Best Banjos for Advanced 2025

Perfect banjos for advanced - easy to play and learn on

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $200 Under $300 Under $500 Under $800 Under $1,000 Under $2,000 Under $5,000

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Bluegrass For Country For Folk For Traditional Music For Celtic For Americana

BRANDS: Gold Tone Deering Harley Benton Ortega Gewa Richwood

Gold Tone AC-1LN Openback Long Neck 5Str - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Gold Tone AC-1LN Openback Long Neck 5Str

by Gold Tone

Bluegrass Americana Traditional Music

Key Feature:

• Cuts through band mix well

✓ PROS

• Essential bluegrass sound
• Traditional American instrument

✗ CONS

• Requires specific playing techniques
• May not suit all musical styles

Gold Tone AC-1LN Openback Long Neck 5Str5-String BanjoNeck: NatoFingerboard: RosewoodRim: CompositeHead: 11" Remo...

⭐ 4.6/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 564936

$428

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gold Tone AC-1FL Open Back Fretless - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Gold Tone AC-1FL Open Back Fretless

by Gold Tone

Bluegrass Celtic Traditional Music

Key Feature:

• Distinctive bright, percussive tone

✓ PROS

• Traditional American instrument
• Great for fast picking techniques

✗ CONS

• May not suit all musical styles
• Limited tonal versatility

Gold Tone AC-1FL Open Back Fretless5-String Fretless BanjoNeck: OkoumeFingerboard: RosewoodDot and stars fingerboard...

⭐ 4.7/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 580026

$439

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ortega OBJ550W-SNT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Ortega OBJ550W-SNT

by Ortega

Traditional Music Bluegrass Celtic

Key Feature:

• Great for fast picking techniques

✓ PROS

• Cuts through band mix well
• Distinctive bright, percussive tone

✗ CONS

• May not suit all musical styles
• Requires specific playing techniques

Ortega OBJ550W-SNT5-String Bluegrass BanjoBody made of walnutWalnut neckRosewood fingerboardRemo Renaissance headBrass...

⭐ 5.0/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 610302

$781

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ortega OBJ750-MA - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Ortega OBJ750-MA

by Ortega

Country Celtic Bluegrass

Key Feature:

• Distinctive bright, percussive tone

✓ PROS

• Distinctive bright, percussive tone
• Great for fast picking techniques

✗ CONS

• May not suit all musical styles
• Limited tonal versatility

Ortega OBJ750-MA5-String Banjo3-Ply solid maple bodyFlamed maple resonatorCoated Remo heatHard maple neckRosewood...

⭐ 5.0/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 610353

$1,209

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gewa VGS Banjo Premium 4-saitig - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Gewa VGS Banjo Premium 4-saitig

by Gewa

Folk Americana Bluegrass

Key Feature:

• Cuts through band mix well

✓ PROS

• Essential bluegrass sound
• Distinctive bright, percussive tone

✗ CONS

• May not suit all musical styles
• Volume may overpower other instruments

Gewa VGS Banjo Premium 4-saitig4-String Tenor BanjoMahogany shell with 24 tension rodsHead: original Remo-Weatherking...

⭐ 4.6/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 558733

$659

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gewa VGS Banjo Premium 6-saitig - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Gewa VGS Banjo Premium 6-saitig

by Gewa

Celtic Bluegrass Traditional Music

Key Feature:

• Great for fast picking techniques

✓ PROS

• Cuts through band mix well
• Great for fast picking techniques

✗ CONS

• Volume may overpower other instruments
• May not suit all musical styles

Gewa VGS Banjo Premium 6-String6-String Guitar BanjoMahogany shell with 24 tension rodsHead: original Remo-Weatherking...

⭐ 4.5/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 558737

$659

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gewa VGS Banjo Select 4-saitig - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Gewa VGS Banjo Select 4-saitig

by Gewa

Bluegrass Country Celtic

Key Feature:

• Cuts through band mix well

✓ PROS

• Essential bluegrass sound
• Cuts through band mix well

✗ CONS

• Limited tonal versatility
• Tuning can be challenging

Gewa VGS Banjo Select 4-saitig4-String Tenor BanjoMahogany shellHead: original Remo-Weatherking...

⭐ 4.7/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 558730

$362

Buy at Thomann View Details

Deering Goodtime Two Banjo Lefth. - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Deering Goodtime Two Banjo Lefth.

by Deering

Americana Folk Country

Key Feature:

• Great for fast picking techniques

✓ PROS

• Cuts through band mix well
• Traditional American instrument

✗ CONS

• Volume may overpower other instruments
• Tuning can be challenging

Deering Goodtime Two Deco Banjo Lefth., 5-String BanjoWith resonator for a brighter and louder sound. Easy to play with...

⭐ 4.8/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 601042

$824

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gewa Banjo Select 6-saitig - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Gewa Banjo Select 6-saitig

by Gewa

Folk Celtic Americana

Key Feature:

• Cuts through band mix well

✓ PROS

• Great for fast picking techniques
• Cuts through band mix well

✗ CONS

• Limited tonal versatility
• Volume may overpower other instruments

Gewa Banjo Select 6-String6-String Guitar BanjoHead: Original Remo-Weatherking whiteroughenedResonator:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 558732

$362

Buy at Thomann View Details

Deering Goodtime A/E Banjo - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.8/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Deering Goodtime A/E Banjo

by Deering

Bluegrass Country Celtic

Key Feature:

• Essential bluegrass sound

✓ PROS

• Essential bluegrass sound
• Distinctive bright, percussive tone

✗ CONS

• Limited tonal versatility
• May not suit all musical styles

Deering Goodtime Deco A/E Banjo5-String Open-Back Banjo with Pickup"Deco" model with new inlay designNeck:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 601047

$934

Buy at Thomann View Details

Epiphone Earl Scruggs Golden Deluxe - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.6/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Epiphone Earl Scruggs Golden Deluxe

by Epiphone

Country Celtic Traditional Music

Key Feature:

• Essential bluegrass sound

✓ PROS

• Essential bluegrass sound
• Distinctive bright, percussive tone

✗ CONS

• Tuning can be challenging
• Requires specific playing techniques

Epiphone Earl Scruggs Golden Deluxe5-String BanjoInspired by Gibson Custom Shop / Modern CollectionResonator and rim:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 588318

$1,264

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gewa VGS Banjo Premium 5-saitig - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.5/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Gewa VGS Banjo Premium 5-saitig

by Gewa

Traditional Music Celtic Americana

Key Feature:

• Great for fast picking techniques

✓ PROS

• Distinctive bright, percussive tone
• Great for fast picking techniques

✗ CONS

• Volume may overpower other instruments
• Tuning can be challenging

Gewa VGS Banjo Premium 5-String5-String BanjoMahogany shell with 24 tension rodsHead: original Remo-Weatherking...

⭐ 4.5/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 558735

$527

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton HBJ-26 w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 5.0/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton HBJ-26 w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Bluegrass Traditional Music Country

Key Feature:

• Great for fast picking techniques

✓ PROS

• Traditional American instrument
• Great for fast picking techniques

✗ CONS

• May not suit all musical styles
• Requires specific playing techniques

Harley Benton HBJ-26 w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton HBJ-26*6-String Banjo*Bluegrass SeriesBody:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 539037

$200

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ortega OBJ850-MA - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.8/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Ortega OBJ850-MA

by Ortega

Traditional Music Country Americana

Key Feature:

• Distinctive bright, percussive tone

✓ PROS

• Essential bluegrass sound
• Traditional American instrument

✗ CONS

• Volume may overpower other instruments
• Tuning can be challenging

Ortega OBJ850-MA5-String Banjo3-ply solid maple bodyFlamed maple resonatorWeather King Clear Remo headHard maple...

⭐ 4.8/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 610341

$1,428

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gold Tone CC-Irish Tenor Cripple Creek - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.5/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Gold Tone CC-Irish Tenor Cripple Creek

by Gold Tone

Folk Americana Traditional Music

Key Feature:

• Great for fast picking techniques

✓ PROS

• Traditional American instrument
• Cuts through band mix well

✗ CONS

• Tuning can be challenging
• Limited tonal versatility

Gold Tone CC-Irish Tenor Cripple CreekTenor BanjoNeck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodRim: MapleTonering: BrassHead:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 585989

$769

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Banjos

Budget Planning

• Under $200: Entry-level
• $200-$500: Intermediate
• $500-$1000: Advanced
• $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

• Sound clarity & tone
• Build materials & finish
• Hardware durability
• Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

• Your musical style
• Skill level match
• Intended use case
• Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.

Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.

Higher-priced banjos typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.

Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.

Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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TOP

Best Banjos for Advanced 2025

Gold Tone AC-1LN Openback Long Neck 5Str

Gold Tone AC-1FL Open Back Fretless

Ortega OBJ550W-SNT

Ortega OBJ750-MA

Gewa VGS Banjo Premium 4-saitig

Gewa VGS Banjo Premium 6-saitig

Gewa VGS Banjo Select 4-saitig

Deering Goodtime Two Banjo Lefth.

Gewa Banjo Select 6-saitig

Deering Goodtime A/E Banjo

Epiphone Earl Scruggs Golden Deluxe

Gewa VGS Banjo Premium 5-saitig

Harley Benton HBJ-26 w/Bag

Ortega OBJ850-MA

Gold Tone CC-Irish Tenor Cripple Creek

How to Choose the Best Banjos

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying banjos?

How much should I spend on banjos?

Are expensive banjos worth the investment?

What are the best brands for banjos?

Should I buy banjos online or in-store?

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