I got this for an upcoming trip on which it would be impractical to take a full-sized banjo. I didn't have high expectations for the Vangoa but it really surprised me! I'm a clawhammer player and the strings are spaced far enough apart that playing it is not a different experience for the right hand, which is where the rubber meets the road for what is a practice instrument. The width of the strings at the bridge is 1 11/16", which is exactly the same as a regular banjo.
At the nut it unfortunately gets narrower than a regular banjo (13/16" versus 1"), but you can't have everything...certainly not at this price. It is still quite playable for the left hand. You may have to play some things you'd normally play with the left pinky with the ring finger instead; but since this is really just a keep-in-trim instrument it's not that big a deal.
The playing experience for the picking or clawhammering hand is about the same as a full-size when it's tuned to C or B.
The only beginner I would want to get this instrument is a very young child. A kid 10 and above, or an adult, should not be learning on this instrument, as the distance between the frets is way narrower than a full-size.
There's some other goodies included--gig bag, strap, contact pickup (!), plastic thumb and plastic finger picks, an extra set of strings--which one might get some use from even if they found the instrument useless.
In terms of use for other than a practice instrument, its voice and size make it a lot like a mandolin or a ukelele. Uke players would probably enjoy this banjo a lot. So it could certainly find its way into a player's arsenal as a novelty instrument.
For what it is, to me it's great value for the money.
Vangoa 5 String Banjo 26 Inch, MINI Travel Banjo, Banjo Beginner Kit with Remo Head, Open Back & Closed Solid Back with begin
4.5
| 1,245 ratingsPrice: 128.88
Last update: 01-04-2025
About this item
✔PORTABLE SIZE- 26-inch tenor banjo is perfect for music trips. It is light-weighted for taking out for parties, classes, etc. Mini banjo is easy to start which is quite suited for beginners and budget-friendly
✔GREAT SOUND- Superior mahogany body has a solid, warm tone. Quality Alice steel strings deliver a more punchy sound. 12 durable chrome-plated brackets ensure even head panel tension to fusion melodious percussion timbres by gently beating on the head
✔PERFECT ACTION- 3mm action at the 12th fret, is pretty comfortable to press down. Adjust the truss rod can better balance the tension caused by strings or climate change, set up perfect string height to meet different needs
✔DURABLE MATERIAL- Mahogany body with beautiful wood grain is hard and not liable to warp or corrode, making the banjo durable. Anti-corrosion chrome-plated pegs stand the test of time and 15:1 ratios gear keeps the strings in tune
✔ECONOMICAL KIT- It comes with everything you need to start, Carrying Bag, Tuner, Strap, Pick-up, Extra Strings, Picks, Allen Key and Bracket Wrench. Get beginner kits one-off at a cost-effective price. We offer an 18-month warranty & lifetime after-sales service. Buy it with confidence!
✔GREAT SOUND- Superior mahogany body has a solid, warm tone. Quality Alice steel strings deliver a more punchy sound. 12 durable chrome-plated brackets ensure even head panel tension to fusion melodious percussion timbres by gently beating on the head
✔PERFECT ACTION- 3mm action at the 12th fret, is pretty comfortable to press down. Adjust the truss rod can better balance the tension caused by strings or climate change, set up perfect string height to meet different needs
✔DURABLE MATERIAL- Mahogany body with beautiful wood grain is hard and not liable to warp or corrode, making the banjo durable. Anti-corrosion chrome-plated pegs stand the test of time and 15:1 ratios gear keeps the strings in tune
✔ECONOMICAL KIT- It comes with everything you need to start, Carrying Bag, Tuner, Strap, Pick-up, Extra Strings, Picks, Allen Key and Bracket Wrench. Get beginner kits one-off at a cost-effective price. We offer an 18-month warranty & lifetime after-sales service. Buy it with confidence!
Product information
Item Weight | 2.8 pounds |
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ASIN | B07JZF3S8T |
Customer Reviews |
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars
1,193 ratings
4.5 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #2,190 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments) #1 in Banjos (Musical Instruments) |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | October 29, 2018 |
Back Material | Mahogany |
Body Material | mahogany |
Color Name | brown |
Fretboard Material | walnut |
Scale Length | 26 inch |
String Gauge | Medium |
String Material | bronze |
Top Material | remo |
Neck Material Type | mahogany |
Number of Strings | 5 |
Size | 26 Inch |
Percussion Diameter | 8.4 Inches |
Proficiency Level | Beginner, Intermediates |