AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Banjos for Bluegrass 2026
The top pick is Gold Tone OB-150 Orange Blossom Bluegrass Banjo ($1,678). Gold Tone AC-1 Composite Rim Openback 5-String Banjo gives you the most for the money at $435. Deering Sierra 5-String Banjo leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 104 models across 11 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 10, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Gold Tone OB-150 Orange Blossom Bluegrass Banjo
OB-150RF Orange Blossom w/Case · Gold Tone
42 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width31.7 mm (1.25")
- Scale667 mm (26.26")
- Frets22 frets
- Strings5-string
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This is a five-string banjo with an 11-inch Remo head, a 14-inch maple resonator, and an 11-inch brass tone ring, and it comes with a case. If you are drawn to bluegrass, you will find the build and parts built for that style. Its 22 frets and adjustable truss rod suit a player who wants to adjust the neck over time.
Pros
- Maple neck and 11-inch multi-ply maple rim give a sturdy build
- Die-cast flange and 11-inch brass flat tone ring are part of the construction
- Zero Glide bone nut and 2-way adjustable truss rod help with setup
Cons
- Five-string tuning G-D-G-B-D differs from standard five-string open tunings
87AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,678 now$1,678€1,499 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Gold Tone AC-1 Composite Rim Openback 5-String Banjo
AC-1LN Openback Long Neck 5Str · Gold Tone
25 for sale on Reverb4 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width30.2 mm (1.19")
- Scale813 mm (32.01")
- Frets25 frets
- Strings5-string
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
You get a 5-string openback banjo with a long neck, a Nato neck, and a rosewood fingerboard with dot and star inlays. It comes with a gig bag, so it is easy to carry to a jam or a gig. It suits you if you want a banjo with a neck you can adjust yourself and a bag to keep it in.
Pros
- Nato neck paired with a rosewood fingerboard and 25 frets
- Two-way adjustable neck truss rod for setup control
- Zero Glide nut and adjustable tailpiece for tuning control
85AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$435 now$435€389 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Gold Tone CC-100R Cripple Creek 5-String Resonator Banjo
CC-100R 5 String Banjo · Gold Tone
34 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width30.2 mm (1.19")
- Scale665 mm (26.18")
- Frets22 frets
- Strings5-string
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
You get a 5-string resonator banjo with a maple neck, rim and bridge, plus a rolled brass tone ring and a removable 13-inch maple resonator. It suits you if you want a banjo with a clear, simple build and an adjustable neck. It comes with a gig bag to carry it around.
Pros
- Maple neck, rim and bridge make up the build of this banjo
- Rolled brass tone ring is part of the construction
- 13-inch maple resonator is removable for easy handling
Cons
- Comes with a gig bag only, no hard case is included
85AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$894 now$894€799 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Gold Tone CC-50RP Cripple Creek Resonator 5-String Banjo w/ Planetary…
CC-50 Vintage Braun Satin · Gold Tone
23 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width30.2 mm (1.19")
- Scale665 mm (26.18")
- Frets22 frets
- Strings5-string
You get a 5-string open-back banjo with a maple neck, blackwood fretboard, and brass tone ring. It comes with a gig bag, so you can take it to a jam or a gig right away. It suits you if you want a classic open-back Cripple Creek style banjo with a case included.
Pros
- Maple neck and maple rim, with a brass tone ring
- Blackwood fretboard with dot inlays and 22 frets
- Chrome hardware with enclosed machine heads and a 5-String Terminator tailpiece
Cons
- Scale length is 665 mm (26.18 inches), a long scale that may feel stretched for small hands
79AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$559 now$559€499 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Gold Tone AC-5 Bluegrass 5-String Resonator Banjo
EB-5 Electric 5 string Banjo · Gold Tone
40 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width30 mm (1.18")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets24 frets
- Strings5-string
- BodyMahogany body
This is a 5-string electric banjo with a mahogany body, maple neck, and blackwood fretboard. It has one humbucker pickup and volume and tone controls, so you can plug it into an amp and adjust it on the spot. If you want a banjo you can play through an amp, this one suits you, and it comes with a gigbag for carrying it around.
Pros
- Mahogany body and maple neck give it a traditional wood build
- Blackwood fretboard and ebony-capped maple bridge add to its build
- One humbucker pickup lets it plug into an amplifier
Cons
- Only one pickup and two controls, so there is little room for sound tweaks
78AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$950 now$950€849 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Gold Tone AC-5 Bluegrass 5-String Resonator Banjo
AC-5 5 String Resonator Banjo · Gold Tone
40 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width30.2 mm (1.19")
- Scale665 mm (26.18")
- Frets22 frets
- Strings5-string
This is a 5-string resonator banjo with a maple neck, a composite rim and resonator, and an 11 inch Remo LC coated head. It comes with a gigbag, so you can take it to a jam or a gig without buying a case first. It suits bluegrass players who want a banjo with a chrome armrest and a bone nut that is ready to play.
Pros
- Maple neck paired with a Blackwood fretboard for a classic build
- Composite rim and composite resonator give the body a single synthetic construction
- Bone nut and Zero Glide setup, with 22 frets, give you a clean top end to the neck
76AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$536 now$536€479 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Deering Sierra 5-String Banjo
Sierra 5-String Banjo Maple · Deering
25 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width31.8 mm (1.25")
- Scale666.8 mm (26.25")
- Frets22 frets
- Strings5-string
- BodyMaple body
This is Deering's flagship 5-string banjo, with an American maple body, a maple neck, and an ebony fingerboard with mother-of-pearl and maple inlays. You get geared tuners, a True Tone bridge, and a case, all made in the USA. It suits you if you want a well-equipped, finished banjo built around these materials.
Pros
- Body is American maple with a 3-ply 11" violin grade maple rim
- Ebony fingerboard with mother-of-pearl and maple inlays
- Planetary Banjo and Gotoh Geared 5th tuners come fitted
75AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,796 now$2,796€2,498 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width31.8 mm (1.25")
- Scale666.8 mm (26.25")
- Frets22 frets
- Strings5-string
- BodyMahogany body
The Deering Sierra 5-String is a flagship banjo with a mahogany body, mahogany neck and ebony fingerboard. It has a bronze tone ring, a maple rim and a case included, so it suits you if you want a well-made, American-built 5-string banjo.
Pros
- Solid American mahogany body and mahogany neck give it a classic bluegrass build
- Ebony fingerboard with mother-of-pearl and maple inlays adds a finished look
- Three-layer 11-inch violin-grade maple rim and one-piece cast zinc flange
75AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,133 now$3,133€2,799 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Gold Tone AC-6+ 6-String Acoustic-Electric Banjo
EB-6 E-Banjo w/Bag · Gold Tone
23 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets24 frets
- Strings6-string
The Gold Tone EB-6 is a solid choice for players wanting a banjo vibe with guitar-like versatility. It’s surprisingly well-built for its price point, and the humbucker really lets it cut through a mix. Perfect for rock, blues, or anyone wanting to explore a unique sonic palette.
Pros
- Flamed maple neck provides excellent playability and a comfortable feel under the hand.
- Humbucker pickup delivers a thick, powerful tone suitable for rock and blues.
- Blackwood fingerboard offers a smooth, responsive playing surface for articulate phrasing.
Cons
- Mahogany body, while attractive, can result in a slightly heavier instrument overall.
- Black ABS binding, while functional, lacks the premium aesthetic of wood binding.
70AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$872 now$872€779 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Deering Artisan Goodtime Special 5-String Resonator Banjo
Goodtime A/E Banjo · Deering
21 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width31.8 mm (1.25")
- Scale666.8 mm (26.25")
- Frets22 frets
- Strings5-string
- FingerboardMaple fingerboard
You get a 5-string open-back banjo with a Kavanjo humbucker pickup, so you can plug it into an amp. It has a maple neck, a blonde maple rim, and an 11-inch head, and it is made in the USA. This one suits you if you want a banjo you can play on its own and also run through an amplifier.
Pros
- Blonde 3-ply violin grade maple rim gives the body a solid build
- Kavanjo humbucker pickup is built in, so it can be plugged into an amp
- Maple neck and maple fingerboard with a Maple/Ebony Deering Goodtime Smile bridge
Cons
- Scale length is 26.25 inches, so it is a full-size neck, not a short-scale one
70AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,062 now$1,062€949 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 104 banjos
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
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Deering Artisan Goodtime Special 5-String Resonator BanjoGoodtime Special Banjo · Deering70Stable$1,342€1,199$1,342€1,199Check ↗
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Deering Goodtime Americana Openback 5 String BanjoGoodtime Americana · Deering69Stable$782€699$782€699Check ↗
- 13
Deering Artisan Goodtime Special 5-String Resonator BanjoDeering Goodtime Banjo LH · Deering68Stable$637€569$637€569Check ↗
- 14
Deering Goodtime 2 5-String BanjoGoodtime Banjo · Deering68Stable$637€569$637€569Check ↗
- 15
Gold Tone BG-150F Bluegrass 5-String Banjo w/ FlangeBG-150F Banjo · Gold Tone67Stable$1,006€899$1,006€899Check ↗
- 16
Deering Eagle II 5-String BanjoEagle II 5-String A/E · Deering67Stable$3,581€3,199$3,581€3,199Check ↗
- 17
Gold Tone HCC Plucky Traveler 5-String BanjoAC Traveler 5 string Banjo · Gold Tone63Stable$335€299$335€299Check ↗
- 18
Deering Artisan Goodtime Two 5-String BanjoGoodtime Two Banjo · Deering63Stable$894€799$894€799Check ↗
- 19
Gold Tone BC-350 Bob Carlin Signature 12" Openback BanjoBC-350 Bob Carlin Banjo · Gold Tone63Stable$1,902€1,699$1,902€1,699Check ↗
- 20
Gold Tone CC-IT Cripple Creek Irish Tenor BanjoCC-Irish Tenor Cripple Creek · Gold Tone62Stable$782€699$782€699Check ↗
- 21
Gold Tone OB-250 Orange Blossom Resonator BanjoOB-250 Orange Blossom · Gold Tone62Stable$2,227€1,990$2,227€1,990Check ↗
- 22
Harley Benton HBJ-24 Short Scale Teno w/CaseHarley Benton · 3 finishes60Stable$263€235$263€235Check ↗
- 23
Gold Tone MM-150 White Ladye Maple Mountain Openback 5-String BanjoMM-150 Mountain Banjo w/Case · Gold Tone60↑ 7.7%$1,566€1,399$1,566€1,399Check ↗
- 24
Deering Eagle II 5-String BanjoEagle II 5-string Banjo · Deering59Stable$3,245€2,899$3,245€2,899Check ↗
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Harley Benton HBJ-25Harley Benton · 4 finishes58Stable$167€149$167€149Check ↗
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Epiphone MB-100 BanjoMB-100 · Epiphone58↓ 4.8%$265€237$265€237Check ↗
- 27
Gold Tone TS-250 4-String Flat Top Resonator Tenor Special BanjoTS-250 Tenor Banjo w/Case · Gold Tone58Stable$1,790€1,599$1,790€1,599Check ↗
- 28
Ibanez B200 BanjoB200 · Ibanez57Stable$581€519$581€519Check ↗
- 29
Harley Benton BJU-10 Banjo UkuleleHarley Benton · 2 finishes54Stable$111€99$111€99Check ↗
- 30
Harley Benton BJU-15Pro Banjo UkuleleHarley Benton · 2 finishes54Stable$156€139$156€139Check ↗
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Harley Benton HBJ-26Harley Benton · 2 finishes54Stable$178€159$178€159Check ↗
- 32
Harley Benton BJ-55Pro 5 String BanjoHarley Benton · 2 finishes54Stable$256€229$256€229Check ↗
- 33
Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Mastertone Classic BanjoMastertone Classic Banjo · Epiphone54Stable$984€879$984€879Check ↗
- 34
Harley Benton BJ-74Pro 4 StringHarley Benton53↓ 3.6%$592€529$592€529Check ↗
- 35
Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Earl Scruggs Golden Deluxe BanjoEarl Scruggs Golden Deluxe · Epiphone53Stable$1,264€1,129$1,264€1,129Check ↗
- 36
Deering Artisan Goodtime Two 5-String BanjoArtisan Goodtime Two · Deering53Stable$1,286€1,149$1,286€1,149Check ↗
- 37
Deering Goodtime Six-R w/ Kavanjo PUDeering52Stable$1,510€1,349$1,510€1,349Check ↗
- 38
Deering B6 Boston 6 String BanjoBoston 6 String Banjo · Deering52Stable$2,573€2,299$2,573€2,299Check ↗
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Deering B6 Boston 6 String BanjoBoston 6 String A/E Banjo · Deering52Stable$3,133€2,799$3,133€2,799Check ↗
- 40
Harley Benton BJO-35Pro 5 String Banjo OBHarley Benton · 2 finishes51Stable$167€149$167€149Check ↗
- 41
Harley Benton BJ-65Pro 6 String BanjoHarley Benton · 2 finishes51Stable$279€249$279€249Check ↗
- 42
Gold Tone Openback 5-String Banjo 12“Gold Tone51Stable$431€385$431€385Check ↗
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Gold Tone AC-12A Oldtime SC 5 St BanjoGold Tone51Stable$447€399$447€399Check ↗
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Gold Tone AC 6+ LefthandGold Tone · 2 finishes51Stable$648€579$648€579Check ↗
- 45
Harley Benton BJ-75Pro 5 StringHarley Benton51Stable$670€599$670€599Check ↗
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Gold Tone IT-19 Irish Tenor Banjo w/BagGold Tone51Stable$984€879$984€879Check ↗
- 47
Gold Tone 5-String Orange Blossom LWGold Tone51Stable$2,014€1,799$2,014€1,799Check ↗
- 48
Gold Tone High Moon HM-100 BanjoGold Tone51Stable$2,126€1,899$2,126€1,899Check ↗
- 49
Gold Tone OB-2JM 5 String BanjoGold Tone51Stable$3,693€3,299$3,693€3,299Check ↗
- 50
Gold Tone OB-12 Mastertone BanjoGold Tone51Stable$5,250€4,690$5,250€4,690Check ↗
Banjos by the numbers
Measured across all 126 models we track, not a sample.
Median $782 — half of all banjos here cost less.
median of 98 models · 30 mm (1.18")–43 mm (1.69")
median of 106 models · 495 mm (19.49")–670 mm (26.38")
median of 112 models · 17–22
median of 118 models · 4-string–6-string
How to choose the best banjos
Tone
Bluegrass demands a bright, ringing tone, but not ice-picky. You want that characteristic 'sparkle' on the trebles, but a solid, fundamental low-end that doesn't get lost. Too much emphasis on the high-end and it's harsh; too much low-end and it's muddy. Finding that balance is key.
Resonance & Head Material
A good banjo resonates-it sings. Different head materials (Renaissance, Remo County Fair, calfskin) drastically change the tone. Renaissance heads offer a more vintage, warmer tone, while County Fair heads provide more projection and a brighter, more modern sound. Calfskin is the gold standard for vintage tone, but requires more maintenance.
Neck Profile & Playability
A comfortable neck is crucial for fast bluegrass picking. You'll be hammering on strings and playing blistering rolls; a thick, unwieldy neck will slow you down. A slim, even profile is generally preferred, but ultimately it's a matter of personal preference. Action also matters - too high, and it's a struggle; too low, and you'll be fighting fret buzz.
Hardware & Build Quality
Cheap hardware will corrode, break, and make tuning a nightmare. Look for solid, well-machined parts - geared tuners are a must. The rim material (usually maple) and construction (three-ply, holed, etc.) significantly impact tone and projection.
Pot Size
The pot size (typically 11" or 12") affects the banjo's volume and tone. A 12" pot generally offers a deeper, more resonant tone and greater headroom, which is useful for cutting through a loud band, while an 11" pot is often a bit more responsive and easier to control.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're diving into bluegrass? Fantastic. The banjo's a demanding beast - it's not just about twangin'; it's about cutting through a mandolin, fiddle, and upright bass while retaining clarity and a good, woody thump. Finding the right one isn't easy, and a lot of what you find online is just marketing fluff. Let's cut through that and find a banjo that'll actually work for you, whether you're gigging the Opry or just practicing in your living room.
Don't be swayed by flashy finishes or celebrity endorsements. A good bluegrass banjo isn't cheap, but you're paying for the wood, hardware, and skilled craftsmanship. Often, a used instrument from a reputable maker is a better value than a brand-new, entry-level banjo.
Be wary of banjos that promise 'everything' - they almost always cut corners somewhere, usually in the hardware or rim construction.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 126 banjos from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
What's the difference between a resonator and an open-back banjo?
Resonator banjos (like the ones from Deering or Gibson) project more volume and have a brighter, more focused tone-essential for bluegrass bands. Open-backs are quieter, more mellow, and often preferred for clawhammer or old-time styles.
Should I go with a pre-war Gibson copy?
Those copies can be tempting, but many are poorly made. The real deal is incredibly expensive for a reason. Focus on reputable modern makers instead - you'll get a better playing, more reliable instrument.
What about pickups? Do I need one?
If you plan on recording or playing amplified gigs, a pickup is a good idea. Fishman and KNA are common choices; look for one that doesn't overly color the banjo's natural tone.
How important is the head?
Massively important. It's the primary tonal element. Experiment with different materials to find what you like. Don't be afraid to try a few different heads before settling on one.
What's the deal with bridge material?
Like the head, the bridge significantly impacts the tone. Maple is common, but ebony or rosewood bridges can offer a slightly warmer, more mellow tone. It's a subtle difference, but worth experimenting with.
