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10 Best Banjos 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

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

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

Gold Tone

10.0 score

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The Gold Tone GT-750 Banjitar Deluxe Banjo is a six-string hybrid instrument that combines the characteristics of a banjo and a guitar. It features a 13-inch curly maple resonator, giving it a rich and bright sound. The 11-inch 20-hole bell brass tone ring contributes to its excellent tone quality and volume. The radiused rosewood fingerboard and two-way adjustable truss rod ensure comfortable playability and stability for the neck. With an EADGBE tuning, this banjitar appeals to guitar players looking to explore banjo sounds without learning a new instrument tuning.

#2
10.0 score

Blackgrass Goodtime 5-String Banjo by Deering

5%OFF

Blackgrass Goodtime 5-String Banjo by Deering

Deering

10.0 score

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The Blackgrass Goodtime 5-String Banjo by Deering is a versatile instrument suitable for both beginners and experienced players. With its satin black slender rock maple neck and 22 pressed-in nickel silver frets, it promises smooth playability and durability. The satin black stained maple resonator and 3-ply violin grade maple rim contribute to its clear and bright sound, which is characteristic of maple instruments.

Rating
10.0
Resonator vs. Open-Back

Most important from
14 reviews

Resonator vs. Open-Back
Despite its sound and playability, the visible product number on the metal ring and a quarter-inch gap where the neck meets the resonator detract from its overall quality.
#3
9.7 score

Deering Goodtime 2 5-String Maple Resonator Bluegrass Banjo 1920's Art Deco Inlay Bronze Powder Coat Hardware with Instrument Alley Hard Case Combo

Deering Goodtime 2 5-String Maple Resonator Bluegrass Banjo 1920's Art Deco Inlay Bronze Powder Coat Hardware with Instrument Alley Hard Case Combo

Instrument Alley

9.7 score

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The Deering Goodtime 2 is a 5-string resonator banjo designed with bluegrass players in mind, featuring a maple neck and a 3-ply maple/poplar resonator rim that helps produce a bright, focused sound typical of this style. Its neck has a comfortable 'D' shape with 22 nickel silver frets, which gives you plenty of room to play, and a standard 1 1/4" nut width that feels familiar to most players. The resonator design means the banjo projects well and has a louder, punchier tone compared to open-back models, making it a great option for stage or jam sessions where volume and clarity matter.

Top 10 Best Banjos 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  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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Chosen by 1111 this week

#2
10.0  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
#3
9.7  score
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Instrument Alley

Deering Goodtime 2 5-String Maple Resonator Bluegrass Banjo 1920's Art Deco Inlay Bronze Powder Coat Hardware with Instrument Alley Hard Case Combo

Type of Banjo: 5-string resonator
Resonator vs. Open-Back: Resonator
Neck Material: Maple
Rim and Tone Ring: 3-ply maple/poplar resonator rim
Number of Frets: 22 nickel silver
Weight: 6.5 kg (14 lbs)

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#4
9.7  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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#5
9.7  score
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Instrument Alley

Deering Goodtime 5-String Openback Banjo Art Deco Inlay Bronze Powder Coat Hardware Open Back with Instrument Alley Bag, Tuner, Mute, Picks Combo - Made in the USA

Type of Banjo: 5-String Openback
Resonator vs. Open-Back: Openback
Neck Material: Rock Maple
Rim and Tone Ring: 11-inch 3-ply maple rim
Scale Length: 37.5 inches
Number of Frets: 22
Weight: 7.68 pounds

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#6
9.4  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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#7
9.1  score
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Gold Tone

Gold Tone BG-150F Banjo

Type of Banjo: 5-string
Resonator vs. Open-Back: Resonator
Neck Material: Maple
Rim and Tone Ring: Rolled brass
Scale Length: 26.19
Weight: 9 pounds

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#8
7.6  score
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Instrument Alley

Deering Goodtime BLACKGRASS 5-String Bluegrass Banjo with All-Black Resonator, Neck and Hardware - Instrument Alley Bundle

Type of Banjo: 5-string
Resonator vs. Open-Back: Resonator
Neck Material: premium rock maple
Rim and Tone Ring: 3-ply violin-grade maple rim
Number of Frets: 22
Weight: 12.7 pounds

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#9
7.3  score
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Deering

Deering Goodtime Openback 5-String Banjo Left Handed

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#10
7.0  score
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Washburn

Washburn Americana Series B11K-A 5 String Banjo Natural

Type of Banjo: 5-string
Resonator vs. Open-Back: Resonator
Neck Material: Mahogany
Rim and Tone Ring: Mahogany resonator and rim
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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