AudioFu

Best Banjos for Folk 2025

Perfect banjos for folk - 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
Deering Goodtime A/E Banjo - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

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 Mastertone Classic Banjo - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Epiphone Mastertone Classic Banjo

by Epiphone
Americana Country Folk
Key Feature:
• Great for fast picking techniques
✓ PROS
  • • Great for fast picking techniques
  • • Cuts through band mix well
✗ CONS
  • • Limited tonal versatility
  • • Requires specific playing techniques

Epiphone Mastertone Classic Banjo5-String BanjoInspired by Gibson Custom Shop / Modern CollectionResonator: Mahagoni...

⭐ 4.9/5 (23 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 588310
$1,029
Buy at Thomann View Details
Deering Goodtime Special Banjo - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Deering Goodtime Special Banjo

by Deering
Americana Bluegrass Country
Key Feature:
• Essential bluegrass sound
✓ PROS
  • • Cuts through band mix well
  • • Distinctive bright, percussive tone
✗ CONS
  • • Volume may overpower other instruments
  • • Limited tonal versatility

Deering Goodtime Special Deco Banjo5-String BanjoImproved Goodtime Special Tone Ring for a powerfulbright tone with...

⭐ 5.0/5 (6 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 601052
$1,154
Buy at Thomann View Details
Gold Tone AC-1LN Openback Long Neck 5Str - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

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
#5

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
Harley Benton BJ-55Pro 5 String Banjo w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Harley Benton BJ-55Pro 5 String Banjo w/Bag

by Harley Benton
Celtic Bluegrass Country
Key Feature:
• Traditional American instrument
✓ PROS
  • • Distinctive bright, percussive tone
  • • Cuts through band mix well
✗ CONS
  • • Requires specific playing techniques
  • • May not suit all musical styles

Harley Benton BJ-55Pro 5 String Banjo w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton BJ-55Pro 5 String Banjo*5-String...

⭐ 4.7/5 (54 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 540119
$275
Buy at Thomann View Details
Ibanez B50 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Ibanez B50

by Ibanez
Bluegrass Country Celtic
Key Feature:
• Essential bluegrass sound
✓ PROS
  • • Traditional American instrument
  • • Cuts through band mix well
✗ CONS
  • • Volume may overpower other instruments
  • • Requires specific playing techniques

Ibanez B505-String Resonator BanjoBody: MahoganyTop: Remo Weatherking Banjo Head (whiteplastic)Neck:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (19 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 617269
$406
Buy at Thomann View Details
Gewa VGS Banjo Premium 6-saitig - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

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 Premium 5-saitig - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

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
Ortega OBJ550W-SNT - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#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
Gewa VGS Banjo Premium 4-saitig - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

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 Banjo Select 6-saitig - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

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
Ortega OBJ750-MA - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

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 Select 5-saitig - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Gewa VGS Banjo Select 5-saitig

by Gewa
Celtic Country Bluegrass
Key Feature:
• Great for fast picking techniques
✓ PROS
  • • Traditional American instrument
  • • Distinctive bright, percussive tone
✗ CONS
  • • Limited tonal versatility
  • • Tuning can be challenging

Gewa VGS Banjo Select 5-String5-String BanjoMahogany shellHead: Original Remo-Weatherking whiteroughenedResonator:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (19 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 558731
$406
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton HBJ-24 Short Scale Teno w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Harley Benton HBJ-24 Short Scale Teno w/Case

by Harley Benton
Country Folk 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

Harley Benton HBJ-24 Short Scale Teno w/Case*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton HBJ-24 Short Scale Tenor...

⭐ 4.5/5 (25 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 574516
$270
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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