The best Banjos in Australia

14 top rated Banjos for every need: Australia's top picks!

The banjo, with its distinctive bright and twangy sound, holds a vital place in American music history. Originating from African instruments brought to the Americas, it evolved into a cornerstone of Appalachian folk, bluegrass, and early jazz. Beyond its joyful sound, the banjo represents a rich cultural blend and continues to inspire musicians with its versatility, encouraging improvisation and a lively connection between performer and audience. Learning to appreciate a good banjo involves understanding not just its sound, but also its construction and the nuances of its playing style.

What to Look For

Resonator Material

Banjos can have resonator (metal or wood) or open-back designs. Resonators project more volume and have a brighter sound, preferred for bluegrass; open-backs offer a more mellow, vintage tone often used in clawhammer style.

Head Material & Tightness

The banjo head (usually plastic or skin) greatly impacts tone. Thicker heads produce a more defined sound; tighter heads generally result in a higher pitch and more projection.

Neck Wood & Profile

The neck’s wood (often maple or mahogany) and its profile (shape) influence playability and tone. A comfortable profile is essential for extended playing, while the wood contributes to the overall resonance.

Bracing Pattern

The bracing underneath the banjo head affects the instrument’s responsiveness and tone. Different bracing patterns create unique sound characteristics – consider researching ‘tone rings’ for resonator banjos.

Hardware Quality

Check the quality of the tuning pegs, tailpiece, and bridge. Durable, well-made hardware ensures stable tuning and reliable performance.

Action (String Height)

The 'action' is the height of the strings from the fretboard. Lower action is generally easier to play, but can cause buzzing; higher action can be harder to press but may reduce fret buzz.

#1
Vangoa 5 String Banjo 26 Inch, MINI Travel Banjo Beginner Kit with Remo Head, Open Back & Closed Solid Back with beginner Kit, Comfortable Carrying Bag
  • HIGH QUALITY DRUM HEAD It uses high-quality plastic drum head as Banjo panel that can produce a sweet tone. You can also gently beat the head to fusion different timbres in your melodies.
  • ADJUSTABLE STRING HEIGHT It equips a truss rod that can adjust the string height, so that you will feel comfortable and perform fluently
  • DURABLE MATERIAL Mahogany neck, sides and back have beautiful wood grain, hard and not liable to warp or corrode, making the banjo durable.
  • SMOOTH DECENT TOUCH It has a fine bright paint, glossy and smooth, giving you a comfortable playing experience.
$203.50 AUD
(1263 reviews)
#2
Janod - Pure Banjo - Wooden Musical Instrument for Children with Pretty Illustrations - Bird Shape Tuning Key - 3 Replacement Strings - Water Based Colours - from 3 Years, J05160
  • For little musicians: this pretty wooden banjo is ideal for giving children the joy of the music. This music toy from Janod is ideal for little hands and is perfect for children aged 3 to 8 years. A great toy to discover music! With the 3-string banjo, children can develop their motor skills and create different tones.
  • Delicate and contemporary colours: a musical instrument that looks beautiful also tempts you to play. That's why we have created a toy banjo printed with pretty pictures in delicate colours. The tuning keys have the shape of cute birds: an irresistible design
  • Wooden banjo for children: Janod has developed this wooden toy so that children discover the joy of using a first musical instrument that is pretty, fun and adapted to their body shape. The Pure Banjo is made from beech and pine wood. 3 replacement strings are included. Dimensions: 18 x 6 x 44.3 cm.
  • Pure collection: Pure, a collection of educational toys made of natural wood that promotes early childhood development. This toy collection of cute animals in delicate and pastel tones is also contemporary and modern.
$54.95 AUD
(438 reviews)
#3
Vangoa Banjo Uke, 4 String Banjolele Concert 23 Inch Sapele Banjo Ukulele with Beginner Kit
  • ✅[Mini Travel Banjo Uke] The 23-inch mini banjolele is designed for easy travel, making it ideal for youth, travelers, or anyone seeking a portable instrument. It conveniently fits in a regular suitcase without sacrificing professional-grade functionality
  • ✅[Premium Banjo Head] Crafted with a Remo head from the renowned Remo drum company, this small banjolele kit offers exceptional quality not typically found in budget options. The crisp, frosted white head delivers bright, clear tones for an outstanding musical experience
  • ✅[Tailored Banjolele for Beginners] Featuring chrome-geared closed tuning pegs that are user-friendly and maintain tunes effortlessly. The Aquila Strings, known for durability, offer low action for beginners and intermediates, ensuring comfortable and easy playability while striking a perfect balance between sound quality and ease of use
  • ✅[Exceptional Banjo Ukulele Tone Quality] The AAA mahogany body, coupled with a 5-ply climate-resistant 8-inch rim, produces a rich, vibrant sound suitable for various music styles. With 12 solid chrome-plated brackets securing the drum head, this banjolele guarantees a pleasing tone and excellent playability
$148.72 AUD
(408 reviews)
#5
Deering Goodtime Openback 5 String Banjo - Best Beginner Banjo | Made In U.S.A.
  • Lightweight - Less than 5lb! Take your Deering Gooddtime banjo with you anywhere! Camping, festivals, the beach, on stage! The Deering Goodtime banjo is extremely durable, plays great, and sounds great!
  • Made In USA
  • 3-Play Violin Grade Maple Rim
  • Easy to learn on!
$958.13 AUD
(190 reviews)
#6
Vangoa LEFT-HANDED Banjo 5 String Mahogany Open Back Banjo with Resonator, Remo Drum Head, Geared 5th String Beginner Kit with Manual, Full Size
  • ✔️【Professional Tone】Premium Africa Mahogany full-size banjo with arched resonator projects a more clear exciting sound and it is removable for a mellower and softer open-back tone
  • ✔️【Top Quality Remo Head]】Weatherking frosted drum head ensures a stable tone, while clean bright, and less sustain. Chrome-plated 24 brackets precisely control the head for a more accurate sound
  • ✔️【Durable Construction]】Adjustable truss rod helps easily adjust to enjoyable action and keep the neck straight for perfect intonation, geared closed 5th white jade peg is smoothy and precise to adjust
  • ✔️【Gorgerous Classic Look】Glossy finish clearly shows the beautiful natural wood grain, supports you with a comfortable touch and high protection. Sturdy fretboard, slender neck ensures a smooth, safe sliding up and down
$414.25 AUD
(145 reviews)
#7
Tenor Banjo Chord Book
$9.38 AUD
(104 reviews)
#10
Crossrock 5-String Resonator & Gibson Tenor Banjo Case | ABS Molded Hardshell with Security Lock, Metal Feet, and Detachable Straps-Champagne (CRA861BJCH)
  • Designed for 5-String Resonator styles of Banjos, such as Deering resonator 5 string, Gibson Tenor Banjo, Washburn B9.
  • 【Durable Construction】Made from extremely durable and scratch-resistant ABS hardshell and High-density hard foam core inside. Which accommodates and provides strength and protection for your instrument and against shock and impact, whether in transit or storage.
  • 【STORAGE COMPARTMENT】With a built-in storage compartment (4.3" x 3.7") to store accessories and other valuables.
  • 【DELUXE FEATURES】5 metal latches and strong molded handle. Strong backpack straps (can load at most 170lb pulling) make the case to be carried safely and easily.
$353.99 AUD
(46 reviews)
#11
GEWA Banjo ukulele Manoa B-CO-A schwarz with Gig Bag
  • Banjo Ukulele Concert size, Black ABS open back
  • 12 tension rods, 8" black head
  • Maple neck, fingerboard and bridge, 18 nickel silver frets
  • Bone nut, Scale 380 mm, nut width 35 mm
$225.52 AUD
(43 reviews)
#12
Crossrock Wooden Banjo Case fits 11~12.5 inches Openback Banjo -Vintage Hardware, Sponge Lining, Metal Feet, Storage Space-Brown (CRW620OBJBR)
  • Designed for 11-12.5'' Openback banjos
  • Thick foam padding with deep plush lining makes sure snug fit to your instrument
  • Soft Leather covered handle offers a comfortable grip
  • Deluxe lockable latches keep your precious instrument safe
$198.79 AUD
(41 reviews)
#13
Wood Guitar Stand, Acoustic Electric Guitar Stand with Padded Foam, Wooden Guitar Stand A-Frame Folding Bass Guitar Floor Stand for Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin
  • SOLID WOOD - Made of solid mahogany wood. The unique wood grain shows off a high-end look that makes your guitar stand out. This music fold guitar stand is an ideal gift for men, guitar players, husband, wife, grandparents, parents and friends on Birthday, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Mother's Day, Father's Day, etc.
  • SAFETY - The A-Frame guitar stand, with safety lock and non-slip rubber feet, keeps your guitar stand firmly on the floor without sliding or tilting. Any contact with the guitar is covered with thick cotton pad to prevent scratches.
  • UNIVERSAL - This real wood guitar stand could holds all instruments. The cradle arms of this A-Frame guitar stand can be adjusted up to 9 inch (23 cm) wide, and the height of floor guitar stand is 14.5 inch (37 cm), works well as universal guitar stand, such as acoustic, electric, bass, banjo, etc.
  • EASY ASSEMBLY - No need to prepare any tools to install and use. Allen wrench is packed, you can easily assemble in 5 minutes and fold flat in seconds when not in use.
$36.99 AUD
(27 reviews)
#14
Guitar Wall Mount Collapsible Wall Hanger with Solid Wood, Cork Original Design Space Saving Wall Hanger Mount Holder Hook Stand Wall for Acoustic, Banjo, Bass, Ukulele for Guitar Player
  • QUALITY MATERIAL: The solid wood protects guitar from scratches or damage. Cork prevents damage to finish. The anodized aluminium bracket makes the space more stylish, the guitar more secure
  • 105° OPENING DESIGN: When open, the angle between the metal and the wood is 105°, allow your instrument to hang parallel to the wall, protecting your guitar from touching and scratching
  • HIGH LOAD CAPACITY: The guitar hooks consists of 20 precision components with high load capacity. It is perfect to use in bedroom, living room, music studio, office and rehearsal space
  • WARM TIP: Applicable 1st fret width ≤ 2.13inches guitars, the wood in its true natural state, the color and wood grain you receive will differ from the display and have a unique appearance.
$59.99 AUD
(11 reviews)