How to Choose a Banjo Style and a Banjo

[@JimPankey]

I think most folks start out suspecting they'll only play at home. Eventually, though, the banjo winds up going out. Never-the-less either open back or resonator should be just fine if you're undecided. It's much like when I was deciding on a bicycle - MTB or Road bike. A friend told me, "Just buy one". That's my advice here. Buy a banjo in your budget - that you like. Once you start learning you'll have some personal experience to guide you, and you can then buy another banjo. :)

[@School-qs8yx]

I was wondering if banjo can be played outside your home with open back

[@JimPankey]

@@School-qs8yx absolutely!

[@ChrisRadloff]

As a longtime bass player who has a sudden yearning to own a banjo, I very much appreciate your explanation. It was exactly what I needed to know in buying my first beginner banjo! Thank you.

[@mr.mikeaz1]

Jim I've played simple guitar since the late 60s when I hurt my hand awhile back I could only move 2 fingers at the time and couldn't fret or bar the guitar so I figured out 2 fingers on 4 string banjo. Toured the Deering factory and bought a goodtime plectrum never regretted it.

[@Condemntheinfection]

I feel your pain. I was a bass player pretty much my entire life till the false bottom from a lauter tun was knocked over onto my hands at work. I can't thump a bass like I use to and it is frustrating to no end. I saw someone playing clawhammer and felt it looked similar to how I would slap a bass so I bought a banjo and have loved every minute of it.

[@kc8grp]

I definitely want to learn to play the 5-string bluegrass banjo. In fact, I've been wanting to for over 20 years, and I'm finally going to bite the bullet this year. I just hope it's not too late, and that I'm not too old. I'm 42 now, will probably be 43 by the time I'm able to take lessons.

[@hansun5502]

Jeff L its not too late,i am 24,start learning 1 months ago, and i have no experiences about any instrument. i really love bluegrass music and old country songs . My english teacher,she is more older than you,but she is planing to learn mandolin,haha.just love it,so do it.

[@diana88diana]

+Jeff L Hey Jeff. There used to be a book by Pete Seeger about how to play the banjo - this was back in the 60s, and I used it back then and it was great. See if you can find it somewhere, and you'll be ok to start off.

[@klcwarchitect]

I'm 67 and just started so you can too. Just do it.

[@fjdubya5726]

I've played keyboard since 1984 and began playing gigs in the mid-90's. I never learned to play proficient guitar although I could pick out some tunes like Wish You Were Here and some Beatles songs, etc. I've always wanted to learn a more exotic, slightly more simple than guitar instrument, like dulcimer or harp. I think banjo could also be a candidate. I really like the archaic instrumentation of bands like Emerson, Lake and Palmer...which use some old world acoustic instruments with very deep and rich analog synthesizer soIos and ad-libbing in the same mix.

[@inambaguum]

What a great video. I'm thinking about starting banjo and had already done this research elsewhere, but this is by far the best video to explain in simple terms the differences between the styles of playing and banjos.

[@JimPankey]

I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@thealabamianchilihead5649]

Grew up watching hee haw, and im young (18) haha, but roy is one of the best if not the best person to ever pick up a stringed instrument. Wasn't limited to just a banjo either, man could play a fiddle and a guitar too. I imagine he did many hours if practice to get that good

[@AndrewKurdelski]

Whoa! Beardless Jim is freaking me out. Love what you do brother.

[@JimPankey]

Spent too many years without the beard. 😅

[@JimPankey]

I thought about mentioning it, but as far as a style or even banjo goes I didn't think it mattered much. However, to answer your question, that area of the fingerboard is scooped out to facilitate playing over that area of the neck. Some folks seem to think it's easier if it's scooped there. Check out my review of the RK-OT25...

[@jasonalbaum9600]

Hey- I am 45, just picked up a banjo last night. Jim wanted to say thanks for making these lessons available on KZbin for the newbies like me. Any advice to help me get going??

[@JimPankey]

You could start here: Learn to Play Bluegrass Banjo kzbin.info/aero/PLimF2H1ED8fXabeFAr6Fnslf0ie6TRUL0

[@davestambaugh7282]

Gibson came into the banjo market very late in the four string era. After the war there were two camps. The first four strings were discovered when there were so many mandolin players who liked playing mandolin type instruments with a flat pic. There were many who were used to picking with a plectrum. At first they just removed the fifth string. Aquiring the tecqunique of playing the five string was considered to steep of a learning curve for some. So after playing five strings with the useless tuner someone started making banjos without the fifth string peg and the first four string banjo was invented. After the turn of the century a lot of these mando players started trying different scale lengths using capo on the plectrum banjo tuning to EADG that they were used to playing only with way more volume that you could get from a wood sound board instrument. So as with the five string becoming the plectrum a lot of these guys started having Vega make custom short scale instruments to eliminate the useless capo. In 1908 Vega came out with the Little wonder But they did nit make any Little wonder five strings at that time as the five string was not so popular at that time. Besides there was already a short scale version of the five string.

[@ShepFL002]

Thanks for explaining the difference in plain English. I just picked up a blue grass style banjo and hoping to start lessons after the new yr.

[@noahshillings6598]

I didn't even realize it was Jim because he doesn't have the beard

[@donaldfair4259]

My banjo obsession began in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia listening to Bluegrass Gospel music .

[@johnjriggsarchery2457]

Land of the Lost. Good man. Funny you mention Hee Haw. Grandpa Jones clawhammered and he played on a resonator banjo.

[@JimPankey]

Yes he did. I use him, Stringbean, and Clarence Ashley as good examples of clawhammer players that use resonator banjos. Even so, the open back is the favored choice in the old time community…

[@julienielsen3746]

I took clawhammer lessons once. I like open back banjos. Right now I want to learn melodic banjo.

[@JimPankey]

+Julie Nielsen melodic style is a lot of fun. Check out Carroll Best.

[@JimPankey]

Thanks. It's a pretty good banjo for sure!

[@JimPankey]

...and many players played clawhammer style using a finger pick on resonator banjos. I play several different banjo styles, but I only picked two of the more prominent styles that someone interested in learning might have heard. Like I said, "Yes, you can play any style of banjo on any style of banjo." The intent of the video was to give a starting point, and not give hard and fast rules about how things have to be done.

[@TheNerdyMusician]

I wanted to learn banjo because i saw/heard Bela Fleck and Steve Martin they are amazing at banjo. Just purchased my first banjo closed back resonator

[@JimPankey]

Congratulations on the banjo!

[@steveindorset]

I've always wanted to learn to play a banjo, and was wondering which one, so this was very helpful, So thank you. ;)

[@roozavelt]

Have you learned? I'm in the same situation five years in the future. 👀

[@billbuttlicker647]

@@roozavelt have you learned? I’m in the same situation 1 year in the future

[@jacksonneomusic]

⁠​⁠@@billbuttlicker647have you learned? I’m in the same situation 2 years in the future

[@sveabryan9126]

This clears up a lot of questions I had.

[@JimPankey]

Glad I could help 😀

[@LuciaRaymond]

Thanks for putting up a clear and concise explanation, I really enjoyed listing

[@JackArctic]

I really like the sound of mumford and sons banjo. What kind of banjo would you recomend

[@steveramsey8415]

Hi I am 57 years old. Have never been able to read music and have no idea about how to form "keys" whilst playing. I have recently bought a banjo and am wondering how do I form keys and how do I remember which key to play in each song. I have started to learn rolls but that is all I have learned and I am still slow. Thanks in advance

[@JimPankey]

You should give my Beginner Banjo Series a look. 🙂

[@norwoodbaybridge3191]

It is also worth mentioning that, aside from differing kinds of banjos; there are also many variations in: (1) the length of the banjo neck; (2) the diameter of the banjo pot; (3) the differing ways to capo the 5th string; and, *4) the softness, or hardness, of the strings chosen to play on the banjo; among a myriad of other customizable features. Owning a banjo; or two; as the author of this video seems to have acquired; is, in many ways, like owning a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Banjo players, it has been found, are not "herd" animals; and, are quite imaginative; which remarkably, is, no doubt, why they have chosen to play the banjo in the first place. There are also a seemingly unlimited number of ways to tune the strings of a banjo; and, more ways are always being experimented with by some backwoodsman (or, backwoodswoman). When all the dust has settled, what is probably important to most folks is that when they open the case of their banjo to take it out and play it; that they like what they see; and, what they hear. If a person purchases a banjo with cold, hard cash; and then, doesn't like what he or she sees or hears whenever that person saddles up the banjo on his or her knee; it won't be long before it is never played; as, in this day and age, there are many, many ways to enjoyably spend one's time; and, it don't have to be on some banjo. There is also a lot said about not spending much money for a banjo; as, a plain, workingman's banjo will sound just as good as an ornate piece of genuine art. But, what's wrong with buying a banjo from an independent banjo maker here in the US; and, paying him fairly for the time and effort he put in to make it? He's just trying to make a living with his calling; just like everyone else. If a guy spends his time ornately decorating a crafted banjo masterpiece; why not support that particularly wholesome activity? Wouldn't it be better if people, world-wide, were making instruments of music; rather than instruments of destruction? It never hurts to support craftsmen and woodworkers of all stripes so that a person can hand down an heirloom piece to his kids and his grandkids. People take pride in masterful craftsmanship; and, rightfully so. If a person gets a good banjo that he or she likes looking at; and, likes to hear when he or she sits alone in the evening and plays it; that person will end up being a grand banjo player just because of the time that banjo spends in his or her hands for the pure love of what they are playing. Happiness doesn't come from having things; happiness comes to men and women when they accomplish something worthwhile; when they accomplish something that they are proud of; and, that benefits society objectively. A good banjo player can do much for charitable organization fund-raising throughout his or her lifetime. Interestingly, a person playing the banjo well does not offend any political group; nor, does a person playing the banjo well ever offend any religious affiliation. Good banjo playing opens many doors; and, brings men and women; young and old; together in hand clapping and foot tapping. Look at the smiles you see when a person is playing the banjo well. It has been tried to think of something else that does that when done in public; but remarkably, so far, that something else can't be thought of.

[@lapboard340]

Norwood BayBridge Yes, those are exactly the things a novice should worry about before buying a first banjo....

[@SynthApprentice]

"A person playing the banjo well does not offend any political group" I dunno, Pete Seeger was known to stir things up a bit, and he was pretty good at the banjo.

[@stephenbouchelle7706]

You play both well. I am partial to the frailing style.

[@JimPankey]

Thanks

[@richthehoser]

This was a fantastic video. Very concise.

[@ee222]

although i loved listening to grandpa jones, and BTW, your openback has an incredible sound also, what really got me into banjo big time was the old bonnie & clyde movie which had the great earl scruggs playin' "foggy mountain breakdown"! it don't get no better than that!

[@JimPankey]

Yeah, that Ramsey is way more Banjo that I know what to do with. 😀

[@TheMusicismyair]

open back is also lighter i like it for traveling and i love clwa hammer style and old timey sound

[@colinsarah120]

Jim I had to double take. I thought you had a guest speaker on at first 😂

[@JimPankey]

Can find a lot of surprises in the archives….

[@colinsarah120]

@@JimPankey the yee old Jim pankey vault.

[@nudge2626]

Thanks. Very informative. I'm a big fan of dock boggs, gus cannon and papa charlie jackson so I'm thinking of starting to learn to play. Leaning more towards the open back.

[@shaunw9270]

nudge2626 Yay another Dock Boggs fan 🙌👍

[@mmsound3667]

I'm guitarist and I want to start playing a trad jazz, New Orleans style banjo. So I'm thinking about buying a six string banjo. Yes I would like to tune it like a guitar and I've some questions. First of all I'm thinking about buying another set of strings and put a thinner strings for the LOW E-A-D to avoid the bass strings and tune it for the same notes E-A-D but one octave higher to get more like traditional banjo sound. I don't like the bass strings on banjo (especially E-A) because it just doesn't sound like traditional banjo and I'm playing mostly on jams with other people which are playing bass notes. Is it possible to tune low strings one octave higher with your six string banjo? The second question is: what kind of strings will be better for trad jazz? Nylon or Steel? I think I like more steel string and I guess it will be louder so It can be helpful during the jam sessions to mic it up or just to play unplugged.

[@JimPankey]

Let’s see... I have no clue. I really can’t offer any advice on guitar. I’m just a banjo player.

[@mmsound3667]

Yes but im talking about changing these string in 6-strings banjo@@JimPankey

[@JimPankey]

Pretty much still a guitar... So, if it’s possible to do that on a guitar then it should work.

[@sepultura7771]

So if I'm inspired by Earl Scruggs song of the south ,I should get one with a resonator?

[@paperdave1963]

sepultura7771 yes

[@finneire2081]

Thank you it was exactly what I needed to know and at the right time . Thank you for taking the time to know that people like me had these questions very thoughtful 👍

[@JimPankey]

So glad I could help!

[@JimPankey]

Calvin, good to see you here!

[@jlaw553]

Resonator 1:31,open-back 4:14

[@Lynxthejonin]

Honestly I'm finding a lot of these things out after the fact of buying my banjo. Bought a used one with a resonator - its great - but I'm most accustomed to punk rock and folk, so I'd figure the frailing style works. Man is it heavy..

[@justinadams1213]

The Songcatcher movie did it for me. Appalachian style really moves me

[@JimPankey]

Yeah... it's a very cool sound. :)

[@simonhuffa9885]

That was great as a beginner who plays guitar I’d like to learn bluegrass what brand of beginners banjo would be good for that?

[@JimPankey]

Consider the Recording King Dirty 30s

[@simonhuffa9885]

@@JimPankey Gday Jim well thanks for that advice I just ordered a Barnes muller empress 5 string last night Are these any good?

[@JimPankey]

@@simonhuffa9885 Never heard of those

[@simonhuffa9885]

@@JimPankey yes me either but after some searching found this brand so I’ll see how I go I’ll be doing your lessons “go and get your banjo” …I WILL Thanks for your work putting that together… can’t wait… Cheers

[@banjojaque]

Very diplomatic over view! Good job.

[@1974eagles]

Hello, Great informative video thank you.. I just wondered (new to banjo) whether getting a 5 string banjo with removable resonator would be the best of both worlds? Then both styles and sounds could come from the one instrument. Apologies if this sounds silly :)

[@JimPankey]

Great question! It is a good option and certainly adds a huge degree of flexibility. I've never owned a banjo like that, but I've certainly considered it. Two makers that come to mind that offer that is Ome and Deering, but I'm sure there are others.

[@Calboy31170]

Hey Jim! Great to have found you on youtube. I've been enjoying your videos very much.

[@clubmike2910]

I play the goodtime banjo by Deering. I just use it for flat picking the melodies and throwing in some strumming. It does its job very well. It has a resonator on it and it sounds real good to me. I recommend it.

[@shaunw9270]

Charlie The Tuna I decided to buy an open back Goodtime about a year ago, the cheapest USA made banjo available in the UK . It sounds great also 👌👍

[@KineticConstant]

Do you play four-string banjo? What considerations do I need to take account of when buying one?

[@jasneskis]

What size ukulele banjos are available. I am buying a Christmas gift , in expensive starter, for college senior who expressed interest. Have no idea about size. If he likes it he can get a better ukulele banjo later.

[@JimPankey]

Most banjo-ukes you will find now are all concert size. The only company making a soprano size (that I'm aware of) is Recording King.

[@Jonster78]

Hi Jim, You play well, I notice that you are only covering the 5 string style of playing, both Scruggs style and clawhammer/frailing/wrapping. DO you know much about 4 string banjos? These would be the ones that you would here in the old Jazz band(think Louis Armstrong and his hot 5 or hot 7) or those played by Harry Reser or Eddie Peabody. I think that is the Style played by the Mummers. I think Mumford and Son play a version of 5 string and also a banolin(cross between banjo and mandolin). I play tenor Banjo as well as 5 string but was wondering if there were any other recommendations on other types of Banjo's ( including Plectrums and foreign derivatives such as the turkish one

[@JimPankey]

I'm pretty much just a 5-string player. I do a variety of styles, but tried to keep the choices simple. While I could have muddied the water considerably with a lot of other 5-string styles I just didn't see it as pertinent to most folks that take up the 5-string. As for the 4-string banjos; I've noodled, but never dedicated much time to any of those.

[@philsnell7724]

Thank you for a charming and informative video.

[@michaelpreston233]

They're both good ! I bought both.

[@ianjamiesonmusic]

Helpful thank you! Off to buy one now

[@andyincov]

great tone on that RK

[@gradymasonii6960]

i sure do enjoy your vids Mr. panky

[@HoosInHere]

Gingerly way through the peer pressure comment. Lol wish I'd had a video like this for my viewing pleasure when I was on the hunt. I'm sure it'll be very helpful for prospective pickers.

[@tcbonline]

Great info thank you! Even after your video, I'm struggling with the decision about open back vs resonator. I'm basically interested in learning both styles, but the catch is I will most likely only ever play at home alone, much to the chagrin of my wife haha. Anyway, considering I don't need loud, I'm leaning towards the open back. Can you easily do 3 finger picking on an open back just the same as resonator? Any other thoughts?

[@hollydoodle]

I bought the gold tone AC-1 banjo. It's an open back. But then I ordered the resonator separately and added that on. They are a really reasonably well-built banjo from what I'm told. Banjo was $199 and resonator $79. Add tax and some shipping to those numbers. I didn't want to spend a lot and am satisfied. There are a few videos on you tube reviewing this banjo.

[@flintdavis2]

Now a want two banjos! But I’ll learn one at a time.

[@JimPankey]

Why have one when 12 will do? 🤪

[@pandemonicpixie]

Why do people dislike it. Wonderfully informative. =)

[@JimPankey]

It's ok. Not sure why either, but maybe I didn't say what they wanted to hear?

[@pandemonicpixie]

@@JimPankey I'm trying to decide on regular banjo or banjo ukelele. Looks like banjos cost more and might be more complicated to pick up. I've never been great at instruments. But I dig seeing frail strumming on either. I dunno, I've never understood how talented musicians actually get their start.

[@JimPankey]

That start comes from hours of practice. The desire to learn is stronger than the end result.

[@Popcorn_Kernel]

I have 7 banjos 5 are 5 string and two are 4 string I play clawhammer and two finger on my 5 strings and classical on the 4 strings all but one of my banjos are open back

[@JimPankey]

Very cool.

[@dillyconnolly]

I bought a resonator banjo and I can use it without a resonator just shows how flexible the instrument is

[@leonardoaces1]

You play very well, nice overview !

[@ronlitz9055]

Very helpful, thanks for taking the time.

[@johnnieguitar5724]

Excellent idea, and demonstrations! Thank you!

[@JimPankey]

Glad I could help 😊

[@dudecafe]

if i like the sounds of open-back and resonator, but can't quite decide, could I just buy one with a resonator and take it off later? this seems to keep options open but I don't hear people mentioning this...thanks!

[@JimPankey]

You can, but there are still setup differences that go beyond the resonator.

[@dudecafe]

@@JimPankey can you extrapolate just a little? i'm a beginner and your reply was a little unclear. i'm looking at an open-back deering goodtime...could I add a resonator later?

[@JimPankey]

For me... I set the open back banjo up fairly loose, with higher action, so even if I add a resonator it's not going to sound like a bluegrass banjo. If I take the resonator off my bluegrass banjo, it's just going to sound like a bluegrass banjo without the resonator, because it's set up a little tighter... lower action, etc. In other words, if you buy a banjo that is a "convertible" you get a banjo that's not optimal for either old-time or bluegrass. If I were buying the goodtime, I'd just get the basic one without the resonator. Pretty soon, you'll decide you want a better banjo and can buy something appropriate for the style you gravitate toward.

[@JimPankey]

Let's do a bicycle analogy. I can buy a mountain bike and change the tires to be more road appropriate, but then it's not really as good as a road bike, because there's more at play than the tires. Same with the banjo.

[@dudecafe]

@@JimPankey thanks for spelling it out brother, be safe.

[@sparkplug0000]

One point is weight. My Fender FB-58, a resonator banjo, is bloody heavy because of the bronze tone ring. Standing with it for any length of time will wear you out and send you to the chiropractor. An open back is probably half, maybe even a third of the weight.

[@calebclanton782]

As far as brands and prices what are the best options

[@JimPankey]

There are a lot of options when it comes to brands and prices. I always point students to the Recording King line as I feel like they have the most bang for the buck - and they're nice folks too.

[@calebclanton782]

@@JimPankey thanks Jim I was shopping around and I found a used goodtime 2 for a good starter price and in one week following your beginner videos I can play the A part of cripple creek fluently and I am moving into the next lesson 4 tonight! It has been a fun and easy learning experience for me and I am grateful for what you do!

[@JimPankey]

@@calebclanton782 Fantastic!

[@plumtime1804]

what banjo would creep tourists out most if i sit on the front of my boat playing whale my brother is fishing (thinking about songs like dueling banjos)

[@charleslangridge5764]

Thanks for this film. Can you learn to play pluctrum banjo on a 5 sting? I've been trying to find a 4 string to start learning on. Or is it a good idea to start with a banjolele? Appreciate your a advice.

[@JimPankey]

Gosh... sure out of my realm of knowledge. I do know that there are probably people playing a five string with a pick, but I don’t know any of them. You should be able to find a 4 string pretty easily.

[@charleslangridge5764]

Ok thanks Jim I'll go for a 4 string. Just wondered if people took the 5th off? Living in the UK there isn't really as big a banjo culture like you have in US so just trying learn as much as possible about the instruments before I take the plunge. Do think starting out on a banjolele would be better than a tenor or is there no difference apart from instrumental tone?

[@JimPankey]

charles langridge tuning is different....

[@tdous]

Great advice for a new guy like me, about to buy his first! Thanks!

[@raychang8648]

My banjo, purchased in Taiwan, is called "Rally". The same banjo sold in USA would be called "Fender", and probably cost a lot more. A Korean company supplies "Fender" with musical instruments, and they're now made in China, as the sticker on the back of the neck of my banjo states. I guess they chose the name "Rally" as not to offend the "Fender" name, and since the Asian market for these things is so small, they don't have to make different banjos for different places. Mine cost about US$200, but I imagine under the Fender name, it must cost more. I don't have any complaints about it except that one of the planetary tuners is loose, and I need to manage a network of rubber bands to keep it in tune. Once I get it stable, then I enjoy playing. Earl Scruggs is my hero. I love the 3-finger picking sound. I've even expanded this to my mandolin and my friend's ukelele. I started improvising with his ukelele and he was surprised that he'd never heard this kind of music from his own instrument. So, as Jim (the OP) says, research a little bit about what you want in a banjo before you buy one. Simple, and good advice.

[@markh9875]

My impression is that there are dozens of "brand" names for a handful of basic (low-end) banjo models all made by the same company or two or three companies. Light weight, tinny sound and poor tuners are hallmarks of these banjos. I would recommend to anyone seriously considering banjo to invest a few hundred dollars more for a better, if need be used, instrument.

[@markh9875]

See also the article on "So You Want To Learn the Banjo?" at Blog '66 for some explanation of the two basic styles and some links. This video already covers the main idea, however.

[@kevinoconnell8242]

ok I have just found my new thing. I want to buy one with a resonator and I dont want a beginner model and I dont know even what brand. what is the best brand with a $400 budget? I saw a deering that looked nice and there was a b9 Washburn that looked good. Anyone have an opinion on which one?

[@JimPankey]

Recording King Dirty 30s! amzn.to/2UyPceA

[@kevinoconnell8242]

@@JimPankey Thanks so much. I found a local used deering goodtime two with a really nice case for $460. Thoughts?? Cant wait to get started...

[@steveland810]

Thanks for the videos,really informative and helpful. Going to collect my first ever banjo tomorrow,it’s a Deering good time open back. Really excited, thank you once again

[@hanghang71]

do banjo's have chords like a guitar

[@FiftiesDad]

Yup

[@Cryozebra]

Wow. This was super helpful, thanks!

[@rkbauch]

Would it be weird if I played 3 finger Scruggs style with finger picks on a Vega Old Tyme Wonder Openback 5 String Banjo?

[@shaunw9270]

rkbauch No not all, I play blues with a bottleneck on my open back and the banjo guy in my local Hobgoblin store plays Scruggs style on a similar model and frails on a resonator model. One rule: Have Fun !

[@littleblackdoglilg]

Good job shedding light on different styles of playing, and the banjos associated with.

[@tiamaria1618]

Who is this guy impersonating Jim 😜. Wow! What a transformation!

[@JimPankey]

☺️

[@TreeHugg]

Hey! Thank you so much this is great! I am wanting to learn how to play the banjo and this is a great videos

[@JimPankey]

Glad I could help 😀

[@marcioaraujos1]

Hi Jim, hood to see you teaching...I'm a 63 years old novice player im Brazil, trying with a Stagg resonator, and days ago I've decided buying a Rover open back...being a brand new instrument, mesured the suitable position for the bridge, mounted it, and tuned the instrument, but, sometimes the strings vibrate when I play...then I've noticed It doesn't have a tailpiece like the resonator, over the strings right before the bridge...can you help me with this issue? Should I do something else?

[@JimPankey]

Not sure how to advise you without hearing or seeing the problem.

[@marcioaraujos1]

Hi, Jim...I understand you...I Guess I'll start by changing the strings...an open back banjo uses the same as the ressonator's?

[@henrybazzacco4186]

Just wondering what the name of the opens back banjo is because I'm really liking the look and sound of it?

[@JimPankey]

It’s a Ramsey. Model is a Woody.

[@mareknovak7752]

how about getting a banjo with a resonator and taking the resonator of for times when one wants to play clawhammer style?

[@JimPankey]

Most resonator banjos are built for the resonator and have a flange that's going to be uncomfortable to hold while you're playing. You really have to think of them as almost two different instruments.

[@charlesbrown7579]

I am hinkinng of buying a banjoele of a banjo what would i be best buy and the easiest to play

[@JimPankey]

Recording King makes a fantastic soprano banjo ukulele.

[@charlesbrown7579]

@@JimPankey i bought a 5 string banjo

[@bedfordbanjoshop]

Nice job, Jim.

[@isaacfranco5059]

Hi Jim! I am looking forward to start playing the banjo, however I'm not quite sure if I should get a hollow one or one with resonator, I'm into Caribbean music, and I'd specially like to learn to play Calypso; What would you recommend me to get? And do you think I should start w/ a 4-string or a 5string banjo? Thank you for your time and your music, blessings from Costa Rica

[@486spud]

Good video. Very informative - Thanks. I'm intrigued by your use of the words 'Style' and 'Banjo' in the same sentence.

[@Pinhead_larry25]

it feels kind of strange watching an old video of jim and seeing him with a clean shave

[@JimPankey]

Aaaaaaahhhh.... lol. it's from a very dark period. While that me in the video means well, he really didn't get his act together until the beard came back. :)

[@bumblefritz]

Thanks! This was an informative video!

[@llathrum]

@ Jim Pankey Is it just me or does the resonator make the banjo louder? Besides a 5th string, what's the difference in a 4 and 5 string banjo?

[@JimPankey]

The resonator does make it louder. 4 string banjos are typically played with a flat pick. They’re most often used in jazz and Irish music.

[@TS-so2xi]

Great stuff!!

[@JimPankey]

Thanks!

[@Bricktop1253]

Jim, great video. Very informative.

[@nigelkarney]

Hi JIm. I am a novice player. Concerning the frailing style, on some videos the players have no armrest fitted and one instructional video advises you to remove this if one is fitted on your banjo. I have one on my banjo and find it comfortable for learning bluegrass style. I see that you have an armrest on both your banjos. What is your advice please concerning armrests?

[@sneakapeek2577]

Awesome sound!... strikes me in my heart .. great video+ info .. thank you!

[@mryogurt892]

you didnt mention about the fret board on the clawhammer banjo, why is there no frets at the bottom?

[@bigdog8723]

How long do you believe it would it take for a new player with no stringed instrument experience to learn the Banjo?

[@JimPankey]

Depends on how much you practice, but I bet you could learn a song pretty quick.

[@perseveringpisces6938]

What do you think about the 6 string?

[@JimPankey]

I really don’t have many thoughts about it. It’s played like a guitar.

[@perseveringpisces6938]

@@JimPankey Yeah probably the traditional 5 string is better. What make of the banjo or you giving away?

[@tarun9305]

would you say that clawhammer is easier to learn than bluegrass for a complete novice who has never played a string instrument?

[@JimPankey]

Nope... but don’t decide based on difficulty, decide based on the sound you like.

[@tarun9305]

Thanks Jim! I definitely love the sound of the one with the resonator.

[@gabeknight6323]

I'm wanting to get a banjo but I don't want a clawhammer I want to pick with my fingers what is the best place to get one like the first one you had

[@mikefinley4367]

You seem to plug Recording King. Maybe you can help me out? Disabled and wanting a RK - 35 with a hard case. Having no luck finding any place with a layaway option.

[@JimPankey]

I really wouldn't know. You'd have to check your local music stores for layaway; I doubt any of the online stores offer that.

[@mikefinley4367]

@@JimPankey Thanks Jim.

[@davestambaugh7282]

I had heard it said that mandolin banjo's have the worst characteristics of both instruments. Of course I had to find out for myself so after having two different ones I had to agree. I have no interest in playing any of the fife string styles which combine the melody line with some cords. Kind of like the one man band style that was so popular in the early days. I never liked playing the finger style of playing as I am constantly breaking off finger nails as soon as they get a little long and the finger picks always hurt my fingers.So I like to play with a flat pic. I have found the short neck tenor banjo's have terrable intonation unless you use nylon strings.So I used nylon strings which work really good only if you have a powerfull tone ring like a mastertone. Even so the left hand requires considerable stretch. So I finally ended up with the ukulele banjo , concert scale (15") to be perfect for me. I use a chirango high E and a fiber core classical guitar E string for the A string then a baritone uke A string for my D and the guitar D string for my low G which is commonly used with standard uke tuning. All strung tensions are within one pound of being ten pounds.

[@lukasprince]

Hello, I come from the future and as soon as he said "Hey Jim Pankey here", I was like WHAT! But truly this i s a good video. just surprised how much a person can change visually over the years. Also I should consider my resonator maybe.

[@lukasprince]

That strumming is really cool

[@JimPankey]

Thanks ☺️

[@hankfava]

what would be the best for bluegrass and mummers string band playing as a sit in on there practices thanks hank

[@JimPankey]

+Hank Fava I'm not entirely sure. I figured mummers played a plectrum or 4 string banjo. Not that you can't use a pick on a 5 string - I guess you're going to want a resonator banjo of some sort.

[@TheHUhelps]

Verg helpful! Thanks for taking the time to make this video!

[@phildann9225]

What sorta banjo/playing style would you suggest for Irish/pogues style stuff?

[@JimPankey]

You’ll need a tenor I suspect.