somerickguy - Posted - 11/19/2009:  16:53:42

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My 11-year-old wants a banjo for Christmas. I'm a guitar man myself and know nothing about banjos. Any recommendations for a reasonably-priced starter instrument?

Thanks.

Banjo40 - Posted - 11/19/2009:  17:19:30

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If I was buying an 11 year old a banjo it would be a Deering Goodtime

Mike

Axeman79 - Posted - 11/19/2009:  17:25:33

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somerickguy,

Welcome to the BHO. I know you will get many responses to your question, but your first responses will be for a little clarification. Do you have any idea what type of banjo your 11 yo is interest in or the type of music they are interested in? In general, there are 4 and 5 string banjos, each coming in an open back or resonator style. Also, what price range are you looking for? there are good beginner banjos for under $500 and great beginner banjo for over $500. Lastly, you may want to check out the classified section here at the BHO...there are many to choose from. A 5-dtrinh resonator banjo is the standard for Bluegrass and a 5-string openback is for oldtime/clawhammer.

I would suggest looking at a used Deering Goodtime or Goodtime 2. these will last for years and would have good resale if your child decides to change type, upgrade, or start playing the guitar.

All the best!

Axeman

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Edited by - Axeman79 on 11/19/2009 17:27:12

jdog - Posted - 11/19/2009:  17:27:49

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Yeh, first question is what is reasonable to your budget.

somerickguy - Posted - 11/19/2009:  17:46:58

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Budget: Something under $300. I hoping to find a used one in good condition for that price. Seems like the Deering Goodtime is a good bet.

What are more common? The 4- or 5-string banjos?

KANINJACK - Posted - 11/19/2009:  18:10:41

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From what I've seen the 5 string seems to have more banjos available in that price range. Look for a decent used model and you can find some good values in that range.

EggerRidgeBoy - Posted - 11/19/2009:  19:26:34

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quote:

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Originally posted by somerickguy

Budget: Something under $300. I hoping to find a used one in good condition for that price. Seems like the Deering Goodtime is a good bet.

What are more common? The 4- or 5-string banjos?

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The five-string is more common these days. The four-string banjo was developed in the 1910s for use in jazz orchestras. Today you will most commonly find it used for traditional jazz and in Irish music, but of course it isn't limited to those genres.

The five-string banjo is, to the general public at least, most closely associated with bluegrass, old-time, and folk music. But again, it is much more versatile than that.

There are also six-string banjos, which are tuned like a guitar. They are often used by guitar players who want a banjo-ish sound, but don't necessarily want to spend time learning a new instrument.

Do you know what has inspired your child to want a banjo? That would tell you what type of banjo to get. If it is a particular song or artist, the odds are that the music her or she heard was being played on a five-string banjo (unless it was a contemporary country song, in which case it was probably just as likely a six-string "banjitar"). I think it would be less likely that an 11-year-old would have heard four-string banjo music. But not impossible. Knowing what type of music it will be used for will help with instrument buying suggestions.

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Edited by - EggerRidgeBoy on 11/20/2009 14:05:50

beegee - Posted - 11/19/2009:  19:53:44

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Do like Jim Mills' dad did. Buy him a pre-war flathead 5-string. No telling how much that will inspire him.

Helix - Posted - 11/20/2009:  15:46:07

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Get him a paper route, good grades, some supervision regarding video games. Watch the commitment grow if he can actually PLAY the thing.

I don't make a banjo in that price range, mine is $499 at entry, but it is a REAL banjo. Made in USA.

Spend a little time reading up about banjo setup, you might get a decent sound from a cheaper banjo, many people know how to do that, it's worth it.

Good luck

JohnB. - Posted - 11/21/2009:  09:33:32

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Check out the Mastercraft banjos at www.banjohut.com. I paid $249 for mine and I'm very happy with it.

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Edited by - JohnB. on 11/21/2009 09:34:10

stelling man - Posted - 11/21/2009:  13:16:22

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somerickguy, The Deering Goodtime Is probably your best bet, that's what most beginners start with, made In the USA, great company to deal with..

STELLING MAN

dgill - Posted - 11/21/2009:  14:39:25

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I would think you should look at InstrumentAlley.com for an RK-20 package deal for $379.00 for a very nice started banjo, picks, case, strap, music stand, banjo stand, tuner and instructional materials as well. All for a very nice starter price. can upgrade later if he hangs in there. My 2 pennies worth. Wish him well and good luck from me as well.