SI
If you need a six string banjo then go for this!
I had wanted a banjo for some time but didn't fancy learning a completely different instrument so I compromised to get this six string version. Don't be fooled into thinking there is no learning curve to playing this, there are some distinct differences. You cannot just play the same open chords at the top of the neck: that sound quite awful! You will need to learn banjo rolls and/or some finger picking and to be honest a capo is pretty much a necessity to get a decent 'banjo' sound. The instrument itself is very well made and finished. The action is very high and takes a little getting used to but with a little patience you can get a good and distinct sound out of it. Makes a nice change from guitar and if you are into folk or country it will prove to be a fantastic addition to your collection! In terms of value for money, Thomann's Harley Benton brand is very hard to beat being well made and really good products for the price...
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z
Without a doubt needed a set up but over all a great fun instrument
I play guitar, bass, mandolin, fiddle, and banjo so there is no issue with me trying to get used to a different tuning. I didn't buy it as a banjo for a guitar player who cannot play banjo. What I bought it for is a low price option in folk sessions where I can play along with songs I might not know very well and add texture to the overall vibe. The sessions I play have too many guitar players, like at least 3 acoustics so me being a 4th is not much sense. And it does that job very well. It arrived with a very loose head and a bad action but I expected that. And probably with transportation it needed to be setup loose. Frets are not finished well, again expected. A small information sheet would have been useful to explain how to set it up. If someone bought this and had never played a banjo before they might have difficulties getting the best out of it. All in all, I sanded down the bridge by 1mm, tightened the head to medium to high tension, adjusted the coordinator rod and installed a pickup. It gets used a lot at the sessions because every guitar player wants to have a go on it hehe. It brings a smile to their face when they strum the first notes and chords and usually the first comment is 'I gotta get one of these'. As for playing live through a PA, I will use it without hesitation. Yes it will need EQ tweaks and a foam insert to lessen feedback but for the money it is just a great unusual tool to add in songs for that banjo like texture. Also its nice and loud, especially with the head good and tight. Overall I recommend it.
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J
Sounds good but low price shows
Generally, it sounds quite good especially considering the price. However, the low price shows, there are many flaws, there are already cracks showing, the felt between the removable back and the neck is improperly glued on, one of the mounts for the thumbscrews fell out etc.
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K
Seems fine to me...
It's a guitar guitar neck and a banjo head. Splendid amalgamation I think. Its not exactly a new concept though....these have been around for at least a hundred years from what I can tell. The legendary Louis Armstrong's banjo player back in the 1920's played a six string banjo...Johnny St Cyr I believe? About the Harley Benton banjo though, it's well made, it intonates nicely but as expected the neck is made of a heavy wood. The action could be lower and lighter gauge strings would be beneficial in this respect. What styles suit this banjo? Works well with dixieland, folk and acoustic crossover styles. Suggest removing the resonator for a more traditional 'plunky' sound and a lighter weight feel.For the price how can you fault this banjo? Highly recommend their matching cheaply priced gig bag which is a good fit and made of sturdy fabric. Really a fun instrument and for those of us who trust the Harley Benton series its another winner i think.
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S
Surprisingly good for it's price
I'm not a banjo player, but wanted the banjo sound, so I bought this one which can be played like a guitar. It's almost unbelievable how the Harley Benton brand can give so much value for money. Nothing to complain about as far as my banjo expertise goes. :)
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A
Great Banjo Guitar
I have played guitar for a number of years now and wanted to get a banjo sound for some of the music i have been playing. I saw this banjo guitar as the perfect solution to be able to play the banjo without having to learn any new tricks.
The build quality is decent and the tone is what you would expect from an inexpensive guitar banjo. Although it doesn't really sound that good in my opinion when chords are played. To achieve a real banjo sound you will need to learn banjo rolls finger style or just play single notes.
Great instrument to buy if you are looking for a banjo tone without having actually learn banjo. Its a lazy option in my opinion but one i gladly accept.
The build quality is decent and the tone is what you would expect from an inexpensive guitar banjo. Although it doesn't really sound that good in my opinion when chords are played. To achieve a real banjo sound you will need to learn banjo rolls finger style or just play single notes.
Great instrument to buy if you are looking for a banjo tone without having actually learn banjo. Its a lazy option in my opinion but one i gladly accept.
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EC
Great sound, good add-on to your stringed arsenal
I've bought this very banjo for the most common reason - guitar tuning, but banjo sound. Not disappointed at all! Good and responsive sound, a lot of different colours to get depending how and where you pick.
I really like the build quality, it's mostly flawless, just the usual suspects - fret ends seem to be a little bit sharp - require some attention, overall clear coat paint job and wood work is really decent. No problems with tuning or setup, as it arrived with bridge already in its proper position.
Great value for the price.
I really like the build quality, it's mostly flawless, just the usual suspects - fret ends seem to be a little bit sharp - require some attention, overall clear coat paint job and wood work is really decent. No problems with tuning or setup, as it arrived with bridge already in its proper position.
Great value for the price.
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Z
6 string Banjo
I am not a banjo player but a guitar player. I needed a banjo for recording; This Banjo gives the quick result I was looking for; the sound of a banjo without having to adapt too much technique. It has the guitar playability. Minor adjustments needed with regards to the wooden bridge and arm rest. Some of the screws on the rim were loose as well. Easily fixed without any effect on the quality of the Banjo itself.It's very good value for money. Again fast delivery!
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J
Harley Benton six string banjo
a good fun instrument to play ...have had many hours of fun ..
thank you
john
thank you
john
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SE
Harley Benton HBJ-26
Very good value. I improved the sound quality by fitting D'Addario EJ84L strings, and improved the 'playability' by adjusting the neck. Now I'm very happy with it.
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