February 1, 2012

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  Impressive

  Good for you for reading the reviews before you buy this! I neglected to do that, but I am not at all disappointed by this product. Looks great, sounds great too! I am very impressed. I will admit that when I received my Banjo some of the tuning pegs were slipping and not able to hold up to the tension of proper tuning. If I would have read previous reviews I would have know all about this, but I didn't so I contacted the seller thinking I would need new pegs, but they told me this happens sometimes when the shipping company isn't careful. (I'm sure having it shipped to the opposite side of the country had a hand in the bumpy ride) They were willing to replace the parts, but the gentleman I spoke with suggested that I tighten the screws on the peg heads, so I did and now they hold beautifully. This may be common knowledge to a more seasoned player but, being a novice myself, this was great to know. I love this banjo! The frets and the inlays are smooth and the finish is lovely. I cant... 5/5 Angela - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: SX Country 5-String Banjo w/Bag Good for you for reading the reviews before you buy this! I neglected to do that, but I am not at all disappointed by this product. Looks great, sounds great too! I am very impressed. I will admit that when I received my Banjo some of the tuning pegs were slipping and not able to hold up to the tension of proper tuning. If I would have read previous reviews I would have know all about this, but I didn't so I contacted the seller thinking I would need new pegs, but they told me this happens sometimes when the shipping company isn't careful. (I'm sure having it shipped to the opposite side of the country had a hand in the bumpy ride) They were willing to replace the parts, but the gentleman I spoke with suggested that I tighten the screws on the peg heads, so I did and now they hold beautifully. This may be common knowledge to a more seasoned player but, being a novice myself, this was great to know. I love this banjo! The frets and the inlays are smooth and the finish is lovely. I cant... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews&nbsp; Was this review helpful to you?&nbsp;, February 9, 2013

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  24 brackets, mahoganny pot, and a chrome armrest. Rosewood fretboard with 22 frets and very detailed, star-shaped, pearlized inlays.

  Slim, fast, mahogany neck with a flat radius for easy playing up and down the frets. Remo Weatherking Banjo head.

  5 String Banjo with fully floating bridge.

  Free Padded Carry Bag Included! Weighs only 6 1/2 lbs!

  Arched Curly Malapoka back with a beautiful natural finish!

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  Gold Tone CC-100R Cripple Creek Banjo with Resonator (Five String, Clear Maple)

  Musical Instruments (Gold Tone Musical Instruments)
  

  Rating (7 reviews):

  (4.9/5)

  

  GoldTone CC-100R

  I am playing banjo for approximately a year. I bought a Fender 54 from Guitar Center and the neck was loose on it. So I took it back. On a side note, Guitar Center put it right back on the shelf for someone else to buy. I wouldn't buy another instrument from there again. Anyways, I then bought a Washburn B-11 banjo for $459. I thought it was a very good instrument. Although, I did have to set it up myself. I did a great job and it was a good banjo. Needless to say I was satisfied. Then, I decided to see what GoldTone was all about. I decided on the CC-100R because it was in my price range. When I tuned it up and started pickin' I had to stop because I couldn't believe the quality of sound coming from this thing. It FAR beat every aspect of my Washburn. Everything that I could ask for was there: Tone, resonance, perfect pitch, string height and a perfect amount of sustain. Now, mind you, I don't have that much experience in all of the previous above mentioned qualities... 5/5 Tone (Cherry Hill, New Jersey) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Gold Tone CC-100R Cripple Creek Banjo with Resonator (Five String, Clear Maple) (Electronics) I am playing banjo for approximately a year. I bought a Fender 54 from Guitar Center and the neck was loose on it. So I took it back. On a side note, Guitar Center put it right back on the shelf for someone else to buy. I wouldn't buy another instrument from there again. Anyways, I then bought a Washburn B-11 banjo for $459. I thought it was a very good instrument. Although, I did have to set it up myself. I did a great job and it was a good banjo. Needless to say I was satisfied. Then, I decided to see what GoldTone was all about. I decided on the CC-100R because it was in my price range. When I tuned it up and started pickin' I had to stop because I couldn't believe the quality of sound coming from this thing. It FAR beat every aspect of my Washburn. Everything that I could ask for was there: Tone, resonance, perfect pitch, string height and a perfect amount of sustain. Now, mind you, I don't have that much experience in all of the previous above mentioned qualities... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews&nbsp; Was this review helpful to you?&nbsp;, March 4, 2010

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  fine banjo

  if you are looking for a beginner/intermediate banjo this is it! it has everything you need. it was great tone and easy to play but when buying a banjo online they all say that. what you really need to be looking for is does it have a truss rod, wood rim, two coordinator rods, brass tone ring, and geared tuners, that this banjo has all this and more. you could buy a different banjo in this price range or lower but the problem is in 6 months or a year you will be saying i need a better banjo. that won't happen with this banjo, in my book this is the best banjo for under $2,000. the banjo is built well and will last for a long time. 4/5 steve - See all my reviews This review is from: Gold Tone CC-100R Cripple Creek Banjo with Resonator (Five String, Clear Maple) (Electronics) if you are looking for a beginner/intermediate banjo this is it! it has everything you need. it was great tone and easy to play but when buying a banjo online they all say that. what you really need to be looking for is does it have a truss rod, wood rim, two coordinator rods, brass tone ring, and geared tuners, that this banjo has all this and more. you could buy a different banjo in this price range or lower but the problem is in 6 months or a year you will be saying i need a better banjo. that won't happen with this banjo, in my book this is the best banjo for under $2,000. the banjo is built well and will last for a long time. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews&nbsp; Was this review helpful to you?&nbsp;, October 19, 2010

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  Great banjo at a great price

  I have some previous experience with the guitar, but this is my first banjo. I've been playing it for a few weeks now and I'm really pleased with it. It sounded great right from the start, no adjustments needed. The resonator is easy to remove with the four large screws, and it has a geared 5th string peg. It has a great sound and appearance to match. I think the maple construction makes for a very attractive instrument. Put a nice leather strap on it and you've got a beautiful banjo that's a joy to play. A friend of mine who has been playing for decades tells me he thinks this model is great for a beginner because it's affordable but the quality is such that it can be used to jam with a band without needing to upgrade to a 'better' banjo first. I don't know if I'll ever be in a band, but I do know this banjo is comfortable to play and has a great sound. Learning on it is proving to be lots of fun.Click on 'View and share related images' under the item picture to see more... 5/5 Rick Sanders - See all my reviews This review is from: Gold Tone CC-100R Cripple Creek Banjo with Resonator (Five String, Clear Maple) (Electronics) I have some previous experience with the guitar, but this is my first banjo. I've been playing it for a few weeks now and I'm really pleased with it. It sounded great right from the start, no adjustments needed. The resonator is easy to remove with the four large screws, and it has a geared 5th string peg. It has a great sound and appearance to match. I think the maple construction makes for a very attractive instrument. Put a nice leather strap on it and you've got a beautiful banjo that's a joy to play. A friend of mine who has been playing for decades tells me he thinks this model is great for a beginner because it's affordable but the quality is such that it can be used to jam with a band without needing to upgrade to a 'better' banjo first. I don't know if I'll ever be in a band, but I do know this banjo is comfortable to play and has a great sound. Learning on it is proving to be lots of fun.Click on 'View and share related images' under the item picture to see more... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews&nbsp; Was this review helpful to you?&nbsp;, December 6, 2011

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  List Price: $640.00
  Price: $480.00
  You Save: $160.00 (25%)

  Body: MapleNeck: MapleResonator: MapleTone Ring: BrassTruss Rod: Two-way adjustableTailpiece: Straight Line

  Tailpiece Other Features: Neck binding, Curly maple headstock veneer, Low action

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