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Banjos

The banjo is truly and American instrument, that evolved through southern slaves who adapted instruments from their native land. Today, banjos are produced in a wide variety of styles. Four string banjos are popular in jazz and Dixie land groups, 5- string banjos are the main stay of bluegrass and old time players and come in open-back and resonator banjos. 6-string banjos are tuned just like a guitar and are popular with guitar players. A wide variety of specialty banjos are also on the market and the instrument is as popular as ever.

Banjos Under $250.00

The beginning banjo player is fortunate today in that there are a large number of quality banjos available for under two-hundred and fifty dollars, which can fit just about anyone's budget. Now that's not to say they are going to make you sound like Earl Scruggs. These cheaper banjos do not have brass tone rings and just don't provide the tone and volume of a more expensive banjo, but all of the ones we offer play well and stay in tune and can be a great way to get started.

Banjos Under $250
Banjos $250.00 - $500.00

The beginning to intermediate banjo player can find a good quality banjo in this category that will play great and sound very good. Many of these banjos have a rolled tone ring, versus the solid brass tone ring as found on more expensive banjos. Those with the tone ring and resonator will give a good, punchy bluegrass sound without all of the excessive weight and cost. As always, you should buy as much banjo as your budget allows, but if your budget puts you in this price category, rest assured that you have some great banjos from which to "pick!"

Banjos $250 - $500
Banjos $500.00 - $1,000.00

Stepping into this price range of banjos buys you a brass tone ring in most cases, to provide you with a truly great bluegrass tone. As always, you can buy your banjo with confidence due to our 30-day, no questions asked, money back return policy.

Banjos $500 - $1,000
Banjos over $1,000.00

If you have $1,000 or more in your budget for a bluegrass banjo, you are in a position to buy a truly fine instrument that will last you a lifetime. Whether you are a professional, or a beginner to intermediate player who wants to play a great instrument, you are sure to find the banjo of your dreams here.

Banjos Over $1,000
Openback Banjos

Openback banjos (versus resonator banjos) are preferred by Old-timey and clawhammer players for the mellower, plunky tone. Open back banjos are also lighter and can be less expensive than a resonator banjo. They usually have a different setup than a resonator banjo, often with a higher string action (string action refers to how high the strings are positioned above the fingerboard). We have a great selection of openback banjos from which to choose, from our beginner models to the highly sought after Vega Old Time banjos.

Open back Banjos
Four String Banjos - Tenor Banjos

Four string banjos tend to be favored by jazz and Dixie land musicians. They are usually played with a flat pick, and so are often also called a "Plectrum" banjo. Eddie Peabody was possibly the greatest exponent of the plectrum banjo style in the early to mid twentieth century. Another type of four-string banjo is the Tenor banjo. The tenor banjo is also played with a pick, but generally has a shorter neck than a Plectrum, with typically 19 frets versus 22 on a plectrum banjo.

Tenor Banjos
Travel Banjos

Want to bring your banjo with you while you travel, but don't have the room? We have a great selection of travel and mini sized banjos to let you do just that! From the Tranjo with the removable neck, to the Deluxe Traveller banjo complete with tone ring, to the Plucky backpacker banjo, we have the instrument for you banjo enthusiasts who cannot stand the idea of being away from your banjo while travelling. Let one of our travel banjos be your companion on the road.

Travel Banjos
Banjitars and 6 String Banjos

The six string banjo is very popular among guitarists who want the sound of the banjo without having to learn an entirely new instrument. The six-string or guitar-banjo was the instrument of the early jazz great Johnny St. Cyr, as well as other jazz musicians, most notably Django Reinhardt. Six string banjos are also sometimes called the guitanjo, guitjo, ganjo, or banjitar. Whatever you call it, we have a great selection of 6 string banjos sure to meet your needs.

Banjitars - 6 String Banjos
Specialty Banjos

For lack of a better title, we have called this category specialty banjos and includes instruments that are typically a hybrid of a banjo and another instrument. For example, the Dojo is a banjo neck on a dobro body, the banjola is a banjo neck on a mandola body, and the electric banjo has a banjo neck, on a stratocaster body with a small banjo head built in. For the banjo player looking for a truly unique souns and playing experience, there is a specialty banjo waiting for you here!

Specialty Banjos
Items [18]
Banjos Under $250.00
Indiana Resonator Banjo Package
Indiana Resonator Banjo Package
Great beginners resonator banjo package. 18 brackets, satin finish, chrome hardware, rosewood fingerboard. Includes a gig bag, extra set of strings and a stand!
Product# IB-200
More info on Indiana Resonator Banjo PackageBuy Indiana Resonator Banjo Package Now!List Price: US $339.95Our Price: US $249.95

Gold Tone CC-50 Open Back Banjo with Bag
Gold Tone CC-50 Open Back Banjo with Bag
For an economy 5-string, the CC-50 outshines the competition. Our 12 point set-up ensures accurate intonation, easy fingering, and good tone. Optional resonator may be added later. Includes Padded Gig Bag
Product# CC-50
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More info on Gold Tone CC-50 Open Back Banjo with BagBuy Gold Tone CC-50 Open Back Banjo with Bag Now!List Price: US $508.00Our Price: US $381.00

Rover RB-30 Open Back Banjo
Rover RB-30 Open Back Banjo
The RB-30 open-back banjo has all the features you've been looking for. Standard specifications including: a cast aluminum rim for improved tone and volume, to a grooved brass tension hoop... perfect!
Product# RB-30
More info on Rover RB-30 Open Back BanjoBuy Rover RB-30 Open Back Banjo Now!List Price: US $395.00Our Price: US $299.95

Rover RB-25 Resonator Banjo
Rover RB-25 Resonator Banjo
When you're ready to step up to your intermediate 5-string banjo--we suggest you check out the RB-25 by Rover. This is a high-quality instrument with a professionally styled resonator--more volume and carrying power to match your developing banjo skills. The neck is fast and accurately-fretted--it plays just like our most expensive banjos--but the low price of the RB-25 makes it affordable for any serious student. The geared 5th peg and brightly nickel-plated metal hardware are just a few of the many points of excellence that make the RB-25 by Rover a world-beating value!
Product# RB-25
More info on Rover RB-25 Resonator BanjoBuy Rover RB-25 Resonator Banjo Now!List Price: US $550.00Our Price: US $412.49

Banjos $250 - $500
Bean Blossom BB-100 18 Bracket Student Banjo
Bean Blossom BB-100 18 Bracket Student Banjo
The Bean Blossom line of acoustic instruments from Morgan Monroe combines all the great quality and features of their big brothers but focused for the player just starting out or for those looking to expand that ever increasing arsenal!
Product# BB-100
More info on Bean Blossom BB-100 18 Bracket Student BanjoBuy Bean Blossom BB-100 18 Bracket Student Banjo Now!List Price: US $399.95Our Price: US $289.95

Gold Tone CC-100 Cripple Creek Open Back Banjo with Bag
Gold Tone CC-100 Cripple Creek Open Back Banjo with Bag
More than 35,000 Cripple Creek banjos have been sold during the last 20 years! They are by far the best student banjo for the tone and playability in their price range. Made from hard rock maple, they are durable, sound terrific, have low string action, and are a pleasure to play.
Product# CC100
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More info on Gold Tone CC-100 Cripple Creek Open Back Banjo with BagBuy Gold Tone CC-100 Cripple Creek Open Back Banjo with Bag Now!List Price: US $799.99Our Price: US $599.99

Recording King Songster Banjo RK-R20
Recording King Songster Banjo RK-R20
With its sharp attack and minimal sustain, this banjo is a great beginning resonator model. The banjo features an inlaid M.O.P. peghead inlay and heart-shaped position markers, plus a rolled brass, hoop tone ring, planetary tuners and a bound rosewood fretboard.
Product# RK-R20
More info on Recording King Songster Banjo RK-R20Buy Recording King Songster Banjo RK-R20 Now!List Price: US $799.99Our Price: US $599.99

Morgan Monroe MNB-1 Banjo
Morgan Monroe MNB-1 Banjo
Great Style And Function! The MNB-1 is a 24 bracket banjo that features a rolled brass tone ring, mahogany rim and resonator and Ashton Bailey planetary tuners!
Product# MNB-1W
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More info on Morgan Monroe MNB-1 BanjoBuy Morgan Monroe MNB-1 Banjo Now!List Price: US $599.95Our Price: US $449.95

Banjos $500 - $1,000
Gold Tone Maple Classic Banjo with Steel Tone Ring
Gold Tone Maple Classic Banjo with Steel Tone Ring
Economically priced, the MC-150 has all quality parts which provide excellent tone. This model is convertible which means the resonator may be easily detached for open back playing style. Recently, the MC-150 received a rave review from a popular folk magazine in England which described its incredible tone for the price. It is also available in kit form for the do-it-yourself craftsman! (GT Kit).
Product# MC-150RP
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More info on Gold Tone Maple Classic Banjo with Steel Tone RingBuy Gold Tone Maple Classic Banjo with Steel Tone Ring Now!List Price: US $1,199.99Our Price: US $899.99

Gold Tone BG250F Bluegrass Special
Gold Tone BG250F Bluegrass Special
The BG-250F is the first professional 5 string banjo in our line. It is a vintage replica of the most famous banjo ever played in bluegrass music. All its parts are accurate reproductions of the original. In addition, we have added a maple neck to brighten the tone compared to the original mahogany necks and added a straightline tailpiece to provide extra downward pressure on the bridge creating even more volume. Features also include a bound rosewood fingerboard, a die cast one piece flange and 14” bound mahogany resonator, the new GT Master planetary tuners, a 3-ply Canadian maple rim, flat-top 20-hole bell brass tone ring, and a complete setup at the Gold Tone Factory in Florida. For a no frills, straight ahead bluegrass banjo, the BG-250F cannot be beat for quality and tone.
Product# BG250F
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More info on Gold Tone BG250F Bluegrass SpecialBuy Gold Tone BG250F Bluegrass Special Now!List Price: US $1,460.00Our Price: US $1,072.50

Morgan Monroe MNB 5 Banjo w/Zinc Alloy Tone Ring
Morgan Monroe MNB 5 Banjo w/Zinc Alloy Tone Ring
MORGAN MONROE BANJO W/ ZINC ALLOY TONE RING Features - Series: Rocky Top - Tuners: Ashton Bailey Planetary - Brackets: 24 - Tone Ring: 18 hole cast zinc alloy - Resonator: Mahogany - Hardware: Chrome - Neck: Mahogany - Bridge: Rosewood...
Product# MNB-5
More info on Morgan Monroe MNB 5 Banjo w/Zinc Alloy Tone RingBuy Morgan Monroe MNB 5 Banjo w/Zinc Alloy Tone Ring Now!List Price: US $899.95Our Price: US $599.95

Morgan Monroe MGB-1W Collector Series Gold Banjo
Morgan Monroe MGB-1W Collector Series Gold Banjo
MGB-1G GOLD plated hardware - a beautiful gold plated banjo with a genuine bell brass tone ring at an incredible price. Available with clear or frosted head. Includes Deluxe hardshell case!
Product# MGB-1W
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Head
More info on Morgan Monroe MGB-1W Collector Series Gold BanjoBuy Morgan Monroe MGB-1W Collector Series Gold Banjo Now!List Price: US $1,399.95Our Price: US $999.95

Gold Star GF-85 Banjo
Gold Star GF-85 Banjo
In the late 1970s Saga Musical Instruments made banjo history with the introduction of the Gold Star Banjo. These instruments were the first production banjos since the 1930s to be manufactured with the lethal combination of a three-ply maple rim and a single piece flange! As a result, Gold Star banjos became collector's items for the current crop of pickers during the 1980s and 1990s and are still the object of many a collector's desire. The GF-85 easily lives up to its reputation as a banjo in which the sound quality and value far exceeds anything at twice the price. Produced with the same attention to detail as the original models and under the watchful eye of our skilled makers, these reissue Gold Stars come from an almost clean slate and are made the old-fashioned way, replicating '30s era banjos with a few modern touches like a geared 5th. Just one look and you will know that the GF-85 is every bit a Gold Star and carries on the name proudly .
Product# GF-85
More info on Gold Star GF-85 BanjoBuy Gold Star GF-85 Banjo Now!List Price: US $1,795.00Our Price: US $1,339.95

Gold Tone OB-250 Orange Blossom Banjo with Case
Gold Tone OB-250 Orange Blossom Banjo with Case
Simply put – The Orange Blossom OB-250 represents the staple of our bluegrass-style banjo line. It has been one of the highest selling banjos in the Gold Tone line for the last 15 years and is the basis of many inspired additions going above and beyond the call of duty. The OB-250 was redesigned in 2007 to include a more modern appeal still holding on to its vintage and proven design. Features include the popular curly maple binding on the maple neck and resonator, GT-Master planetary tuners, Hearts & Flowers inlay, one-piece curly maple veneer on the resonator, straightline tailpiece, and a new gorgeous tobacco brown finish. With the upgraded tone ring design introduced in early 2011, it will certainly raise brows at your local jam. The flat-top 20-hole bell brass tone ring coupled with a 3-ply Canadian maple rim and a complete setup at the Gold Tone Factory in Florida, the OB-250, or any of the other Orange Blossom models, will certainly be the last banjo you will ever need!

Case Included

Product# OB-250
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More info on Gold Tone OB-250 Orange Blossom Banjo with CaseBuy Gold Tone OB-250 Orange Blossom Banjo with Case Now!List Price: US $1,999.99Our Price: US $1,499.99

Banjos Over $1,000
Gold Tone OB-250AT Orange Blossom Archtop Banjo w/Case
Gold Tone OB-250AT Orange Blossom Archtop Banjo w/Case
The Orange Blossom OB-250AT model includes a forty-hole sand cast bell brass arch top tone ring fitted to a 3-ply Canadian maple rim. This well-equipped configuration produces more penetrating highs and volume compared to those achieved with a conventional flat top tone ring. For banjoists who are familiar with the flat top sound and are looking for a brighter sound that will “cut through” in bluegrass jams, this model is answer!
Product# OB-250AT
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More info on Gold Tone OB-250AT Orange Blossom Archtop Banjo w/CaseBuy Gold Tone OB-250AT Orange Blossom Archtop Banjo w/Case Now!List Price: US $2,399.99Our Price: US $1,799.99

Recording King Professional Banjo RK-R80
Recording King Professional Banjo RK-R80
The Professional resonator banjo combines classic pre-war style features and desirable modern touches to create the ultimate bluegrass banjo. This model features a mahogany resonator, mahogany neck, bound ebony fretboard, American Standard thread hardware, 20-hole tone ring and a 3-ply rim. Designed by Greg Rich, this model recalls the most supremely crafted banjos from the Golden Age of musical instruments.
Product# RK-R80
More info on Recording King Professional Banjo RK-R80Buy Recording King Professional Banjo RK-R80 Now!List Price: US $1,999.99Our Price: US $1,499.99

Gold Star GF100 Professional 5-String Resonator Banjo
Gold Star GF100 Professional 5-String Resonator Banjo
Most banjo players agree that the ideal bluegrass banjo was the flathead built in very limited quantities during the 1930's. To meet this demand and to offer it at a price any player could afford, Saga Musical Instruments introduced the original GF-100 banjo in the early 1970's. Ever since these banjos were discontinued in the late 1980's due to costly manufacturing methods in Japan, they have continued to be topics of discussion for their legendary sound and value. It's 2005 and the new Gold Star GF-100W (Wreath) is back and better than ever before. Each instrument has that same great tone that banjos players like Tom Adams are looking for. Available in 3 different inlay patterns: Hearts & Flowers, Flying Eagle, and Wreath Inlays.
Product# GF-100W
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More info on Gold Star GF100 Professional 5-String Resonator BanjoBuy Gold Star GF100 Professional 5-String Resonator Banjo Now!List Price: US $1,995.00Our Price: US $1,639.00

OB-250+ Orange Blossom Banjo with JLS #12 Tone Ring
OB-250+ Orange Blossom Banjo with JLS #12 Tone Ring
The Orange Blossom 250+ (OB-250+) is an improved version of our celebrated OB-250 with added features reserved for only the highest-quality of banjos. Upgraded features include the JLS “Special #12” Bronze Tone Ring, a 3-ply Canadian maple rim, Gary Sosebee Select aged maple bridge, and includes a TKL deluxe arch top case and a lifetime transferable warranty. The JLS “Special #12” Tone Ring is a replica of the Gibson tone rings used in the Granada models in the 1930’s. The maker, Jim Stull of San Antonio, Texas, has analyzed original Gibson tone rings and duplicated the exact specifications. When electronically tested for pitch, sustain, and ring, it equals the original. It also has a slightly longer “skirt” which (1) provides more contact with the wood rim and (2) provides direct contact with the heel of the neck for optimized tone. With a complete setup at the Gold Tone Factory in Florida, this banjo will compete with just about any banjo out thereā€¦ right out of the box.

Case Included

Product# OB-250+
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More info on OB-250+ Orange Blossom Banjo with JLS #12 Tone RingBuy OB-250+ Orange Blossom Banjo with JLS #12 Tone Ring Now!List Price: US $2,666.65Our Price: US $1,999.99

Banjos - Bluegrass Banjo

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