How to Choose the Best Banjo
There are many ways to keep yourself, friends and family entertained and music is that one universal language that everyone understands. This is why learning to play a musical instrument is always a rewarding experience. You do not have to learn to play an instrument because you want to join a band or use your new-found skill professionally, you can just do it for fun. One of the instruments that plays great music is the banjo. This is a stringed instrument that has different number of strings. The history of banjos is interesting and you would be surprised how the instrument gained popularity in America but that is a story for another day. If you are looking to get the banjo or want to replace your previous instrument, here are a few tips to help you choose the best banjo.
It is important to know what you are looking for because you can get custom made banjos from suppliers like Doc`s Banjos. The first thing you need to consider is the number of strings you want. This will depend on your skills level. You can find banjos with 10 strings or even 12 but the more the strings, the more complicated it is to play the instrument. For beginners, starting with 4 or 5 strings banjos is the best move. A 6 string banjo which is very popular among guitarists and is tuned the same way as a guitar. The banjo can be played the same way as an acoustic guitar. One of the things that will influence the number of strings you want your banjo to have is your music type and style. Adding an extra string to a banjo will add a different tone and melody. It is best to go for the most popular choice like a five-string banjo that will help you learn faster as a beginner.
Another important part of the banjo is the resonator back. This is the part that makes a banjo to be described as a drum with a stick and some strings. The drum part of the banjo has a skin that covers the wooden and metal frame. The drum head can be open-backed or it could be fitted with some wooden resonator. The difference between the two options is that volume since the resonator is louder. The two drum head options also have some tonal differences.
Everything in the banjos matters including the wood used to make the musical instrument. Most popular woods for a banjo are mahogany and maple. You cannot say one offers more advantages over the other but the two look different. More importantly, it is best to look at the instrument that is made with precision and one that plays well when you strike the strings.
For a first banjo, the best thing to do is ask for advice from someone who has been playing one. This is particularly important for upcoming musicians. Getting a custom banjo is also one of the best decisions because you can get the exact instrument that you want. You can also consider visiting different banjo forums to help you make the right decision on the banjo to buy.