Musical Instruments Banjo

Cold Feet Playing the Banjo

By Philip Culver 

Banjo lessons are a lot tougher than I thought. I’d been taking these online banjo lessons for months now – you know, downloading videos of this guy strumming his banjo and trying to follow along, stroking that banjo to my heart’s content – but when my first actual, person-to-person banjo lesson came, I felt like I was all thumbs. I admit that I was a bit of a slacker following those downloaded video lessons, mostly doing only the lessons and the songs that interested me and skipping the rest. 

I was really and thoroughly disappointed with my first actual banjo lesson. Maybe it was because I was trying to show off and display to my instructor my ‘hard-earned’ banjo-playing skills. I thought playing the banjo would be a breeze. Just the thought of playing in front of my banjo instructor still rattles me. Now, I’m puzzled as to how I can actually learn anything from my banjo lessons if I can’t even play in front of my teacher. For now, I’m going to start recording my banjo playing and let him hear it.

Purchasing a Beginner Banjo - A Buyer's Guide!

By Shannon Medley 

Purchasing a beginner banjo can be difficult. Most people start out feeling as though this is the musical instrument for them and it is sure to develop into a life long passion and talent. However, this isn't always the case, and new musicians fear that with the loss of interest and determination will come the loss of a large sum of money. This is especially true when purchasing a beginner banjo for a child or young adult.

The banjo is not an easy instrument to play, and takes a great deal of patience and practice. So, when buying a beginner banjo, or any other beginner instrument for that matter, it is vital to decide a budget.

Banjos are available to purchase at just about any price point. There are simple, less ornate banjos which are usually priced around the $100 - $150 mark. However, banjos can go up from there and can reach prices in the thousands.

More expensive banjos can be priced according to both appearances and brand. Some banjos are decorated with rare wood detailing, gold-leaf designs or personalized monograms, each additional detail adding to the cost. These details are beautiful, but they are not necessary for someone who is just starting to learn to play.

With banjos it is important to remember that a more expensive instrument does not necessarily produce better sound or fuller notes. With beginner banjos in particular, this is due to a number of factors such as the quality of strings and adjustments to the head and neck both of which can be improved and upgraded after the initial purchase.

When buying a beginner banjo it is also important to keep in mind where the instrument is made. Many banjos are produced and manufactured in Asian countries where both wood materials and specialized labor come fairly cheap. This does not mean that a lack of quality should be expected or experienced.

Beginner banjos can be priced differently but made in the same factory. When shopping through banjo retailers you will notice that many of the banjo models are close to identical, with the only real difference being in the brand name or finishing details. 

Banjos in general, do not have a great variety when it comes to styles or designs. Ask if you are able to have a trial period with each banjo while in the store. Holding and playing a few different models will help you decide on a final purchase based on comfort and feel rather than appearance and price.

Buying a beginner banjo should be fun. After all you, or someone in your family is starting out on a new musical endeavor of playing the banjo! This should feel like an exciting new venture and should not be brought down by worries of quality or price. Focus on the future, and the chance that your purchase could lead to a lifelong love affair with the banjo and its up-lifting music.

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