2007-10-08 11:40:34 · 5 answers · asked by housescrubs 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Performing Arts
I highly recommend the Gold Tone CC100 (or CC100R - with a resonator) for a beginning instrument. It sells for about $350.00 new and is a solidly built instrument that will last for many many years. Furthermore your local dealer can order it from Gold Tone and expect it to come in correctly set-up. I've seen them in stores where the clerks have no idea how to do anything to a banjo - including tune them. After putting them into a banjo tuning they are ready to go. In the under $500 price range this is one of the only 2 banjos I know of that sounds good, is well made, comes set-up properly, and isn't going to fall apart over time.
Deering makes a good entry-level banjo called the Goodtime which is an openback model; the Goodtime 2 has a resonator. Both are made in the USA out of solid rock maple and birch; they look simple and clean but are made for the best possible sound and easy playability. Excellent workmanship for the price; nice and light-weight.
Musicians' Friend has the Deering Goodtime for $329.99 or the Deering Goodtime 2 for $489.99, but if you look you can find a used one for less on Ebay.
Either the Gold Tone or one of the Goodtime banjos would be a great starter banjo. Most people who buy one of these keep them to take them camping or to the beach, even after they upgrade to a more expensive pro-quality instrument.
Most of the other beginner banjos in the under-$500 price range (Washburn, Fender, Dean, Rogue) are crap, made out of cheap materials that fall apart. Don't waste your money.
2007-10-08 13:55:16 · answer #1 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I assume you mean 5-string (bluegrass) Banjo? Here in the UK you can pick one up for about £200. Hope this helps.
2007-10-08 11:44:55 · answer #2 · answered by SKCave 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Anywhere from $100 up. Gibson Mastertone is generally thought of as the best 5 string but there are lots of beginner models that are inexpensive.
2007-10-08 16:23:38 · answer #3 · answered by Dave 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can get one as low as $199 at musiciansfriend.com and as high as $2000.
2007-10-08 11:45:46 · answer #4 · answered by amandafofanda66 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my brother got his online for $80. they can run pretty expensive, though. i've seen them in shops for up to $1200. so it really depends
2007-10-08 13:13:43 · answer #5 · answered by lovethemusic 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋