Reddit reviews Jameson Guitars 5-String Banjo 24 Bracket with Closed Solid Back and Geared 5th Tuner

I was actually in this exact situation when I started playing - was a highschooler with free time and just wanted to learn banjo.

1. Get a banjo: If you don't have one already, then this part is sort of a requirement. A standard 5-string is the best place to start. This Deering is a fantastic beginner banjo (and not too bad for performing either), but if price is an issue, I've heard that Gold Tone's work just fine as well.
   
2. Get some books/material: This book is by the master himself (Earl Scruggs). It's sort of an essential for anyone looking to play classic 3-finger (Scruggs style) banjo. If you're looking to play Clawhammer perhaps, this is a very good book for learning.
   
3. PRACTICE: It can seem difficult at first, but I recommend practicing as much as possible. When I first started, I practiced for about 1-2 hours everyday for a solid month. I was able to improve very quickly. And the best part is that I enjoyed every bit of it. That's another thing, if you really enjoy playing, then practicing shouldn't be verry difficult for you.
   
   Good luck, and have fun!

I picked up [this banjo] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0033P1O6S?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title) earlier this week. I've been picking at it just about daily off and on for a good few hours and I love it. Great sound, good quality construction. Very happy with it thus far. And certainly didn't break the bank if my conviction to learning how to play peeters out.

I think you're going to get this because then you will play us all music. That item looks mighty fine.

That item looks mighty fine.

I think that you are going to get the banjo!

You're going to get this, so we can jam. That item looks mighty fine.

This is my first banjo. Seems alright to learn the basics on, and about spending too much scratch in case you don't like it.

5-String Banjo 24 Bracket with... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0033P1O6S?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

This is the one I started with. I wanted to see if I enjoyed it/had any skill before buying a nice one. It will do the job, but if you can find a better beginner banjo used in a store it is Much better as these from amazon really need set up work. But overall, it works, you can learn on it. Happy picking.

banjo i always wanted one someday ill get it when ever i have extra money

I've got this guy and he's pretty nice, with almost universally good reviews on amazon. Plus the resonator is detachable, so you can play either style. Personally I think the tone is better without the resonator so I practice without it, even though I'm working on bluegrass finger picking. It's nice to have the choice.

You must play with picks to get that characteristic bluegrass plucking sound. The clawhammer style is actually playing with the back of your index or middle finger nail. Dixieland and/or Irish banjo uses a guitar pick. I've never heard of any other banjo style that's played with your finger tips alone, like you would with a base.

I am very VERY much a beginner, but I'm still happy with my cheap Amazon (Jameson Guitars) Banjo. It stays in tune, and sounds like a banjo. I'm sure something 10x-20x more money sounds much better, but for me this has been a nice inexpensive intro.

https://www.amazon.com/5-String-Bracket-Closed-Jameson-Guitars/dp/B0033P1O6S/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1484096293&sr=1-1&keywords=banjo+jameson

Looks an awful lot like a Jameson but with a different logo on it. Sorry dude!

I am also in the market for a new banjo but don't have those type of funds to work with as OP. Would this be a good starter? I know nothing about stringed instruments( I played brass my whole life) so any suggestions would be helpful. I have like a 200 dollar budget

I just got myself one of these

It needed a fair bit of set up, but if you follow the directions in the "step by step to pro banjo setup" link in the side bar it sounds pretty good once set up. The main issue I had was the head was not properly tensioned.

The hardware on it is decent. All geared tuners, even the fifth string, and a Remo weatherking head. The external finish is very nice... the insides are not all that polished, but it does sound good...

The resonator comes off with four thumb screws and the banjo is built so that you won't get torn up by the tension brackets, so you can play it with the resonator attached for bluegrass and take it off if you prefer for clawhammer.

Edit: I just noticed the price has gone up $42 since I ordered it, but even at $189 it's still a pretty good deal IMO.

New myself and was just browsing Amazon. Would something like this be at all recommended or a decent beginner option?

Link

I know it's expensive and all (If I win, pick whatever you want from the wishlist, it really doesn't matter), but nobody I know likes the banjo, so I guess that makes it unique.

I really like a wide cast of characters. Not just main ones, but little side characters that show up throughout the story. Like, if there was an old guy who was camping and met the protagonists out in the forest, and they meet again awhile later but in a completely different setting, but again it's only in passing. It makes it seem like there's a huge world surrounding the main storyline.

Coolest Item is a banjo. Whats not cool about a banjo. Back in college there was a guy who would practice and play out in front of my dorm every night. It was fucking rad. He'd sit out on the stoop ranching an American Spirit and just playing his heart out. Cool guy.

If you're on a budget, I'm very happy with my purchase of this Jameson Banjo. I'm a beginner, but I am enjoying playing with this banjo and I didn't want to drop a lot of money to start.

http://www.amazon.com/5-String-Bracket-Closed-Jameson-Guitars/dp/B0033P1O6S

Remember that Rogues are the lowest of the low end. Basically they're right above a toy banjo you would buy a little kid for Christmas. $80 is about what I'd pay for any Rogue instrument.

I recommend this one as a starter. For the price it's very, very good.

This is the one I got. Has a really good sound to it and for $150 it exceeded all my expectations.

I'm also a beginner, and was in the same boat as you about a week ago. I considered buying used, but quickly got frustrated looking for a good deal. I also have a history of quickly dropping new hobbies, so I wanted to pay as little as possible for a playable banjo.

Based on the endorsement here, and the reviews on amazon, I ended up pulling the trigger on the 5 String Jameson Guitars Banjo.

It does have a resonator, but it's easily removed with a Phillips-head screwdriver. For under $200 I got the banjo, an introductory book, and a few sets of strings to play around with. So far I'm very pleased with the banjo, my only complaint is that the string action is rather low, and there's no bridge cut out like you see in many of the open backed banjos.

Also take a look at this thread, they have a couple recommendations for other places to look.

What do you think about this? http://www.amazon.com/5-String-Bracket-Closed-Jameson-Guitars/dp/B0033P1O6S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1394748648&sr=8-1&keywords=banjo

I’m a beginner and purchased this Jameson banjo last year. It’s been really great. Nice sound and inexpensive.

I cant say anything re: parlor guitar, but I bought this jameson 5 string resonator banjo for SUPER CHEAP to teach my self how to play and it has been absolutely outstanding value.

It has 5 stars over 228 reviews on amazon - seriously the best deal ever on an instrument.

I know that $135 is over your $100 budget, but you just arent going to get a banjo for less than that - even an open backed one.