Banjo for a newbie??

[T1pper]

After sitting on the side lines for some time I have decided to take up the Banjo.

I am leaning towards an open back 5 string for the clawhammer style of playing, I am a complete newbie and lack confidence in my own ability to learn anything musical.

I am torn between buying a very cheap banjo for under £200 and see if I am cut out for playing the banjo then upgrade if I progress or buy something a bit more up market at around £400 and be rewarded with how it sounds but risk never being able to master it and wasting a lot more money?

I have received a few recommendations so far firstly a Gold Tone 100 cc and secondly a Deering Goodtime these have been described as being a solid beginners Banjos.

Any Advice for a newbie on Banjo choice please.

[vrsmxtb]

I can't speak specifically about Banjos, but generally speaking I would always recommend spending the higher end of your budget on a musical instrument. The better quality, and sound of them are more likely to inspire you to play and practice and if you do find it sitting on a shelf getting dusty, they're more likely to hold their value for selling on. I'd recommend looking at second-hand for even more value for money.

My dad recently bought a banjo from this guy: http://www.andybanjo.com/ and had good things to say about him.

[T1pper]

Hi,
Thanks for that, I am aware of Andys banjos so will have a look at the web site, not sure about a secondhand instrument as I am not familiar with what to look for or how it should sound, I would ideally like a shop to set it up for me.