Anthony S - Posted - 06/17/2026:  18:33:03

hi. I’m looking to buy a “mini” 5 string, open-back banjo (for clawhammer player), something in the range of 15”-19” scale length, with real banjo peg head and real planetary banjo tuners, etc.



Basically looking for a banjo i can put in overhead bin in airplane.



Want to get one that comes with a HSC or one i can get a HSC for.



I know Aaron Keim of beansprout musical instruments makes fine ones, kinda just what I’m looking for but he’s very busy and i couldn’t get one from him for a while.



So if anybody knows where i can get such a banjo or a builder who will build me one, please let me know.



I’ve been looking at magic fluke and gold tone options. They both have banjos that are possibilities but i would really like to find one that’s more traditional-looking (no guitar style tuners, for example).



Thanks for any advice or help you can give me.

Edited by - Anthony S on 06/26/2026 10:20:06

davidppp - Posted - 06/17/2026:  21:12:42

A classic: reverb.com/item/94599289-s-s-s...890-banjo

It does not say, but I think the scale length is ~ 19 1/4".

Culloden - Posted - 06/17/2026:  21:32:32

Check out Marvin Walker. He is a member here; his avatar name is (BNJOMAKR). He normally makes bluegrass style mini banjos but, considering his skill, he could probably build one for you. His instruments are works of art. He also makes the cases.

clarinetagogo - Posted - 06/17/2026:  23:12:04

Someone has a mini-Beansprout on eBay I was watching: ebay.com/itm/298047705194

The shipping cost seems overpriced (it's showing $127 to me going coast-to-coast, and this is a ~ukulele-sized instrument), but maybe the seller would be open to a discussion about it

ancient tones - Posted - 06/18/2026:  03:27:46

BHO's own Zachary Hoyt makes this "C" scale. 20" scale, 10" rim. It's regular custom banjo quality. My wife loves it, however it's not too small for me to play.

ancient tones - Posted - 06/18/2026:  04:18:33

On the left.

 

dstratto - Posted - 06/18/2026:  04:34:47

Maybe "Baycu small banjos". There are a couple of small piccolo and pony banjos in the classifieds

Edited by - dstratto on 06/18/2026 04:39:02

ancient tones - Posted - 06/18/2026:  07:30:17

quote:

---

Originally posted by ancient tones

BHO's own Zachary Hoyt makes this "C" scale. 20" scale, 10" rim. It's regular custom banjo quality. My wife loves it, however it's not too small for me to play.

banjohangout.org/classified/112131

tbchappe - Posted - 06/25/2026:  10:48:17

quote:

---

Originally posted by Anthony S

hi. I’m looking to buy a “mini” 5 string, open-back banjo (for clawhammer player), something in the range of 15”-19” scale length, with real banjo peg head and real planetary banjo tuners, etc.



Basically looking for a banjo i can put in overhead bin in airplane.



Want to get one that comes with a HSC or one i can get a HSC for.



I know Aaron Keim of beansprout musical instruments makes fine ones, kinda just what I’m looking for but he’s very busy and i couldn’t get one from him for a while.



So if anybody knows where i can get such a banjo or a builder who will build me one, please let me know.



I’ve been looking at magic fluke and gold tone options. They both have banjos that are possibilities but i would really like to find one that’s more traditional-looking (no guitar style tuners, for example).



Thanks for any advice or help you can give me.

---

I travel with a Gold Tone AC-mini. It fits in the overhead of even the smallest planes operated by American, Delta, and United. I even did a quick video review. You can easily change the tuning pegs to rear facing if you desire.

youtu.be/e7RUuzYY2Bw?is=1gyh6qTLlACoklgd

 

Blaine

Edited by - tbchappe on 06/25/2026 10:49:43

Anthony S - Posted - 06/25/2026:  14:45:19

quote:

---

Originally posted by clarinetagogo

Someone has a mini-Beansprout on eBay I was watching: ebay.com/itm/298047705194



The shipping cost seems overpriced (it's showing $127 to me going coast-to-coast, and this is a ~ukulele-sized instrument), but maybe the seller would be open to a discussion about it

---

Appreciate it.  Excellent!  I can't tell how long this has been on eBay.  I guess you wouldn't have any idea either, would you?  I think i would have seen it on eBay, having checked occasionally.  So I'm thinking this might be a very recent posting from seller.  Did you just see it for first time after i posted my question?  Not too important.  Just kind of curious.  Just fyi, for me, the shipping, to my home in Santa Fe is less, like $100; seller's in Washington state i see.  I've sent him a message asking about length, exterior, of case, waiting for him to answer.  Thanks again.  For some reason i didn't receive notification when you posted your comment, so I'm just seeing it now.  Thanks.

Anthony S - Posted - 06/26/2026:  10:17:59

Thanks for everyone’s responses and suggestions. I have just purchased on eBay a used Aaron Keim/beansprout mini banjo that was mentioned herein. I’m going to mark this closed. Whatever or however i mark it now that I’ve got my answer and have moved on. Thank you again