Vintage Japanese Banjos for Sale

Looking for vintage Japanese banjos? Banjo Warehouse specializes in professionally restored “masterclone” banjos from the 1970s and 1980s. Every vintage banjo we sell receives a complete professional setup and is backed by our 7-day satisfaction guarantee.

Why Vintage Japanese Banjos?

During the 1970s and 1980s, Japanese manufacturers produced banjos that rivaled—and sometimes exceeded—their American counterparts. Brands like Aria, Alvarez, Iida, Tokai, Gold Star, Epiphone, Premier, Bradley, and Kasuga built instruments to Gibson Mastertone specifications, earning them the nickname “masterclone” banjos. These instruments offer exceptional craftsmanship and vintage tone at a fraction of the cost of American-made vintage banjos.

For players seeking a professional-quality vintage banjo without the $5,000+ price tag of a pre-war Gibson, Japanese masterclone banjos are the smart choice.

Vintage Japanese Banjos In Stock

Aria Pro II Banjos

• Aria Pro II Vintage 5-String Banjos — 1970s “RB-800” masterclones with brass flathead tone ring, maple neck and rim, hardshell case included

Fender Banjos (Made in Japan)

• Fender Leo 1980s Vintage 5-String Banjo — Built to Gibson specs, solid maple construction, balanced tone

Other Japanese Vintage Banjos 

• Alvarez Deluxe 1970s 5-String Banjo — Great entry point into vintage Japanese instruments
• Iida Vintage 5-String Banjo — Known for quality craftsmanship and warm tone
• Gold Star/Tokai Masterclone 5-String Banjo — One of Japan’s most respected vintage banjo makers

Inventory changes frequently. Call (404) 218-8580 or email thebanjowarehouse@gmail.com for current availability.

What Is a Masterclone Banjo?

“Masterclone” refers to Japanese-made banjos from the 1970s and 1980s that were built to replicate Gibson Mastertone specifications. These instruments feature:

• Brass flathead tone rings — The same design that made pre-war Gibsons legendary
• Maple necks and rims — Traditional tonewoods for bright, punchy bluegrass sound
• Quality hardware — Planetary tuners, nickel-plated brackets and hardware
• Attention to detail — Japanese craftsmanship applied to American designs

Brands known for masterclone banjos include Aria, Alvarez, Iida, Tokai, Kasuga, Penco, and Ventura. Many of these instruments were sold under different brand names in the US, including some early Fender and Epiphone banjos.

Why Buy Vintage Japanese Banjos from Banjo Warehouse?

Complete Professional Restoration

Every vintage Japanese banjo we sell receives a full professional restoration before shipping:

• Complete disassembly and inspection
• All metal hardware buffed and polished
• Wood cleaned, conditioned, and waxed
• Fretboard oiled and frets dressed
• New head, strings, and bridge installed
• Neck adjusted for correct action and intonation
• Play-tested before shipping

Your banjo arrives ready to play—not a project that needs work.

Expert Authentication

Banjo Warehouse founder Geoff Hohwald has been evaluating and selling vintage Japanese banjos for over 40 years. We verify the authenticity, age, and condition of every vintage instrument. You’ll know exactly what you’re getting.

Free US Shipping

All orders ship free via insured FedEx within the United States. Your vintage banjo is professionally packed and fully insured.

7-Day Satisfaction Guarantee

You have 7 days from the date you receive your banjo to inspect it. If it’s not what you expected, we’ll accept the return. We stand behind every instrument we sell.

Vintage Japanese Banjos vs. New Budget Banjos

For the same price as a new entry-level banjo, a professionally restored vintage Japanese masterclone often delivers:

• Better tone — Real brass tone rings vs. aluminum or steel
• Better build quality — 1970s Japanese craftsmanship vs. modern mass production
• Better resale value — Vintage instruments hold value; new budget banjos depreciate
• Unique character — Each vintage instrument has its own voice

If you’re choosing between a new $1000 – $2000 banjo and a restored vintage Japanese banjo at the same price, the vintage instrument is almost always the better value.

Visit Our Showroom

Want to try vintage Japanese banjos in person? Visit our showroom by appointment:

• Yellow Springs, OH — Serving Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, and the Miami Valley

Call (404) 218-8580 or email thebanjowarehouse@gmail.com to schedule a visit.

Looking for a Specific Japanese Banjo?

We’re always acquiring vintage Japanese banjos. If you’re looking for a specific brand or model—Aria, Gold Star, Epiphone, Premier, Bradley, Fender, Alvarez, Iida, Tokai, Kasuga, Penco, Ventura, or others—let us know. We can often locate instruments through our network of collectors and dealers.

Phone: (404) 218-8580
Email: thebanjowarehouse@gmail.com