I’m in the market for the above. Not necessarily classic spec conforming, just something fairly basic and playable. With frets.
How would I look for such a thing in classifieds?
Probably not much beyond used openback and then your price range I’d avoid trying to shop by brand, given your needs. Pretty much any decent banjo can be set up with nylons. Just needs changes to slots on nut and bridge.
Edited by - Bill Rogers on 07/17/2026 22:57:45
Generically, a modern openback will have been designed around wire strings, the neck angle will be a problem (or not) with nylon...the action can be too low with a standard 5/8" bridge. For instance, I had to go with a full 1" tall bridge on my Flesher.
A 19th-early 20th C banjo will be built "flat", that is, the fretboard will be parallel with the drum head. They typically used a 1/2" bridge for fingerstyle...but a 5/8" works well too.
I have set up a couple "Goodtime" banjos for nylon. Basically refile the nut for the thicker strings and find a taller bridge. Plain maple or pine works great.
Edited by - trapdoor2 on 07/18/2026 10:06:37
I use high-tension guitar strings and have only had to enlarge bridge and nut slots when using them. Action has never been an issue.
As Bill says, really any banjo can be made to work, so just get whatever appeals to you and is within your budget. Then comes the fun of trying out different strings (nylon vs nylgut, light vs heavy), bridges (and bridge heights), and heads to see what sounds/feels best.
Go to DUSTY strings in SEATTLE, I'm sure they will have something...
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