The 10 Best Open Back Banjo For Beginners - Best Deals in 2023
Suzanne Woods Sep 29, 2023 1:13 PM
Are you looking for the best banjo to make your foray into bluegrass and folk music? Perhaps you are drawn to the twangy tones of a 5-string banjo but don't know where to start. Look no further!
This blog post offers an informative guide featuring the ten top open back banjos that would be perfect for beginners in 2023, complete with detailed reviews, buying tips, and pricing comparisons so that you can find your dream instrument at the best price.
Read on if you're ready to discover what makes these instruments so unique - and get pickin' soon!
Our best choices
Best professional: Vangoa VBJ11-5
Aspiring banjo players can now experience the joy of playing a full-sized banjo without the heavy weight or bulky case of a top-of-the-line model. With its lightweight and portable design, it's perfect for beginner banjoists who seek the bright and lively tones that a professional banjo can deliver.
The included Remo head is the most popular choice among major banjo manufacturers worldwide, providing a crisp dry tone without too much sustain giving you greater clarity and note distinction. To keep your sound in tune, you'll love the Geared 5th Tuner!
Best comfort: Vangoa 5
This 26-inch tenor banjo is the perfect size and weight to take with you on your musical trips. Plus, it’s easy to start learning so even beginners can pick it up quickly. The superior mahogany body has a solid, warm tone and Alice steel strings create a more punchy sound when played.
Not only that, this banjo also comes equipped with 12 durable chrome-plated brackets that provide even head panel tension for creating perfect melodious percussion timbres.
And at an action of 3mm at the 12th fret, it feels comfortable in your hands while playing as well. Along with its quality design, this mini travel banjo also comes with a beginner kit and comfortable carrying bag to make travel even easier.
Best portable: Banjolele MI3384-MUS
The Banjolele is the perfect 4-string instrument for serious musicians and budding amateurs alike. Crafted from Sapele wood, this Travel Banjolele 26 Inch model is the perfect combination of portability and superior sound quality.
The Open Back design produces a mellow yet resonant tone that will make your music truly come alive! Featuring a Remo drum-head with twelve chrome-plated brackets on the banjo, you can be sure to achieve an even and warm sound.
Not to mention that tuning becomes much more accurate with the chrome closed machine tuner it comes equipped with so that you can rest assured your rhythm stays on beat! With an advanced two-way truss rod providing distance adjustment between the fingerboard and strings, you’ll enjoy hour after hour of comfortable playing too.
Best value: AKLOT 5
Crafted with high-quality maple wood and a striking tiger maple head, this open back banjo creates bright and clear sound waves every time. Professional Remo drum heads make it easier to adjust the head’s stability as well as its sound quality.
With 18 adjustable brackets around the drum, you can customize your instrument’s sound with ease. Plus, this banjo includes 2 tuning wrenches, 4 picks, strings, a tuner, a strap ruler, cleaning cloth, and gig bag - just what any musician needs when beginning their musical journey!
Best durable: Instrument Alley 5
This banjo is perfect for anyone who wants an instrument with authenticity, precision, elegance and style. Featuring a blonde slender rock maple neck and 22 pressed in nickel silver frets, its craftsmanship speaks for itself. Further enhanced with hardwood bow tie inlays, sealed geared tuners and an innovative geared 5th string tuner - all adding up to premium sound quality.
With its durable satin finish openback neck width at the nut 1 ¼”; scale length Nut to Bridge 26 ¼"; Rim Diameter 11”; Overall Instrument Length 37 ½”; Weight Approx. 4 ½ lbs., you have a piece of instrumentation suited for any musician from beginner to pro come rain or shine.
Read more:
The 12 Best Concert Ukulele Brand - Best Deals
Vangoa 5 String Banjo Open Back Full Size, Clawhammer Banjo Beginner Kit with Frosted Remo Head, Maple Banjo with Geared 5th Tuner, Natural
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Vangoa 5 String Banjo 26 Inch, MINI Travel Banjo, Banjo Beginner Kit with Remo Head, Open Back & Closed Solid Back with beginner Kit, Comfortable Carrying Bag
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Banjolele, Sapele Travel Banjolele 26 Inch 4 String Lotmusic Remo Drumhead Open Back with Beginner Kit Extra String Allen Wrench Tuner Sandpaper Ruler and Bag
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AKLOT 5 String Banjos Full Size Open Back Banjo Adjustable Maple Body Remo Head with 2 Tuning Wrench, 4 Picks, Strings, Tuner, Strap Ruler, Cleaning Cloth, Gig Bag for New Beginner Professional
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- BrandInstrument Alley
Vangoa Banjolele, Mini Banjo Ukulele Travel Banjo Uke Instrument with Remo Head, 23 Inch 4 String Beginner Banjo Ukele Open Back for Starters Kids, Teens, Adults, Pink
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Kmise 5 String Banjo,Professional Two-way Truss Rod Open Back Banjos Starter Kit with Bag Tuner Strap Strings Picks Ruler Wrench Bridge
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- BrandOscar Schmidt
Costzon 6-String Full Size Banjo, Open Back Banjo Guitar Ukulele w/Remo Head, Truss Rod, Digital Tuner, Strap, Picks, Bracket Wrench, Bag, Allen Key, Large Banjolele Beginner Kit
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Last update on 2023-09-29 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API
Before You Buy: Everything You Need to Know About Open Back Banjos
Are you interested in playing the banjo? If so, you may be wondering what type of banjo to purchase. There are a few different types available on the market, but one of the most popular is the open back banjo.
In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about open back banjos before making a purchase!
1. What is an Open Back Banjo?
An open back banjo is a type of banjo that does not have a resonator or sound chamber attached to the back of the instrument.
This means that the strings are exposed, allowing for more resonance and volume than other types of banjos.
The absence of a resonator also gives the instrument a unique sound, which many banjo players prefer.
2. What Types of Music Can You Play on an Open Back Banjo?
Open back banjos are commonly used for traditional folk music styles such as bluegrass and old-timey music. However, they can also be used to play other genres like rock, pop, and jazz.
If you’re looking to explore different musical styles with your banjo, an open back may be the right choice for you!
3. How Much Should You Spend on an Open Back Banjo?
The price of open back banjos can vary greatly depending on the brand, material used, and features. If you’re just starting out, you may want to look for an entry-level model that isn’t too expensive.
However, if you plan on playing professionally or taking lessons, you should invest in a higher-quality instrument.
4. What Features Should You Look for in an Open Back Banjo?
When shopping for an open back banjo, you should consider the type of wood used for the neck and body, the number of frets, and the overall craftsmanship.
You may also want to look for a model with an adjustable nut or bridge if you plan on playing different styles of music.
5. Where Can I Buy an Open Back Banjo?
Open back banjos are widely available both online and in stores. It’s always best to try out different models before making a purchase, so be sure to visit your local music shop or instrument dealer to find the perfect one for you.
As outlined in this article, the 10 best open back banjos for beginners have been identified as an ideal way to learn and progress as a musician. Each of these instruments provides phenomenal sound quality and playability at an unbeatable price. With the wide selection of tuning options, sizes, and features that can be found within each of these banjos, there is something special for every aspiring banjo player.
Plus, with the best deals currently available, now is a great time to grab one of these beginner-friendly open back banjos and start becoming the musical star you were always meant to be!
Whether you’re looking for a classic old-time bluegrass sound or something modern and unique, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better value then what’s being offered here. So take your playing to the next level today and get ready to show off your musicianship with one of the top 10 open back banjo picks!