Did you just enroll in one of our Banjo lessons. Here’s how to choose the right banjo for you practice sessions.
The Budget Building
A new banjo can cost anywhere from a hundred dollars to a thousand dollars. It’s not possible to be Earl Scruggs this generation so buying a $1000 banjo may not be the best decision. You wouldn’t want to buy a banjo that sounds bad or plays poorly.
You might consider buying an instrument between $150 and $300. You can buy a more expensive instrument if that’s what you desire, but you will be spending money on something that isn’t going to teach you banjo lessons.
Banjos are a lot of fun
This applies not only to banjos but to all musical instruments. You’ll quickly be able to tell which banjo sounds good or bad if you test every banjo in your local music shop. The inlays, wood and materials of the banjo are not important. This is your first instrument. The sound your banjo makes is what you should be concerned about. You’ll find the banjo you love and can play it for hours. It doesn’t matter if it looks okay.
Examine the Strings
It might not be worth it if you are unable to play it comfortably. Don’t buy a banjo with excessive warps. Make sure the strings are easy for you to push down from the top of the neck to the bottom. Your right hand should be able to make a clear sound when you press the strings. You should be able to make a decent sound with your fingers without needing to pick hard.
Tune the banjo up
Although many music shops offer this service for no charge, it is a good idea to ask them to tune your instrument before you purchase it. They should make sure the head is tightened properly, the bridge is re-stringed and any other maintenance items are done. You should also get a few basic items such as picks, extra strings, and an instruction book.
How do I buy a used banjo?
Let’s just say that buying from a music shop was not a wise decision. You’re now looking to save money by buying a used banjo. Before you make that purchase, consider this: If you are a beginner, it might be difficult to see the problems with a used banjo. To inspect the quality of your second-hand banjo, make sure you have someone who is familiar with it (preferably your teacher).
In the Future
You don’t have to be serious about the banjo if you just want to try it out for a few months. In a matter of months, you will be able to determine if you need a better instrument. You might consider buying a $500-plus instrument when the time is right. Also, don’t hesitate to buy imported banjos as some of them are made remarkably-especially those from Korea and Japan.
Cindee Daniel has a degree as a journalist and has been a casual but avid fan of music ever since she heard The Beatles at the age of 10. After discovering other bands, mainly from punk, grunge and post-grunge, she became interested in the music scene. He was exposed to music through his writing of music reviews on various websites. He also founded his own band with songs and drumming duties.
Buy a Banjo today at McNeela Music