Best 4 string banjos

Steve Romanoski Avatar
Steve Romanoski
Last Updated: Sep 19, 2022

Online shopping can be a time-consuming task to perform, especially if you've never had the product before. Luckily, there're ultimate reviews like this one that can help save you hours on the research. The www.playersbenchmusic.com researchers have carefully selected the top 29 4 string banjos out there. Below you'll find our detailed reviews of the best options from JYsun, Grote, Luna Guitars, ALPOWL, SLADE.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Gold Tone AC-4 Acoustic Composite 4-String Openback Irish Tenor Banjo Bundle
#TOP 1
Gold Tone AC-4 Acoustic Composite 4-String Openback Irish Tenor Banjo Bundle
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HEALLILY Banjo Tailpiece For 4 String Banjo Parts Replacement (silver)
#TOP 2
HEALLILY Banjo Tailpiece For 4 String Banjo Parts Replacement (silver)
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Irish Tenor 4 String Banjo Fingerboard Notes & Chord Poster Wall Chart 11x17
#TOP 3
Irish Tenor 4 String Banjo Fingerboard Notes & Chord Poster Wall Chart 11x17
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Top 29 Best 4 string banjos Reviews 2022

#TOP 1

Gold Tone AC-4 Acoustic Composite 4-String Openback Irish Tenor Banjo Bundle

Gold Tone

Features

  • Fingerboard: Blackwood
  • Neck: Nato
  • Bridge: Maple with Ebony Cap
  • IRISH TENOR VERSION (Strings: .040w, .030w, .020w, .013)
  • Finish: Satin Black
#TOP 2

HEALLILY Banjo Tailpiece For 4 String Banjo Parts Replacement (silver)

HEALLILY

Features

  • The Tailpiece perfect choice for any new build or vintage repair or restoration. Good replacement for your old or broken one.
  • 100 percent brand new. Higth quality material, easy to repair and maintenance.
  • String changes are fast and easy with the flip-top tailpiece cover that virtually eliminates string breakage.
  • Easy to play, install or set up. Stable, durable and flexible.
  • Material: Alloy.
#TOP 3

Irish Tenor 4 String Banjo Fingerboard Notes & Chord Poster Wall Chart 11x17

A New Song Music

Features

  • Made in the USA
  • Easy to read
  • Note locations on the fretboard
  • 11" x 17" Instructional Guide
  • Major, Minor, & 7th Chords for basic Irish Tenor Banjo Chords
  • Heavy 80lb Glossy Paper
#TOP 4

Nut Banjo Bone Acoustic or Electric 30mm 1 3/16 RH

Bitterroot

Features

  • Bone Nut for Banjo
  • 4 string Right Hand Setup
  • 30.5mm width (1.20" or 1 13/64")
  • Natural Oxen Bone Material
  • Preslotted
#TOP 5

Golden Gate GB-3T Deluxe 4-String Tenor Banjo Bridge

Golden Gate

Features

  • 1/2" height suitable for vintage, old time banjos
  • To learn more, please see our Product Description below
  • Bridge top overlaid with long-wearing ebony with bone inserts and pre-cut string notches for clearest articulation
  • Well seasoned, close grained hard-rock maple base for stability and clear tone transmission
#TOP 6

Golden Gate GB-1T Standard 4-String Tenor Banjo Bridge

Golden Gate

Features

  • To learn more, please see our Product Description below
  • Well seasoned, close grained, hard rock maple base for stability and clear tone transmission
  • Bridge top inlaid in long-wearing ebony with pre-cut string notches
  • 1/2" height suitable for vintage banjos
#TOP 7

Ortega Guitars, 4-String Banjolele Series Banjo-Ukulele w/Bag

Ortega Guitars

Features

  • Includes Free Deluxe gig bag
  • 4-string Ukulele Banjo
  • Maple Resonator & Rim, Semi Satin Black
  • Hard Maple Neck with Rosewood Fretboard
  • 394 mm Scale, 18 Brackets, Remo EBONY Head
  • Chrome Hardware, Die Cast Tuning Machines
#TOP 8

Kmise 4 String Banjo Ukulele Uke Concert 23 Inch Size Sapele With Bag Tuner

Kmise

Features

  • Kmise responsible for every item we sold and do our best to offer the best solution if your product has any problem.
  • Kmise banjolele has various playing methods. It can be in a traditional resonator style or an open back style by detaching its back. Traditional resonator style produces a mellower, softer sound while the open back style has a brighter sound.
  • The drum head of Kmise banjolele made of polyster with great elasticity has a quick response. Equipped with superior Aquila String from Italy and high quality closed geared tuners, this banjolele can not only produce a bright and percussive tone but also be in an accurate intonation and stay in tune well.
  • Compared with other banjoleles, Kmise banjolele with action 3mm at 12th fret is very comfortable for beginners to learn because players do not need to press too hard with such a low action. Preset with truss rod inside the neck, players can adjust the action with the wrench as needed. Smooth fretboard and neat fret wires also offer comfortable touch and protect hands from being scratched.
  • The Banjo ukulele is a four stringed instrument with a small banjo type body and a fretted concert size ukulele neck that was very popular in the '20s & '30s. It features the distinctive sound of a banjo and the small scale tuning and playing style of a Ukulele. The instrument uses standard ukulele tuning of G-C-E-A.
#TOP 9

Kmise Banjolele Banjo Ukulele Concert Ukelele 4 String 23 Inch Sapele Wood Musical Instrument

Kmise

Features

  • Tuners--Chrome Geared Closed Tuning Pegs can make sure strings and tones stable.
  • Frets--18pcs copper fretwire-exquisite material,resistance to abrasion and embroider,good sound.
  • Special Design Dots--it is unique that with flower shape abalone dots.very beautiful.
  • Fretboard--Rosewood fingerboard-hard material,corrosion resistance,comfortable touch.
  • Strings--Pre-strung with Premium Aquila String Made In Italy,guarantee of quality.
#TOP 10

4 String Banjolele Magic Gold Concert 23 Inch Banjo Ukulele

Magic Gold

Features

  • The Banjolele is equipped with comfortable armrests, so you no longer feel the pain or discomfort of metal armrests when playing for a long time. Play comfortably and fully concentrate on practice. Very comfortable for beginners
  • Beginner Kit, tuner, spare strings, bracket wrench, strap, picks, stage pickups, cleaning cloth, gigbag
  • The high-quality Sapele back and side panels bring a sweet, loud, and clean tone. The walnut fingerboard is smooth and resistant to daily practice, and the copper edges are carefully polished to avoid scratches
  • The 23" concert banjo ukulele has a unique and wide tone, which can be easily mastered by most musicians. The 15:1 ratio chrome-plated closed tuning nails are easy to tune and hold. The Italian Aquila strings are stronger and more durable. Stable sounds better
  • It can be a resonator banjo or an open banjo. The traditional resonator style produces a softer and softer sound, while the open-back style produces a brighter sound
#TOP 11

BQLZR Maple Ebony Bridge

BQLZR

Features

  • From string to string measures 0.35" inch and from first to last measures 1.43".
  • Popular Three Legged Model
  • Legged thickness:0.2"
  • Maple and ebony bridge for 4 string banjo.
  • From string to string measures 0.35" inch and from first to last measures 1.43"
#TOP 12

Gold Tone AC-4 Acoustic Composite 4-String Openback Tenor Banjo w/Gig Bag

Gold Tone

Features

  • Truss Rod: Two-Way Adjustable
  • Finish: Satin Black
  • Neck: Nato
  • Fingerboard: Blackwood
  • Head: Remo 11" LC Smooth
#TOP 13

Banjo Bridge,Banjo Standard Wooden Bridge Banjos Accessories (4 Strings

Colorful Time

Features

  • Banjo bridge top inlaid in long-wearing ebony and pre-cut string notches for clearest articulation.
  • Suitable For: Exquisite workmanship and standard banjo bridge size, the bridge is designed for banjos.
  • Each banjo bridge is strong, yet still lightweight to assure maximum transfer of string vibration to the head.
  • Well seasoned, close grained, hard rock banjo bridge maple base for stability and clear tone transmission.
  • Three legged model banjo bridge With popular three footed model, it is stable and convenient for you to use.
#TOP 14

Generic 5 pcs Banjo Nuts

Generic

Features

  • Plastic Banjo Nuts
#TOP 15

Mulucky Banjolele 4 String Banjo Ukulele Concert Size 23 Inch

MuLucky

Features

  • Premium Sapele- The Sapele xylophone body with beautiful wood grain is hard, not easy to warp or corrode, making the banjo durable. The anti-corrosion chrome-plated pegs can stand the test of time, and the 15:1 transmission ratio ensures string pitch
  • Portable Size - The 23 inch banjolele is perfect for musical travel. Lightweight, suitable for parties, courses, etc. The mini banjo is easy to use, very suitable for beginners, and economical
  • Warranty Service - We are a professional banjo uke supplier, committed to the spirit of music and supplying competitive instruments. If you have any dissatisfaction with this banjolele, please contact us for a full refund or a replacement it
  • Comfort in Hand- The 3mm motion at the 12th fret is very comfortable when pressed. Adjusting the truss rod can better balance the tension caused by the strings or climate change, and set the perfect string height to meet different needs
  • Polyester Drum Skin - The drumskin of Mulucky banjolele is made of polyester that has great elasticity to respond quickly, equipped with premium Aquila strings from Italy and a high-quality closed-gear tuner, this banjo not only delivers bright, punchy sound but is a well-tuned and well-kept.
#TOP 16

Generic 10 pcs Banjo Nuts

Generic

Features

  • Plastic Ivory
#TOP 17

Stagg BJM30 4-String Bluegrass Banjo Deluxe

Stagg

Features

  • Country of Origin: CHINA
  • 11" REMO Head
  • Mahogany resonator
  • High gloss finish
#TOP 18

Kmise Banjolele 4 String Banjo-Ukulele Concert Size 23 Inch

Kmise

Features

  • 1. The drum head of Kmise banjolele made of polyester with great elasticity has a quick response. Equipped with superior Aquila String from Italy and high quality closed geared tuners, this banjolele can not only produce a bright and percussive tone but also be in an accurate intonation and stay in tune well.
  • 3. Multifunctional strap with an adjustable length from 45.6'' to 66.1'' can release the pressure of the banjolele and set hands free to play. The strap equips with two hooks can allow players not to drill a hole on the banjolele but fasten the hook on the metal frame and tie the leather belt on either headstock or strap lock.
  • 5. Kmise provides 90-day warranty for the banjolele and lifetime string replacement. If there is any problem with Kmise banjolele, please feel free to contact us and we will reply to you within 24 hours and help you solve the problem ASAP.
  • 2. Compared with other banjoleles, Kmise banjolele with action 3mm at the 12th fret is very comfortable for beginners to learn because players do not need to press too hard with such a low action. Preset with truss rod inside the neck, players can adjust the action with the wrench as needed. Smooth fretboard and neat fret wires also offer comfortable touch and protect hands from being scratched.
  • 4. Kmise banjolele has various playing methods. It can be in a traditional resonator style or an open back style by detaching its back. Traditional resonator style produces a mellower, softer sound while the open back style has a brighter sound. The package also comes with a piezo pickup that can connect the recording equipment for stage performance, which makes Kmise banjolele a super playable and multifunctional musical instrument.
#TOP 19

Banjo Ukulele, Sapele Travel Banjolele 26 Inch 4 String Lotmusic Remo Drumhead Open Back

lotmusic

Features

  • ?Advanced Two-way Truss Rod:You can adjust the distance between finger board and strings farther or closer to keep it straight and comfort when you play banjolele.
  • ?Banjo package comes with basical things you need to start, Carrying Bag extra strings Allen wrench and Tuner.You don't have any trouble,please feel free to contact us if there is any problem you meet.
  • ?Chrome Closed Tuner Machine : This banjolele employed chrome closed geared tuner to makes tuning banjo more accurate and keep in tune.
  • ?Remo Drumhead and Sapele Body: 12 durable chrome-plated brackets on banjo ensure even head panel tension, with remo Drum skin, banjolele sound warmer, round tone.
  • ?Open Back Design: Banjo ukulele with opened back produces a mellower, softer sound while the resonator banjo style produces a very bright sound.
#TOP 20

Vangoa Banjolele 4 String Banjo Ukulele Mini Travel Banjo Uke 23 Inch Concert Portable Small Banjo Ukele Kit

Vangoa

Features

  • [Play Anytime Anywhere] Portable 23 inch concert banjolele comes with nylon 4 string, which is easier to push down thus much suitable for beginners to master. With a shoulder handheld dual-use padded bag, the lightweight banjo ukelele is suitable for various occasions: music travel, courses, or other indoor-outdoor activities
  • [Tailored Design for Beginners] String action is considerately designed for beginners and intermediates, low enough to make playing easy and comfortable, but not so low to cause buzzing, keep a nice balance between playability and sound
  • [Enhanced Playing Experience] Durable chrome-plated armrest enables comfort on the wrist of the picking hand, keep you more concentrated on banjo uke performance and practicing smoothly without getting weary and losing balance in hand placement, greatly speeding up your learning progress
  • [Open Close Back Switchable] Versatile banjo ukulele better fits beginners' needs to step in different music styles, bluegrass, old-time clawhammer, mellower or brighter. With self-adhesive pickup, you could plug into an amp to spread out your happiness with more friends and families
  • [Quality Sweet Tone] AAA mahogany body with 5-ply climate-resistant 8-inch rim, produces a rich, vibrant, sweet sound, perfect for any music style. 12 solid chrome-plated brackets properly tight the drum head to put out a satisfactory tone and playabilityeet sound, perfect for any music styles. 12 solid chrome-plated brackets properly tight the drum head to put out a satisfactory tone and playability
  • [Easy to Start Support] Provide a 90-Day Warranty and lifelong aftersales service. Well-prepared everything you need to start: gig bag, beginner guide book, bridge installation ruler, extra string set, digital tuner, strap, picks, pickup, cleaning cloth, tuning key. Easier to begin, just unbox and play
#TOP 21

Banjo Ukulele 4 String Banjos lele Ukelele Uke Concert 23 Inch Size (Type 4)

Kmise

Features

  • Lower Action: Press easily,no buzzing,best for beginner to banjo ukulele practicing
  • Advanced Tuner: Closed gear tuning pegs,contains oil, so it would not rust so easy.Finer and more stable tuning also ensures the banjo ukulele has the best intonation and stays in tune longer.
  • Two Styles Available:it can not only be a resonator type but also an open back type by detaching its back. Resonator type produces a mellower, softer sound while the open back type more bright
  • Bone Nut & Saddle: Well wear-resistance,perfectly vibration transmission,make the banjo ukulele has a full sound
  • No Hand Scratching: Neatly fret wire + smoothly fingerboard , comfortably to play with the banjo ukulele
#TOP 22

Kmise 4 String Banjo Ukulele Banjo lele Uke Concert 23 Inch Size Sapele Wood

Kmise

Features

  • Lower Action: Press easily,no buzzing,best for beginner to banjo ukulele practicing
  • Two Styles Available:it can not only be a resonator type but also an open back type by detaching its back. Resonator type produces a mellower, softer sound while the open back type more bright
  • Advanced Tuner: Closed gear tuning pegs,contains oil, so it would not rust so easy.Finer and more stable tuning also ensures the banjo ukulele has the best intonation and stays in tune longer.
  • No Hand Scratching: Neatly fret wire + smoothly fingerboard , comfortably to play with the banjo ukulele
  • Bone Nut & Saddle: Well wear-resistance,perfectly vibration transmission,make the banjo ukulele has a full sound
#TOP 23

Mulucky 4 String Banjolele

MuLucky

Features

  • Remo Head- Classic brand, feature warm, full-range tone with outstanding definition and enhanced mid and low-range resonance
  • Comfort in Hand- The 3mm motion at the 12th fret is very comfortable when pressed. Adjusting the truss rod can better balance the tension caused by the strings or climate change, and set the perfect string height to meet different needs
  • Premium Sapele- The Sapele xylophone body with beautiful wood grain is hard, not easy to warp or corrode, making the banjo durable. The anti-corrosion chrome-plated pegs can stand the test of time, and the 15:1 transmission ratio ensures string pitch
  • Warranty Service - We are a professional banjo uke supplier, committed to the spirit of music and supplying competitive instruments. If you have any dissatisfaction with this banjolele, please contact us for a full refund or a replacement it
  • Portable Size- The 23-inch banjo is perfect for musical travel. Lightweight, suitable for parties, courses, etc. The mini banjo is easy to use, very suitable for beginners, and economical
#TOP 24

Donner Banjolele 4 String Banjo Ukulele kit Stringed Musical Instruments

Donner

Features

  • 4 Sting Banjo Uke---Donner banjolele is a four-stringed musical instrument with a small banjo-type body and a fretted ukulele neck. Combining banjo's distinctive tone with ukulele's standard tuning of G-C-E-A and playing style.
  • Quality Material Banjolele - the body of Donner banjo uke is made of sapele, enabling it to produce a mellow, and soft sound. Made by maple and hardwood, the bridge is hard enough to prevent the strings cut into the bridge.
  • Full size Banjo Kit for Beginners Kids -All accessories,including banjo picks, gig bag,tunner, ruler and truss rod,are suitable for banjo Beginner.
  • Resonator Guitar Banjolele - Donner banjo is resonator banjo with the great drumhead which is from the professional drumhead supplier - Remo, contributing to a warm, full and clear tone.
  • Best Beginner Guitar Banjo - innovative use of finger plates inlaid with muscovite to help beginners quickly find the appropriate position and the board points are very clear, and there will be no reflection under the light.
#TOP 25

Trinity River TRTB1 4-String Tenor Banjo

Trinity River

Features

  • Open Tuners
  • Nato Resonator
  • 18 Brackets
  • Custom Fit Gig Bag
  • 19 Frets
#TOP 26

Gold Tone Little Gem Diamond Banjo Ukulele Bundle w/Bag & Cloth Pack

Gold Tone

Features

  • Brackets: 12
  • Bridge: Maple with Ebony Cap
  • Rim: 8in Acrylic
  • Fingerboard: Maple
  • Neck: Maple
#TOP 27

Gold Tone, 4-String Banjo

Gold Tone

Features

  • Zero glide nut for most desired intonation
  • 19 fret tenor banjo
  • Flat bar tension hoop
  • Includes bag with backpack strap
  • Composite 11" Rim with Remo head
#TOP 28

Gold Tone CC-Irish Tenor Cripple Creek Tenor Banjo (Four String

Gold Tone

Features

  • Chrome hardware
  • Removable resonator, 4-strings
  • Rolled brass tone ring
  • Total Length 31 1/4 inches
#TOP 29

Lykos Top Grade Exquisite Professional Wood Metal 4/5/6-string Banjo White & Wood Color (4-String)

Lykos

Features

  • Offer you dulcet, melodious and wonderful tone A perfect gift and instrument for someone crazy for banjo
  • Adopt high quality and solid metal & wood Eye-catching and brilliant look
  • Our banjo has been fitted with a strap buckle for easy access to the strap
  • Our banjo side has the standard phonetic mark, makes it easy for beginners to remember the silk position
  • We have screwdriver tools and wrench tools, guests can maintain worry-free maintenance including: The adjustment of the neck bending, the adjustment of the height of the strings

A Guide to Selecting the Best 4 string banjos

Which is easier to play 4 or 5-string banjo?

The 4 string banjo is easier to learn for beginners. But if you want to learn how to play real banjo songs then you'll have to switch to a 5 string banjo eventually. If we talk about types of banjos.

How long does it take to get good at banjo?

Some banjo instructors claim that it should take about 2,000-hours of work to get to the point of playing banjo where you can reasonably be expected to do pretty much anything on it. We tend to agree with this. A good solid 2,000-hours of work should allow you to play the banjo with incredible ease.

Does a 4 string banjo play like a ukulele?

Even though they come with four strings, four-string banjos aren't typically played like bass guitars (bass banjos do exist, though). Instead, some of the most common 4-string banjos are built like ukuleles and play exactly like them.

Is a 4 string banjo good for beginners?

4 String. 4-string 'tenor' banjos are usually the best choice for beginners, seeing as having fewer strings is easier to get your head around when it comes to theory and because the smaller fret spacing is less of a stretch on your fingers.

What's the difference between a 4 and 5 string banjo?

The only difference, of course, is that you're basically playing a smaller banjo in terms of sound. Other instruments under the four-string category include the tenor banjo and the plectrum banjo.

What is the easiest banjo to play?

5 string banjo The 5 string banjo is actually the easiest stringed instrument to get started playing.

Can you play bluegrass on a 4-string banjo?

4-String Banjos: Standard tenor tuning is the same as viola or mandola and the Irish tenor tuning is the same as the mandolin or violin - only an octave lower so try these banjos on some classical or bluegrass tunes.

Is a 4 string banjo good?

As with most musical instruments it really comes down to personal preference and largely depends on which style of music you want to play. If you want to learn to play traditional Irish jigs, reels, hornpipes and other Irish folk tunes a four string tenor banjo is the one for you.

What is a banjo player called?

Most people are banjo players or banjo pickers -- same for mandolin, guitar, dobro, etc.

Editor's Notes

In total, our editors spent 34 hours on the research before they come up with the selection of the 29 best 4 string banjos out there. We've read 1496 reviews, on 7 different trusted resources and made this compilation of the customers' favorites. These products got the average rating of 253, and, we've also considered the price range: on average, the selected 4 string banjos are available at $3696.

Steve Romanoski Avatar
Written by

Steve Romanoski

Steve loves music. Steve Romanoski and his wife live in Alaska. They are always on the go, exploring new places and trying out new products (especially those which can help them enjoy the great musics even more). When he's not writing about products, Steve Romanoski enjoys reading books about history and science. He likes to think of himself as a renaissance man, but his wife would probably say that he's just a big kid at heart.