Best professional banjos

Steve Romanoski Avatar
Steve Romanoski
Last Updated: Oct 10, 2022

The www.playersbenchmusic.com editors have carefully selected the top 16 professional banjos out there. Below you'll find our detailed reviews of the best options from Ampeg, Giantex, Tomotato, MuLucky.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Deering Goodtime 5-String Openback Banjo
#TOP 1
Deering Goodtime 5-String Openback Banjo
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Deering Goodtime 5-String Openback Banjo
Deering Goodtime 5-String Openback Banjo
#TOP 1
Deering Goodtime 5-String Banjo
#TOP 2
Deering Goodtime 5-String Banjo
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Deering Goodtime 5-String Banjo
Deering Goodtime 5-String Banjo
#TOP 2
Laminated Banjo Poster
#TOP 3
Laminated Banjo Poster
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Laminated Banjo Poster
Laminated Banjo Poster
#TOP 3

Top 16 Best professional banjos Reviews 2022

#TOP 1

Deering Goodtime 5-String Openback Banjo

Artist Unknown
Deering Goodtime 5-String Openback Banjo
Deering Goodtime 5-String Openback Banjo Thumb #1 Deering Goodtime 5-String Openback Banjo Thumb #2 Deering Goodtime 5-String Openback Banjo Thumb #3 Deering Goodtime 5-String Openback Banjo Thumb #4

Reviews for Artist Unknown PBM Score

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Features

  • Blonde Slender Rock Maple Neck, 22 Pressed In Nickel Silver Frets, Hardwood Bow Tie Inlays, Sealed Geared Tuners, Geared 5th String Tuner, Durable Satin Finish, Deering Fiddle Shaped Peghead
  • 11" Blonde 3-ply Violin Grade Maple Rim Steel Tension Hoop 11″ Frosted Top High Crown Head 5/8″ Maple/Ebony Goodtime Bridge 16 Flat Hooks with 9/32″ Nuts 16 Bracket Shoes with Screw Attachments Deering Patented Goodtime Tailpiece Steel Coordinator Rod for Adjustments Durable Satin Finish Openback
  • Neck Width at the Nut 1 1/4″, Scale Length Nut to Bridge 26 1/4″, Rim Diameter 11″, Overall Instrument Length 37 1/2″, Weight Approx.4.5 lbs
  • Comes with a deluxe padded gig bag and a True Tune chromatic tuner
#TOP 2

Deering Goodtime 5-String Banjo

Deering
Deering Goodtime 5-String Banjo

Reviews for Deering PBM Score

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Features

  • 5/8-Inch maple/ebony Goodtime bridge with adjustable Deering tailpiece
  • Three-ply, 11-inch maple rim with steel tension hoop and high crown head
  • Low-profile, 22-fret rock maple neck with hardwood bow tie inlays
  • Sealed, geared tuning machines, including fifth string
  • Six-year warranty
#TOP 3

Laminated Banjo Poster

A New Song Music
Laminated Banjo Poster
Laminated Banjo Poster Thumb #1 Laminated Banjo Poster Thumb #2 Laminated Banjo Poster Thumb #3 Laminated Banjo Poster Thumb #4

Reviews for A New Song Music PBM Score

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Features

  • Made in the USA
  • ? LAMINATED 11" x 17" Instructional Guide
  • ? Great learning tool for beginning & intermediate banjo players. Hang on the wall wherever you practice for easy reference, instead of flipping through a book. This chart includes the notes of the banjo displayed on the fretboard, 5 basic right hand roll patterns and a chord chart for a standard G-Tuning. This information can be found in books, but rarely on one easy to read chart!
  • LAMINATED Heavy 80lb Glossy Paper
  • ? Essential Chord Chart including the most used chord types: Major, Minor, and 7ths
  • ? Right Hand Roll Patterns - Forward, Reverse, Forward-Reverse, Backward, Alternating Thumb
  • Note locations on the fingerboard
#TOP 4

Deering Goodtime 2 Resonator Banjo

Limxink
Deering Goodtime 2 Resonator Banjo
Deering Goodtime 2 Resonator Banjo Thumb #1

Reviews for Limxink PBM Score

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Features

  • 3-ply Violin Grade Goodtime Maple Rim
  • Blonde Slender Rock Maple Neck
  • Includes a Gig bag
  • 22 Pressed In Nickel Silver Frets
  • 11″ Frosted Top High Crown Head
#TOP 5

Banjo Easy Chords Rolls & Fretboard Note Chart Instructional Poster

A New Song Music
Banjo Easy Chords Rolls & Fretboard Note Chart Instructional Poster
Banjo Easy Chords Rolls & Fretboard Note Chart Instructional Poster Thumb #1 Banjo Easy Chords Rolls & Fretboard Note Chart Instructional Poster Thumb #2 Banjo Easy Chords Rolls & Fretboard Note Chart Instructional Poster Thumb #3 Banjo Easy Chords Rolls & Fretboard Note Chart Instructional Poster Thumb #4 Banjo Easy Chords Rolls & Fretboard Note Chart Instructional Poster Thumb #5 Banjo Easy Chords Rolls & Fretboard Note Chart Instructional Poster Thumb #6

Reviews for A New Song Music PBM Score

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Features

  • ? 11" x 17" (27.94 cm x 43.18 cm) Instructional Guide - Not too Big and Not too Small for hanging on your practice wall! Heavy 80lb Glossy Paper
  • ? CHORD CHART - 21 of the Most Used and Easy to play Major, Minor and 7th Chords.
  • ? Right Hand Rolls - Chart includes 5 of the most used Right Hand Roll Patterns to get you started with Bluegrass banjo picking! 2 Forward Rolls, Forward / Reverse Roll, Backward Roll and the Alternating Thumb Roll - Color coding helps determine what fingers to use.
  • ? Great tool for BEGINNER and INTERMEDIATE banjo players. Nice to hang on the wall wherever you practice for easy reference, instead of flipping through a book. A MUST for ANY banjo picker! This chart includes the notes of the banjo displayed on the fretboard, 5 basic right hand roll patterns and a chord chart for a standard G-Tuning. This information can be found in books, but rarely on one easy to read chart!
  • Master the banjo fretboard with the FRETBOARD DIAGRAM showing NOTE LOCATIONS on the fingerboard. This is great to help identify SCALE patterns and MEMORIZE the fretboard.
#TOP 6

Jameson Guitars 5-String Banjo 24 Bracket

Jameson Guitars
Jameson Guitars 5-String Banjo 24 Bracket
Jameson Guitars 5-String Banjo 24 Bracket Thumb #1 Jameson Guitars 5-String Banjo 24 Bracket Thumb #2 Jameson Guitars 5-String Banjo 24 Bracket Thumb #3 Jameson Guitars 5-String Banjo 24 Bracket Thumb #4 Jameson Guitars 5-String Banjo 24 Bracket Thumb #5 Jameson Guitars 5-String Banjo 24 Bracket Thumb #6

Reviews for Jameson Guitars PBM Score

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Features

  • Geared 5th tuner: As a 5-string banjo, this model features a 5th geared tuner side peg. This is a beneficial enhancement over the more typical friction tuners, allowing for better control of your instrument’s sound.
  • Includes padded gig bag: Included with this 5-string banjo is a deluxe 15mm padded gig bag for secure carrying and storage. In addition, this guitar case is designed with a front pocket, backpack shoulder straps, and a carrying handle.
  • Premium craftsmanship: Crafted from the finest woods, with a 5-ply maple and mahogany shell, mahogany neck, closed back mahogany resonator, as well as a laurel fretboard, this beautiful 5-string banjo from Jameson is exceptional.
  • High-quality design: Jameson's banjo features a Remo Weatherking drum head, a 5/8-inch maple ebony bridge, a chrome plated armrest, an adjustable tailpiece, and truss rod. Also, designed with a removable resonator allowing you to play the banjo both open and closed back.
  • Beautiful tone: The design behind this banjo and the chosen materials enable it to produce an eloquent, rich tone. It offers distinctive and beautiful sound characteristics, perfect for playing bluegrass, clawhammer, folk, country, and rock tunes.
#TOP 7

Pyle, 5 String Resonator Banjo Size 24 Bracket

Pyle
Pyle, 5 String Resonator Banjo Size 24 Bracket
Pyle, 5 String Resonator Banjo Size 24 Bracket Thumb #1 Pyle, 5 String Resonator Banjo Size 24 Bracket Thumb #2 Pyle, 5 String Resonator Banjo Size 24 Bracket Thumb #3 Pyle, 5 String Resonator Banjo Size 24 Bracket Thumb #4 Pyle, 5 String Resonator Banjo Size 24 Bracket Thumb #5 Pyle, 5 String Resonator Banjo Size 24 Bracket Thumb #6

Reviews for Pyle PBM Score

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Features

  • ADJUSTABLE TRUSS ROD: Features adjustable truss rod & pearl color tuner pegs w/ additional 5th geared tuner side-peg. Adjust the truss rod can balance the tension caused by strings/climate change, set up perfect string height to meet different needs
  • HEAVY DUTY HARDWARE: This complete all-in-one standard acoustic banjo starter kit is equipped with a geared 5th string tuner and high quality remo drum head. It is handcrafted from sapele hardwood
  • PROFESSIONAL FULL SIZE : 38.6” instrument features a tunable 5-string banjo with 24 brackets and 22 frets, equipped with a classic traditional style binding design. Features a coated and polished rich wood finish with chrome-plated hardware/accents
  • COMPLETE BANJO SET: Pyle brings you an all-in-one banjo set, everything you need to start playing. Comes w/ a gig bag, digital tuner, spare strings, 3 finger picks, cleaning cloth, detachable shoulder strap w/ hanger & wrench (to adjust the brackets)
  • SAPELE WOOD: Features a rich and polished Sapele wood resonator, high-density man-made wood fingerboard, and remo milky skin banjo top, it is designed to sound as good as it looks. Includes maplewood bridge stand and truss rod adjustment tool
#TOP 8

Gold Tone, 5-String Banjo (AC-1)

Gold Tone
Gold Tone, 5-String Banjo (AC-1)
Gold Tone, 5-String Banjo (AC-1) Thumb #1 Gold Tone, 5-String Banjo (AC-1) Thumb #2 Gold Tone, 5-String Banjo (AC-1) Thumb #3 Gold Tone, 5-String Banjo (AC-1) Thumb #4 Gold Tone, 5-String Banjo (AC-1) Thumb #5 Gold Tone, 5-String Banjo (AC-1) Thumb #6

Reviews for Gold Tone PBM Score

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Features

  • Includes Gig Bag
  • Gold Tone 12-point set-up
  • Zero-glide nut system
  • Composite rim open back
#TOP 9

Vangoa 5 String Banjo Remo Head Closed Solid Back

Vangoa
Vangoa 5 String Banjo Remo Head Closed Solid Back
Vangoa 5 String Banjo Remo Head Closed Solid Back Thumb #1 Vangoa 5 String Banjo Remo Head Closed Solid Back Thumb #2 Vangoa 5 String Banjo Remo Head Closed Solid Back Thumb #3 Vangoa 5 String Banjo Remo Head Closed Solid Back Thumb #4 Vangoa 5 String Banjo Remo Head Closed Solid Back Thumb #5

Reviews for Vangoa PBM Score

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Features

  • 5. ECONOMICAL KIT Coming with bag, guitar Tuner, Strap, Pick up, Strings, Picks, you can get these accessories which is suited to beginner one-off at a cost-effective price.
  • 3. DURABLE MATERIAL Mahogany neck, sides and back have beautiful wood grain, hard and not liable to warp or corrode, making the banjo durable.
  • 1. REMO DRUM HEAD It uses high-quality Remo drum head as Banjo panel that can produce a sweet tone. You can also gently beat the head to fusion different timbres in your melodies.
  • 2. ADJUSTABLE STRING HEIGHT It equips a truss rod that can adjust the string height, so that you will feel comfortable and perform fluently.
  • 4. SMOOTH DECENT TOUCH It has a fine bright paint, glossy and smooth, giving you a comfortable playing experience.
#TOP 10

Kmise Banjo Ukulele Concert Size 23 Inch

Kmise
Kmise Banjo Ukulele Concert Size 23 Inch
Kmise Banjo Ukulele Concert Size 23 Inch Thumb #1 Kmise Banjo Ukulele Concert Size 23 Inch Thumb #2 Kmise Banjo Ukulele Concert Size 23 Inch Thumb #3 Kmise Banjo Ukulele Concert Size 23 Inch Thumb #4 Kmise Banjo Ukulele Concert Size 23 Inch Thumb #5 Kmise Banjo Ukulele Concert Size 23 Inch Thumb #6

Reviews for Kmise PBM Score

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Features

  • 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 responsible for every item we sold and do our best to offer the best shopping experience, feel free to contact us once your product has any problem.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 11

Mulucky 5 String Banjo

MuLucky
Mulucky 5 String Banjo
Mulucky 5 String Banjo Thumb #1 Mulucky 5 String Banjo Thumb #2 Mulucky 5 String Banjo Thumb #3 Mulucky 5 String Banjo Thumb #4 Mulucky 5 String Banjo Thumb #5 Mulucky 5 String Banjo Thumb #6

Reviews for MuLucky PBM Score

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Features

  • Remo Head: This resonator banjo kit is flawlessly designed with a Remo head, made by the world-renown Remo drum company. The professional retro imitation animal skin; warm and retro tone, delicate, transparent, with moderate overtones. The head is secured with 24 chrome-plated brackets
  • Adjustable Bracket - 24 brackets ensure even head panel tension to fusion melodious percussion timbres by gently beating on the head, It can be adjusted according to the sound you want
  • Traditional style: This 5-string banjo is perfect for any style of play with its guitar-style headstock and neck combined with a tambourine-shaped body. Whether you’re playing mellow country tunes, folk, bluegrass, clawhammer-style, even rock, you’ll get a great response and sound from this right-handed banjo
  • Geared 5th tuner and adjustable truss rod: This 5-string banjo also includes a geared 5th string tuner, typically found on more expensive banjos. The geared 5th tuner is an upgrade over the common friction tuner, providing more accurate tuning and less slippage. The adjustable truss rod allows you to adjust the neck, ensuring it remains straightd
  • Mulucky Banjo Kit: The 5 string banjo kit comes with a full-size banjo x1, spare strings set x1, tuner x1, tuning wrench x2, fingerpick x4, strap x1, cleaning cloth x1, and gig bag x1, ruler x 1. We are a professional banjo supplier, If you have any questions about this banjo, please contact us
#TOP 12

Walrus Productions Banjo Chord Mini Chart

Walrus Productions
Walrus Productions Banjo Chord Mini Chart
Walrus Productions Banjo Chord Mini Chart Thumb #1

Reviews for Walrus Productions PBM Score

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Features

  • Looks great by itself, or frame it for your studio or home
  • Make sure this fits by entering your model number.
  • Looks great by itself, or frame it for your studio or home
  • Handy poster packed with 120 different banjo chords
  • 8-1/2" x 11"
  • Expand your chord vocabulary! Handy poster packed with 120 different banjo chords
#TOP 13

Vangoa Banjo 5 String Acoustic Electric Full Size Open Back Set

Vangoa
Vangoa Banjo 5 String Acoustic Electric Full Size Open Back Set
Vangoa Banjo 5 String Acoustic Electric Full Size Open Back Set Thumb #1 Vangoa Banjo 5 String Acoustic Electric Full Size Open Back Set Thumb #2 Vangoa Banjo 5 String Acoustic Electric Full Size Open Back Set Thumb #3 Vangoa Banjo 5 String Acoustic Electric Full Size Open Back Set Thumb #4 Vangoa Banjo 5 String Acoustic Electric Full Size Open Back Set Thumb #5 Vangoa Banjo 5 String Acoustic Electric Full Size Open Back Set Thumb #6

Reviews for Vangoa PBM Score

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Features

  • Acoustic electric BanjoVersatile to plug into an amplifier to control the volume to your liking while maintaining its acoustic tone for practice. It is tailored for intermediates, experienced player for party, stage performance, ensure the freedom to move around on stage with easier volume control without feedback, way more practical for both personal and professional or commercial use
  • Fabulous TonePremium Mahogany body contributes for a sweet full sound, closed-back projects a louder and more ringing sound. The high standard arched back design offers an excellent vibration for a wonderful tone, the acoustic-electric feature helps in creating your perfect style and tone of the music, resonator removable to be an open back banjo, perfect for country, folk, bluegrass, and even some modern rock
  • Considerate DesignGeared 5th tuner with white jade pegs is smooth and durable to tune while built-in truss rod makes adjusting string height easily for a comfortable playing experience and more durable for keeping the neck easy to play, 24 brackets pre-tuned Remo head is stable for unboxing performance
  • Best Matching REMO Head] Quality Remo top frosted head has crisp, bright with a good snap. It ensures a stable bridge sitting to stifle some unwanted sustain, has more clarity and good note distinction when fast fingerpicking. Hidden piezo under the head, pick up the clear and smoother music that is soothing for the ears
  • Sincere ServiceAll you need to start is well-prepared, comes with a starter manual and useful kits, clip-on tuner, fingerpicks, backup string set, audio cable, Allen key, tuning key, strap, cleaning cloth. We aim to provide customers with quality products, sincere service. For any problems, feel free to contact us via buyer-seller message, you could rest assured that you'll receive the best of care
#TOP 14

Kmise Banjolele Banjo Ukulele Concert Size 23 Inch

Kmise
Kmise Banjolele Banjo Ukulele Concert Size 23 Inch
Kmise Banjolele Banjo Ukulele Concert Size 23 Inch Thumb #1 Kmise Banjolele Banjo Ukulele Concert Size 23 Inch Thumb #2 Kmise Banjolele Banjo Ukulele Concert Size 23 Inch Thumb #3 Kmise Banjolele Banjo Ukulele Concert Size 23 Inch Thumb #4 Kmise Banjolele Banjo Ukulele Concert Size 23 Inch Thumb #5 Kmise Banjolele Banjo Ukulele Concert Size 23 Inch Thumb #6

Reviews for Kmise PBM Score

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Features

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
#TOP 15

ADM 5 String Full Size Banjo Guitar Kit

adm
ADM 5 String Full Size Banjo Guitar Kit
ADM 5 String Full Size Banjo Guitar Kit Thumb #1 ADM 5 String Full Size Banjo Guitar Kit Thumb #2 ADM 5 String Full Size Banjo Guitar Kit Thumb #3 ADM 5 String Full Size Banjo Guitar Kit Thumb #4 ADM 5 String Full Size Banjo Guitar Kit Thumb #5 ADM 5 String Full Size Banjo Guitar Kit Thumb #6

Reviews for adm PBM Score

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Features

  • HIGH-QUALITY REMO DRUM HEADSelected banjo panel will produce a sweet tone, ensuring clarity sound. Proper bridge setting can stay stable when fast fingerpicking
  • ECONOMICAL KIT WITH FREE LESSONSOur pack is constucted with bag, digital tuner, strap, strings, picks, hanger and clearing cloth. You can get these accessories which is suited to beginner one-off at a cost-effective price. Meanwhile, you will also enjoy extra one-month lesson by contactng us when the item arrive
  • GEARED 5TH TUNERIt is important for both tuning and playability, bringing you the classic tones and perfect for country, folk, bluegrass and even some modern rock. And it is an important upgrade over the common friction tuner
  • THICKENED BAG for BETTER PROTECTINGAn thicker bag will protect the banjo better, making it a great idea to take for traveling, camping, hiking, going to the beach. And also perfect for anyone who has always wanted to learn to play this iconic instrument
  • SUPERIOR MATERIALBlack walnut fingerboard and bridge, sturdy and stable, make the sound more layered. Sapele sides and back have beautiful wood grain, hard and not liable to warp or corrode, making the banjo durable
#TOP 16

9"H Banjo with Case & Stand Replica Miniature Musical Music Instrument

Broadway Gifts
9"H Banjo with Case & Stand Replica Miniature Musical Music Instrument

Reviews for Broadway Gifts PBM Score

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Features

  • Make sure this fits by entering your model number.
  • Replica is not an actual musical instrument
  • 9" Banjo replica
  • Perfect display for the music lover
  • Miniature Instrument Replica
  • Includes instrument case and stand

Things to Keep in Mind When Selecting the Ideal professional banjos

What's a good brand of banjo?

The best banjo brands include Huber, Stelling, Goodtime, Gold Tone, Oscar Schmidt, Fender and Recording King.

What banjo Does Taylor Swift Use?

Deering Boston 6-string She can be seen playing her Deering Boston 6-string Acoustic/Electric Banjo in the “Mean” music video. Since the 6-string banjo is tuned like a guitar it was a likely choice for Swift to achieve the tone and feel that a banjo adds to a song without straying too far from her guitar roots.

Where is Deering banjo made?

Spring Valley, CA All of our banjos are made in Spring Valley, CA.

Editor's Notes

Our experts spent 55 hours at the very least to come up with the list of the 16 best professional banjos the market has to offer. We've read 1193 reviews, on 8 different trusted resources and made this compilation of the customers' favorites. These products have the average rating of 144, and, we've also analyzed the price range: on average, the selected professional banjos are available at $3457.

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.