Banjo, another traditional instrument in the musical world. Very few sounds are as unique as banjo in the world of American music. But the thing is, it’s totally hard to find the best cheap banjo since there are a lot of banjos available on the market with unique features.
The musicians of old times used to play banjo. Now it’s the era of various modern instruments but some things are still the same . Times may have changed, but one thing hasn’t changed: tons of great, inexpensive banjos are waiting for you to play.
Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you don’t have to spend a lot to look like you did. Here is my guide to the best cheap banjos that sure don’t sound like a cheap banjo.
Comprehensive Reviews of the best cheap banjos
If you are looking for the perfect banjo for beginners, now is the time to start learning to celebrate. There are many types of banjos designed for a specific type of music.
However, there are crosses where a particular type of banjo is suitable for different genres of music.
Let it go! I am adding comprehensive reviews of five best cheap banjos here. Just go through it!
This lightweight and inexpensive banjo is ideal for beginners. It is best to use for those who want a very affordable and lightweight banjo.
Gold-Tone is one of the gold standards for making quality, affordable banjo. Like many brands, they are building a budget banjo abroad.
Unlike most other brands, however, Gold Tone has established them in Florida stores. That is, it will be reviewed by experts before it is made available to Banjo. This avoids some of the major problems associated with cheap banjos, such as sound, action, and playability. The name Goldstone AC-1 Banjo comes from the “Acoustic Composite” that forms the body. Compositions are moldable materials that are extremely hard to the touch and can withstand better elements than wood. It’s easy.
The AC-1 weighs less than 4 pounds, making it perfect for other banjo loaders. One feature of the Gold Tone AC-1 is its thin neck, which makes the banjo very easy to play. And because of its low weight, this banjo is a perfect banjo for beginners and a travel tool.
It sounds almost perfect. The AC-1 is a bit quieter, rounder, and has a lower stroke than the average banjo. More expensive gold options, like the Crystal Creek series, include a tone ring that helps with both projection and tone.
Still, the grip of the AC-1 is so good, the price is so low. For those who want to practice without getting upset can be a queer bonus.
Product Specifications:
Pros
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Molded material
- Reputed model
Cons
- Quiet
- Not so much punchy tone
Deering is the most important major banjo brand. They also make their banjo in the United States.
This banjo supports its high-quality position due to its clear, bright sound, partially made from its 3ply 11-inch maple rim. To add to this, it is ideal for beginners because its precise format allows for better sound and gameplay. With improved reviews and excellent build quality, this banjo will serve you as your breakthrough.
This “entry-level” banjo costs more than most open backs in its category, but Good Time has a proven track record of quality and reliability at an additional cost. With a 6-year warranty, this banjo will be reproduced for a while.
Good time, darling flagship open back banjo, is the gateway to many emerging fans. Deer is the most important banjo brand. This banjo supports a high-quality position with a clear, bright sound, partly made of 3 ply 11-inch maple rims. In addition, its precise format improves sound and gameplay, making it perfect for beginners.
With better analysis and better construction quality, this banjo is on its way.
Product Specifications:
Pros
- High-quality wood
- Lightweight
- Reliable
- Travel partner
Cons
- No truss rod
- No armrest
A valuable selection with customizable sounds. Great for beginners who want to experiment with multiple styles.
Schmidt has been making banjos for over 100 years and is a trusted string instrument brand. Their OB5 model goes a long way towards the Resonator Benzo, creating a beautiful and lively tone.
This is due in part to the 30 brackets around the rim. This exceeds the usual 16-24 found in the cheapest banjos. The more braces, the more even the tension on the head and the better the tone and projection. Turn on the resonator to create a loud swaying banjo. But without a resonator, it’s a delicate, smooth banjo that’s good for a clover hammer.
If you’re planning a trip, raising your back will make the OB5 a good travel banjo. Overall, this is a very simple device that suits beginners.
Product Specifications:
Pros
- Easy to remove the resonator
- Wide tone
- Compact
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not so bright
- Not so loud
Although Fender specializes in guitars, they have also re-released some of their older banjo models and other instruments in recent years.
Owning a brand like Fender requires a price increase, but the corresponding increase in quality and reliability may be worth your money if you’re willing to spend a little more.
Concert Tone 54 is an excellent resonant banjo that offers a relatively inexpensive entry into the mid-range banjo market. With its vintage style, great quality, and great sound, Concert Tone 54 is a welcome return to the banjo market.
It costs more than some of the other starter models, but if you’re confident to stick with the banjo, the Concert Tone 54 is a great investment in your future.
Product Specifications:
Pros
- Unique geometric design
- Superb finishing
- Produces crisp sound
- Premium quality tone
- Lightweight
Cons
- Mahogany body
- Neck is not wooden
Open Price Resonator Banjo makes perfect for anyone. The first thing you won’t notice about the Ibanez B200 is that it has an echo on the back.
Most cheap banjos have open backs, which is great for people and old-time, but also less for bluegrass. The echo actually represents the sound of a banjo, and the B200 is a high banjo!
If you’re looking for a cheap echo banjo, the B200 is one of the best options out there today. The B200 has some nice touches that you don’t usually get on a cheap banjo.
The beautiful design on the neck and headstock is the most visible. There is also a beautiful design engraved in a metal armrest.
Sure, it doesn’t necessarily sound better, but it sounds great! In particular, it has a clay ring that sits around the edge under the head. This helps to improve the strength, clarity, and volume of banjo punching.
The earthy banjo is usually preferred by blue players because of its bright, ringing bell. The Ibanez B200 is the cheapest banjo for anyone looking to get bluegrass.
This tone ring, in collaboration with the ejector, makes the B200 a very heavy banjo.
It can be difficult to prevent some people from doing this, and it is recommended to be monotonous. If you want to travel with your banjo then take it.
Product Specifications:
Pros
- Affordable
- A resonator banjo
- Easy to customizable
Cons
- Heavy
Buying Guide
As a beginner banjo player, there are several things you need to consider to ensure you get the most value out of your device.
Hard or easy to play, but you also want to create a sound that you like. Quality is another important consideration because you ideally want the longest life.
I am adding some features which you should consider before buying the best cheap banjo.
Open vs. Closed Back
When looking for a starter banjo, you first need to consider whether you want an open or closed banjo.
The open back banjo has an open sound chamber, is lightweight, and suitable. Open-backed banjos generally do not require PXI and are softer than closed-baked banks.
Closed banjos are sometimes called resonant banjos because they have a resonant cup that covers the sound chamber. This type is heavier than open banjo and usually produces a bright or “twangy” sound.
Resonant banjo strings are usually close to the neck and require fingerpicking.
Strings
Banjos can have 4 to 12 strings. The number of strings is important when it comes to the style of music that a banjo can play. This number is also suitable for beginners. The 5 string banjo is the most popular and preferred by most professional athletes.
Wood
The structure of a wooden banjo neck usually consists of three types of wood.
- Mahogany
- Maple
- Walnut
Mahogany is for warm Sound.
Maple is for crisp sound.
Walnut is for a warmer sound.
Price
The price of a banjo is influenced by many factors, including the quality and construction of the material. The price range for an entry-level banjo is between $ 100 and $ 1000. If you are committed to the device, consider a good quality banjo so that you do not have to upgrade in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
A beginner may have several questions. That’s why I am adding this frequently asked questions section with the answers.
Q: How hard is it to learn a banjo?
A: Banjos are difficult to play. … the 5-string banjo is actually the simplest stringed instrument. A good mentor will teach how to play it in less than 5 minutes and it’s to those who had never played an instrument.
Q: How tight should the banjo boss be?
A: Banjo heads usually have some tension. For the experienced and deaf, you can find factory recommendations for frosted top caps that fit between G and G#.
Q: Is a banjo easier than a guitar?
A: The ease of learning an instrument depends on the style of music you want to learn. The guitar has more notes and finger sports than the banjo. As a result, some people find it more difficult to learn a banjo than a guitar. Banjos have a few strings, which makes them a little easier to play.
Q: How much does a banjo cost?
A: The banjo’s average costs range from $50 to $3,000. For those just getting started, low-end model starter kits should be priced from $150 to $300. Very solid midrange banjos range in price from $300 to $425.
Q: How much time will I need to learn to play the banjo?
A: It only takes 6 months to learn how to play the banjo.
Final Thoughts
When buying a banjo for the indoor level you don’t have to give up the affordable sound quality and sophisticated design. A good time for courage.
I have given a comprehensive review of the top five best cheap banjos. These banjos will give you everything you need to play. The best thing about the banjo is that it can be played for a long time.
Even if you are a professional, your skill level will not exceed the characteristics and skills offered by these banjos. It’s easy to see in my reviews why these banjos are considered the best cheap banjos.
