Best Banjo For Clawhammer 2023 – Buyer’s Guide & Reviews

In this article you will find a list of some of the best clawhammer banjos that are currently on the market today and an in-depth review for each instrument.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade your current instrument, there’s something for everyone here!

Deering Goodtime
Kmise 5-String Banjo
AKLOT 5-String Banjo
Our Top Pick
Best Budget Option
Best Value
Deering Goodtime Openback 5 String Banjo
Kmise Banjo 5 String 24 Bracket Open Solid Back Geared 5th Tuner Arm Rest with Gig Bag Tuner String Strap Picks Wrench
AKLOT 5 String Banjos Full Size Open Back Banjo Adjustable Maple Body Remo Head with 2 Tuning Wrench, 4 Picks, Strings, Tuner, Strap Ruler, Cleaning Cloth, Gig Bag for New Beginner Professional
Deering Goodtime
Our Top Pick
Deering Goodtime Openback 5 String Banjo
Kmise 5-String Banjo
Best Budget Option
Kmise Banjo 5 String 24 Bracket Open Solid Back Geared 5th Tuner Arm Rest with Gig Bag Tuner String Strap Picks Wrench
AKLOT 5-String Banjo
Best Value
AKLOT 5 String Banjos Full Size Open Back Banjo Adjustable Maple Body Remo Head with 2 Tuning Wrench, 4 Picks, Strings, Tuner, Strap Ruler, Cleaning Cloth, Gig Bag for New Beginner Professional

Now let’s get to it and diver deeper into the details and learn a bit more about these banjos and what you need to look for to get the best one for you.

10 Best Clawhammer Banjos

#1 Best Overall – Deering Goodtime 5-String Banjo

When you want to have the assurance that you are truly getting top of the line in regard to a new banjo that is perfect for the clawhammer style of playing, then you will be highly pleased with the reliable and top quality Deering Goodtime 5-String Banjo.

This banjo is crafted of beautiful curly maple that is finely finished with a walnut stain that is undeniably luxurious.

This banjo is further regarded as having distinctive white binding that is accompanied with trim that is black and white. The fingerboard is done in top quality ebony.

Many musicians appreciate the slenderness of the neck for easy playing.

This fine Deering Goodtime 5-String Banjo comes with twenty-two frets that are crafted from a combination of nickel and silver.

The truss rod is adjustable for ultra convenience.The brass notched tension hoop allows for exquisite sound when you play your favorite songs.

The vintage satin finish adds to the elegance of this wonderful banjo that you will surely enjoy playing for a long period of time.

#2 Best Budget Option – Kmise 5-String Banjo

The Kmise 5 string banjo is for people who are on a budget but still want a good quality banjo with all the accessories you will possibly need. This is a full size banjo coming in at 39 inches and comes with 18 brackets, 15.1 tuning pegs and stainless steel strings.

This banjo also come with an extra set of strings, banjo strap, gig bag, polishing equipment, tuning wrenches, picks of course but the big value is in the digital clip-on tuner that comes with it.

This banjo is definitely one to consider if you really want to start learning and is a good clawhammer starter.

#3 Best For The Money – AKLOT 5-String Banjo

Feel a new kind of banjo music! Play the AKLOT 5-String Banjo and have a great time. You’ll be surprised what you can do with this versatile instrument, from sweet tunes to driving updates.

The best part about this banjo is that there’s no need for any lessons thanks to its easy-to-read instructions booklet – all it takes is some serious practicing and effort on your end with tons of help from the AKLOT 5-String Banjo.

Those pickin’ hands won’t be able to hold anything else!

#4 Best Quality – Deering Artisan Goodtime 5-String

The Deering Artisan Goodtime banjo would be a great addition to any guitar players collection and is an excellent choice for those who want to keep it simple, but there’s no need to do that with this 5-string beauty.

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You can choose from traditional or exotic stain finishes and then move backup rings and tone rings around as you like thanks to its innovative setting system.

This instrument was built to inspire creativity in every player: From old time country players looking to add new flavors like clawhammer and blues into their repertoires.

#5 Rover RB-20 Open Back 5 String Banjo

If you’re on a budget but still want rock solid sound then the Rover RB-20 is for you.

The Rover is a relatively slim banjo. The inlays are crafted of reliable acrylic that will not easily crack or break.

This 22 fret open back banjo is made with a beautiful mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard.

Extra solidarity you crave in the neck of the banjo that offers a better grip during playing time.

Indeed, this is an impressive style banjo that is great for people on a budget but still want a great sounding banjo.

The good news is that this banjo offers you amazing projection for the sound that it puts forth as you play.

#6 Gold Tone Open Back

Stretch out with this 5-string banjo that features a 12 point set-up and brushed gold hardware.

Acoustic tones emanate from the mahogany back and rim, while nickel plated steel strings easily produce soft tones to cut through any mix.

The Gold Tone Open Back includes extras like an adjustable thumb rest, Built in Nickel Tuners with 19 pins per head to keep your guitar always in tune, 12-point set up by our certified technician for right or left handed players.

With its entire soundboard open including pick guard this well designed classic banjo will make music lovers feel as though they are sitting front row at a stage show!

For expression for an up tempo country tune or reminiscent of another era, this Gold Tone open back Banjo has your name written all over it!

#7 Recording King RKOH-05 Dirty Thirties Open Back Banjo

Warm open back tones with a modern feel. Finger-picked tunes, American folk songs and a some good old-fashioned strumming sounds great on this vintage piece of musical genius from an earlier era.

Easily the right companion for your next adventure down some dark country roads. A record player just can’t do it justice- you’ll need to take this gem out on the town!

#8 Washburn Americana

The Washburn B6 is an open back 6 string banjo aimed at guitar players who don’t have the time or inclination to learn a new instrument. Cleo Landrum coaxes out neck breaking melody with this unique design by blending in chords that most guitarists already know.

The washboards resonator cone produces that iconic sounds while also producing an unmatched volume for ease of use on stage where acoustic instruments just can’t compete against electric guitars and basses.

A neck made entirely from mahogany gives you tone for days without losing resonance, while aged nickel plating sets off the light maple neck & fingerboard to make your playing shine brilliantly.

With its fast-playing neck, crisp tone and resonant open sound, the Washburn B6 is perfect for people who want to learn how to play one of America’s most traditional instruments.

#9 Deering Goodtime Americana

The Goodtime Americana is a wonderful quality banjo that has five strings. It is fitted with a grand rim of twelve inches.

This results in the banjo providing a richer tone and a bass response that is stronger.

It provides real warmth for the music you love to play. In addition, the twelve inch renaissance head truly complements the banjo both in appearance and in sound.

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This is a top quality banjo that is proudly made in America.

You can have real assurance that this banjo is crafted with the philosophy of providing the best value. This banjo is blond in color and provides a distinct elegance in appearance.

The amazing thing is that this banjo comes with tuners that are done in guitar style for optimal tuning every time. This provides you with the guarantee that your banjo will play great music every time.

The neck of the banjo is crafted with top quality rock maple. The hardware has solid nickel plating. In addition, the inlays are pleasingly made of hardwood that is durable.

The neck is slender to allow for a good grasp and comfortable playing.

This banjo comes with twenty two frets to allow for many different note options for all those wonderful songs you are eager to play on your new Goodtime Americana banjo.

#10 Oscar Schmidt OB3

The Oscar Schmidt OB3 is one of the best mid level clawhammer banjos. The price ranges well within the budget option and the best overall Deering banjos but has all the benefits from each.

Lower cost with most of the high quality features. With a choice of Ovankol or Rosewood fretboards you can’t go wrong. It comes with 18 brackets of course and is super lightweight.

This 5-string open back banjo is great but you may want to go the cheap route or just go all in on the best.

Buying Guide: What Makes a Good Clawhammer Banjo

Clawhammer banjo tunes have a unique sound all on their own, and this distinct sounding character is a result of a couple of different factors.

The first is of course the style of musicianship, which can include the rhythms and plucking style.

The second, and perhaps slightly less important factor is the type of instrument used.

Clawhammer is very often played on banjos which lack a key part found more commonly on bluegrass instruments, namely the resonator.

We’ll take a closer look at what makes a good banjo specifically for the clawhammer playing style, and we’ll also find out what the difference is between open back banjos and resonator banjos.

Features To Consider

Price

First things first, if you’re just starting out and you’re looking for your first banjo, you’re probably wondering how much money you should spend on an instrument so that you can start learning to play clawhammer style.

The truth is, much like other musical instruments, quality is a necessary consideration. You’ll want to find an instrument made from good quality materials, and you’ll want the craftsmanship to be of the highest caliber as well.

Since the sky’s the limit in terms of how much you can spend to get started playing clawhammer banjo, the best advice would be to spend as much as you can afford to on a new banjo.

Used banjos are a great way to save some of your budget and possibly get a more expensive instrument for a little bit less money, but you’ll want to know what you’re looking for, and only purchase an instrument that has been well cared for.

Style

Next, the style of banjo played most commonly for clawhammer is an open backed banjo. The good news here is that without the resonator, open backed banjos tend to be slightly less expensive than resonator banjos.

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This quality aside, you can play in the clawhammer style on both four and five string banjos, though five string instruments are most common, and if you go this route you’ll be able to play bluegrass as well.

Remember that no two types of banjo are ever really alike, and so you should take some time to explore the different options available to you to find the right fit for your playing style, whether you want to focus on bluegrass, clawhammer, or simply picking up some of the basics.

What’s the Difference Between Open Back Banjos and Resonator Banjos?

As previously mentioned, price is one of the differences most people notice immediately.

Resonator banjos tend to be more expensive, and this is because they have a resonator, which resembles a kind of wooden or metal bowl at the back of the body of the banjo, also known as the sound chamber.

This is commonly known as “the pot”. This directs the sound from the instrument outwards, towards the people you are playing for.

Given the fact that there is a significant additional physical part, resonator banjos tend to weigh more than open back banjos.

The result of this physical difference is an affect on the overall sound of the instrument.

Bluegrass players tend to prefer banjos with a resonator, since the sound is louder, and has the distinct twang associated with that type of music.

Clawhammer players tend to prefer open back banjos, since clawhammer is a style of play more commonly associated with being played alongside other instruments, meaning it doesn’t need the added loudness provided by a resonator.

The end result is of course the main difference between open back banjos and resonator Banjos, that being the overall sound and tonal qualities of the instrument.

Many beginner banjo players wonder if you can play in the clawhammer style on a resonator banjo, or even if you can play a bluegrass tune on an open backed banjo, and while you’re definitely able to, once you’ve acquired an ear for these two types of music you’ll probably find that the sound of open backed banjos is better suited to clawhammer.

Best Clawhammer Banjo Brands

Here is a list of some of the top brands in the Clawhammer, open back banjo market:

  • Deering
  • Rover
  • Gold Tone
  • Recording King

Conclusion

You’ll also find that resonator banjos are better suited to bluegrass, so you’ll want to give some consideration to the type of banjo you purchase.

Perhaps you’ll find yourself in the same situation as many banjo players before you, and start with one type of banjo for playing clawhammer, only to find yourself building a collection of instruments suited to both bluegrass and clawhammer.

Either way, you’ll have fun playing this amazing instrument!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Is clawhammer banjo hard to learn?

Clawhammer is often considered one of the easier banjo styles to learn.
Although, it takes time and practice to develop the techniques needed for this style of playing.

What’s the difference between bluegrass and clawhammer banjo?

The main difference between the two styles is the way the strings are plucked. In bluegrass, the strings are plucked with the thumb and two fingers, while in clawhammer style, the strings are plucked with the index finger only.

Can you play clawhammer on any banjo?

Yes, if it has 5 strings.

Image from flickr creative commons Adrian Scottow

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