I am a newbie. Is this banjo worth it? I really want to learn to play and I have heard great things about Deering banjos.
1242099
I'm not going to lie, it is challenging. I had an open back banjo to start and then I purchased the Deering banjo. I love the Deering banjo. It makes a different, higher quality sound. I definitely get frustrated sometimes when I'm learning new rolls, licks, and songs but I just try to break the songs down into small portions and repeat them over and over (which is basically the crux of banjo playing I'm told). I think you'll enjoy the Deering and if you end up not sticking with it I'm sure there would be a very good resale value for it. Hope that helps!
1242100
The Deering is an excellent quality banjo made in America, but I think the Oscar Schmidt OB5 is a much better value. The OB5 will do everything the Deering will do for about one-third the price (a Chinese-made banjo). If its quality you're after, the Deering is a better choice, but you can learn just as well on the OB5. Deering also sends emails from time to time with ideas on improving your play. You won't get that from the Chinese banjo.
1242101
This is an excellent banjo, and well worth the money. My opinion is that while you don't want to spend a fortune on your first banjo, it's important to get one that will not frustrate you. For instance, my first banjo was a cheap one, and I could not manage clawhammer on it at all. The strings were too close together on both ends, and there wasn't enough volume or sustain to get a decent note out when playing clawhammer style. When I first picked up my Goodtime 2 and tried clawhammer, a big smile spread over my face because I realized it was the banjo that had been holding me back, and that it was no longer an issue. This is an excellent banjo, and well worth the money. My opinion is that while you don't want to spend a fortune on your first banjo, it's important to get one that will not frustrate you. For instance, my first banjo was a cheap one, and I could not manage clawhammer on it at all. The strings were too close together on both ends, and there wasn't enough volume or sustain to get a decent note out when playing clawhammer style. When I first picked up my Goodtime 2 and tried clawhammer, a big smile spread over my face because I realized it was the banjo that had been holding me back, and that... » Read More This is an excellent banjo, and well worth the money. My opinion is that while you don't want to spend a fortune on your first banjo, it's important to get one that will not frustrate you. For instance, my first banjo was a cheap one, and I could not manage clawhammer on it at all. The strings were too close together on both ends, and there wasn't enough volume or sustain to get a decent note out when playing clawhammer style. When I first picked up my Goodtime 2 and tried clawhammer, a big smile spread over my face because I realized it was the banjo that had been holding me back, and that it was no longer an issue. « Show Less
191833
The only thing I had to do was stand up the bridge. It was set in a real close position after just standing it up in the position it came in. Everything came in excellent condition. just tune it and it was ready to play Foggy Mountain Breakdown. Very Happy for the price. I own 3 different models of Recording King banjos. I love everyone of them. Lots of luck and happy picking.
629862
I am not a professional regarding acoustic guitar. What I can do is give you my personal opinion. I love the way it plays for me being a beginner, very easy on the eye and to hold for learning. I know of some-one who was self tough on it and then passed it down to children, now they are learning on it.
1971134
Hi siddharth Gupta, just to add a comment about the machine, when I bought it after 4 times I've played it the control box broke down and can't work anymore. So make to sure you buy from a local authorized dealer who covers any repares for you. Pay abit more it's better. If not its very troublesome to communicate with the direct dealer to send back your part to them and you have to pay for the freight. So far I'm loving this machine. It really helped me to improve some of my techniques. All the best.
1147434
I have been learning on a C harp. Having a great time with it. You won't go wrong with a C, I'm sure.
1380055
i have this guitar.its not bad. i learned basic, open chord guitar from youtube also. been playing over a year now. its a good starter guitar. just make sure any guitar u get has a good, straight neck and u'll be good to go. try to get bright d'adarrio strings on it for great sound.they are sturdy/long lasting strings too. a great beginner song to learn is 'down by the water.' by the decemberists. and 'sweet pea' by amos lee.
888682
Hey Chris, are 912 reviews not enough for ya? For the price, it looks like the majority agree that it's 3.5 out of 5. Again, for the price, you will not find a better violin. If you want to spend $200+, you will get a proper 'beginner' violin, but that's a commitment decision you have to make. There are more expensive violins that suck more than this one, there are also better versions from the same company for a bit more (CVN-200, 300, etc.) So, how dedicated or picky are you?
2153536
Yes, this is a wonderful instrument to begin learning to play on. The sound can be a bit "bright" in my opinion and it does not have a built in tuner. Well worth the money for the instrument!
2194898
I haven't had any problems with this violin. Had it for a month now. It is way better than I thought it would be for the price. So yes it's a quality instrument for a beginner.
70658
Either would be a good choice for a beginner or an advanced player. Id get whichever one you could get the best price on.
935846
Mine sounds awesome. I couldn't be more please for the price to quality ratio. I've had a few of my fellow players comment on it's good sound. I can't, of course, say what yours might sound like but I'm pleased with mine and have had it for quite a while now ... good luck
1697595
had mine two weeks and strings didnt break. but had to return it due to defective bridge and bought a gold tone banjo. more money about $500 but better sound
1536754
bonnie - I am having the same problem. most banjo pots are heavier. all banjos need to be fit to your style of play. your 2nd purchase should have been a strap. string or button connectors. a must. you don't want to attach the strap to the neck. need to find spot on the pot. does not have to go where they mounted the loop holes. I check my mail about every 3 weeks, sorry. I've made more changes. nice piece
2041650
The Artist pickup works great on Banjo's, Ukes, and such. It puts out good solid tone with a good volume level. Hope you enjoy it!!!! Dean
1907919
I bought a Musician's Gear Deluxe Hardshell Case, ans I am VERY pleased with it ! The case is plushly lined top and bottom, thereby protecting the banjo nicely all the way around. the case has a very nice appearance for taking to shows or just for your pleasure. The case also has three hinge locks on the outside of the case, to help protect the safety of your banjo. I paid $49.99 which I thought, I will be sending this back, but after actually seeing it I said this is what I need if I want my banjo to be taken care of properly. I would strongly recommend this case, I do not believe you would be disappointed. I bought a Musician's Gear Deluxe Hardshell Case, ans I am VERY pleased with it ! The case is plushly lined top and bottom, thereby protecting the banjo nicely all the way around. the case has a very nice appearance for taking to shows or just for your pleasure. The case also has three hinge locks on the outside of the case, to help protect the safety of your banjo. I paid $49.99 which I thought, I will be sending this back, but after actually seeing it I said this is what I need if I want my banjo to be taken care of properly. I would strongly recommend this case, I do not believe you... » Read More I bought a Musician's Gear Deluxe Hardshell Case, ans I am VERY pleased with it ! The case is plushly lined top and bottom, thereby protecting the banjo nicely all the way around. the case has a very nice appearance for taking to shows or just for your pleasure. The case also has three hinge locks on the outside of the case, to help protect the safety of your banjo. I paid $49.99 which I thought, I will be sending this back, but after actually seeing it I said this is what I need if I want my banjo to be taken care of properly. I would strongly recommend this case, I do not believe you would be disappointed. « Show Less
1536755
Not sure of your positioning. I don't position like a guitar with the neck straight to the side. I sit the banjo between my legs, or on one of my legs, and play it with the neck angled up pretty high, which balances it better. I've noticed banjo players doing this, even with a strap - most angle the banjo up pretty high. If you google search "how to hold a banjo" you'll see lots of banjo players holding it this way because it balances the instrument.
1192047
I had never played before when I bought my ukulele. I bought it as a birthday present for myself. The first time I played it was at an ukulele workshop on Maui. I told the instrutor this when I arrived. He tuned it for me, played a couple songs on it, and told me I got a great little ukulele for the price! I was super happy to hear I had made a good choice. Before I bought I went to the Cordoba website. There you can listen to one being played. Mine came ready to play.