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Help choosing a banjo

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  • 12-11-2009 9:33pm
    #1
    sharonp
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12 ✭


    Hi,

    Hope somebody can help me out. I want to get my boyfriend a banjo for Christmass but don't know anything about them. Can anyone suggest a good one? He plays the guitar not sure if that will help.

    Thanks in advance.


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    #2
    banjopaul
    Registered Users Posts: 931 ✭✭✭banjopaul


    Ok first things first! What style of music does he want to play? There are several different types of banjo, the music he wants to play will dictate the banjo he should get
    .
    In traditional Irish music (i.e this forum) the tenor banjo is used, usually 19 fret, but also sometimes 17 fret. It has 4 strings and it is played with a standard plectrum. It sounds like this:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEaQDQfifbc

    This is what I play by the way.

    In bluegrass they use the 5-string banjo, played with finger picks.
    Sounds like this:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icMTVV5Lwaw


    Then there's oldtime music, played on 5 string clawhammer style, with no picks. Sounds like this:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGjMw6Lnq8I


    Then there's jazz banjo played on plectrum banjo, 4 strings, but much longer scale length than tenor banjo, bout 22 frets i think. sounds like this:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDIlxVc8DW8



    If you let me know what he wants to play I can help you more!


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