Finding the best banjolele that has all the great features of a banjo and ukulele isn’t that easy. There’s a few banjo-ukuleles out there and all of them have a different feel and sound. We’ll review each of banjulele, so you can figure out which one is right for you.
But first, what is a banjolele? Well, as the name suggests, a banjolele is a banjo with a ukulele scale length. It’s also tuned the same as a uke. It was first made in the 1920’s as a small, portable banjo that could be heard over other instruments in live performances. It has all the tone and twang of a banjo with the ease of playing like a uke.
Now let’s check out the most popular, top-rated banjoleles, so you can compare their pros and cons and pick which one is right for you.
Compare the Top Banjoleles Reviewed in 2020
Contents
- 1 Compare the Top Banjoleles Reviewed in 2020
- 2 What We Recommend and Why
Here’s a list of the best banjo-ukuleles (banjoleles) on the market today that will give you that authentic twangy sound.
- Deering Goodtime Banjo Ukulele
- Gold Tone Banjolele-DLX Banjo Ukulele
- Oscar Schmidt OUB1 Ukulele-Banjo
- TFW Banjolele Starter Kit
- Kmise 4 String Banjo-Uke Bundle
- Vangoa 4 String Concert Banjo Uke Pack
- Luna Banjolele
Deering Goodtime Banjo Ukulele
Specs, features, and benefits
If you’re looking for an exceptional and valuable banjo ukulele, this is the one for you. The Deering Goodtime banjo ukulele kind of fits into the higher price category, but that is for a good reason. This is an instrument that you can rely on in any given situation.
This product is made in the USA only with the materials of the best quality, such as amazingly fitting maple wood, so it’s most definitely an investment that will pay off in durability and capacity. If you spend this amount of money on an instrument, you expect it to last, and that is the case with this beauty.
This particular banjolele produces a full, strong and neat tone, which is bound to fill any room that you play in with gorgeous sound. The full 11” rim and concert scale contribute to the making of an intense and strong melody, and that effect can even be enhanced with elements such as the naturally warm renaissance head and patented bridge plate, and even the perfectly balanced Aquila Super Nylgut strings.
In addition to that, the sole design of the instrument is incredibly unique and the quality is so high that you can take it anywhere you set your mind to.
Pros and Highlights
- High-quality materials
- Produces good and strong sound
- Incredibly unique
- Easy to play
Cons and Potential Flaws
- A bit heavy
Bottom line
Not only is this one of the best quality banjoleles that you can find on the market these days, but it is also incredibly durable, which means that you don’t constantly have to worry about the state of the instrument as time goes on. This is a fun and easy instrument that is fir for both experienced players and people who just want to try and learn something new. If you don’t have a problem with the price of it, I suggest you invest in this beautiful piece of art.
Gold Tone Banjolele-DLX Banjo Ukulele
Specs, features, and benefits
Another high quality and incredibly excellent instrument is this Gold Tone Banjolele. The body of the instrument is made from good quality maple. You can really hear the difference in the tone that it produces.
A one-piece flange on this banjo ukulele and a stable resonator are used for creating an array of excellent volumes and tones. If the volume of the sound is something that is really important for you, you’re in the right place, as this instrument arguably produces superior volume.
You can really see the craftsmanship in this beautifully made device, as the way that the body of the banjo and the quality of a ukulele make for an end result worth starring at. The sound is louder, it has more volume, but it still sounds like a good old ukulele.
If we pay attention to the quality of this instrument it is safe to say that the price matches the attributes. If you are looking for something with more of a spice to it but with a general look and feel, this banjo ukulele deluxe is an instrument for you. Another important part of this banjolele is newly added geared tuners, which are a serious upgrade from the old, vintage-style friction pegs and give you the satisfaction of a smooth tuning ratio.
Pros and Highlights
- Removable flange and resonator
- Geared tuners
- A loud and unique sound
- Easy playing experience
- Portable
Cons and Potential Flaws
- Made for right-handed people
Bottom line
We know that the prices of instruments can be incredibly high, but in this case you actually get exactly what you paid for. This is an extremely light and portable instrument as it weighs as little as 5 pounds, but at the same time makes for an incredibly good quality apparatus that can handle things such as constant playing and wear.
Oscar Schmidt OUB1 Ukulele-Banjo
Specs, features, and benefits
Unlike the above-mentioned banjoleles, I find this particular one to actually be of the pretty affordable kind. This Oscar Schmidt banjolele is an instrument with four strings and a small body in the shape of the regular banjo. In addition to this, the neck of the device is an actual concert-sized ukulele neck that was very popular in the ‘20s and ‘30s. That being said, all of these attributes give the instrument a timeless and classic look that we all love.
The sound of this sole instrument is not unlike the sound of a banjo, it actually does sound more like a banjo than a ukulele, but it still has that special sounding tune that comes with the combination of these two instruments. When it comes to tuning, it’s important to note that this instrument uses standard ukulele tuning, also known as G-C-E-A.
If you are showing interest in the materials used in the production of your future instruments, I can tell you that this one is made with a combination of different types of wood. The resonator box is made out of actual mahogany, while the other elements include headstock with a flame maple veneer and a bound rosewood fingerboard. In addition to that, at only 6 pounds this instrument is both light and durable.
Pros and Highlights
- Affordable
- Good for beginners
- A classic look
- Easy to play
Cons and Potential Flaws
- The quality of the strings varies
- The finish is not as good
Bottom line
I find it safe to say that this product is the best when it comes to quality and price. If you don’t really feel like giving more than $200 dollars for an instrument you can surely get this one. It’s lightweight, easy to use and good for beginners and semi professionals alike.
TFW Banjolele Starter Kit
Specs, features, and benefits
This TFW banjolele starter kit may even be the perfect gift for you or your loved ones. If you ever felt the need to learn how to play a new instrument or if you have experience at playing regular banjos or ukeleles and want to further improve your skills in this type of instruments, this might be one of the best deals that you could possibly find.
This starter kit comes with all the accesories that you could ever need for a good time playing and enjoying the sound without worrying about things such as the tuners, string or picks that you might be missing, because it all comes in the package. The whole package actually includes an electronic tuner, extra strings, picks, string winder and different adjustment tools, which is everything that you could possibly need for a safe and wonderful play.
In addition to that, the instrument also comes in a hard case that keeps everything safe and intact. The weight of the whole package is 9.35 pounds, which sounds pretty heavy, but remember that that’s with the case and everything in it.
Pros and Highlights
- Amazing for beginners
- Good for experienced players who want to learn something new
- Has everything that you could possibly need
- Portable
Cons and Potential Flaws
- May need adjustments based on your preferences
Bottom line
This is definitely one of the best deals out there, especially for beginners. You can also buy this as a present for somebody who is onto making music, playing different instruments and learning new things, as this one is definitely one of the more interesting but also affordable and all-encompassing options. If you are an experienced player who still wants a full kit, I would still recommend getting this one, if that is what you need.
Kmise 4 String Banjo-Uke Bundle
Specs, features, and benefits
Like the item listed before, this one is also a kind of a set fit for somebody who wants to purchase this item with intention of acquiring a new skill or improving an old one. Just like the Oscar Schmidt banjo ukelele this one also consists of the smaller body which is shaped like a banjo, and a long fretted concert-sized ukulele neck that was very popular in the ’20s and ’30s, which also gives this banjolele a timeless look. The tuning is the same as the tuning on a regular ukulele, that is to say G-C-E-A, which makes it easier if you played a ukulele before.
The drum head of this particular banjolele is made from polyester, but that’s not something that you should be worried about, as it just means that it has fast response and flexibility. Other elements of the banjolele include extremely high-quality Aquila strings that are made in Italy and even better closed geared tuners. Not only can this banjolele produce a melody that is brilliant and bright, but can also stay in tune well, which makes us believe in the quality and durability of the whole package.
This kit is extremely good for beginners, not just because of all the elements it entails but also because it’s made to be very pleasant for new players. Another good thing about this instrument is that it can be played in different styles simply by detaching elements. For example, by detaching the back you can play it in an open back style, which produces a brighter sound. While playing with an attached back you can hear a sound that is more soft.
Pros and Highlights
- A kit that includes a banjolele, a bag and a tuner
- Extremely lightweight
- Portable
- High-quality elements
- Good for beginners
- Easy to play
- 90 day warranty and lifetime string replacement
Cons and Potential Flaws
- Strings need to be broken in
- Comes with a soft case
Bottom line
All things above considered, this is a solid banjolele, but it might be more with for beginners than people with an actual experience with these kinds of instruments. The sound is still good if you like this sort of a tune.
Vangoa 4 String Concert Banjo Uke Pack
Specs, features, and benefits
Another kit on this list which really doesn’t disappoint. The whole set consists of a wretch, 3mm carrying padded bag to keep your banjolele safe, tuner, a couple of picks, a pack of extra nylon strings and pickup. All the things that a beginner would need. Materials used in the making of this one are Sapele for the back and sides, while the fingerboard is made out of walnut.
The bracket wench that comes with the package is used for tightening or loosening the banjo ukulele head and can meet the desires of different banjo ukulele players. Unfortunately, you can’t choose the color of the strap, as it will be randomly assigned. This makes it really comfortable and easy to use.
You can also play this banjolele in two styles based on what fits you more. It could either be the open back style that you can achieve by simply removing the back and acquiring a bright sound or you could play it traditionally with a closed back and produce a sound that is soft and resonates more.
It’s also actually pretty easy to tune, which is important as when you get it delivered it will not be tuned in order to persevere the strings and make them last longer. You even get a tuner with the package so it’s way easier than you think.
The bag that comes with the package assures a safe and secure transit of your new instrument. This way you might even take it to your concert, gig or performance as it can actually be connected to the amplifier by the pickup system that also comes with the shipment and is easy to apply and use.
Some people who used this instrument claim that frets my need to be refurbished to dull them out on the edges, but it may depend on a singular item. It’s also important to note that nylon strings may need more playing and tuning than some other types.
Pros and Highlights
- Comes with a full package
- Easy to tune
- Possibility of different playing styles
- Good for beginners
- Portable
- Extremely affordable
Cons and Potential Flaws
- Frets may need refurbishing
- Nylon strings need more playing and tuning
Bottom line
Although this kit entails everything that you or your loved one will need in order to play a banjo ukulele, the quality of some elements is debatable. It’s still a very good and affordable instrument that you can get if you want to have it just for the sake of it and even if you kind of actually want to learn something.
Luna Banjolele
Specs, features, and benefits
This one is definitely one of the absolutely most beautifully and uniquely designed instruments, but there is more to it than just the charm and allure. The back, made out of maple, is etched in some really inspiring carvings that make us wonder about the artistry of the piece, and how well it could contribute to the other arts. The etchings are actually inspired by the traditional Hawaiian quilt design and the taro plant. It’s just so beautiful, albeit in the middle range when it comes to price.
The materials used in this one are primarily mahogany, especially on the long neck that is also covered in a gentle dark walnut fingerboard and a 15.5” soprano scale. All of this makes the playing of the instrument very pleasing, and not just in an aesthetic way. The tuning, which is like the tuning on a ukulele, makes this banjolele produce some really special tunes. The clean drum head really gives off the vibe of a true piece of art. However, some comments suggest that this clear head is what gives it a sound that not everybody finds pleasing. It’s also noticeable that it might be more of a pretty thing to look at and add into your collection than something that is actually durable.
Pros and Highlights
- Beautiful
- Quality materials
- Lightweight
Cons and Potential Flaws
- Might be more pretty than usable
Bottom line
This instrument might just be too pretty to actually be played, but never say never! The sound could actually be something that you enjoy.
What We Recommend and Why
Based on all the research and pros and cons of all the instruments listed, we have to recommend to you the TFW Banjolele Starter Kit – With Case and Accessories, as it is the one with the best price to quality ratio. You get everything that you need inside the package, and that makes it pretty long-lasting if you’re serious about this. You could even gift it to someone interested in learning how to play a new instrument, as they definitely won’t be disappointed, and neither will you!