Banjo 101: Buyer's Guide

[@jacobalexander7192]

Just bought a ute standard from y'all, and I love it. Nice job on that little Cumberland gap on the deering

[@jacobalexander7192]

@Ethan Jones ayyyy agalloch is incredible dude

[@alaskamedgrower5416]

Nice informative I have a derring black diamond with a frosted head had about 10 yrs now it was in the case for almost 2 yrs during moving around pulled it out couple weeks ago and still in tune minus a 1/2 tone or so on the top G they make very very nice instruments.

[@larryhunt9180]

I have a gold tone ob3 twanger I have only had it about a month Love it sounds very good only getting used to it,s weight but it will do

[@raf889]

You should list the banjos with links to your shop in the video description so people can buy them from you.

[@usernamemykel]

Goldtone "CC50RP"??? Is that correct? Would have been helpful to list the banjos, their model numbers and prices under "Show more".

[@tylerrose2393]

The man knows how to sell a banjo

[@JJ_TheGreat]

That is very fascinating learning that the role of the banjo in bluegrass music is like the bass, as it is supposed to “cut through” the other instruments. Could you tell me more about the role of various instruments in bluegrass? For example, what is the role of the mandolin - since the mandolin also seems to “cut through” other instruments, as well, with the “chop chords”. Does it play the melody? Does it compete with - or does it support the fiddle? Also, what about the guitar in bluegrass? Is that an “archtop guitar” - and what is its role? Thank you.

[@kathleenhickey7793]

That was very interesting! I have a banjolele - purchased from the Folklore Center, of course - but I don’t know much about the big boys. I’m not quite ready to take up another stringed instrument. However, next time I listen to a banjo player, I’ll know a lot more about the instrument. Thanks!

[@thedenverfolklorecenter]

Thank you! Banjoleles are fun instruments. We are always loading up new videos so check back often.

[@JJ_TheGreat]

What do you think about the mandolin-banjo (banjolin)? Does it sound closer to a banjo or mandolin? I am intrigued by that instrument!

[@donaldfair4259]

Thank you for this video . I learned something . I own a Deering Good Time and am not hearing what I want to hear from it . A Sierra is what I should have purchased . How do you feel about the Recording King brand ?

[@thedenverfolklorecenter]

Love 'em. The store carries Recording King banjos. You can check them out at www.denverfolklore.com/shop/Instruments/Banjo/Recording-King.htm

[@Zach.whatever]

I'm intrigued about the price of banjos. I'm coming from a string instrument background. 2k is low-end quality for a string instrument. For example, my sister plays on a 35k violin.

[@connorsherrets2805]

Banjos and a lot of guitars have bolt on necks and generally require alot less time to build than the orchestral instruments your referring to. Anything hand carved by a master is going to command a higher price. A banjo is just a neck on a drum

[@ricardomelonimartinsrosado7678]

What about the tenor banjo? I've heard it's more oriented to dixieland jazz. But can you also pay dixieland jazz on a 5-string banjo? And can you play bluegrass on a tenor banjo?

[@thedenverfolklorecenter]

Thanks for the question. The tenor banjo is a four-string instrument most often used for Dixieland and Irish music. It’s tuned differently than a 5-string banjo and is usually played with a flat pick. You could probably play Dixieland on a tenor but you’d have a very hard time playing bluegrass on it. The lack of a fifth string which is mostly a drone would change the sound dramatically and it would be difficult to do finger rolls on a tenor which is the signature sound of bluegrass.

[@ricardomelonimartinsrosado7678]

Thank you very much. And what about the opposite? Can I play jazz on a 5-string banjo?

[@thedenverfolklorecenter]

Sure, you can technically play any kind of music on a 5-string banjo. Bella Fleck, a renowned modern banjo player plays jazz on a 5-string, for example.

[@connorsherrets2805]

You can definitely play bluegrass on a tenor you just end up playing fiddle licks or mandolin style rhythm instead of typical bluegrass banjo

[@sneakerhead6184]

Do you guys have any left handed banjos?

[@hachiko9962]

Thank you very much!

[@thedenverfolklorecenter]

You're welcome!

[@duncanstewart8178]

Can you recommend a banjo instructor in the Colorado Springs - Monument - Franktown area?

[@thedenverfolklorecenter]

Maybe try contacting the Black Rose Acoustic Society in Colorado Springs for a recommendation. www.blackroseacoustic.org/

[@jethrobodine4638]

great video. i love the banjo, been playing clawhammer about a year. hard to find face to face/zoom lessons, doing my best to learn from online. also hard to find variety of banjos in stores to try out before you buy. i now have 8 banjos of different rim sizes and tone rings lol it can be addicting.

[@juniorco3109]

Jeff, are you still teaching Clawhammer banjo?

[@thedenverfolklorecenter]

Yes, still teaching. Feel free to email for more info at [e-mail]

[@mountaingirl1797]

What is your opinion of the banjo Ukelele ❓😁

[@thedenverfolklorecenter]

Hi Mountain Girl! We love them: big sound, and a real fun tone for many ukulele favorites.

[@mountaingirl1797]

@@thedenverfolklorecenter Thank you for replying… do you think they really sound enough like a banjo❓😁

[@thedenverfolklorecenter]

They don't particularly sound like a banjo, more like a really loud, punchy ukulele.

[@botch779]

Do you guys take trades? I’m looking for a banjo and I have plenty of guitars

[@finjay21fj]

Why a guide? A banjo guru? Try them, buy the one for you, simple as (/°•°)\

[@selfactualizer2099]

me no like finger picks

[@frostbite5606]

Try clawhammer style