Kmise Banjolele 4 String Banjo Ukulele Uke Concert 23 Inch Size Sapele

Why did you pick this product vs others?:It was recommended from my Ukulele group, I first played it as an open - back Banjoele, with a rag stuffed between the top and the rod in back. I am happy with the loudness, so I left the back on. I feel this tone is warm, cozy, and delightful! It sounds great when playing ragtime or other oldies music. Very happy. Assemby was easy, and It does need tuning between days i play, but for the money, it’s terrific!

Kmise 5 String Resonator Banjo ReviewThis is a somewhat lengthy write-up.Overview:I very much like the sound of bluegrass, particularly the banjo. This is my first string instrument that I am learning.I was not comfortable spending $500 or even $300for a beginners/intermediate banjo, not knowing how committed I was going to be to learn.This Kmise 5 String Resonator Banjo with the additional equipment at this “extremely affordable” price,was a great choice for me.I wanted a Resonator Banjo, which I had learned was the type of banjo typically used with 3-finger style bluegrass.The added benefit with this banjo is that you can remove the resonator if you wanted to play open back.Pros:For the price, I was extremely impressed with the quality and workmanship of this banjo.I mean, it’s beautiful. Does not appear Cheaply built at all,As a beginner, I have no idea what a “good” sounding banjo vs a “cheap” sounding banjo is.To me, this banjo once tuned sounds great.One nice additional component, was a clear plastic measured strip used to accurately place the bridge.Cons:- “kmise-us” Company communication was lacking.During my research for an affordable, quality beginners banjo, I had stumbled on this otherKmise Banjohttps://www.amazon.com/Kmise-String-Closed-Strings-MI2953-KUS/dp/B081NBC5P9/ref=sr_1_3?crid=Q79X54PX90NF&keywords=Kmise+5+String&qid=1660913528&sprefix=kmise+5+string%2Caps%2C85&sr=8-3This Kmise Banjo is advertised as“Kmise, 5-String Banjo, Full Size (MI2953-KUS)” $169.99Going back and forth to the“Kmise 5 String Resonator Banjo” $157.99they look to be exactly the same, offering the same additional gear. (Tuner, Gear bag, Strap…..)I sent a message to the Company, it’s been two weeks, no response.Just wanted to know the difference between the two.The only difference I could see, other than the price, was when the product was released.07/09/2020 vs 11/17/2019Not a huge deal, but I was curious.- Boxing/PackagingWhen the box arrived (this is a big box), there was a single strip of packing tape running down the length of the Box (40” in length), and no packing tape across the width.The packing tape was not secure for the lower ½ of the box,which allowed my hand to reach in to the inside triangular box (where the banjo resides in the gear bag), and the banjo box was “lifted” on one edge.Possible a Quality Assurance measure, to insure the banjo was indeed in the triangular box, or…someone was nosy. Haha..I was there waiting inside when Amazon made the deliver.I immediately took out the banjo for a thorough inspection, and to insure all advertised accompanied gear was in the box.Everything was there, and no damage to the banjo.- Small defectUpon inspection, I did notice a very small “blemish” near the nut on the lower part of the headstock. But it was so small an inconsequential, and for the price I paid, I was not going to returnfor a replacement for something that I could not really notice.- Included Metal Hooks (for the Strap)I attached the two metal hooks to the provided Strap,and attached to the two “hookups” on the banjo, and after about 4 days, as I was standing, one of the hooks just broke.I had a firm handle on the banjo, so I did not drop it. I inspected the hook, and it basically snapped in half.I had an old leather carry bag and two brass hooks that I was no longer using, so I just fitted these two brass hooks on the strap, and I’m good to go.Summary:I highly recommend this banjo for the beginner.You cannot go wrong given the very low price and all the additional equipment that comes with it.Beautiful banjo and great sound.If I stay committed in learning, I may upgrade with a higher quality banjo, but much later in life.Before investing in a newer banjo, if I get to that point where I can actually play confidently, the upgrades I would perform on this banjo would be higher quality strings, a higher quality bridge, and new tuning pegs if needed.I replaced the included metal finger/thumb picks with some descent picks.As far as this banjo staying in tune, I have been playing every day/every other day for approx 20-30mineach session, and only had to re-tune once yesterday.(a 2 week period)So for me, it holds the tune well.I can see myself learning on this banjo easily for at least the next 5 years.Great purchase choice for me.

Bought this as a novelty item as I have never played a banjo or a ukulele in my life, however I have years of guitar playing experience. Within 30 minutes I was able to jam out a few tunes and even teach my daughter one. It's perfect for getting kids into learning music! Easy to learn and play, made well, holds tune good enough to easily enjoy this instrument. Good value for the price.

Nice small banjo uke. Easy to play. Heavier than a soprano ukelele. Nice tone, too.

This buy was a breath of fresh air. The build quality is amazing! Especially at this price point. Every piece of wood is gorgeous and artfully crafted. The nylon strings require frequent fine tuning though that will improve when they take a set. The banjo head came factory tuned and needed no adjustment. Surprisingly strong projection and fun to play.

First one came broken. Amazon sent another one. Shipping is slow.Seems to be a decent beginner banjo. Low cost for starting out. I’m happy with the actual product

Wow , what a great deal from amazon i've played many instrutments that i have ordered from amazon from ukelele's and guitars over the many years , but this is my first banjo this instrutment is so good looking the wood is awesome the making and many parts of this instrutment are awesome every thing from the neck to the drum is perfect it came with everything as noted the gig bag is great packing the banjo was great , i love the ruler for the bridge ''it's a must have for any beginner'' the tuner is hard to put the battery in ..lol and my wife broke the ''B'' string while we're tuning her today ..lol so glad she came with extra strings too , Over all i give this review a five stars rating i look forward to many years of playing my banjo , add note this was a replacement banjo the first banjo was damaged beyond repair it as it was lost by UPS , the folks at Amazon were a great help tracking and getting me a new banjo , so good , thanks Amazon

The banjo had a broken neck when it was delivered.