5-String Banjo Weight Concerns

Date: Tue, 11 May 2004 15:58:38 -0400

Hi Mickey

I am looking for a decent beginner's banjo. I had decided on either a Morgan Monroe or the Gold Tone OB-250. I have not yet tried either one, and someone said that, at 14 pounds, they are too heavy for a woman. What would you recommend? I would like to learn bluegrass bajno.

Thanks.
Barbara Capper

Greetings Barbara,

Any solid banjo, with a pro-level tone ring, will weigh in in and around 14lbs+...some slightly lighter and many heavier. A resonator banjo, with tone ring, such as the Morgan Monroe MGB-1 or Gold Tone OB-250, is going to have to weigh in pretty heavy. The reason is that a bluegrass banjo requires a resonator and bell brass tone ring to have the volume, projection and tone necessary to project within most any playing situation.

Hence, if you do want to learn bluegrass, my suggestion would be to stick with the Morgan Monroe or OB-250 choices...this will ensure that you have the right tool whenever the situation may demand it. Keep in mind, during your learning stages, you'll be mostly sitting down with your banjo...so the weight will not be an issue...you'll still want a banjo strap even when sitting for added support...eventually, you can slowly work into standing and playing if you want...fortunately, as a beginner, it's usually not something you have to concern yourself with until long after you've progressed and joined a bluegrass band...

Hope this helps...Mickey
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