Best Harley Benton Banjos 2025

Premium Harley Benton banjos - legendary tone and craftsmanship

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

Harley Benton BJ-55Pro 5 String Banjo - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton BJ-55Pro 5 String Banjo

by Harley Benton

Traditional Music Bluegrass Country

Key Feature:

• Essential bluegrass sound

✓ PROS

• Essential bluegrass sound
• Traditional American instrument

✗ CONS

• Tuning can be challenging
• Volume may overpower other instruments

Harley Benton BJ-55Pro 5 String Banjo5-String BanjoBluegrass SeriesBody: MahoganyNeck: NatoDark blackwood fingerboard...

⭐ 4.5/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 345288

$252

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton HBJ-24 Short Scale Teno w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

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

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

⭐ 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

Harley Benton HBJ-25LH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton HBJ-25LH

by Harley Benton

Celtic Traditional Music Folk

Key Feature:

• Great for fast picking techniques

✓ PROS

• Cuts through band mix well
• Traditional American instrument

✗ CONS

• Limited tonal versatility
• May not suit all musical styles

Harley Benton HBJ-25LH5-String BanjoLeft-handed modelBluegrass SeriesBody: SapeleNeck: NatoFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 277636

$186

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton HBJ-25 w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton HBJ-25 w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Country Bluegrass Folk

Key Feature:

• Essential bluegrass sound

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Tuning can be challenging
• Requires specific playing techniques

Harley Benton HBJ-25 w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton HBJ-25*5-String Banjo*Bluegrass SeriesBody:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 539824

$189

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton BJ-65Pro 6 String Banjo w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton BJ-65Pro 6 String Banjo w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Folk Americana 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

Harley Benton BJ-65Pro 6 String Banjo w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton BJ-65Pro 6 String Banjo*6-String...

⭐ 4.5/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 538301

$297

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton HBJ-25 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton HBJ-25

by Harley Benton

Country Celtic Traditional Music

Key Feature:

• Great for fast picking techniques

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Limited tonal versatility
• Requires specific playing techniques

Harley Benton HBJ-255-String BanjoBluegrass SeriesBody: SapeleNeck: NatoFingerboard: BlackwoodChrome-plated hardware24...

⭐ 4.7/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 140006

$164

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton BJU-10 Banjo Ukulele - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton BJU-10 Banjo Ukulele

by Harley Benton

Celtic Bluegrass Americana

Key Feature:

• Cuts through band mix well

✓ PROS

• Great for fast picking techniques
• Essential bluegrass sound

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton BJU-10 Banjo Ukulele4-String Banjo UkuleleRim: MapleNeck: NatoFingerboard: BlackwoodDot fingerboard...

⭐ 5.0/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 345279

$109

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 4.7/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

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

Harley Benton HBJ-24 Short Scale Teno w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.8/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton HBJ-24 Short Scale Teno w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Americana Country Folk

Key Feature:

• Traditional American instrument

✓ PROS

• Essential bluegrass sound
• Cuts through band mix well

✗ CONS

• Requires specific playing techniques
• Volume may overpower other instruments

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

⭐ 4.8/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 574515

$197

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton BJ-65Pro 6 String Banjo - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 5.0/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton BJ-65Pro 6 String Banjo

by Harley Benton

Bluegrass Celtic Folk

Key Feature:

• Great for fast picking techniques

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Requires specific playing techniques
• Volume may overpower other instruments

Harley Benton BJ-65Pro 6 String Banjo6-String BanjoBluegrass SeriesSolid maple bodyNato neckDark blackwood...

⭐ 5.0/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 345289

$274

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton BJO-35Pro 5 Str. Banjo w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.8/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton BJO-35Pro 5 Str. Banjo w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Folk Country Celtic

Key Feature:

• Great for fast picking techniques

✓ PROS

• Essential bluegrass sound
• Cuts through band mix well

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton BJO-35Pro 5 Str. Banjo w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton BJO-35Pro 5 String Banjo OB*5-String...

⭐ 4.8/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 538297

$189

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton BJU-15Pro Banjo Ukulele w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.5/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton BJU-15Pro Banjo Ukulele w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Folk Bluegrass Celtic

Key Feature:

• Traditional American instrument

✓ PROS

• Cuts through band mix well
• Essential bluegrass sound

✗ CONS

• Limited tonal versatility
• May not suit all musical styles

Harley Benton BJU-15Pro Banjo Ukulele w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton BJU-15Pro Banjo Ukulele*4-String...

⭐ 4.5/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 538313

$164

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton HBJ-25LH w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.7/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton HBJ-25LH w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Country Celtic Bluegrass

Key Feature:

• Distinctive bright, percussive tone

✓ PROS

• Essential bluegrass sound
• Distinctive bright, percussive tone

✗ CONS

• Volume may overpower other instruments
• Limited tonal versatility

Harley Benton HBJ-25LH w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton HBJ-25LH*5-String Banjo*Left-handed modelBluegrass...

⭐ 4.7/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 540438

$211

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton HBJ-26 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.5/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton HBJ-26

by Harley Benton

Bluegrass Americana 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
• Tuning can be challenging

Harley Benton HBJ-266-String BanjoBluegrass SeriesBody: SapeleNeck: NatoFingerboard: BlackwoodFingerboard inlays:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 140007

$175

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.

Related Best Lists

POPULAR

Best Single Cut Guitars

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

TOP

Best Harley Benton Banjos 2025

Harley Benton BJ-55Pro 5 String Banjo

Harley Benton HBJ-24 Short Scale Teno w/Case

Harley Benton HBJ-26 w/Bag

Harley Benton HBJ-25LH

Harley Benton HBJ-25 w/Bag

Harley Benton BJ-65Pro 6 String Banjo w/Bag

Harley Benton HBJ-25

Harley Benton BJU-10 Banjo Ukulele

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

Harley Benton HBJ-24 Short Scale Teno w/Bag

Harley Benton BJ-65Pro 6 String Banjo

Harley Benton BJO-35Pro 5 Str. Banjo w/Bag

Harley Benton BJU-15Pro Banjo Ukulele w/Bag

Harley Benton HBJ-25LH w/Bag

Harley Benton HBJ-26

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?

Related Best Lists

Best ST Style Guitars

Best Humbucker Pickups

Best Distortion Pedals

Best Single Cut Guitars

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

Best 4/4 Size Classical Guitars

Cookie Preferences

Essential Cookies

Analytics Cookies

Functional Cookies

Marketing Cookies