$ 314.99

The Gold Tone AC-1 won "Best in Show" at NAMM for good reason - it's the lightest full-size banjo you'll find at under 4 pounds. Perfect for beginners, travelers, and kids, this composite rim banjo delivers surprisingly good tone with a slim, comfortable neck and Zero Glide nut. Professionally set up with a 3-year transferable warranty. At $299.99, it's the smart way to start playing banjo.

$ 1,589.99

The Goodtime Blackgrass Special has a pure black stain and black head, the same as the Goodtime Blackgrass, but this model features a tone ring to give it a brighter, richer tone.