My first banjo was this Rover:. It's Asian, but well-made, affordable, playable, sounds good, light, and virtually expendable. You can't even buy the separate parts for the price of this banjo, and I think the rim that takes the place of shoes where the tension hooks attach is a cool and BTW old idea. I used it to learn how to play and how a banjo works, and eventually upgraded to a better, American-made banjo.
I've put my Rover for sale on the classifieds. It's a decent starter banjo that I had fun learning on. I agree with Kevin in that start with a good used banjo to see if you like it.
A newer, more expensive banjo would make a great graduation present. I personally have an old harmony I love and wouldn't part with. That doesn't mean I don't dream of having a better banjo down the road when money allows. Good luck. Violin mutes work too. I use an inexpensive Tourte violin mute to slightly soften and mellow the sound.
No, no, no, no listen, you don't want to do this, reconsider, not one person up above has cautioned you about Uncle Dave Macon or Grandpa Jones. You need a howitzer. Beware, go back, and don't look around, return to your normal and regular existence, if you go West with this idea in your head, you will surely never be the same. None of us are. All Rights Reserved.
Forgot Password. Luthier Search Hangout Merchandise. Find a Teacher Take your playing to the next level with the help of a local or online banjo teacher. Email Newsletter Weekly newsletter includes free lessons, favorite member content, banjo news and more.
Restrict search to: Forum Classifieds Tab All other pages. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue, we will assume that you agree to our privacy policy which includes details of cookie usage. Discussion Forum. Hide these Google ads: join the Players Union! Thank you! If you are a more advanced player, the Deering Sierra Openback is a popular choice as well as the Bishline Okie.
Again, of you are new to banjos and looking for an affordable instrument to get you going, look to the Goodtime by Deering series or Artisan Goodtime series. The Deering Goodtime 2 is extremely popular for beginner players who want to play bluegrass and so is the Goodtime Special. The Deering Sierra is an upgrade from the beginner banjos all though plenty of players start with this banjo.
Nechville and Bishline are two American companies producing phenomenal banjos. The owner of Banjo. Barry has toured professionally for the past 30 years. Raised on traditional Bluegrass, and a forerunner on the Jam Band circuit. Read more. Here are a few basic differences between these two varieties of the instrument: Design — Openback and resonator banjos are very similar in design.
Civil War. Old time modeled its playing style largely on Irish music. In old time, the fiddle is generally leading the melody and this melody goes around and around. In bluegrass, the form is modeled very much after jazz. A melody is played, and then everyone steps out in turn and takes a solo. When you take a solo you want the banjo to cut through the band and be heard.
In order to help do this, a resonator would be used so that the banjo would be brighter and louder. Instead, all the instruments play in unison think the stringed instrument equivalent of a drum circle.
The subdued and mellow tones of the open-back will be preferred in this type of scenario. A resonator banjo will do just fine.
There have actually been quite a few accomplished clawhammer players who played on resonator banjos: Ralph Stanley, Stringbean, Grandpa Jones to name just a few. Who names their kid Stringbean? Still, at some point the picker may want to invest in an open-back, as the warmer, darker tones of this type of banjo will probably lend itself better to the nuanced, gentler feel of old-time music.
It is my sincere hope that the preceding paragraphs will help clear up a bit of the confusion concerning this all too often befuddling subject. Apr 7, Story of a Song. Feb 3, Story of a Song. When I began my bluegrass banjo journey as an innocent pre-teen, I remember coming across a little ditty called "Little Sadie". I had recently bought a Doc Watson record yes, we all listened to vinyl back in those days , and I remember listening to him sing this Jan 13, Banjo Technique.
Now, ready set — pick your banjo! Pun intended. Latest From Our Blog. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits.
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