Would you kindly recommend a well-made and reasonably priced beginner's banjo for me?

That’s what I would get, but make sure it has a back on it. I had an old Kay banjo that I gave my son a couple of years ago, he got it restored, it’s now museum quality and worth $15,000. Wish I still had it.

@Pustic2 this one doesn’t have a back on it. I thought it was best to get open backed banjos for a louder sound?

Check Craigslist if they have it in your area. I have been looking for a cello and keep getting hits just about every day . . . The other BEST place to get musical instruments to learn on is your local pawn shop. You can get a lot of banjo for the money if you look around . . . Pawn shop is best if you have someone who knows banjos go with you.

@Kayak8 wow, I didn’t even think of that. I may go pawn-surfing tomorrow. Thanks for the suggestion!

I’d definitely recommend this Fender. A friend has it and an Epiphone of a similar price and the construction is worlds better on the Fender. I’m no guitarist or banjo(ist?), but I know instrument construction and maintenance fairly well and I’d definitely go with the Fender (or even the Epiphone) over Rogue or Deering.

Plus, it’s Fender so you know you have the technical support and warranty to back it up.

@dverhey that’s a good looking banjo, and I trust Fender too. The price is right, as well. I’m definitely keeping that one in mind. Thank you!

@Fiddle_Playing_Creole_Bastard Just remember that a banjo is an instrument that you buy by the pound!

@Fiddle_Playing_Creole_Bastard It sounds better with the back on. Check this out by Earl Scruggs & Steve Martin and look at their banjos. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icMTVV5Lwaw

@Pustic2 ok, I’ve done a bit of research and watched your video, and I definitely want a closed back banjo now.

@Kayak8 yeah, I’ve read that the heavier, the better on a banjo.

You pretty much get what you pay for in any instrument, but @Fiddle_Playing_Creole_Bastard knows this. It’s not the weight that makes a difference, really, but the quality of the resonator. Cheap banjos have cheap resonators. They sound OK, but don’t expect an Earl Scrugs or J.D. Crowe sound when you play them.

The Good Time banjos are okay, but @Fiddle_Playing_Creole_Bastard PMed me another banjo that sounds pretty good that’s cheaper. What’s important is that it keeps its tune and that it is set up well—you don’t want an instrument that will buzz when it’s played.

@Rarebear I think I’m gonna look around a bit more, and if I don’t find anything appealing, I’m gonna go with that last banjo I IM’ed to you. Thanks again for all your help.

This is the banjo I am now leaning towards, if anyone else happens to have any information or suggestions, or knows anything about it.

I just remembered a guy in my band bought a beginner banjo that I liked. Let me ask him.

Alright! :D

http://banjohut.com/mastercraft_banjo_classic.htm

I was impressed with the tone.

@Rarebear it’s definitely pretty. It’s a tad bit out of my price range, though. I think if worst comes to worst, I may just save up for longer and get that one, or a similar model. Thanks again for all your help.

@Fiddle_Playing_Creole_Bastard I guess I brought it up because you’re paying a couple hundred dollars than you were intending, but it’s a banjo that you’ll be able to play a lot longer if you get into it. It has a much better tone than the Gold Tone banjos.

@Rarebear I may wind up just saving up for it. I’m going to look around at some flea markets and pawn shops this weekend to see if I can find a potential treasure for a decent price, but that one you linked to looks pretty good, if I can fight my impatience!

Wut?

@Fiddle_Playing_Creole_Bastard I flagged the post. I was impressed by the banjo—it’s good enough to take you through an intermediate stage.