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 that comes off for true openback playing. Part of Gold Tone’s Cripple Creek line, in stock in Yellow Springs, and set up twice before it ships. Choose the build pictured here or Gold Tone’s current one at the same price, just say which in your order notes. Gig bag included.
The Gold Tone AC-1 is an award-winning beginner banjo that weighs under four pounds, thanks to its 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. Openback, with a resonator available separately. Ships with a gig bag and a professional setup from the Gold Tone factory, plus free insured US shipping.
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. In stock, with free insured shipping and a professional setup by our banjo tech Tara. No case included. 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. 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.
A brand new Deering Artisan Goodtime 17-Fret Tenor: a 4-string open back tenor banjo with a 21 inch scale, dark red mahogany stain, a Midnight Maple fingerboard with vintage Artisan style inlays and planetary tuners. About 4 lbs, set up in C G D A, with Deering's eight year warranty. Made in USA. $949 with free shipping.
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.
A brand new Deering Goodtime 19-Fret Tenor with the discontinued bowtie inlay: an open back tenor banjo with an 11 inch maple rim and a 23 inch scale, tuned C G D A. Rock maple neck with no stain and a satin finish, about 4.5 lbs, made in Spring Valley, California. Sold below Deering's list price, $509.99 with free shipping.
A brand new Deering Goodtime Americana with the discontinued bowtie inlay: a 5-string openback banjo built on a 12 inch rim with a 12 inch Renaissance head. Natural maple, about 4.5 lbs, made in Spring Valley, California. Sold at a significant discount, $636.99 with free shipping.
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.