Best Banjo Armrest & Best Banjo Armrest Brands
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The primary purpose for creating the banjo armrest is to enable the banjo player to have comfort on the arm/wrist of the picking hand when playing the banjo. It is very easy for banjo players to get weary and lose balance in hand placement during a performance. But, with a banjo armrest, this problem can be solved.
What are the Best Banjo Armrests to Buy?
2) Single Leg Banjo Armrest—Silver Tone
- Superb quality with single leg
- Perfect for the restoration of vintage model banjos
- Suitable for the bracket with two apart rim hooks
1) Deering GOODTIME BANJO ARMREST
- Reputable Name
- Great Value for the Money
- Superb quality
- Highly Rated
- Very Comfortable
3) Golden Gate Single Leg Armrest
- Reliable option
- Single Leg Design
- Great restoration of vintage models
- Good Quality
Banjo Armrest, Their Brackets And Types
Majority of the banjo armrests in the market are constructed to fit on the banjos based on the number of brackets or tension hooks on such banjos.
Typically, the conventional Gibson kinds of the armrest can feature one or two brackets by which you can fix it into your banjo. All of these brackets come with adequate spaces so that they can span over and fit comfortably on the tension hooks that is there on your banjo.
Talking about the bracket that is on the armrest; it usually comes with a flat metal/steel bar that rests in position just behind two tension hooks and solidly clamps to the tension hooks through a hexagon screw. Whenever that screw is adjusted, it pushes the bracket tighter against the hooks.
Another famous type of armrest is the Deering armrest, which also closely resemble the Original Gibson style armrest.
The versatility of banjo armrests
Not all banjo armrest out there function the same way. Of course, some of the armrests are more versatile, compared to some other banjo armrests in the market. Versatile armrests are those that can fit perfectly on banjos having 18 to 24 tension hooks. However, there are some other armrests whose construction only permit them to fit particular numbers of tension hooks.
For instance, the old and reliable Vega-Style Wire armrest boasts great versatility that can comfortably fit Open Back banjos that have 12 to 34 tensions hooks.
So, as you can see, banjo armrests have a different versatility depending on their construction and style. While the average armrest will make it easy for you to play the banjo, make sure you get the right one that will both offer you comfort and easy to install. Oh, that brings us to another important point—armrest fitting.
When buying your banjo armrest, make sure it installs easily. A banjo armrest that is not correctly fitted can affect the tone of your banjo during play. If you fit the armrest in a way that it starts restricting your arm, affecting movements and resting on the banjo head, then it will also deaden the head’s movement and consequently affect your tone.
That said, here are some banjo armrests you can buy to ease your play.
8 Best Banjo Armrest Reviews and the Best Banjo Armrest Brands
1) Deering GOODTIME BANJO ARMREST
While the banjo will always going to appear as one of the most diminutive but highly cherished percussion instruments, the need to feel and have the best in convenience while playing is non-negotiable. That is why instrument designers and manufacturers are exploiting every means to ensure that banjo musicians enjoy their time in playing it.
Banjo armrest are the tools that gives lovers of banjos the comfort and stability they need when playing the banjo instrument. This option from Deering Goodtime is one of the best quality banjos in the market.
The flat construction of the armrest causes it to ride lower to the head of your banjo, which in turn, create a lot of comfort for the player.
We also discovered that the quality of this armrest is top notch and installing it is a breeze. The better part is that it comes with installation guidelines, which saves you the problem of guess-mountain associated with a number of banjo armrests in the market.
The included two exclusively designed hooks allow the mounting bracket to stay right in place. With a Goodtime 9/32 T-wrench, you can easily install and make use of your Goodtime banjo armrest.
2) Single Leg Banjo Armrest—Silver Tone
As the name implies, this is a single leg banjo armrest out to keep your arm in the correct position when playing your banjo. The quality of construction in this single leg banjo is outstanding and reliable. This is exactly what you will need if you are looking for a way to restore the glory days of the vintage model banjo.
You can comfortably use this armrest on a bracket having two separate rim hooks. This will further provide great clamping efficiency and improve comfort during play. The armrest package comes with a retainer and mounting bolts for easy installation.
3) Golden Gate P-104 1930’s – Style-Single Leg Armrest
The Golden Gate armrest is another reliable option for banjo players seeking to enhance comfort and good arm positioning during play. This armrest features a triple nickel-plated brass design to ensure its durability for enduring use.
The material construction also features a single leg design that boasts a well-polished mirror finish. The Golden Gate armrest is the ideal option for you if you want to have a feel of the 1920’s and 1930’s vintage banjo playing experience. It is also suitable as a replacement option for new model banjo needs. It is encouraging to know that this armrest fits well on the rims of 24-bracket banjos.
4) Recording King PB-604 Banjo Armrest – Nickel Plated
The Recording King PB-604 banjo armrest is the ideal option for any banjo player looking to enhance convenience during a banjo playing experience. The reason why this armrest is good is that, the numbers of tension hooks or brackets it fit right into is reassuring to the ardent banjo player.
The PB-604 armrest from recording King fit perfectly on a banjo with 24 brackets. What this means is that the level of comfort the banjo player will enjoy becomes even better. Moreover, the armrest features a rounded edge design that further enhances the quality of support it offers. Its nickel-plated finish also makes it perfect for people with Recording King banjo versions.
5) AXL-PB-100 Banjo Armrest –Vega-Style
The AXL banjo armrest features a unique style known as the Vega-Style. By this design, the armrest is allowed to feature wide and nicely edged eye spacing that create room for multiple hooks configuration to take place. With this nature of design, you can conveniently make use of this armrest for any banjo you have.
The body features nice nickel-plated steel design, with user-friendly surface and feel. It is easy to install and comes handy when playing your banjo.
6) Performance Plus 30 Bracket Nickel Replacement Banjo Armrest
The Performance Plus armrest features a nickel-plated design that boasts of immense good quality. This armrest is versatile, and the evidence is obvious from the fact that it can fit well into a banjo that has up to 30 tension hooks.
Going by this sheer number of brackets support, this armrest can go well with any Open Back banjo on the market.
It also features beautiful looking inlay design with laser etch and then touches off with excellent chrome finish.
7) BQLZR Banjo Part Single Leg banjo Armrest Steel Iron
Boasting a chrome finish, the BQLZR banjo armrest is a nice looking option for your banjo. It is easy to install, and it’s 100% brand new, straight out of the factory. If you love the vintage model banjo of the 1920’s and 1930 designs, this banjo will give you the restoration and comfort you need.
The BQLZR has a single leg design, well polished, highlighting a superior look similar to a mirror finish. The ancient design also reinforces upgrades for modern essential steel body construction, which this model is out to replicate. The armrest offers effective use for user comfort.
8) Chrome Plated Banjo Armrest For Repair Zinc Alloy Quality New
The chrome plated armrest from Non-Brand boasts excellent quality on all fronts. The armrest feature zinc material construction, which is of the highest quality. It also has a chrome color design that gives it more crisp identification. It is well polished, with a close mirror finish that further enhances its elegant look.
Comfort is what a banjo armrest is created to offer, and with two screws accompanying this design, you can trust it to deliver a secure comfort and good hand positioning for the banjo player. No better accessory you can get for your banjo guitar other than this armrest from Non-brand.
Choosing the Best Banjo Armrests
With a banjo armrest, all lovers of the banjo can now play and enjoy their musical renditions better than ever. The banjo armrest is a beautiful accessory that supports your arm when playing your banjo instrument. Also, it allows you to have better hand positioning and staying right in tune during play.
2) Single Leg Banjo Armrest—Silver Tone
- Superb quality with single leg
- Perfect for the restoration of vintage model banjos
- Suitable for the bracket with two apart rim hooks
1) Deering GOODTIME BANJO ARMREST
- Reputable Name
- Great Value for the Money
- Superb quality
- Highly Rated
- Very Comfortable
3) Golden Gate Single Leg Armrest
- Reliable option
- Single Leg Design
- Great restoration of vintage models
- Good Quality
However, take note that not all banjo armrests are capable of delivering the comfort or versatility that you need. In that case, make sure you know what you want and see if the armrest in question has it.
Lastly, remember that any form of contact with the head of your banjo can reduce the sound quality. Since players have different ways of attacking their strings, most banjos armrests in the market come with adjustable height so players can have the desired height position they need when playing.