HarryHyde - Posted - 12/06/2025:  09:56:58

I have read about quite a few players using an SM57 velcroed, zip tied, etc. inside the banjo to the coordinator rods. I have a few questions, if you wouldn't mind sharing, about how to do this:

Are there other brands of dynamic mics that might work as well or better for this application?

Which method did you end up using to mount the mic in the banjo?

What is the best way to deal with the cable? It seems like the thing to do might be to have a very short XLR cable that plugged into the mic on one end, went through a flange hole with the other cable end hard mounted to the outside of the flange. Then a typical XLR stage cable would go from there to the sound board.

If anyone has any advice on this I'd be grateful.

Mickhammer - Posted - 12/06/2025:  10:16:57

I did something similar when I first started to perform live and all I had was an open back - I found a mic mount with a clip and attached it to the rim so the mike faced the top of the banjo (which sounded better than underneath). That worked okay, but I had to be careful with feedback, and it made the banjo even heavier.

So I bit the bullet and installed the EMG system, which worked much better. Eventually I just bought an electric banjo, which works for me since I don't require a "true" banjo sound.

Bruce Berry Banjos - Posted - 12/06/2025:  11:16:37

I tried one of these just because it's so cheap. But I was really surprised at how good it sounded inside the banjo. amazon.com/dp/B0CTJKN4TY?ref_=...n_title_3

Mickhammer - Posted - 12/06/2025:  11:36:34

quote:

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Originally posted by Bruce Berry Banjos

I tried one of these just because it's so cheap. But I was really surprised at how good it sounded inside the banjo. amazon.com/dp/B0CTJKN4TY?ref_=...n_title_3

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I have a set like this too, works really well on lots of instruments (I used it for my didgeridoo).

banjered - Posted - 12/06/2025:  13:35:33

Didgerie – WHAT? Sounds a little phonographic to me. banjered

Mickhammer - Posted - 12/06/2025:  23:06:04

quote:

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Originally posted by banjered

Didgerie – WHAT? Sounds a little phonographic to me. banjered

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There's a whole world beyond the banjo, son! 

Nopix - Posted - 12/07/2025:  06:35:40

I added the Jones-Hatfield pickup. I'm very happy with it.
I don't want to buy another sm57.
Easy instal. Pretty good price. I haven't bought a new sm57 in awhile but I bet the pickup is cheaper, and purpose built. The only possible downside is the mounted female Jack is the .125" phone, instead of the bigger .25" jack.

If you try an sm57. I'd use electrical tape instead of zip ties. I would also use some padding.

banjo bill-e - Posted - 12/07/2025:  07:21:28

How did you guys mount that little Amazon saxophone mic inside your banjo? Did you modify the clip? Does it stay put? It seems incredible that package sells from such a low price.

Tim Jumper - Posted - 12/07/2025:  07:57:16

I used to just play into a Shure mounted on a goose-neck arm attached to my mic stand.

HarryHyde - Posted - 12/08/2025:  12:40:54

quote:

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Originally posted by Bruce Berry Banjos

I tried one of these just because it's so cheap. But I was really surprised at how good it sounded inside the banjo. amazon.com/dp/B0CTJKN4TY?ref_=...n_title_3

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Man that might just be the ticket.  Wireless, even!!

Thanks all for your replies so far, keep them coming.