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10 Best Banjos 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Vangoa Banjo 5 String Full Size Banjos Set with Resonator, Remo Head, Beginner Banjo Kit with Closed Back, Premium Accessories for Adults, Teenager

Vangoa Banjo 5 String Full Size Banjos Set with Resonator, Remo Head, Beginner Banjo Kit with Closed Back, Premium Accessories for Adults, Teenager

Vangoa

10.0 score

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The Vangoa 5-string banjo is a solid choice for beginners and teens looking for an affordable full-size instrument with good basic features. It has a resonator (closed back), which helps produce a louder and brighter sound, making it suitable if you want that classic banjo tone. The neck and body are made from mahogany, a durable wood that also gives the banjo a nice warm color and decent resistance to warping over time. The included Remo drum head is a quality component that contributes to a sweet and clear sound, and you can tap it gently to vary your tone, adding some expressive options.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,387
Weight
Scale Length

Most important from
1333 reviews

Weight
This banjo delivers solid quality and a weight that feels like a more expensive instrument, making it perfect for beginners.
Scale Length
Its size and string spacing make it ideal for children learning to play, though it may not suit adult beginners due to finger spacing.
#2
9.1 score

Deering Goodtime Special 5-String Banjo

Deering Goodtime Special 5-String Banjo

Deering

9.1 score

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The Deering Goodtime Special 5-String Banjo boasts several features that make it a solid choice for both beginners and experienced players. The resonator design, with a blonde maple neck and rim, offers a traditional and appealing look. The neck is made of slender rock maple with 22 pressed-in nickel silver frets, providing durability and a comfortable playing experience. It also has geared tuners, making tuning easier and more stable.

Rating
9.1
Resonator vs. Open-Back
Neck Material
Weight

Most important from
15 reviews

Resonator vs. Open-Back
The resonator adds a tonering for a louder, richer sound with more sustain, making it perfect for playing in groups.
Neck Material
The neck is made of rock maple with a natural satin finish, providing a solid and stable playing experience.
Weight
Despite its weight, using a Neotech Banjo Strap significantly reduces the perceived heaviness, making it comfortable to play.
#3
9.1 score

Recording King RK-R35-BR Madison Tone Ring Banjo, Maple Resonator

Recording King RK-R35-BR Madison Tone Ring Banjo, Maple Resonator

Recording King

9.1 score

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The Recording King RK-R35-BR is a resonator-style banjo built mainly from maple, including its neck and body, which helps produce a bright and clear sound favored in bluegrass music. It features a Mastertone-style bell brass tone ring, known to enhance volume and tonal richness, making it suitable for players who want a strong, punchy sound. The neck includes an adjustable truss rod, allowing for easy setup and maintaining playability over time. With a 26.125-inch scale length and a rosewood fretboard, it offers a comfortable playing experience and standard fret count for most banjo styles.

Rating
9.1
Type of Banjo
Neck Material
Rim and Tone Ring

Most important from
11 reviews

Type of Banjo
Ideal for intermediate players seeking a traditional resonator banjo with clear, punchy sound.
Neck Material
Combines professional build quality with a neck that feels great to play.
Rim and Tone Ring
The solid maple construction and Mastertone-style brass tone ring provide strong volume and tonal richness.
Number of Frets
Offers excellent tone and playability well beyond the first five frets, maintaining clarity up the neck.
Weight
A heavier instrument that still feels comfortable and reliable for extended playing sessions.

Top 10 Best Banjos 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score
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Vangoa

Vangoa Banjo 5 String Full Size Banjos Set with Resonator, Remo Head, Beginner Banjo Kit with Closed Back, Premium Accessories for Adults, Teenager

Type of Banjo: 5-string
Resonator vs. Open-Back: Resonator (closed back)
Neck Material: Mahogany
Rim and Tone Ring: Remo drum head
Scale Length: 38-inch
Number of Frets: 22
Weight: 6.2 pounds

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Chosen by 1387 this week

#2
9.1  score
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Deering

Deering Goodtime Special 5-String Banjo

Type of Banjo: 5-String Banjo
Resonator vs. Open-Back: Resonator
Neck Material: rock maple
Rim and Tone Ring: 3-ply maple rim, steel tone ring
Scale Length: 26.25
Number of Frets: 22
Weight: 8 lbs

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#3
9.1  score
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Recording King

Recording King RK-R35-BR Madison Tone Ring Banjo, Maple Resonator

Type of Banjo: resonator-style
Resonator vs. Open-Back: Resonator
Neck Material: Maple
Rim and Tone Ring: Mastertone-style bell brass tone ring
Scale Length: 26.125
Weight: 7.5 pounds

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#4
8.8  score
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Gold Tone

Gold Tone GT-750 Banjitar Deluxe Banjo (Six String, Rosewood)

Type of Banjo: Banjitar
Resonator vs. Open-Back: Resonator
Neck Material: Maple
Rim and Tone Ring: Maple rim, brass tone ring
Scale Length: 25.5
Weight: 11.3 pounds

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#5
8.8  score
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Deering

Blackgrass Goodtime 5-String Banjo by Deering

Type of Banjo: 5-String
Resonator vs. Open-Back: Resonator
Neck Material: Rock Maple
Rim and Tone Ring: 3-ply maple rim
Number of Frets: 22
Weight: 1 pound

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5% OFF
#6
8.5  score
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Gold Tone

Gold Tone OB-150: Orange Blossom Banjo with Case, 5-String Banjo

Type of Banjo: 5-string
Resonator vs. Open-Back: Resonator
Rim and Tone Ring: 3-ply maple, 11" brass ring
Scale Length: 26-1/4"
Weight: 11.48 pounds

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#7
8.2  score
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Gold Tone

Gold Tone AC-1: 5-String Beginnner Banjo, Full Size with Gig-Bag, Bluegrass or Clawhammer

Type of Banjo: Banjo
Resonator vs. Open-Back: Open-Back
Rim and Tone Ring: Composite rim, Remo head
Number of Frets: 20
Weight: 1 pound

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#8
7.9  score
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Deering

Deering Goodtime Openback 5 String Banjo - Best Beginner Banjo | Made In U.S.A.

Type of Banjo: 5 String
Resonator vs. Open-Back: Openback
Neck Material: rock maple
Rim and Tone Ring: 3-ply violin maple rim
Scale Length: 26.25
Number of Frets: 22
Weight: 4 pounds

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#9
7.3  score
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Washburn

Washburn Americana Series B16K-D 5 String Banjo Sunburst

Type of Banjo: 5-string
Resonator vs. Open-Back: Resonator
Neck Material: Maple
Rim and Tone Ring: Maple rim
Scale Length: 28-inch
Weight: 9 pounds

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#10
7.0  score
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Recording King

Recording King RK-R20 Songster Banjo

Type of Banjo: resonator banjo
Resonator vs. Open-Back: resonator
Neck Material: mahogany
Rim and Tone Ring: multi-ply rim, rolled tone ring
Scale Length: 26¼-inch
Weight: 9 pounds

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Buying Guide for the Best Banjos

Choosing the right banjo can be a rewarding experience, whether you're a beginner or an experienced player. The key to finding the perfect banjo is understanding the different specifications and how they align with your playing style, musical preferences, and skill level. By focusing on the key specs, you can make an informed decision that will enhance your playing experience and help you achieve your musical goals.
Type of BanjoBanjos come in different types, including 4-string, 5-string, and 6-string models. The 5-string banjo is the most common and is often used in bluegrass and folk music. The 4-string banjo, also known as a tenor or plectrum banjo, is popular in jazz and Irish music. The 6-string banjo, also known as a banjitar, is tuned like a guitar and is suitable for guitar players transitioning to the banjo. Choose the type that matches the genre of music you want to play and your current skill set.
Resonator vs. Open-BackBanjos can have either a resonator or an open-back design. A resonator banjo has a wooden back that projects the sound forward, making it louder and brighter, which is ideal for bluegrass and other ensemble settings. An open-back banjo lacks this back piece, resulting in a softer, mellower sound, which is preferred for old-time and clawhammer styles. Consider where and how you plan to play when choosing between these two designs.
Neck MaterialThe neck of a banjo can be made from various woods, such as maple, mahogany, or walnut. Maple necks are known for their bright, clear tone and are often used in bluegrass banjos. Mahogany necks produce a warmer, mellower sound, while walnut necks offer a balance between the two. Your choice of neck material will affect the banjo's tone and playability, so consider the sound you prefer and the feel of the neck in your hands.
Rim and Tone RingThe rim and tone ring are crucial components that influence the banjo's sound. The rim is the circular wooden part of the body, while the tone ring is a metal ring that sits on top of the rim. Banjos with a tone ring tend to have a brighter, more powerful sound, making them suitable for bluegrass and other loud playing styles. Banjos without a tone ring have a softer, more subdued tone, which is ideal for folk and old-time music. Decide based on the volume and tone you desire.
Scale LengthThe scale length of a banjo refers to the distance between the nut and the bridge. A longer scale length (around 26-27 inches) provides more tension on the strings, resulting in a brighter tone and more volume. A shorter scale length (around 23-25 inches) offers less tension, producing a warmer tone and making the banjo easier to play, especially for those with smaller hands. Choose a scale length that feels comfortable and suits your playing style.
Number of FretsBanjos typically have between 19 and 24 frets. More frets allow for a greater range of notes and can be beneficial for advanced players who want to explore higher notes and more complex music. Fewer frets can make the banjo lighter and easier to handle, which might be preferable for beginners or those focusing on traditional playing styles. Consider your playing level and the type of music you want to play when deciding on the number of frets.
WeightThe weight of a banjo can vary significantly depending on its construction and materials. Heavier banjos, often with a resonator and tone ring, provide a louder and more resonant sound but can be more challenging to hold and play for extended periods. Lighter banjos, typically open-back models, are easier to manage and more comfortable for long practice sessions. Think about your physical comfort and how you plan to use the banjo when considering its weight.

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