Looking for a fun, educational and inspirational gift for that banjo player you know? Do not know what to get him or her? Do they already have everything they need?
To help inspire your gift shopping, we have compiled a list of 18 excellent items to help you find the perfect gift. From banjo picks to books on playing techniques, we hope our list will help you find something designed specifically for those who love music and playing the banjo.
1. A New Banjo
What is a better gift for a banjoist than a banjo itself? Of course, it depends on how far along their journey with the banjo as to which one would be appropriate.
If they’re earlier on in their career and you don’t know much about banjos and can’t make up your mind on which one would be the best, we’d recommend this Ibanez B200 5-string Resonator Banjo.
This beautiful banjo boasts a basswood rim, rolled-brass tone ring, and a mahogany bowl that produce a warm and resonant sound. A high-quality banjo built to last, it’s a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality banjo that offers great sound, excellent playability, and exceptional craftsmanship.
2. A Set of Banjo Strings
- BANJO STRINGS – Phosphor Bronze wound 4th string for added warmth and loopend construction for universal fit
- WARM, BRIGHT TONE – Preferred for its warm, bright, and well balanced tone
- GAUGES – Plain Steel .010, .013, .016, Phosphor Bronze Wound .023, Plain Steel .010
Every banjo player needs a set of extra strings. The strings get dirty over time, which can affect the banjo’s intonation, or they simply break and need to be replaced every few months.
Choosing the right set of banjo strings has a big impact on the sound and playability of the instrument. There are many excellent brands on the market, and if you want to get the very best, we recommend the D’Addario EJ55 5-String Banjo Strings.
D’Addario banjo strings are made from high-quality steel and wound materials that are durable and corrosion-resistant. They also come in a great price range, which you can check out at the link below.
3. A Banjo Course Or Lessons
Every banjo player is looking for a way to perfect their skills and master different banjo styles. One way to help them improve is by gifting them with a specialized online banjo course. We recommend this one from Noam Pikelny, offered by ArtistWorks.com.
This course is number one in our guide to the best online banjo lessons and features an extensive video library with hundreds of lessons on a variety of styles, including bluegrass, melodic and single string, 3-finger/Scruggs, and others.
Check out the link below to see what other benefits this course offers, how much it costs, and what makes it an ideal gift for any banjo player.
4. A Banjo Tuner
- QUICK TUNING: Tune your banjo with ease. Featuring the highly sensitive piezo transducer senses vibrations directly from the instrument for fast and…
- EXTREME ACCURACY – Great accuracy with a wide calibration range (435-455Hz) guarantees precise performance. Calibration is also adjustable.
- EASY TO READ & ADJUSTABLE SCREEN: Screen is a full color display with limitless viewing angles. The dual swivels makes mounting perfect for left…
If you are looking for a unique but very useful gift, you might want to consider giving them a tuner like the D’Addario Micro Banjo Tuner.
Most tuners can be used for a wide range of instruments, but this is a special tuner designed for banjo instruments of all sizes.
It attaches easily to the top of the banjo neck with the non-marrying hoop. It is lightweight and easy to use and allows for fast and accurate tuning thanks to the sensitive transducer it is equipped with. The display is bright and clear, allowing the user to easily tune the instrument in any environment.
5. A Metronome
- Multi-function compact metronome
- Available in two attractive colour schemes: black and red, or blue and black
- Enhanced display makes it easier to practice your rhythm and phrasing
A metronome is an indispensable tool for all musicians, but especially for beginners. Those just starting out can benefit greatly from practicing with an online metronome in the early stages of their playing. It forces them to pay attention to where the beat is and how they fit the notes into each beat until they are able to play in a steady, consistent rhythm.
Developing this skill can be difficult, but a metronome can be very helpful. So if you think your banjo player can benefit from a good metronome, we recommend the Korg MA -2 Compact Metronome.
It covers all the basics with a wide tempo range and offers a wide selection of beat and rhythm patterns. It is reliable and easy to practice with a modern and stylish design. For more information about this great metronome and its price, click the link below.
6. A Zoom Recorder
- Capture Professional-Quality Audio: With four-track simultaneous recording, built-in X/Y stereo microphones, and high-fidelity mic preamps, the H4N is…
- Connect with Confidence: The H4N offers extensive connectivity options, including two mic/line level inputs with XLR/TRS combo connectors and a stereo…
- Unlock Powerful Recording Capabilities: Record up to 140 dB SPL with X/Y microphones, and support up to 24-bit/96 kHz audio in BWF-compliant WAV or a…
If your banjo player is constantly on the road and needs equipment to record their playing outside of a studio, consider getting them a portable Zoom recorder.
Zoom recorders come in a variety of styles and can be used to record music, interviews, podcasts, instructional material and more. It’s also useful for recording practice sessions so they can listen back to them and know what they need to improve on.
There are many digital recorders on the market, but we like the Zoom H4n Pro 4-Track Portable Recorder. With built-in advanced X/Y microphones, overdubbing, two combo inputs, special effects, and more, this recorder is packed with useful features that allow musicians to create and record songs from start to finish.
7. A Banjo Case or Gig Bag
- Thick 20mm padding, soft non-abrasive nylex lining with puncture resistant / reinforced headstock, bridge, and end pin areas
- 3 roomy gusseted exterior pockets with a built-in organizer with two interior pen sleeves.
- Rugged 600D nylon exterior with long-lasting custom molded zippers
Every banjo player needs a banjo case or gig bag to protect their instrument from scratches, cracks, humidity, and other damage that may occur during carrying or transport.
Hard cases are usually the better choice because they are more durable and protect the instrument better, and last longer, but a high-quality gig bag can do the job just as well.
If you’re wondering which one to get, we’d recommend the ProTec Banjo Gig Bag. It is made of high-quality, durable materials and has a modern and stylish design. It has many exterior pockets and other features to meet the needs of all banjo players.
8. A Book on Banjo Techniques
- Geoff Hohwald (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 64 Pages – 03/09/2015 (Publication Date) – Watch & Learn, Inc. (Publisher)
If you are looking for something for a player who has just embarked on an exciting banjo adventure and needs a resource to help them master the art of banjo playing, we would also recommend getting a book on banjo techniques.
One such book is the “Banjo Primer Book for Beginners Deluxe Edition” with DVD and 2 Jam CDs by Geoff Hohwald.
It is written specifically for beginners who want to learn how to play a 5-string bluegrass banjo in the Scruggs style. It starts with the basics of banjo playing, such as tuning, reading tabs, and simple rolls and moves on to playing simple song arrangements and more.
9. A New Banjo Strap
- 2″ wide banjo strap
- Retro jacquard weave with a cotton backing
- Leather ends with an embossed “G Brand” logo
Most stringed instruments, such as the guitar and banjo, require a strap. It allows the player to hold the instrument more easily and play more comfortably. If you think that a banjo strap would be a perfect gift for your musician, you can give them Gretsch G 922-0070-101 Brand Banjo Strap.
This strap has a thickness of two inches, which makes it perfectly comfortable to wear. It is made of high-quality leather and has a beautiful design, and is adjustable in length.
10. A Banjo Stand or Wall Hanger
- Real North American Cherry hardwood offers beautiful & unique wood grain; no 2 wood blocks are identical
- Protective padding gently and securely supports the instrument
- Banjo does not rest on its tuners
A banjo stand or hanger can be an excellent gift for banjo players, as it is a crucial accessory that helps keep the instrument safe and easily accessible.
We like The String Swing CC01B-C wooden wall hanger, which is made of durable North American cherry hardwood.
This reliable hanger features a beautiful wood grain and protective padding that ensures the instrument does not rest on its tuning pegs, preventing potential damage. The hanger also comes with mounting hardware and a lifetime warranty, so they can enjoy your gift for years to come.
11. A Banjo-Themed Clothing or Accessory
- MICHIGAN ARTISTS & PRINTERS | this design was drawn and screen printed (silk screened) with pride by our skilled illustrators and printers in Ann…
- UNISEX MODERN FIT SIZING | this shirt is slightly tapered to be a little less boxy than the old style of mass-market t-shirt. Nothing drastic, and…
- SOFT FABRICS | Our shirts are a ringspun, 30/1 fine jersey knit on 100% USA-grown cotton. If you don’t speak t-shirt geek, that means they are soft…
One gift you can never go wrong with is a t-shirt or other apparel item featuring your musician’s favorite motifs, such as the Paddle Faster, I Hear Banjos Funny Camping, River Rafting Canoe Kayak t-shirt.
This t-shirt is made of cotton and features a beautiful print designed by expert illustrators and printers. Since it is made of high-quality cotton, this t-shirt is also durable and will last for a long time.
12. A Concert or Music Festival Tickets Featuring Banjo Performers
Concert tickets are always a good gift for a passionate musician, especially if you give them tickets to the concert of their favorite band or musician.
As long as you know what they would enjoy, concert tickets are a great idea and are perfect for any occasion, be it a birthday, anniversary, Christmas, or any other occasion.
There are many places where you can buy concert tickets, but if you are looking for a reliable online ticket seller, we recommend TicketSmarter.com. This website offers a wide range of tickets for all occasions, from classical music concerts to rock, jazz, and country.
13. A Banjo Repair Kit
- ♬【COMPLETE REPAIR KIT】Including everything for string changes and set-ups, perfect for maintaining and keeping your instrument in perfect…
- ♬【GOOD ARRANGEMENT OF TOOLS】Guitar files are in various shape, equaling flat, round, half round. String Action Ruler Gauge Tool could be used on…
- ♬【EXCHANGEABLE SCREWDRIVER】 You can adjust screwdriver’s length and exchange its head by pressing the Round Iron Piece in the middle of the…
To keep the banjo working properly and flawlessly, every banjo player needs a banjo repair or maintenance kit, like the Hilitchi 26 Pcs Complete Repairing Tool Kit we have chosen for this guide. It is a perfect repair kit for several stringed instruments, including guitar, ukulele, bass, mandolin, and banjo.
It contains everything a musician needs to take care of their instrument and keep it in perfect playing condition, from tools for changing strings to tools for adjusting intonation, checking string height, and more.
Click on the link below to see what else this amazing repair kit includes and to find out how much it costs.
14. A Banjo Capo
- Specifically designed for banjos, ukuleles, and mandolins
- The original one-handed Quick-Change capo
- Strong, lightweight aluminum with steel spring
If you are looking for a small and simple gift, a capo for banjo, like the Kyser Quick-Change Capo, might be a good choice.
A capo is a small clamp that holds the first four strings behind the second fret, freeing up the fingers for better playing. It can help a musician reach certain notes and play different pitches.
The Kyser Quick-Change Capo is not only suitable for banjos but also for ukuleles and mandolins. It is easy to attach and detach and is also very durable, so it will last for years.
15. A Banjo Metal Finger Pick
- Contoured for playability
- Packaged in resealable bag.
- .5mm Thick
Another small but very interesting gift is a fingerpick. Like guitarists, banjo players sometimes use picks to achieve different sounds. Finger picks allow musicians to play easier, faster and smoother, and they also protect the fingers from the strings.
You can buy a single pick or a package of multiple picks, such as the Ernie Ball Pickey Set, which includes 24 beautifully designed picks. Even if your banjo player accidentally loses one or two picks, he can replace them with the same ones.
16. Hand Exerciser
- BUILD STRENGTH AND DEXTERITY – Develop and maintain strength and dexterity in your fingers, hands and forearms. The ergonomic design and over molded…
- CUSTOMIZED TENSION – Varigrip allows you to adjust and customize the tension for each finger so you can strengthen individual fingers and prevent…
- SIMULATED STRINGS- By removing the reversible molded grip you can uncover a simulated string that helps develop and maintain finger calluses for…
If you’re looking for a gift for a beginner banjo player who is still practicing and developing the necessary skills, they might benefit from a hand trainer.
Hand exercisers such as the D’Addario Varigrip Hand Trainer improve dexterity and strength in fingers, hands, and even forearms. They allow the musician to adjust the tension per finger and develop calluses for comfortable playing.
17. Banjo Cleaning Kit
- Four-step kit contains one bottle of each Fender Custom Shop Guitar Care product: Cleaner, Polish, Quick Clean and Fingerboard Remedy
- These high-grade carnauba formulations contain no silicones, resins, polymers, bonding agents or alcohol; Fingerprinting and streaking on black…
- The Fender Speed Slick guitar string cleaner prolongs the life of your instrument’s strings, and the simple and effective applicator is a snap to use
In addition to repair kits, banjo players also need cleaning kits to keep their banjos clean and functional.
There are many cleaning kits offered online, but if you are looking for the best, we recommend the Fender Guitar Super Care Kit.
It is a bundle that includes a Speed Stick String Cleaner, four packs of Custom Store Deluxe Guitar Care System, Super-Soft Dual-Sided Microfiber Cloth and Fender Factory Microfiber Cloth.
18. A Biography of a Famous Banjo Player
- McEuen, John (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 336 Pages – 04/01/2018 (Publication Date) – Chicago Review Press (Publisher)
A banjo player’s biography can be an exceptional gift for a banjo player, especially if they have a favorite banjo player they admire and want to emulate.
“The Life I’ve Picked: A Banjo Player’s Nitty Gritty Journey” by John McEuen is an intimate and insightful account that offers valuable insights into the ups and downs of a long and varied musical career. He was one of the founding members of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.
This beautifully written book is easy and interesting to read and is full of useful details that can be of great help to banjo players.
Gifts For Banjoists: Wrapping Up
So, whether you’re shopping for a banjo player who is just starting out or a seasoned pro, there are plenty of amazing gift ideas out there to suit every taste and budget. From practical accessories like tuners and straps to fun novelty items like t-shirts, there’s something for everyone on this list.
Not only will these gifts help your favorite banjo player improve their playing and stay motivated, but they’ll also show them that you support their musical passion and appreciate the unique sound of this amazing instrument.
So whether you’re celebrating a birthday, holiday, or special occasion, consider gifting one of these amazing banjo-themed presents and watch as the banjo player in your life lights up with joy and gratitude. Happy shopping!
