What Banjo Should Beginners Buy? | Cheap Vs Expensive

I you are a beginner, I recommend refinancing your house to get the most expensive banjo possible. Nothing quite warms you up as playing your banjo on the sidewalk after the bank takes your home

My first banjo at age 28 was a Kay, made in the 40s, then a few years later, I graduated to a Orpheum, learned to play a little on that, then at age 50, my son gave me a Deering black diamond for my birthday, then when I retired, I started playing in nursing, and assisted living homes with a gospel bluegrass band, I bought myself a Gibson RB3 wreath design, that has been my banjo now for almost 20 years, yeah, I’m old.

I played a $20 pos from a flea market (Lotus plastic/wood garbage) for 25 years until just now when I finally bought a big boy instrument. More than night and day; it’s a whole new universe of my potential.

I am beginning to play banjo and I am very grateful for your information! Thank you so much! I am watching you from Germany!

It took me a LONG time to hear the difference, but I finally hear the difference in tone. I had been saving money for a while, and just decided to get a pretty decent one to start off with. I have the RK-35 and I'm pretty pleased with it.

Mason, that OB250+ is sounding better every time you play it! Great video with very useful information!

First off great video Mason. You covered everything a new player needs to know going into a shop or second hand store looking for banjo. Myself I really enjoy the middle of the field instruments. The majority of them can be modified into a great instrument that's custom to what you want. I also think the most important part is how comfortable the instrument sits on your lap while you play it.

Mason, thank you for that comparison. I'm subscribed to Gold Tones emails, so have watched their B-stock list often. A couple weeks ago, I picked up a Gold Tone NOS B-stock AC-5 and with that substantial discount ordered an armrest from Gold Tone. Maybe the missing armrest made it B-stock, but I am very pleased with its tuning stability and getting back into learning the instrument after dropping out of that first Coronado (a Gambles store brand?) bought used ca. 1985 and requiring tuning every time I picked it up. Older and wiser, now's the time, and we'll have grandkids interested, too. Thanks!

Great info Mason, and well videoed. I'm on the cheaper end with a Washburn B-9 at the mo, but as you explained, it does me well for what I need to achieve for the basics first, and I guess I'll know when it could be time to move forward a bit (hopefully..). Cheers Steve👍🏻🪕

Thank you. I've been on the fence on getting a banjo.

Oh, that is so satisfying when you play them back to back! That Rouge looks just like the harmony banjo I started out with. Except mine had no arm rest!😁

Just bought a Rogue B30 for my first banjo. I have wanted a banjo for 40 years. My husband bought me one for Christmas. I’m 58 and just starting to play. I love it!

I just came across your video. I’m gonna watch more. I’m one of those who have a banjo that I really wanna play.. i’ve actually had it long enough to be proficient at it. I love banjo music. My relatives are from the Hills and haulers of Kentucky. And some of my relatives have even played. And your banjo looks a lot like the one I bought. I was going to buy an inexpensive one like you said to learn how to play it. And the one I ended up buying was at a super big reduction in price. So instead of buying a $300 cheap one, at the time I bought the $1300 one for $300 instead at the time I bought it nearly 20 years ago . What a blessing that was for me.. I plan to watch your videos and learn how to play. Blessings.

In august 2022 i bought a 5 strings banjo ! It was a dream which come true for me after 40 years... I am a 55 y.o guitar player and an inconditionnal fan of Bluegrass Music. I am French. Since i have my Banjo i can't help playing it even before my first cofee !! I bought a cheap one, 183 euros a 3rd avenue banjo (ah ah ah amazing unknown for ya'll i bet ! ) to be sure i would not be tired to fast. Goaaaaal !! love it ! thank you Mason for your video and lessons ! Much Love from France (south Macronia..)

All Goldtone instruments are very good. I originally moved up from a banjo similar to a Goldtone CC-50 RP. It’s a better quality entry level instrument. Since them I’ve moved up to better instruments with a decent quality tone rings. They truly make a difference in sound. I would recommend any Goldtone instrument to anyone. Everyone I’ve heard is good. On the plus side also, they are all set up to play when you get them in. You can’t beat that.

I’ve only been playing just shy of a year and I can definitely hear a big difference. Mine is an older cheap banjo and it sounds just like your B30. I didn’t realize the potential difference there can be.

The Gold Tone has more snap and ring to it. But the other one still sounds decent. Playability is improved with the Gold Tone I'm sure. I have been playing for a long time. I bought an RB 250 new in 1979, and I bought a Gibson Earl Scruggs Standard about 20 years ago. I think I'd like to get a moderately priced banjo to take to camp fires and such. I go through hot and cold phases with my playing, am coming out of a cold phase now. You play good and am an inspiration to me. Thanks.

Bought a Good Time 2 for my first. Took me seven years to step up and buy a 1964 Vega speed necked w/a 1924 Whyte Laydie pot. Great vid 👍

I couldn't tell the difference until I visited the Huber Banjo shop down in TN. The "playability " was key for me. Every strike, fret, hammer on, pullout, was effortless, with superior tone and sound.

I started out on a B30 and still have it. Ended up picking up a Gold Tone along my travels too.