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10 Best Banjos 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.8 score

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

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

Gold Tone

9.8 score

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The Gold Tone AC-1 is an excellent choice for beginners looking to explore the world of banjos. Its open-back design allows for a warm and resonant sound, making it suitable for styles like clawhammer or bluegrass. Weighing just 1 pound, it's lightweight, which adds to its appeal for new players who might struggle with heavier instruments. The composite rim and Remo frosted head contribute to its durability and ease of maintenance, which is a plus for those just starting out.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,351
Resonator vs. Open-Back
Weight

Most important from
90 reviews

Resonator vs. Open-Back
Despite lacking a tone ring, this banjo is quite loud for an open-back and handles both Scruggs-style picking and clawhammer well.
Weight
The Gold Tone AC-1 is an incredibly lightweight banjo that sounds great and comes with an excellent setup right out of the box.
#2
9.6 score

Deering Goodtime 2 5-String Resonator Nickel Hardware Bluegrass Banjo with Deluxe Padded Bag, Strings, Dunlop Finger and Thumb Picks, True Tune Rechargeable Tuner, Mute, Bundle Starter Package

Deering Goodtime 2 5-String Resonator Nickel Hardware Bluegrass Banjo with Deluxe Padded Bag, Strings, Dunlop Finger and Thumb Picks, True Tune Rechargeable Tuner, Mute, Bundle Starter Package

Artist Unknown

9.6 score

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The Deering Goodtime 2 5-String Resonator Banjo is an excellent choice for bluegrass enthusiasts and beginners looking for a comprehensive starter package. This banjo features a resonator design, which is ideal for producing a louder and brighter sound compared to open-back models, making it well-suited for bluegrass music. The neck is made from blonde slender rock maple, providing durability and a comfortable playing experience, while the 22 nickel silver frets and hardwood bow tie inlays add to its aesthetic appeal and playability. The inclusion of geared tuners and a geared 5th string tuner ensures stable tuning and easy adjustments.

Rating
9.6
Resonator vs. Open-Back

Most important from
13 reviews

Resonator vs. Open-Back
A minor issue is that the included bag is too small for the resonator model, fitting only an open-back banjo.
#3
9.5 score

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

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

Gold Tone

9.5 score

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The Gold Tone OB-150 is a well-crafted 5-string banjo that stands out for its resonator design, making it a solid choice for those interested in bluegrass or folk music. The 11" brass flat top tone ring and 3-ply maple rim contribute to a rich, bright sound, ideal for projecting in ensemble settings. With a scale length of 26-1/4", it caters well to both beginner and intermediate players looking for playability without sacrificing tone quality. The fingerboard made of rosewood offers a smooth feel, enhancing playability.

Rating
9.5
Resonator vs. Open-Back

Most important from
12 reviews

Resonator vs. Open-Back
The instrument sounds fine, but there was a massive ding in the resonator binding, possibly from shipping.

Top 10 Best Banjos 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.8 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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Chosen by 1351 this week

#2

9.6 score

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Artist Unknown

Deering Goodtime 2 5-String Resonator Nickel Hardware Bluegrass Banjo with Deluxe Padded Bag, Strings, Dunlop Finger and Thumb Picks, True Tune Rechargeable Tuner, Mute, Bundle Starter Package

Type of Banjo: Deering Goodtime 2
Resonator vs. Open-Back: Resonator
Neck Material: Blonde rock maple
Scale Length: 26 1/4 inches
Number of Frets: 22
Weight: 6 lbs

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#3

9.5 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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#4

9.3 score

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Fender

Fender PB-180E Banjo, Natural, with Gig Bag

Type of Banjo: 5-string acoustic-electric
Neck Material: Mahogany
Weight: 9 pounds

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#5

9.1 score

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Instrument Alley

Deering Goodtime 2 5-String Maple Resonator Bluegrass Banjo Nickel Hardware with Instrument Alley Hard Case, Rechargeable Tuner, Dunlop Picks Bundle - Made in the USA

Type of Banjo: 5-String Maple Resonator
Resonator vs. Open-Back: Resonator
Neck Material: Rock Maple
Rim and Tone Ring: 3-ply violin grade maple
Number of Frets: 22
Weight: 14.22 pounds

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#6

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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#7

8.6 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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#8

8.4 score

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Ibanez

B50 5-String Banjo

Type of Banjo: 5-String
Resonator vs. Open-Back: Resonator
Neck Material: Mahogany
Number of Frets: 22
Weight: 1 pound

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#9

8.1 score

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Ibanez

Ibanez B200 Banjo - Natural

Type of Banjo: 5-string
Neck Material: Mahogany
Rim and Tone Ring: Basswood rim, brass tone ring
Weight: 12.6 pounds

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#10

7.9 score

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Deering

Two 17-Fret Tenor Artisan Goodtime Banjo

Type of Banjo: 5-String Banjo
Resonator vs. Open-Back: Resonator
Neck Material: Rock Maple
Rim and Tone Ring: 3-ply maple rim
Scale Length: Standard
Number of Frets: 22
Weight: 5.5 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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