mnwalleye - Posted - 06/20/2026:  06:54:27

I’ve been playing clawhammer for a couple of years now and would like to get into 3 finger style. I know I can start on my open back but would like to get a resonator as well. Any recommendations on what to get under $2K? Also, does anyone know of a short scale resonator? I have some shoulder issues and my current open back is 23.5” scale length which takes some of the pain/pressure off L shoulder.

Tax!

Edited by - Texasbanjo on 06/24/2026 08:06:31

Culloden - Posted - 06/20/2026:  09:10:58

Start with the classified ads here. Put in the parameters you are searching for. I turned up 89 possibilities by checking resonator 5 strings under $2000.

CatholicAndy - Posted - 06/23/2026:  21:22:29

I hear really good things about the Gold Tone OB-150. If you want to hit that 2k mark, grab a Gold tone B-3. Right now theyre on sale for like 1700 on banjo warehouse.

mnwalleye - Posted - 06/24/2026:  04:51:00

Thank you!

earlstanleycrowe - Posted - 06/24/2026:  06:47:26

I try to buy used and US-made (if budget allows). There are two Sullivan Festivals in the classifieds (NFI) in your budget range that I would say take a look at. Deering Sierras are also often available in that price range used.

earlstanleycrowe - Posted - 06/24/2026:  06:56:06

banjohangout.org/classified/114432

banjohangout.org/classified/115202

banjohangout.org/classified/115659

earlstanleycrowe - Posted - 06/24/2026:  06:59:10

guitarcenter.com/Used/Deering/...IAtfD_BwE

GC has a great return policy.

Brett - Posted - 06/24/2026:  08:45:56

I’d run tons of searches then watch YouTube videos to narrow down what I was interested in buying for $2k. You have a lot of good choices of vintage American stuff in that price range if you deal with an individual thinning the herd.

1935tb-11 - Posted - 06/25/2026:  05:28:28

here is a decent price on a RK elite 76  nice banjo ,, priced right and the best thing of all you can go play it and not buy a pig in a poke,,,, i would rather know  what it sounds like before i laid my  money down.  i know it is made in china but RK make some good banjos.

its in Edina just outside of town

banjohangout.org/classified/113865

Edited by - 1935tb-11 on 06/25/2026 05:33:28