Ana - Posted - 02/28/2026:  13:34:12

Hi, I was hoping to get some advice on Banjos. I want to buy my brother a banjo for his birthday. He play saxophone and guitar, and now wants to learn how to play the banjo. I want to get him something that he can keep for life. I've been checking out different family owned music stores online. They've suggested:

Deering Goodtime 2 Resonator Banjo

Gold Tone BG-250F Orange Blossom Resonator Banjo (2002)

Deering Intermediate 5-string Banjo (Precursor to the "Boston" model) 1980

I can provide links if you need more detail.If possible can I get you thoughts on these? I don't know anything about instruments, but I'd like to get him something that'll look, sound nice, and that he can keep forever. Also, I'm open to other recommendations

stanleytone - Posted - 02/28/2026:  14:03:49

Goldstars are a good brand that doesnt break the bank. Get the best one you can afford. Keep forever? Well if he gets good on banjo he will eventually want something more high end

Edited by - stanleytone on 02/28/2026 14:04:37

The Old Timer - Posted - 02/28/2026:  14:05:52

Do you have any sense of what type of banjo music your brother might be interested in?



Bluegrass? Then definitely a banjo with a resonator, and their are MANY to choose from.



Old time mountain music? Then probably an open back banjo (no resonator). Also tons of choices in these.



Both types of music? Then a resonator model, a few of which have easily removable resonators (with or without simple tools) to switch the banjo depending what kind of music is being played.



Dixieland jazz? Then he may want a 4 string tenor banjo, not a 5 string. Philadelphia Mummers Parade marching banjo band? They tend to like 4 string plectrum banjos (they have longer necks than tenor banjos).



I see you have listed two used bluegrass banjos. If you're buying a gift for your brother BE CAREFUL about the condition of used banjos. They should show no abuse AT ALL. They typically sell for as little as half the price of a brand new model. If you're buying them from a store, make sure the store will stand behind them, like a new one.



There is great choice and great pricing in used banjos, "but" there can be things wrong that a non-banjo-nerd might not notice that could turn out to be problematic.



It would be pretty hard to go wrong with the new Deering Goodtime Americana.



Do you have a "banjo friend" who could help/advise you? One who could vouch for a used banjo that there's nothing wrong with it? Highly advisable.



Good luck, you must be a good sister.  Let us know where you are geographically and you'll probably get some recommendations on trustworthy stores or dealers near you.

Edited by - The Old Timer on 02/28/2026 14:07:07

Ana - Posted - 02/28/2026:  14:28:59

Thank you for the advice. Unfortunately, I don't have a "banjo friend". But, I do live in southern California if anyone knows of good music shops to go to. I'm not 100% sure what his interest is musically. I've mainly hear him play bluegrass music. I don't really want to guess, so I'll probably take him out to check out banjo's, and get him the one he prefers.

stanleytone - Posted - 02/28/2026:  14:59:49

First thing is whats the max youll pay ? Then go from there

mynameisjeramy - Posted - 02/28/2026:  16:14:32

Southern California has a few shops with banjos, but I would definitely call first to see what they have in stock because none of them have a great selection.

If you're in the LA area:
-Old Style Guitar Shop in Silverlake
-McCabe's in Santa Monica
-Folk Music Center in Claremont
-Guitar Center

Old Hickory - Posted - 02/28/2026:  17:08:36

What a wonderful sister you are. And welcome to the Hangout.

Even though it's sort of a dressed-up and more sophisticated beginner banjo, and if this is the list you're working with, I'd recommend the Gold Tone BG250F.

This is not a banjo I typically recommend. But among these choices, it's way more banjo than the Goodtime 2, and can be one that serves your brother well should he become better and play with or for others. Gold Tone doesn't make this one any more. And I've seen conflicting versions of the specs. It would be a help if you posted a link to the one you're looking at.

What may have been the final version of this banjo had all the basics we look for in a bluegrass resonator banjo: 3-ply maple rim, heavy flat head tone ring, one-piece metal flange. 

But I've also seen a version -- same model number -- that had a multi-ply wood rim, and shoes around the rim and a decorative flat flange plate instead of a structural flange. This also had a flathead tone ring, so it would have the volume and probably the tonal range to be jam- and gig-worthy instrument, at least for a while.

So as I said: Showing us what you're looking at would help.

One potentially useful feature of the BG150F is that the resonator and flange plate can be removed and the banjo played as open back. A loud one, thanks to the tone ring.

The Deering Standard, that became the Boston, is certainly a banjo someone can keep forever. I can't really suggest a reason not to get it. But it's different. Its round body is a section of steel pipe. Metal bodies are common, but more typically these days aluminum in beginner instruments. Maybe someone who owns a Standard or Boston can chime in and tell us what they like about it.

Perhaps if you let us know the prices being asked for these used banjos, we can suggest others that tend to sell in the same range. Gold Tone, in particular, has two new models in an interesting space above the clearly beginner instruments and just below the full-featured bluegrass banjos. 

Here's the new BG-175F. $1000. I think it's going to replace the BG150. It's the same as the shoe-style BG250F I described above. Improved design.

Here's the new OB-100. $1100.  Note to Gibson fans: It's a copy of the 1950s-60s RB-100. 3-ply rim, tone hoop, one-piece flange.

Good luck.

Ana - Posted - 03/01/2026:  17:30:09

Yeah, I've call a few places near by and they have low stock. So, I'm checking out other place. My budget is 1100

Here are the listings I'm looking at:

elderly.com/products/deering-g...ls-mobile

elderly.com/products/gold-tone...ls-mobile

reverb.com/item/94726803-deeri...with-case

Helix - Posted - 03/02/2026:  20:56:02

I own a Gold Tone OB 250. It is a darker finish and has the sunburst on the back of the resonator



So. I agree with Old Hickory about the BG 250F but I believe it has a blond finish, and 



So…. Consider a used banjo for sure.

the Gold Tone is the right one of the 3 you show, but Elderly doesn't give the model #.

it has the Mahogany neck, a call to Gold tone in Florida is worth it.  2002 was a good year, mine is 2003

more info:  how big are his hands?

how tall?  How experienced, he will appreciate a better banjo to start.

Edited by - Helix on 03/02/2026 21:06:14

Ana - Posted - 03/02/2026:  21:56:35

His hands are roughly 7.25 in long, and 3.75 in wide. They might be the slightest bit bigger. He's 5'8", and he's never played a Banjo.

Helix - Posted - 03/02/2026:  22:40:56

That sounds like a good fit for him and a wonderful sister you are

Let us know, will you?