Kevin JohnsonBanjos have been around for a hundred years. These stringed instruments with round bodies cater to many genres, from bluegrass to country and traditional music. Whether you’re hunting for your first banjo or upgrading your collection, consider the brand’s reputation, quality control, and pricing.
The perfect instrument should excel in playability, durability, versatility, and sound quality. Companies like Deering, Gold Tone, and Recording King are synonymous with banjos. But which are the best banjo brands? Â
Here is a comprehensive analysis of the 10 best banjo brands:
1. Deering Banjos
Deering is a family-owned musical instrument company founded in 1975. The brand offers high-quality banjos endorsed by legendary banjo players like Tony Trischka and Bela Fleck. Its instruments are handcrafted at the Deering workshop in Spring Valley, California. In May 2024, Deering released its new Artisan Goodtime Six-R 6-String Banjo (A6S-R). You can tune and play the A6S-R like a guitar. Visit the Deering store on Amazon to explore its banjos. [1]
Image source: Deering
Pros: Deering banjos are known for their high-quality sound, craftsmanship, and durability. Each model has a unique design and innovative features. For example, the new A6S-R has a resonator back, a Pau Ferro fingerboard, pearloid block inlays, and a two-way truss rod.
Cons: Most of Deering’s banjos cost more than the market’s average. However, its collection has several affordable options for less than $800.
Price Range: $579-$6,899
2. Gold Tone
Gold Tone is an innovative banjo brand established in 1993. The company manufactures banjos and hybrid instruments. Gold Tone’s popular banjo models include the CC-100R, OB-250 Orange Blossom, BG-150F Bluegrass Special, AC-6+ Composite, and IT-250R Irish Tenor. Each option caters to specific players or genres. For example, the 4-stringed IT-250R has a maple neck, resonator, and rolled brass tone ring. These features deliver bright, warm tones perfect for traditional Irish music. You can buy Gold Tone’s banjos on Amazon. [2]
Image source: Gold Tone
Pros: Gold Tone offers a comprehensive banjo collection with high-quality and affordable options. The brand designs its banjos to address different consumer or music needs. The BG-150F is perfect for fast-paced bluegrass, while the OB-250 is the go-to option for experienced players seeking excellent playability. If you travel with your banjo, buy the travel-friendly AC-6+ Composite.
Cons: The main downside to a Gold Tone banjo is weight. They are heavier than most options on the market.
Price: $269-$1,499
3. Recording King
Recording King is a California-based banjo company known for crafting beautiful acoustic instruments. The brand creates artistic banjos with vintage design principles and cutting-edge innovations. Legendary musicians like Grammy-award-winner Carl Jackson, John Fahey, and Soccer Mommy are part of the Recording King family. In Feb 2023, the company announced the new Carl Jackson Signature Edition model to honor Carl’s musical achievements and support. [3]
Image source: Recording King
Pros: Recording King offers the Dirty 30s, Madison, Elite, and Songster banjos for players of all skill levels. Beginners can find high-quality, affordable, entry-level banjos, like the RKO-3S in the Dirty 30s collection. Each model delivers exceptional sound.
Cons: Recording King’s vintage-style design looks plain and boring for modern and young players who prefer banjos with sleek and futuristic vibes.
Price Range: $299-$1,799
4. Vangoa
Vangoa started as a small guitar enthusiast club in Guangzhou, China. Its members launched the Vangoa brand in 2017 to manufacture musical instruments. The company offers affordable banjos, guitars, keyboards, and accessories. As of Jul 2024, the Vangoa 26-inch 5-tring banjo was the 2nd best-selling banjo on Amazon. Visit the Vangoa store on Amazon.
Image source: Vangoa
Pros: Vangoa offers affordable, beginner-friendly banjos. For example, the budget-friendly Vangoa 5-string mini banjo has a beginner kit with a remo head.
Cons: Vangoa banjos may not meet the needs of experienced players.
Price Range: $100-$250
5. Oscar Schmidt
Oscar Schmidt is one of America’s largest banjo manufacturers based in Jersey City. The brand is known for its extensive selection, budget-friendly options, and versatile designs. For example, the Oscar Schmidt OB5 is a resonator banjo that can be transformed into an open-back banjo. You can buy Oscar Schmidt’s banjos on Amazon.Â
Image source: Oscar Schmidt
Pros: Anyone interested in a budget-friendly banjo should consider Oscar Schmidt. This brand has a comprehensive variety, with affordable options like the OB5 resonator banjo.
Cons: Affordability sometimes comes at a cost. Oscar Schmidt’s budget-friendly banjos have mid-quality sound and build.
Price: $299
6. Nechville Banjos
Nechville is a craftsmanship-focused banjo brand founded in the 1980s by Tom Nechville. The founder disrupted the banjo manufacturing with his patented Heli-Mount. This concept allows you to adjust the head of a Nechville banjo evenly and quickly.
In Feb 2024, Nechville closed its manufacturing operations in Minnesota and relocated to the founder’s hometown of Sisters, Oregon. You can visit the new Nechville HQ to chat with Tom, buy a banjo, repair your instrument, or attend lessons, events, and workshops. [4]
Image source: Nechville
Pros: Nechville’s banjos deliver exceptional sound quality. These instruments have innovative features that enhance playability and playing experience.
Cons: Nechville banjos are expensive. Most of its mid-level instruments cost $4k-$7k.
Price Range: 2,500-15,000
7. Ibanez
Ibanez is a Japanese musical instrument company founded in 1957. The brand is known for its acoustic and electric guitars and basses. But it also offers banjos: the B50, B200, and B300. While most specialty brands produce banjos by hand, Ibanez develops its instruments using advanced programmed machines. This tech-driven manufacturing process has some benefits and drawbacks.
Image source: Ibanez
Pros: Ibanez’s B50, B200, and B300 banjos cater to players of all skill levels, from novice to seasoned banjoists. Each machine-built model has a thin neck and a perfectly symmetrical and lightweight body. These features enhance playability. The brand’s tech-driven manufacturing process reduces production costs, offering affordable banjos.
Cons: Ibanez is a guitar brand offering only three banjo models. Its machine-built banjos don’t produce rich tones compared to handmade instruments from specialty brands.
Price Range: $300-$900
8. Mulucky
Mulucky is a musical instrument brand founded by a young and creative team as an OEM production service provider. The company now offers original banjos & banjoleles, ukuleles, mandolins, steel-tongue drums, and accessories. As of 2024, the Mulucky full-size 5-string banjo was the 7th best-selling banjo on Amazon. Visit the Mulucky Amazon store to explore the brand’s instruments.Â
Image source: Mulucky Store
Pros: Mulucky is one of the most affordable banjo brands. Its instruments are perfect for beginners seeking functional, budget-friendly options.
Cons: Mulucky offers limited options.
Price Range: $99-$169
9. Huber
Huber is a Nashville-based banjo brand founded by Steve Huber, a longtime bluegrass music supporter. The company offers pre-made and fully customized prewar banjos, like the Gibson TB 1 5-string Granada. In Dec 2023, Huber temporarily closed its factory after tornados hit Hendersonville near Nashville. The plant will reopen in 2024 after reconstruction. [5]
Image source: Huber
Pros: Huber banjos are treasured for their classic prewar sounds. Founder Steve and his staff use high-quality materials to fabricate, machine, finish, and assemble prewar replica banjos. Each custom-made Huber instrument has a one-of-a-kind design.
Cons: Huber’s custom-built banjos are expensive. You’ll need over $100k to get your hands on the legendary Gibson TB 1 5-string Granada. Â
Price Range: $000-$140,000
10. Ome Banjo Company
Ome is a banjo company founded in 1975 by Chuck Ogsbury, who established the Ode banjo brand in the early 1960s. Chuck sold Ode to Baldwin Piano Company before launching Ome. Ome is synonymous with banjo quality and innovation. In Oct 2023, Ome joined the Gold Tone Music Group through acquisition. The new owners will continue making Ome banjos in the US and maintain the brand’s quality standards. [6]
Image source: Ome Banjo
Pros: Ome offers high-quality banjos for all players, from bluegrass to jazz musicians. Each model has artistic fingerboard options, including sleek custom metal fittings and mother-of-pearl inlays.
Cons: Ome banjos are expensive. Recent ownership changes create uncertainties about the brand’s future and quality standards.
Price Range: $1,500-$9,995
 References & more information
- Lattyon, J. (2024, May 29). New Artisan Goodtime 6-String Banjo Released. Deering Banjos
- Staff Writer (2024, May 7). Top 5 Gold Tone Banjo Brands Every Musician Should Know About. Ask.com
- Hatley, S. (2023, Feb 14). Recording King debuts the new Carl Jackson model banjo. Bluegrass Today
- NN Staff (2024, Feb 6). Banjo manufacturer moves operation. Nuggets News
- Lawless, J. (2023, Dec 12). Huber Banjos survives tornado devastation. Bluegrass Today
- BS Staff (2023, Oct 22). Ome Banjo Company sold to Gold Tone Music Group. Banjo Studio
- Featured Image by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦
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