Things to Know Before Buying Your First Used Banjo Online
Buying your first used banjo online is an exciting step — whether you’re drawn to bluegrass, old-time, or just want to pluck away in the garden. Second-hand banjos can be a brilliant way to save money and get started without making a huge financial commitment. But not every banjo listing is created equal.
Here’s a complete guide — ten essential things to check before buying a used banjo online for the first time. Whether you’re shopping on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Reverb, or Gumtree, this list will help you avoid the lemons and find a gem that’s ready to play.
First, Let’s Talk About what To Pay For A Used Banjo Online
If you’re wondering how much you should spend on your first banjo, here’s the simple answer:
💰 Don’t spend more than £250 on your first used banjo
🆕 Don’t spend less than £200 on a brand new one
Used banjos are often the best value — and yes, sometimes the stories behind them are bittersweet. You’ll be surprised how many “pre-loved” banjos are listed by people clearing out after the passing of a relative. Listings often say things like “husband’s old banjo – just want it gone”. And while that sounds a little morbid, don’t feel bad — chances are the original owner would be delighted to know their beloved instrument is going to bring music and joy to someone new.
1. Superficial Damage Is Fine — Actual Damage Is Not
When buying a second-hand banjo, expect to see cosmetic wear — scratches, dings, tarnished metal parts. These are normal signs of a banjo that’s been played and loved. But watch out for:
Cracked necks or headstocks
Loose or missing hardware
Bent tuning pegs
Signs of water damage
Warped rims or necks
These issues are usually a red flag, especially for beginners without the tools or skills to do repairs. Focus on structural condition, not perfection.
2. Missing Strings? That’s Totally Fine — But Check for a Bridge
It’s completely normal for a used banjo to have missing or ancient strings. You’ll want to replace them on Day One anyway. However, one important caveat: make sure the bridge is included.
If a banjo arrives with no strings and no bridge, it might be tricky to set up correctly — and you’ll be left guessing its previous setup. Always ask the seller if the bridge is present, even if it’s not visible in the photos.
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3. Check the 5th String Nut — Tiny But Critical
The 5th string nut (a tiny piece near the fifth fret that holds the short string in place) is one of the most overlooked parts of a used banjo — and it can cause real headaches if it’s missing or damaged.
It might seem like a small fix, but this tiny bit of plastic or bone is essential for proper tuning and string height. If it’s missing, cracked, or looks dodgy, move on. There are plenty of good banjos out there — and you want one that’s ready to play with minimal fuss.
4. Make Sure It’s Actually a 5-String Banjo
If you’re a beginner looking for a traditional banjo to learn on, you want a standard 5-string banjo. There are lots of similar-looking instruments out there, and many sellers don’t know exactly what they’re listing. Avoid the following unless you’re looking for something specific:
🎻 Tenor banjo – 4 strings, used in Irish music and jazz
🎸 Banjitar – 6 strings, tuned like a guitar
🪕 Banjo ukulele (banjolele) – small, with nylon strings
📏 Long-neck banjo – has 25 frets (vs. 22), used in folk
✈️ Travel banjo – compact size, often quieter or non-standard
Unless you’re specifically after one of those, search listings using terms like “5-string banjo for beginners” or “standard banjo second hand”.
5. Geared Tuners Make Life Easier
Banjo tuning is a battle at the best of times. You want all the help you can get — so aim for a used banjo with geared tuners, especially on the 5th string.
Many older or cheaper banjos still use friction tuners, which are fiddly and tend to slip. If the 5th string peg looks like it sticks straight out and doesn’t have a gear housing, it’s probably friction. Look for planetary tuners (common on good modern banjos) or a geared 5th string tuner. If unsure, ask the seller or compare with a reference photo.
6. Read the Listing Description Carefully
This one’s simple but crucial. Read every word of the product description before buying. Things to watch for:
🚫 “Collection only” — not ideal if you’re expecting delivery
🧩 “For parts” or “needs work” — not suitable for beginners
❓ “As is” or “untested” — usually a gamble
Look for listings with clear, confident descriptions. Phrases like “plays well,” “great condition,” or “ready to go” are good signs.
7. Ask for Clear, Detailed Photos
Photos are everything when buying a used instrument online. If a seller only provides one blurry photo, don’t bother. You should see:
📸 Full front and back of the banjo
🧠 Close-ups of the headstock and tuners
🎯 The bridge, tailpiece, and 5th string peg
🎼 Fretboard and neck close-up (check for wear or damage)
If key angles are missing, just message the seller — most will be happy to help.
8. Check That the Neck Is Straight
A straight neck is essential for a playable banjo. A warped or bowed neck can cause buzzing, high action, or notes that won’t fret cleanly. Signs of trouble:
Very high string action (strings far from the frets)
Photos that show the neck curving away from the pot
Descriptions that avoid mentioning playability
Ask the seller directly: “Is the neck straight and the action playable?” If they’re vague, be cautious.
9. Make Sure All the Hardware Is Present
Every banjo should come with the following essential components:
✅ Bridge
✅ Tailpiece
✅ Tension hoop and all hooks/nuts
✅ Tuners (including the 5th string)
✅ Coordinator rod(s) (inside the pot — check for photos or ask)
If anything is missing, it may be hard to replace, especially on older or off-brand models. The exception? A missing resonator (on a banjo that originally had one) is usually okay and sometimes preferred for open-back playing.
10. Look Up the Brand and Model
Before you hit “Buy,” spend five minutes Googling the banjo’s brand and model number. Look for:
⭐ Reviews on banjo forums or YouTube
❗ Common issues reported by owners
💬 General feedback like “great beginner banjo” or “avoid this brand”
If the brand is completely unknown and there’s no info out there, it might be a generic import — not necessarily bad, but worth considering carefully. Stick with brands like Deering (Goodtime series), Recording King, Gold Tone, Epiphone, Ozark, Tanglewood, or Washburn for reliable beginner options.
🎯 Ready to Make the Most of Your New Banjo?
Once your new pride and joy arrives in the post, the real adventure begins — and Banjo Adventures is the perfect place to start. Whether you’ve never played an instrument in your life or you’re picking up the banjo after a long break, you’ll find everything you need to go from total beginner to confident clawhammer player. With step-by-step video lessons, a supportive Discord community, and personal 1-on-1 guidance every single day, you won’t just learn to play — you’ll learn to love playing. You’ll be picking fun folk tunes, mastering the rhythm, and celebrating real progress before you know it. Best of all, you can get started today for less than the price of a takeaway.
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Final Thoughts: Buying a Used Banjo Online as a Beginner
There’s never been a better time to get into banjo playing — and buying your first used banjo online can be both fun and affordable. Just take your time, ask questions, and use this checklist to stay on track. You don’t need to spend a fortune, but you do want a banjo that’s playable, complete, and structurally sound.
When you find the right one, give it a new home, string it up, and enjoy bringing music to life. And if the previous owner’s ghost watches proudly from the afterlife while you nail your first clawhammer tune — well, that’s just good banjo karma.
Extra Advice When Buying A Used Banjo Online
Every month I post a new video of myself browsing for used banjos online to educate people such as yourself who is looking to start playing, I hope the information above was helpful but what’s even better is a visual description. So please check out my collection of banjo window shopping videos below and they will help you even more to chose the right banjo for you.
Buying your first used banjo Video 1
Buying your first used banjo Video 2
