A banjo sounds unique, but in a lot of ways it also resembles a guitar, thanks to strings, a body and a neck. Yet a banjo is it’s own thing, thanks to a ‘membrane’ instead of a body. Add to that a narrower neck and a different you get a totally different sound.
What types of banjos are available?
5-string banjo: This is the most common type of banjo used in bluegrass music. It has five strings, four of which are tuned to a specific pitch and the fifth string is shorter and is used for playing treble.
The standard tuning for a 5-string banjo is known as "Open G" tuning. This means that the banjo is tuned to a G major chord with that extra fifth string. The strings are typically tuned to the following tones from low to high: G-D-G-B-D. You can easily tune a banjo like a guitar without the low E string, so: A-D-G-B-E, for a more familiar playing experience. If you want to get even more of the 'banjo like a guitar' feel, there are also six string versions available.
4-string banjo: Also called the tenor-banjo and the Dixie-Jazz or Celtic banjo. The default tuning is C-G-D-A, and for Celtic G-D-A-E. These banjos are smaller and therefore offer a clear sound with a lot of focus that cut through the mix well.
How do I buy a banjo?
As always, our advice is: try before you buy! And of course you can do so in our shop in Dedemsvaart, where we have a wide selection hanging on the wall. New, second-hand, vintage, 5-string, 4-string, banjo lessons: we have it all, fitting almost any budget. Of course from the banjo brand Deering and we also regularly receive vintage banjos from Gibson. Which banjo suits you best is a matter of trying it out. Among other things, pay attention to:
Look & feel
Does the look appeal to you? Does it sit comfortably in your hand? Does the model fit you? If the first impression is good, you are much more likely to play it
Tone
Does the banjo give you the sound you're looking for? That is sometimes puzzling because a banjo is often used within a certain setting. What can sound good when you play it alone, can turn out differently 'in the mix' and vice versa. We have already managed to help many enthusiastic players of all levels with this choice.
Tonewoods
Just like with guitars, wood adds color to the sound. A banjo with a maple neck has more highs than a banjo with a mahogany neck.
Does it work?
Do the tuners do what they should? No sharp edges? Is the intonation correct? The banjos we sell always come with a setup, so you can be sure that they are good, but if you buy something second-hand yourself, this often deserves extra attention.
Resonator or open back banjo?
Especially compared to a guitar, the volume of a banjo is sometimes a bit shocking, because it gets LOUD!!!. We think that is part of the charm of a banjo, because you can emphasize certain parts and melodies in a setting without extra amplification. It’s just that the neighbors may have a somewhat different perspective on this matter. An important factor in the volume, is the construction of a banjo. Usually a 'resonator' gives the vibration of the strings on the membrane an extra push, adding volume. There are also 'open back' banjos and they sound just a little different and often softer. And there are tools such as a 'mute' that dampens the vibration of the strings, so you can practice anywhere.
Which banjo head suits me?
An important part of the banjo is the 'head'. That is not, as with guitars, the headstock or the headstock. No: a banjo head is the 'skin' you see on the sound box. Originally this 'vellum' was made of calf skin, but nowadays most heads are made of the plastic mylar. There are different types of banjo heads that have a major influence on the sound.
The most well-known is Top Frosted with a recognizable clear sound, with a clear emphasis on note separation. Are you looking for a little more sustain? Then a Bottom Frosted is definitely something to try. Or for anyone who dares: a Black Skin. Looking for something that leans more towards the warmer and rounder sound of the original calfskin banjo heads? Then Fiberskyn is a good option. Renaissance banjoheads in turn offer a nice balance. And do you have a banjo with a dazzlingly beautifully made back or side? Then you can complement that nicely with a Clear Skin.
How much does banjo cost?
Prices for banjos can be compared to guitars. So you can find budget banjos, but be careful with that, because the quality often leaves much to be desired. Fortunately, a good banjo doesn't have to break the bank. We sell great Deering Banjos for less than 800 euros and at that price point you get a beautiful 'USA MADE' instrument for life.
Like guitars, beyond that 'the sky is the limit'. High-quality woods, sublime finishes and extras such as built-in pick ups and XLR output: it's all available, but with a matching price tag .
Personal advice when you are buying a banjo
Banjos are very special instruments and in the Netherlands they have only been discovered by a relatively small group of musicians. That is a pity, because in the United States, for example, but also in Ireland, the banjo plays a much larger role in folk, bluegrass and pop music.
At The Fellowship of Acoustics we simply love the banjo and we would like to introduce you to this amazing, lively and unique instrument. We always offer a wide selection of new, second-hand and vintage banjos for left-handed and right-handed players in our magical Guitar Villa. You can try them and our Fellows will be happy to tell you more about this beautiful stringed instrument. The coffee and the banjos are ready!