Kmise 5 String Resonator Banjo Review
This 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 $300
for 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 other
Kmise Banjo
https://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=8-3
This Kmise Banjo is advertised as
“Kmise, 5-String Banjo, Full Size (MI2953-KUS)” $169.99
Going back and forth to the
“Kmise 5 String Resonator Banjo” $157.99
they 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 11/17/2019
Not a huge deal, but I was curious.
- Boxing/Packaging
When 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 defect
Upon 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 return
for 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 20-30min
each 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.
Kmise Banjolele 4 String Banjo Ukulele Uke Concert 23 Inch Size Sapele
4.4 | 518 ratings
Price: 65.99
Last update: 09-08-2024
About this item
The Banjolele is a four-stringed instrument with a small banjo type body and a fretted concert size ukulele neck that was very popular in the '20s & '30s. It features the distinctive sound of a banjo and the small scale tuning and playing style of a Ukulele. The instrument uses standard ukulele tuning of G-C-E-A.
The drum head of Kmise banjolele made of polyester with great elasticity has a quick response. Equipped with superior Aquila String from Italy and high quality closed geared tuners, this banjolele can not only produce a bright and percussive tone but also be in an accurate intonation and stay in tune well.
Compared with other banjoleles, Kmise banjolele with action 3mm at the 12th fret is very comfortable for beginners to learn because players do not need to press too hard with such a low action. Preset with truss rod inside the neck, players can adjust the action with the wrench as needed. Smooth fretboard and neat fret wires also offer comfortable touch and protect hands from being scratched.
Kmise banjolele has various playing methods. It can be in a traditional resonator style or an open back style by detaching its back. Traditional resonator style produces a mellower, softer sound while the open back style has a brighter sound.
Kmise provides 90-day warranty for the banjolele and lifetime string replacement. If there is any problem with Kmise banjolele, please feel free to contact us and we will reply to you within 24 hours and help you solve the problem ASAP.
The drum head of Kmise banjolele made of polyester with great elasticity has a quick response. Equipped with superior Aquila String from Italy and high quality closed geared tuners, this banjolele can not only produce a bright and percussive tone but also be in an accurate intonation and stay in tune well.
Compared with other banjoleles, Kmise banjolele with action 3mm at the 12th fret is very comfortable for beginners to learn because players do not need to press too hard with such a low action. Preset with truss rod inside the neck, players can adjust the action with the wrench as needed. Smooth fretboard and neat fret wires also offer comfortable touch and protect hands from being scratched.
Kmise banjolele has various playing methods. It can be in a traditional resonator style or an open back style by detaching its back. Traditional resonator style produces a mellower, softer sound while the open back style has a brighter sound.
Kmise provides 90-day warranty for the banjolele and lifetime string replacement. If there is any problem with Kmise banjolele, please feel free to contact us and we will reply to you within 24 hours and help you solve the problem ASAP.
Product information
| Item Weight | 1.56 pounds |
|---|---|
| Package Dimensions | 25.43 x 11 x 3.46 inches |
| ASIN | B01LXD9I16 |
| Item model number | MI1663 |
| Customer Reviews |
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars
518 ratings
4.4 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #6,104 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments) #5 in Banjos (Musical Instruments) |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | September 28, 2016 |
| Back Material | Sapele |
| Color Name | Brown Maple |
| String Material | Nylon |
| Top Material | Sapele |
| Number of Strings | 4 |
| Material Type | Sapele Wood |
| Size | Concert Banjolele |
Top reviews from the United States
Chris
Outstanding Value for a beginners Banjo with additional equipment
Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2022
Chris
Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2022
This 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 $300
for 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 other
Kmise Banjo
https://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=8-3
This Kmise Banjo is advertised as
“Kmise, 5-String Banjo, Full Size (MI2953-KUS)” $169.99
Going back and forth to the
“Kmise 5 String Resonator Banjo” $157.99
they 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 11/17/2019
Not a huge deal, but I was curious.
- Boxing/Packaging
When 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 defect
Upon 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 return
for 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 20-30min
each 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.
Images in this review
P. E. O'Neil
A Great Little Banjo Uke That Sounds Great, Is Attractive to Look At & Easy to Set Up
Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2019
PiperFlyer
Better than I anticipated!
Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2018
PiperFlyer
Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2018
To get the best tone, you will need to replace the strings and take off the resonator panel. For $6, you can replace the stock strings with a nice set and it immediately and noticeable improves the tone. Also, the cool, tinny sound of a Banjo seems muted with the resonator panel on (I thought resonators were supposed to make Banjos louder. but this one mutes the sound). Once removed, you will hear a brighter, louder, crisper sound that you can control with some body placement. I was hoping to put spacers between the body hoop and the back panel to allow some sound to escape but the screws are tiny and the rim is made from cheap wood and has small stress fractures from the bending process, so you can't take off and put on the resonator over and over without risking stripping out the holes.
The action is a bit high but if you carefully sand down the bottom of the bridge, you can get it down to a more reasonable height. I took .5mm off of mine and it was worth it.
The head is rough and not made of great material. The roughness allows for a cool scratching sounds when using a scratching strumming technique where your fingers graze the head material. The tuners are a little loose but once quality strings break in, it is staying in tune fairly well, but not perfectly.
This is a great value at $90 and a great way to see if you like playing a Banjolele. If you do, and you do it a lot, you will feel better about dripping $400 next time.
Overall, four solid stars!
Images in this review
Noel
Beautiful! Excellent price
Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2024
Noel
Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2024
Images in this review
