Hi! I’m new to the banjo. My only string instrument experience is with electric bass guitar. My dad is letting me use his banjo to learn on. It has sat in its case untouched for almost 20 years. Should I assume the strings need replaced? I was tuning it and heard some creaks that scared me (don’t want to get hit by one breaking lol). But since I’ve only played bass before, I’m used to very thick strings. So I’m not sure what they’re supposed to feel like. Thanks in advance!

I’m trying to learn some tyler Childers songs to play with a buddy but I am still a beginner, what is a song I could play, I tried to learn Charleston girl and even that is a bit out of my league.

Hello nice folks of /r/banjo.

I have in my possession this vintage instrument, given to me by my grandfather years ago. He told me it belonged to HIS father, who in 1887 at the age of 15 ran away from home and toured around the Muscle Shoals area playing in various places for about 6 months (before he settled down and came home). For anyone doubting the timelines here, I'm in my mid 50s, my mother was born in 1934, my grandfather in 1901 and my great-grandfather in 1872. That dates the photo to 1887, and yes - I have the physical photo!

My great-grandfather is the young-looking guy top right in the group photo. I do NOT believe that the instrument I have is the same one from the photo, but I'd appreciate help dating the banjo.

I'd like to get this into playing shape. I have ordered new strings and the main problem I've observed is that the friction tuners simply unwind themselves under any tension, making it impossible to keep it in tune. A luthier friend of mine observed that the tuners are missing some leather washers, which I have now ordered.

Whether it's "valuable" or not isn't of interest to me, it's valuable TO ME and I'm not interested in selling it.

My questions:

• Can anyone help me identify the manufacturer? There's no markings anywhere, inside or out.
• Is it worth my time trying to get it playable, or should it just be a wall-hanger?
• Should I consider getting different tuners? I'm a decent woodworker and carpenter myself, but if I should take it to a professional, please say so. I'm in the PNW.

Imgur Gallery

Hello everyone, im new to banjo and want a pretty beginner song to play with my brother who is a very good guitarist, ive been trying to learn dueling banjos but i was wondering if you guys had any other suggestions for me to try out?

Title's the gist of it, feeling stuck like i don't know where to try and develop skill wise, i don't know how to write my own tab / learn a song off of a guitar by ear, and every time i sit down with a new tab it either feels ridiculously easy, or it feels completely out of my scope of skill, sitting down and just playing is still fun, but it feels stagnant like it's not even worth it. Any advice?

Hi,

I'm looking to take up banjo (self taught to start with) and i need some advice on buying a not too expensive banjo. I dont want to go more than £200 (~$250) if possible so i was looking at some second hand ones. I found a Rover open back 5 string for £190 in a local music shop, and i found a Gold Tone open back 5 string on fb marketplace for £180 (i can't identify which gold tone so i've attached a photo) with a bag and stand included. Are these good starting banjos/is one better than the other?

this is the gold tone

this is the rover

Also, i was having a look at straps and i came across the deering nylon banjo strap for not too much- I liked that it didnt have metal clips which i hear can scratch the banjo- worth getting?

One more question- I bought the 'you can teach yourself banjo' by janet davis book after seeing it was recommended for beginners but I've read it contains more basics for bluegrass and melodic-style banjo. I think i want to learn to play clawhammer as I like softer folk music, is it worth learning basics first with the davis book and then transitioning over, or just starting with clawhammer style from the get go?

Thank you!!

Over the weekend I picked up a Gold Tone CC Carlin.
$550 used with Gold Tone bag.
They threw in strings, picks, and a tuner.

Love the tone.
The journey begins.

Long time guitar player.
Already making progress!

I no longer feel like an Ignoramus, which is great! But, also I feel like I've out grown the book. Does anyone know some good intermediate Clawhammer books? I'm looking for stuff that explores more up the neck and has tabs that are a bit more complex. All of the tabs in Ignoramus are quite simple and I'm seeing people play the same songs online (such as Rain and Snow, Sugar Hill, Wayfaring Stranger) but with much more complexity.

Thanks I'm advance!

I am learning Cumberland Gap and for the life of me I cannot get my pinky to reach. I cannot get my pinky on the 11th fret while keeping my ring finger on the 9th. Any advice? I’ve been trying for days.

I've just started playing and I have no clue what I'm doing I really need guidance

Hello yall! I been looking at the AC-1LN banjo from Gold Tone. I'm looking for the baritone sound without having to pay $1700 for the Missing Link Baritone Banjo. My primary concern however is the ergonomics of that banjo. I'm 5'9 and I fear my arms and shoulders may get worn out and playing won't be too fun.

Is there anyone who has messed with a Long Neck Banjo, that has any advice for using or improving the ergonomics of the LN banjo, as well as any other general advice on the subject?

Hi all, I'm working on a banjo that isn't mine, replacing the old tuners with Rickards. I'm concerned about pulling the fifth string peg. I don't know how the original was installed, if it was glued in or not, or how tightly it's fit into the splined hole in the neck. I can try to rock it side to side and pull it out with a little force, but that's about as far as I can go with the tools I (don't) have.

Any advice about tool-less methods for backing out this peg? If it doesn't come out easily, I may just leave the old one in, since it works the best of the currently installed pegs. But the Rickard works so well...

I was given a Mulucky 5 string mini banjo as a gift and I have no idea how to attach the stap that comes with it. I would appreciate any help

Been looking on the used market for a cheap banjo that won’t sound horrible.

Found a Washburn B8 for $225 locally, was hoping to get some input on it.

I plan on playing folk/blue grass. Mostly Tyler Childers, and Caamp type stuff.

Any input? From what I understand it retails for $350, I know it will not be the best but was hoping to get some input.

Was considering the Gold Tone AC-1 however from what I understand resonators are preferred for what I want to play.