Harley Benton BJ-55Pro 5 String Banjo 5-stars Reviews

Honestly good

I'm not much of a banjo guy, so take whatever you read with a grain of salt. Sub 200 euro pretty looking Banjo, appealing right? I was surprised myself, saw and ordered one on the spot, UPS eventually delivered the parcel and then came the fun. Bought new, had 1 small ding high up on the fretboard, nothing serious and a chip in the finish on the headstock, but price being what it is I don't really mind such things, mostly because the instrument plays great, the neck's fairly comfortable, of course you don't get rolled frets but they're cut well, nothing pokes out and seeing as the fretboard is composite, I doubt they ever will. Everything stays in tune fairly well, I don't need to stop mid session to tune back up, sure the strings go out a few cents over the course of an hour but that's basically a given with any instrument lacking locking tuners. Perhaps some set-up might be necessary, wasn't the case for me. I'll probably enjoy this instrument for years to come (at least I hope I will), don't think any beginner could go wrong with this model.

Great instrument for Bluegrass people!

Being from a bluegrass family, I have had my share of playing different banjos from many family members. This banjo could even rival my Fathers 1926 Gibson Granada in overall beauty. Sound wise, well the old Gibson has an edge, Overall, a great banjo for the money.

Easy way into bluegrass

Bought this banjo as a complete beginner.

Followed some YouTube tutorials to tighten the head and adjust the action and it plays wonderfully (even if I don't).

Can't compare with others but I'm loving learning with it and it certainly looks and sounds the bee's knees.

I love this banjo!

I’ve been playing banjo for a number of years but I wanted one that I could throw around without worrying about it too much, and boy does it deliver!! I gave four stars on quality because they have to cut costs somewhere, (namely the bridge and the hardware) but other than that this banjo is amazing! I’m really impressed with the price and the quality. I would recommend this banjo to anyone looking for one to bring to the beach or camping without worrying about damaging an expensive instrument!

Suprised

I had never seen a Harley Benton instrument before so was not sure what to expect. This banjo feels very robust and looks like it has been made well. It sounds punchy and clear as it should. Overall pleased with this purchase.

Super banjo quality at affordable price

If you want a top quality banjo at real life affordable price, then this banjo is for you. Its well made sounds great with its metal tone ring and is pretty too. Pleasantly decorated, it looks the part and as soon as you play it, it sounds yhe part too.

So pleased i bought it and shipping was swift too. Import costs and vat are absorbed in the price so no shock bills to pay to the carrier.

Recommended

Amazing first banjo

As a long time guitar player, I finally decided to learn something new and to give banjo a go. This one was very affordable but the quality of it surprised me in return. It sounds as I have expected and the build quality is very firm. However, what impressed me the most is the looks. You can relly tell that HB did their best to make this banjo look as beautiful as possible, even for that price tag. It also came nearly perfectly set up, I just had to tighten the tuner screws. All in all, very satisfied with this purchase!

Great Starter

Picked it up for a beginner. So far they're playing the heck out of it. His tutor was impressed with the unit as they weren't familiar with HB products. Just added a new set of strings which seems to be standard with any stringed instrument and they were off and running. Can't go wrong for the cost.

Amazing value for money.

I bought this banjo as a substitute for my 38 Bacon and Day Silver bell, to use in "livelier" gigs. However I was so blown away by its construction, playability and aesthetics, that I sold on the Silver Bell, and use this exclusively. I'm not a great player, but I can't envision me having to ever buy a "better" banjo.

I am very Happy

Yeah the Harley is wicked, looks good and has a way of bonding to you.

I have been a musician since i was 6 years old, and i play lots of instruments, trust me when i say, for the price this Banjo i is brilliant.

Ok yes the tone is clunky but thats is the nature of a wooden metal tone ring. There is more of a round sound than a metal pot banjo and its cool.I it does not matter they are all loud and very expressive instruments, its all down to what moves you. what vibe you want and how you want to be heard. I have been playing the Banjo for two weeks now yes i had one years ago but its only now i understand what makes it tic. The thing is that when a Banjo is set up properly you will find that it plays really good just like the expensive ones. This Banjo has become my friend and i feel that any one who buys it will feel the same as i do, I LOVE IT..

Harley Benton BJ-55Pro 5 String Banjo

Good finishing, needs tweaking, It sounds and plays good, You can make good music with it. Excelent details, inlays, quality tuners.