Banjos Under $999
Quality banjos under $999 from the brands we trust most. This selection spans the Deering Goodtime line (Openback, Two, Six, Artisan), the Gold Tone Cripple Creek and AC Acoustic Composite series, the Recording King RKH-05, and a rotating mix of in-stock travel banjos, banjo ukuleles, and banjitars. All are well-made instruments suited to beginners and intermediate players who want a real banjo without paying for premium tone rings or vintage rarity. Every banjo we sell at this price point ships professionally set up, with free US shipping and a 7-day satisfaction guarantee. Call (404) 218-8580 if you want help picking the right starter banjo for your goals. Read our guide: how much should you spend on your first banjo? → Best banjos under $1,000, ranked →
Looking for the best value? See our picks for the best banjo under $300.
The Gold Tone CC-100R is the best beginner banjo at this price. Maple neck and rim, rolled brass tone ring, two-way adjustable truss rod, and a convertible resonator/openback design. Professionally set up at Banjo Warehouse in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Gig bag included.
The Gold Tone AC-1 is an award-winning beginner banjo that weighs under four pounds, thanks to its innovative composite rim and slim, playable neck. Named 'Best in Show / MUST Stock' at the 2016 Summer NAMM Show in Nashville, it delivers real banjo tone in a durable, travel-friendly package. It ships with a gig bag and a professional setup by our banjo tech Tara at Banjo Warehouse.
The Deering Goodtime Two adds a resonator to the beloved Goodtime platform for more volume and projection. 3-ply violin grade maple rim paired with a 3-ply maple resonator produces a rich, golden bluegrass tone. Art Deco inspired hardwood inlays. US Bronze powder finished flange and hardware. Handcrafted in Spring Valley, California. $849 with free shipping and professional setup by our banjo tech Tara. Made in the USA.
The most recommended banjo by banjo teachers. 3-ply violin grade maple rim, Art Deco hardwood inlays, only 4.5 lbs. Handcrafted in Spring Valley, California. $599 with free shipping and professional setup by our banjo tech Tara. Made in the USA. 7-day guarantee.
The Gold Tone AC-12 is a 12-inch openback 5-string banjo built specifically for old-time and clawhammer players who want a serious instrument without a serious price tag. At just five pounds, it's one of the lightest full-size banjos on the market — perfect for long festival days and casual front-porch sessions alike. Every AC-12 is professionally set up at Gold Tone's factory in Titusville, FL so it plays beautifully right out of the box.
The Gold Tone AC-5 is the lightest resonator banjo we carry at $499.99. Composite rim and resonator deliver full bluegrass volume at just 5.5 lbs. Maple neck, ZeroGlide nut, two-way adjustable truss rod, Terminator tailpiece, Remo head. Professionally set up at Banjo Warehouse in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Includes gig bag.
The Deering Artisan Goodtime Openback is the vintage-inspired upgrade to the classic Goodtime. Dark red mahogany stain, midnight maple fingerboard with vintage artisan pearloid inlays, planetary tuners, and spikes at 7, 9, and 10. Nickel hardware. At only 4.5 lbs, it is lightweight enough to travel with and comfortable enough for hours of practice. Handcrafted in Spring Valley, California. $949 with free shipping and professional setup by our banjo tech Tara. Made in the USA.
This is a pre-order. Our next left-handed Goodtime is due to arrive from Deering in October 2026. Your payment is fully refundable at any time before it ships.
The left-handed build of the Deering Goodtime, the banjo teachers recommend more than any other: a 3-ply violin grade maple rim, a slim rock maple neck and only 4.5 lbs. Made in Spring Valley, California. Set up by our banjo tech Tara in Yellow Springs before it ships. $599 with free shipping.
The Goodtime Parlor is Deering's short-scale Goodtime: a 23 inch scale and 19 frets on the same 3-ply violin grade maple rim that makes the Goodtime sound so good. Sized for kids, smaller hands and travel, and only about 4 lbs. Made in Spring Valley, California. In stock in Yellow Springs and set up by our banjo tech Tara. $599 with free shipping.
The Deering Goodtime Six is a 6-string, steel-string banjo that tunes like a guitar. Handcrafted in Spring Valley, California. Maple fingerboard, 3-ply violin grade maple rim, comfortable guitar-style neck. $899 with free shipping and professional setup by our banjo tech Tara. Made in the USA.
The left-handed build of the Deering Goodtime Two: the Goodtime's 3-ply violin grade maple rim with a 3-ply resonator for bluegrass volume and projection, at about 6 lbs. Made in Spring Valley, California. In stock in Yellow Springs and set up by our banjo tech Tara. $849 with free shipping.
This is the left-handed version of the Gold Tone AC-1 — the award-winning openback 5-string that won Best in Show at the 2016 Summer NAMM. Weighing under four pounds thanks to its innovative composite rim, it's one of the best-sounding and most playable entry-level banjos on the market, and now southpaw players can enjoy it too. Professionally set up at the Gold Tone factory in Titusville, Florida, so it plays great right out of the box.