Top 5 Banjos for Beginners in 2024

Choosing your first banjo is an exciting step, but it’s important not to base your decision solely on price. The cheapest banjos might seem like a good deal at first, but they often come with poor sound quality, playability issues, and a lack of durability. Investing a bit more in a high-quality beginner banjo will not only make your learning experience more enjoyable but also ensure a better resale value when you’re ready to upgrade. Here are five excellent options available at Banjo.com that strike the perfect balance between quality and affordability.

1. Deering Goodtime Openback

• Price: $499.00
• Why It’s Great for Beginners: The Deering Goodtime Openback is an ideal starter banjo for those interested in clawhammer or old-time playing styles. It’s lightweight and easy to handle, with a slim neck that’s perfect for beginners. The open-back design gives it a warm, mellow tone, making it a great choice for folk and traditional music. Deering’s craftsmanship ensures that even a beginner instrument like this delivers professional-grade sound and durability.
  
  Learn more about the Deering Goodtime Openback

2. Deering Goodtime 2

• Starting Price: $729.00
• Why It’s Great for Beginners: The Deering Goodtime 2 is a step up from the open-back model, featuring a resonator that projects sound forward, making it louder and brighter. This makes it an excellent choice for bluegrass players who need that extra volume and punch. The Goodtime 2 retains the same easy playability as the open-back version, with a comfortable neck and lightweight body, making it a great choice for beginners who want to explore different playing styles.
  
  Learn more about the Deering Goodtime 2

3. Deering Goodtime Americana

• Price: $679.00
• Why It’s Great for Beginners: The Goodtime Americana features a larger 12-inch rim, which gives it a deeper and richer tone compared to the standard 11-inch rim found on most banjos. This makes it perfect for players who are drawn to old-time music and want a fuller, more resonant sound. The Americana’s open-back design, combined with its unique tone, makes it a standout choice for beginners who want a banjo that’s a little different from the norm.
  
  Learn more about the Deering Goodtime Americana

4. Pisgah Woodchuck

• Price: $1,695.00
• Why It’s Great for Beginners: The Pisgah Woodchuck is handcrafted in the USA and is perfect for beginners who are serious about learning clawhammer banjo. It features a 12-inch pot and a short-scale neck, making it easy to play and comfortable to hold. The Woodchuck is known for its rich, warm tone, which is ideal for traditional old-time music. The quality craftsmanship ensures that this banjo will grow with you as you advance in your playing.
  
  Learn more about the Pisgah Woodchuck

5. Recording King R-35

• Price: $1,099.99
• Why It’s Great for Beginners: The Recording King R-35 is an excellent resonator banjo for bluegrass enthusiasts. It features a mahogany resonator and neck, a Mastertone-style bell brass cast tone ring, and a one-piece flange, all of which contribute to its powerful, punchy sound. This banjo is perfect for beginners who are committed to learning bluegrass and want a banjo that they won’t outgrow quickly. Its high-quality construction and sound make it a fantastic value for the price.
  
  Learn more about the Recording King R-35

Final thoughts

Investing in a good beginner banjo can make a significant difference in your learning experience. The banjos listed above offer a great combination of quality, playability, and sound, ensuring that you’ll enjoy your practice sessions and progress quickly. Plus, when it’s time to upgrade, these instruments hold their value well, making them a smart investment for any aspiring banjo player.

If you’re ready to start your banjo journey, check out these best-selling banjos on Banjo.com and find the one that suits your style and needs!

Prices were noted in this article on August 27, 2024 and may be subject to increases in the future. We cannot honor old pricing – please refer to the product pages for up-to-date pricing.