Banjo: For Young Students

Subject: Child's Banjo
Date: Sat, 12 Jun 2004 11:50:58 -0500

We're looking for a banjo for our nine year old daughter who's enamored with the sound. It appears as if the Gold Tone Traveler series would be a good starter, it being short. Are there any Morgan-Monroe's that are suitable as well? I'd appreciate your recommendations. Thanks!!

Tim Martin

Greetings Tim,

Yes, the travel series banjo will be small enough to learn on...the Morgan Monroe's are all full size with resonators...you might consider a full size open-back that's light in weight such as the Goodtime I...

Remember, the travel size banjos are all tune to open C tuning...one fourth higher than standard G tuning...the patterns are all the same...

I believe the Goodtime would be the best choice since it would allow your daughter to grow into the instrument...there may be a problem later on when trying to step up to a full size neck from the travel-size neck...
Mickey
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If you have further questions, be sure to call James our Sales Manager...he may also be able to assist you with a beginner's package: Call Toll Free at 888-209-8434. If James isn't available, ask for Tradd.

Please let me know if I can assist you further . . .

Date: Mon, 19 Jan 2004 16:56:56 EST
Subject: question

Hi, I have been reading through other questions and find that you are very helpful. I have an eight yr old son who wants to learn to play the banjo. Which banjo would you recommend for a beginner? I believe that you get what you pay for: therefore, I'm looking for the right banjo for his needs. thank you, Julie

Greetings Julie,

You would have a couple of choices...that would make for a great starter...and hopefully lightweight and sized right:

The Deering Goodtime Open-Back...this would have the full-size neck and allow your son to grow into it over the years...they also have a very sweet tone...only, make sure it's set up correctly...

The other option, if you think a smaller size would fit him better for now, would be a travel banjo...such as the Gold Tone:
TRAVELER TB-100 TB-100
TRAVELER DELUXE TB-250

These are somewhat tricky since they're tuned to high C...I believe your son is old enough to start on a full size neck...only, you do not want to start on a heavy, resonator type banjo...the open-back is smaller in body dimension...making it easier to reach around...there are other banjos similar to the Goodtime such as the Gold Tone Cripple Creek...be sure to read our site further...and you might also research our section on "Buying your first banjo"...

http://www.folkofthewood.com/page142.htm

Mickey

Date: Tue, 4 Jun 2002 21:29:35 EDT
Subject: Child size banjo

I am looking for a child size banjo. Preferaby one that a boy of 8 yrs. old can learn to play. He wants to take lessons, and we have found a teacher. I didn't know if Dering Goodtime made a smaller one or not. I would appreaciate any help you could give.
Gary Hobbs

Greetings Gary,

Glad to assist:

We have a couple of choices:

1. Saga Travel Banjo: 495.00 (retail) Current Sale Price: 325.00
Optional Banjo Travel Gig Bag: 59.95 (retail) Current Sale Price: 39.95

This banjo serves well for younger students. Be aware, though, they're tuned up to Open C tuning to accommodate the shorter scale neck. It would be the exact patterns, scales and melody placement of a full size only in the key of C when played open as opposed to the key of G. This is necessary any time you shorten a neck to this degree...

2. Gold Tone: TB-100 -- The Traveler TB-100 Retails: 399.00 Your Price: 279.95

3. Gold Tone TB-250R Deluxe Traveler with Resonator: 839.00 (retail) Current Sale Price: 587.95
4. Gold Tone TB-250 Deluxe Traveler Open Back: 659.00 (retail) Current Sale Price: 461.95
#HDT Hardshell Case for Tenor or Travel Banjo: 110.00 (retail) Current Sale Price: 77.00 #HPTR Travel Banjo Gig Bag Retails: 59.00 Your Price: 39.95

Remember, once he grows out of the travel series, you have our full trade-up policy that will allow him to get into a full-size without any loss of initial investment.

At your disposal, FOTW