Best Electric Banjos
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, I receive a commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Banjos are one of the most popular musical instruments in the world. It is mostly associated with traditional jazz, American country music, and folk music. However, the history of Banjos is more diverse than that. Many historians claim that the Banjo originated from the African American communities. There is also another group of people who believe that the Banjo was invented by American Musician, Joel Sweeney. It is believed that Joel Sweeney used a fingerboard to add a neck to the drum. Hence the modern banjo was born in the 19th century.
Read Also: Budget Banjo, Kids Banjo
In reality, the traditional banjos were introduced by African American slaves in America. It is believed that many slave owners used to learn Banjos from their African American slaves. Since its invention, the Banjo has seen a lot of change and transformations. With time new and more creative techniques have been introduced to play the Banjo. These days you can find many different types of Banjos in the market.
The Banjos can vary in shape, material, style, weight, design, technique and many other factors. So, if you are into music, you are bound to find a banjo that resonates with your personality. When we talk about various types of Banjos, we must mention electric banjos. Like most of the other things in the world, banjos also enjoy a modern touch in the modern world. These days you can find different types of electric banjos in the market.
Electric Banjos have a lot more features than traditional banjos. They also help in creating clear and smoother music that is soothing for the ears. Electric banjos are also used commercially to create music for shows and movies. When it comes to technique you can play these banjos just like a traditional acoustic banjo, however, the extra features will help you connect your banjo to other devices like a computer and amplifier. If you are looking for an electric banjo, then you can make your way down to the local music store. Notwithstanding, a more convenient option would be to check out a variety of trusted websites on the internet that sell all types of electric banjos.
Related: Banjo Capo, Banjo Armrest, Banjo String, Banjo Case, Banjo Pickup, Banjo Strap, Banjo Book
What is the Best Electric Banjo to Buy?
2) Goodtime: Deering Acoustic-Electric Banjo
- High Quality
- Humbucking Pickup
- Lightweight
1) Gold Tone Electric Banjo (Five String EB 5)
- High Durability
- Cost-Effective with Luxury Features
- Mahogany Solid Body
- User-Friendly
3) Dean Guitars 6 String Electric Banjo
- Black Chrome Hardware
- Easy to Play
- Come with Resilient Hard Case
9 Best Electric Banjo Reviews
1. Gold Tone Electric Banjo (Five String EB 5)
A unique banjo from the renowned Gold Tone brand. Many artists and bands use Gold Tone banjos. Mumford and Sons are one of the examples. This banjo is known for its unique design and amazing playing experience. The banjo has five string which makes for a great jamming experience both casually and on the stage. Banjos are normally associated with country music however you can use this banjo to create different types of music. If you want to learn to play an electric banjo then this banjo is the way to go.
It is easy to use, cost-effective and has all the features you would find in a luxury banjo. This does not mean that something is missing in the Banjo’s quality. When it comes to quality, Gold Tone never compromises on it. Therefore, all their banjos are durable and of high quality. They don’t break or wear out just after a little usage.
With its custom made and pre-tuned head, the tuning experience is remarkably increased. The tailpiece of the banjo can support both ball-end strings or loop end strings. The banjo is very user-friendly and works great. The pickup of the banjo is great as well which is why the banjo does not have any feedback related problem.
2. Goodtime: Deering Acoustic-Electric Banjo
A beautifully designed American made electric banjo that has an off white and cream-colored wooden handle with a touch of white in it as well. Goodtime is known for manufacturing elegantly designed musical instruments. It is one of the most user-friendly electric banjos out in the market. This means that people can easily make unique and awesome tunes on this banjo.
When it comes to the pickup, this banjo has a humbucking pickup. The humbucking pickup is mounted on the head of the banjo. You can also tune the banjo according to your needs and preferences. It is a very light Banjo and only weighs around 5 pounds. The lightweight makes it easy to carry around and play music on.
Even though it is an electric banjo, this product does not come with an amplifier. So, if you are looking to attach this banjo to an amplifier, you will have to buy an amplifier separately. Its elegant design and color make it stand out from other banjos and guitars. In addition to its looks, this banjo is known for its high quality and enhanced durability. It is a perfect musical instrument that can be great for both commercial and personal use.
3. Dean Guitars 6 String Electric Banjo
Dean Guitars’ BW6E Backwoods 6 String Electric Banjo is one of the more elegant banjos in the market. The Backwoods 6 series is known for its high quality and amazing banjos. This Banjo is only available in black color however the black color makes the banjo look even more amazing. The hardware of the banjo is black chrome. It is a very well-designed banjo with Graphite Bridge and dome-shaped knobs. Its features make it a perfect instrument to have in your musical arsenal.
The banjo also comes with a sleek and beautiful banjo case, so you don’t have to worry about carrying your Banjo without any cover. The case can help you carry the banjo to different places and it can also help in keeping the banjo clean and prevent any scratches. Both the banjo and the case are highly durable and resilient. This means that any money you spend on buying this banjo is going to be worth it.
This Banjo’s perfect design and amazing quality make it an ideal instrument for both personal and professional use. You can create some amazing music by using this banjo. It can also be a great gift to give to someone who loves music, or you can gift it to your friends or family members on their special day.
4. Gold Tone Five String Electric Banjo
Gold Tone is a very popular banjo brand. Gold Tone Five-string electric banjo is known for its unique style and design. Design enhancements make the banjo look like a guitar. The guitar shape makes it easy for people who have extensive experience in playing guitars but don’t know how to use a banjo.
If you were to look it from the backside you wouldn’t realize, whether if it is a banjo or a guitar. The top and back are made up of Mahogany timber which gives the banjo its amazing look. Gold Tone Five String Electric Banjo has gold hardware and 2 tone tobacco sunburst color. Gold Tone Fiver String Electric Banjo has two pickups. One is the humbucker under head position. The other pick up is known as stacked humbucker and it is in the neck position. Both pickups are crucial in creating amazing tunes.
The banjo also has a fast response which makes it easier for the player to play his/her desired tunes. Even though it is an electric banjo, you can use it without plugging it. It would still create amazing tunes even when it is unplugged. The banjo comes with a hard-shell case to keep the banjo in. It can also help you create a more civilized travelling experience.
5. Dean Guitars BW2E Backwoods Series Electric Banjo
Another amazing Banjo has come from Dean Guitars. This banjo belongs to the well-loved Backwoods series. It has a unique design with pearl dot inlays. This is a very well-designed banjo and can help you make some perfect tunes. Speaking of tunes, BW2E Backwoods banjo has open-faced tuners. Such tuners could be seen on traditional banjos from the 19th century.
As this is an electric banjo it comes with the ability to control the volume. The volume control may sound like a small feature, but it is an important one. It can help in creating your perfect style and tone of the music. The banjo has a DMT design pickup which adds a lot of value to the entire banjo experience.
In addition, this banjo also comes with a case and a stand. The case can be very helpful if you travel a lot with your banjo. The stand, on the other hand, can help you to place the banjo at an appropriate place so that the banjo does not get damaged. If you are travelling somewhere with the banjo, you should take the stand with you as well. Also, if you don’t have a proper place for the banjo at the destination, you can use your stand and it will help in reducing the risk of damage for the banjo.
6. Gold Tone Flamed Maple EBT Banjo (Electric)
Another Gold Tone entry on this Banjo list. This shows that Gold Tone banjos are high quality, resilient and durable products. Like other banjos from Gold Tone, this model is also very durable and has a long life. However, that is not the only similarity between the different Gold Tone banjo models. It is an F shaped banjo and the shape of the banjo looks like that of a guitar. It has a humbucker right under the head of the banjo. This banjo model is designed to cater to country music lovers. It has a traditional vibe to it. The same was found in the original banjos in the 19th century.
Furthermore, it has a very fast response which makes for amazing music experience. This is an electric guitar and you can connect it to different devices for an optimum experience, however, it can also work well without the electricity as well. You can still create some amazing music on such banjos. Like other Gold Tone Banjos, this is also a very user-friendly banjo which means that you can easily learn to play it. With a weight of almost 9 pounds, the banjo is somewhat heavier than other banjos in the market.
7. Gold Tone Five String Electric Banjo
One more amazing electric banjo is sold by Gold Tone. Gold Tone is known for its high-quality electric banjos. Its five-string electric banjo series is one of the most beloved banjo series in the world. This banjo model is known for its F shape. The banjo is very well put together, and the volume control knob is easily accessible which makes for a great musical experience.
Like other Gold Tone banjos, this banjo also has a dual pickup. The first one is the hidden humbucking pickup which is located under the head of the banjo. The second one is at the neck and it is called single-coil pickup. It is a very user-friendly banjo which means no matter if you are an expert or a beginner, you can create some amazing tunes using this banjo. The guitar is designed for stage use which means that is it perfect for commercial use.
This product also comes with a case in which you can carry your banjo while you are travelling the cover also provides protection to the banjo and keeps it clean. Like other Five String Electric Banjo by Gold Tone, this banjo also has a shape of a guitar and you wouldn’t be able to differentiate if you saw it from behind.
8. Boston Six String Acoustic Electric Banjo (Deering)
This amazing banjo form Deering is one of the finest banjos in the world. It has a unique design which makes the banjo look more elegant. Deering banjos are known for their unique tones, so you are bound to create some new tunes through Deering’s Boston Six String Electric banjo.
This Deering Banjo is a very ‘easy to use’ banjo which means that you don’t have to be an expert to play this banjo. You just need to know the basics and you would do great with this banjo. No matter where you are, whether you are at home or on a stage, you can easily tune and retune this guitar and make it perfect for your desired tunes.
It is an electric banjo but does not need batteries to run so you can experience its electrical feature by directly plugging it into a socket. The banjo also works great without the electricity as well. You can still play it and create amazing tunes with it, however, they would be without an amplifier. Famous and successful music artists like Taylor Swift and Keith Urban have used this type of banjo. This fact remarkably increases the value of the banjo. The banjo also comes with a beautiful hard-shell case to keep the banjo clean and for the convenience of carrying it throughout the world.
9. Gold Tone Dojo DLX Five String Electric Banjo
This banjo is one of the most stylish banjos to ever grace the market. This is a perfect musical instrument that does not just have a good design but also works great as well. A user-friendly banjo which is ideal for an emotional and soft solo play. Its unique design with a beautiful inlay boosts the elegance of the banjo.
This is an F shaped banjo that provides comfort-ability and ease of use. It is very easy and comfortable to hold and play the banjo. This is the reason that it is the best choice for both personal and professional use. Stage artists can advantage from the comfort-ability, easiness and unique pickup of the banjo.
The banjo has a flamed maple top, neck, side and back. The hardware of the banjo is chrome plated which adds a lot of value and life to the product. The banjo can be easily tuned as per your preference. Plugging it into an electric socket or other devices like amplifiers can help you enhance your music experience however, the banjo can also work great without the electricity as well. However, it is ideal to use its electric features for optimum music experience.
Choosing the Best Banjo
One of the most common misconceptions about Banjos is that people think that a Banjo and a guitar are the same things. This assumption stems from the fact that both have long strings attached to the piece of long wood. However, a banjo is completely different from a guitar. They are both used to make different types of music. So, if you are looking for a banjo, you should get a banjo that suitable for your playing skills.
2) Goodtime: Deering Acoustic-Electric Banjo
- High Quality
- Humbucking Pickup
- Lightweight
1) Gold Tone Electric Banjo (Five String EB 5)
- High Durability
- Cost-Effective with Luxury Features
- Mahogany Solid Body
- User-Friendly
3) Dean Guitars 6 String Electric Banjo
- Black Chrome Hardware
- Easy to Play
- Come with Resilient Hard Case
There are many different types of banjos available at many different locations in the market. You can find a wide range of banjos in the online market as well. If you want to buy a banjo for personal or professional purposes, you should go online and do some research. You are bound to find a Banjo that would work for you. If you like any of the banjos mentioned in the list, then follow the link mentioned under each of the banjo types and start shopping.