Introduction:
Table of Contents
When you are looking for a new banjo to play, then look no further than the Jameson 5-String banjo. This has all of the features and durability that you would want in a new banjo, without the hefty price tag that often comes with some of the best options. If you are looking for something that is durable, easy to use and looks nice, then this banjo will check all of the boxes for you. Before you make a purchase, take a look at our review guide for this banjo below!
So, let’s take a look at some of the things that make this banjo so great. Several key features will ensure this banjo is the one that you want to work with. These include:
A Geared 5th Tuner
Compared to some of the friction tuner that is found on other banjos, this tuner is a lot better. It will usually be reserved for more expensive banjos, but it is a strong point for this product. This can make some of the tunings you want to get done so much easier so it is a big plus.
Good Performance
No matter which banjo you choose to go with, it is important to find one that has a lot of good performance to go with it. Some of the features that need to be there to help out with the performance will include a maple bridge, good brackets (this banjo has 24), and an adjustable hinged tailpiece. This will help you to see some of the best results and the Jameson banjo will ensure you get the best out of it.
Chrome-plated Armrest
The next feature that we will spend some time on is the armrest. This is a great thing to have because it helps you to play your banjo without any of the major issues. You are likely to find other options while playing.
The Resonator
The materials that are used for this product are fairly nice, though not up there with the most expensive banjos. It has a mahogany shell that helps you to get everything to work the way that you want. This resonator will ensure that all of the notes you strum on the banjo are clear and crisp, making it easier for you to get the sound you want each time.
Good Durability
One thing that you need to have in any banjo that you choose to work with is a good amount of durability. You want it to not only look good, but you want to ensure that when you play it often, and even when you take it on the road with you, this banjo is going to hold up and do an amazing job. This will help you to get it to last a little longer.
Other Things to Consider
There are a few other important things to consider when it comes to this banjo. First, it is under 10 pounds, which in the world of banjos, is pretty light and easy to work with. You will also find that it is easy to play this banjo for a longer period, without having some major strain on your shoulders or neck like other banjos. It comes with a bag that helps you keep it safe and secure in-between times of playing, and it is easier to transport with this bag. Overall, you are getting one of the best banjos out there for the money.
The Benefits
There are a lot of great benefits that you are going to enjoy when it comes to using this banjo. Whether you are just starting or you are a professional, some of the things you will like to include:
- The performance is good for the price. You will be amazed at the sound you can get out of the strings.
- It is easy to carry. This is a light banjo to work with. When you get the case, it will be easier to take on the road, or anywhere else you would like to go.
- It looks classy and elegant. Even though this is a lower-end banjo to use you can put it up to some of the other options and be impressed by how great it looks.
- It is durable. This makes it easier for you to play the banjo for years to come.
- It has an additional tuner on the fifth string. This is often reserved for some of the more expensive guitar models so it is nice to have.
The Negatives
There are a few negatives to working with this kind of banjo compared to some of the other options out there. Some of the negatives of working with the Jameson 5-String banjo include:
- It only has the five and six-string versions. While these are the two most popular versions, it does lack in the four-string. If you were looking for this option, it may be a little disappointing to not find it.
- The tuning is not as good as you can get with some of the other banjos out there. You will notice the difference compared to some of the others. But for the price, it is not bad.
- The bridge is made out of softer wood compared to some other banjos. This gives it a nice look, but it does prevent some of the good sounds that you want. Replacing it with a new bridge made out of hardwood is a much better option to help you see the best results possible.
- The strings are hard to use. While the strings may seem fine and work well for you when you first start. But these strings are not made out of as nice of materials as other banjos and they tend to stiffen up and become hard to use as time goes on. This can make playing the banjo hard to do overtime.
Overall, the Jameson 5-string banjo is a good option to use. It is not as high-quality as some of the other choices you can make. But it comes in at an affordable price and has some good sound and materials inside the banjo that you are sure to love.
Jameson 5-String Banjo key Pros & Cons:
Pros
- looks classy and elegant.
- The performance is good for the price.
- Very easy to carry.
- It has an additional tuner on the fifth string.
- High Durability.
Cons
- The tuning is not as good as you can get with some of the other banjos out there.
- only has the five and six-string versions.
- The strings are hard to use.
- The bridge is made out of softer wood compared to some other banjos.
Materials Used to Make Jameson 5-String Banjos
This banjo is the typical banjo that you will find out there. While the materials are not the most expensive out there, you will find that nothing is lacking in this banjo. You will enjoy the stainless steel strings, though they may get a little tough to use with age. It is also a resonator banjo, which gives a clear sound when. You learn how to play it properly. The neck and the head are made out of strong and sturdy wood that will help it to last for a long time for you.
Jameson 5-String Banjo Price
This banjo is a very affordable option that you are sure to love in no time. It has all of the features that you want as a beginner banjo player. And if you plan to just play this for fun and have it around the house to impress family and friends, then this banjo is going to last you a long time. While it may not be as impressive as some of the other banjo brands out there, it is a great option for beginners to enjoy.
This banjo comes in under $200 when it is brand new. You may be able to find a few options on sale for a lower price if you want to remain on a budget while you are learning how to play the instrument and giving it a try. This is an affordable price for what you get out of this instrument.
Jameson 5-String Banjo Review: FAQs
Are Jameson Banjos Good?
The Jameson banjo is a good one to start with as a beginner. It comes in at a good price and can provide you with some of the practice you need without all of the hassles. However, it is a lower-end guitar and will not work as well as some of the more professional options you want.
If you plan to stick with playing banjo for a long time, then you should shop around and spend a little money on a nice banjo that will last. If you are interested in just getting a chance to work on the banjo and see if you even like it, then this is a good choice.
Which versions of Jameson banjos are available?
Jameson banjos come in a few different varieties. While we have been talking mostly about the five-string option, this banjo also comes in a six-string variety if you would like to work with something that is more like a guitar than a banjo. Both of these versions also come with a right and left-handed version to help you get the most out of the banjo.
I am a left-handed player, is there a Jameson Banjo for me?
Yes, Jameson banjos do come with options for both right-handed and left-handed players. This is available for both the six-string and the five-string banjo that we have talked about above so you have a lot of options based on the banjo that you think will be the best for you.
What type of bridge is used on the banjo?
The Jameson banjo does lack in one major area, and that is the bridge that is used on the instrument. While other banjos and other stringed instruments will focus a lot on the bridge because this makes a lot of the sound you will hear out of the whole instrument, this is not seen in this version. This banjo seems to use softwood rather than hardwood and you will likely need to replace this within the first year.
While softwood works fine when you first get it and it may sound nice, it does fade quickly. The sound is not as clear over time and the softwood may start to bend and break if you are not careful. If you choose to use this banjo often, you may need to consider replacing the bridge quickly to get the sound that you would like.
How do the tuners work?
There are some good tuners on this banjo that you are sure to love. This banjo features a geared 5 tuner that will give you complete control over the sound you hear and how great your banjo playing can be. This is located on the neck of the banjo so you can easily make some changes as you play some of your songs.
Some Final Words
There are a lot of great banjos that you can choose to play on the market. Some are lower in the price point, which allows you to get a banjo to play and try out as you figure whether you will stick with the instrument or not. Others are higher priced and meant for those who have experience and plan to stick with the banjo for a long time.
While the Jameson 5-string banjo may not reach the requirements of the most expensive banjos, it can pack a good punch for the amount you will spend on it. It looks nice, it gives a lot of great sounds, and it is a lot of fun to use. When you are looking for a well-priced banjo to get you started on your new skill, then this is the right option for you. Take a look today and see how much fun this banjo can be for you!