kingsheep - Posted - 03/10/2008:  16:35:47

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I am purchasing my first banjo. I enjoy dixieland, celtic and bluegrass banjo. Is there a "best" or "better" style of banjo to start with. Or is it just preference. I spoke to someone who said to start with a tenor because it has only 4 strings. And is "easier" to play. Any input would be appriciated. THANX

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Edited by - Banjoman on 03/10/2008 19:15:33

Bill Rogers - Posted - 03/10/2008:  16:48:01

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Playing any banjo well is difficult. The "only has four strings" argument is nonsense. You can' t play bluegrass on a tenor, but that is the preferable instrument for both Irish and Dixieland. A key element is having someone to play with, either in a band or at a jam. None of these styles lend themselves to solo banjo playing. First task--decide which musical direction to go in. Then buy the best banjo you are willing to afford that will suit the style you've chosen. A beginning banjo doesn't have to be inexpensive, they just usually are.

Bill

BrianH - Posted - 03/10/2008:  16:56:02

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If you are playing a lot of dixieland/celtic an open back would do great depending on your style. ie "clawhammer" or finger picks.

As far as tenor or 5 string, that also depends on how you plan to play, both still have the learning curve that you have to get over.

My 1st banjo was a Deering Goodtime. All wood (no metal tone ring) it has a very good sound. It has an "old time" sound to it. The best part is the cost. If you hunt around you can find them for about $400.00

Once you get "good" then go out and spend some$$$$ on a better quality. Good luck and happy pick'n!!

george craciun - Posted - 03/10/2008:  17:54:39

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For a really inexpensive 5 string the Rogue 25 (openback) or 30 (resinator) banjos are hard to beat, and can be purchassed from Musicians Friend (. com). A better starter would be the Deering Goodtime banjos available in openback and resinator models as suggested by others. I would recommend a 5 string of some discription, which would not restrict you to just Dixieland. They are a lot more versitile and just as difficult (or easy) as plectrums, if you have an ear for music. Good luck!

Back Porch Picker

diarmaid - Posted - 03/10/2008:  19:14:40

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hi kingsheep...how much do you want to spend?

www.banjomafia.com check it out!

Klondike Waldo - Posted - 03/10/2008:  21:01:23

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quote:

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Originally posted by BrianH

If you are playing a lot of dixieland/celtic an open back would do great depending on your style. ie "clawhammer" or finger picks.

snip

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FWIW In all the years I played in Dixieland bands I never once saw an open back banjo, the banjos I've seen and heard were mostly tenors with a few plectrums.
In Irish seisuns I've been to and or played in, open back tenors tuned GDAE are common, but I've also seen some standard tenors (CGDA) with and without resonators.

deligo ergo renideo,
Bob Cameron