Banjos

They may not be as common as a mainstream instrument like the guitar, a banjo is a fun instrument for musicians of all experience levels. For those unfamiliar, banjos are best known for their unique twangy sound.

You may think of genres like bluegrass and folk music when you hear a banjo, but plenty of other genres feature this instrument as well. Join famous musicians like Earl Scruggs, Steve Martin, and Pete Seeger by investing in your very own banjo.

Why Play the Banjo?

Many new musicians have an easier time learning to play the banjo compared to the guitar because a five-stringed banjo has a narrower neck than standard guitars. The neck size is more manageable for smaller hands to successfully fret the strings and create a clean sound. Banjos also have lighter-gauge strings than guitars, so they’re less painful to fret.

Banjo Body Material

All banjos feature a wooden body and neck, but the type of wood has a considerable effect on the tone of each instrument.

Mahogany is one of the most common banjo woods. Many players prefer mahogany for its soft, warm sound. Mahogany is also a very attractive wood with a reddish-brown color.

Maple banjos offer an extremely bright, responsive sound. Walnut banjos split the difference between the brightness of maple and the warmth of mahogany.

Number of Strings

Banjos can have four, five, or six strings. Five-string banjos are the most common and are tuned in open G. Six-string banjos are usually tuned in the same way as a guitar, so if you already know how to play guitar but are looking for a sound with more twang, a six-string banjo is the ideal choice.

Acoustic vs Semi-Acoustic Banjos

Acoustic banjos are traditional for most players, but if you need a bit more volume for playing in large concert halls or on outdoor stages, check out semi-acoustic banjos with electric pickups.

Banjos Built for Long-Term Use

For most musicians, a banjo is a long-term investment. With the proper care, a high-quality instrument can last for decades. Dean Guitars, Ibanez, Washburn, and Ortega Guitars have been creating banjos for generations and are known for producing beautiful instruments that look as good as they sound. 

Design details like tobacco sunbursts, pearl and abalone inlays, and rosewood fretboards help set instruments by these leading brands apart from the competition.