Donner Banjolele 4 String Banjo Ukulele kit Stringed Musical Instruments for Adult Beginner with Banjo Tuners, Gig Bag, Picks

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars | 307 ratings

Price: 99.99

Last update: 01-02-2025


About this item

4 Sting Banjo Uke---Donner banjolele is a four-stringed musical instrument with a small banjo-type body and a fretted ukulele neck. Combining banjo's distinctive tone with ukulele's standard tuning of G-C-E-A and playing style.
Quality Material Banjolele - the body of Donner banjo uke is made of sapele, enabling it to produce a mellow, and soft sound. Made by maple and hardwood, the bridge is hard enough to prevent the strings cut into the bridge.
Resonator Guitar Banjolele - Donner banjo is resonator banjo with the great drumhead which is from the professional drumhead supplier - Remo, contributing to a warm, full and clear tone.
Best Beginner Guitar Banjo - innovative use of finger plates inlaid with muscovite to help beginners quickly find the appropriate position and the board points are very clear, and there will be no reflection under the light.
Full size Banjo Kit for Beginners Kids -All accessories,including banjo picks, gig bag,tunner, ruler and truss rod,are suitable for banjo Beginner.

Product information


Top reviews from the United States

Glenn Bedard
5.0 out of 5 stars Good bang for the buck
Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2024
Pretty easy to set up if you take your time seems like quality construction. My wife says it’s really loud and I like it.
ND
5.0 out of 5 stars Give it a try if you need a good banjo at an affordable cost.
Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2020
Pretty nice banjo! It looks fantastic, the hardware and setup seem pretty good. It comes without the bridge installed so you need to either take to a professional for installation, or if confident you can find tutorials online (what I did).

After setting up the bridge, I set to tuning it. You’ll need to use the included tool to tighten up the tuning machines, as it wouldn’t stay in tune at first. The short 5th string is particularly susceptible to going out of tune. I’m a novice on banjo, so it could just be me.

All in all, a good instrument - I’ll have to wait and see if it stays in tune better over time. Most instruments require time for the strings to stretch a bit and to adjust to climate of where you’re using it. It’s a fun way to get into a new genre.

I can’t comment if it’s good for experts, but as an entry-level banjo it’s a great option. Comes with a bunch of accessories, including a very nice case and strap. I would have liked some finger picks instead of the pack of flat picks, but I plan to pick up on my own.

Give it a try if you need a good banjo at an affordable cost.
Customer image
ND
5.0 out of 5 stars Give it a try if you need a good banjo at an affordable cost.
Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2020
Pretty nice banjo! It looks fantastic, the hardware and setup seem pretty good. It comes without the bridge installed so you need to either take to a professional for installation, or if confident you can find tutorials online (what I did).

After setting up the bridge, I set to tuning it. You’ll need to use the included tool to tighten up the tuning machines, as it wouldn’t stay in tune at first. The short 5th string is particularly susceptible to going out of tune. I’m a novice on banjo, so it could just be me.

All in all, a good instrument - I’ll have to wait and see if it stays in tune better over time. Most instruments require time for the strings to stretch a bit and to adjust to climate of where you’re using it. It’s a fun way to get into a new genre.

I can’t comment if it’s good for experts, but as an entry-level banjo it’s a great option. Comes with a bunch of accessories, including a very nice case and strap. I would have liked some finger picks instead of the pack of flat picks, but I plan to pick up on my own.

Give it a try if you need a good banjo at an affordable cost.
Images in this review
Customer image Customer image Customer image
RDA
4.0 out of 5 stars worth the money
Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2024
My new Donner 5 string banjo arrived a few hours ago. I will start by saying that it is a good value. This is my 2nd banjo that I have purchased from Amazon. I bought the first around 12 years ago, unfortunately I became frustrated after developing some bad habits learning to play and a grand niece showed interest in playing so I gave it to her. Now I am ready to combat the bad habits and start over. I will say that the tuning gears are rather crude and finnicky making the tuning rather difficult. Other than that it seems to be very well built and produces a nice sound. I recommend this product.
Carol R.
5.0 out of 5 stars My grandson likes it
Reviewed in the United States on December 27, 2023
Edit Jan 28, 2024: This is a beautiful instrument but a few days after receiving it my grandson explained to me why this wasn't a real banjo. Primarily, the sound is similar to his ukulele and it has fewer strings than a traditional banjo. He plays several stringed instruments and he's very serious about them. His mom bought him a full-sized banjo a few days after Christmas. We returned the banjolele on January 17.

Original review: My grandson loves learning to play new instruments. He already had a Ukulele so I was concerned that a banjo ukulele (banjolele) might not be unique enough. He opened the box and immediately started searching for tutorials on YouTube. He was able to play basic tunes not long afterwards. Yay! He likes it.
Happy Girl
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful "plunky" sound & quality at a great price
Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2021
Wow, I really like this banjolele.
It is actually my second banjolele.  I have been a fan of ukuleles made by Donner for about 15 months now (I have owned and played 4 of them, and all of them were just amazing values for price and great quality), so when I began wishing for a banjolele, I was really hoping that Donner would have one available. 
After months of waiting and hoping, and both my husband and I doing some research, he gave me a banjolele from another company for Christmas. Just letting you know that for point of reference.  It is not from a famous brand, but it is one of a few that we had narrowed down to from research over affordable options, and the company which made it seemed very similar to Donner, which had been so good to me thus far, so…we took a chance.  And that banjolele is wonderful.  Again—just sharing for point of reference for this detailed review.
I was so excited to hear that Donner now had a banjolele available, so I immediately took the opportunity to purchase one and try it out!  And how fun that I could now compare as well.
The Donner banjolele has a wonderful “plunky” sound, as a banjo should.  The drum head has the Remo logo on it, which is one of my qualifications for what I desire in a banjolele, though the skin is a flat white matte, which was surprising to me, as my other banjolele has a Remo skin that has that sort of mottled look to it.  Honestly, I don’t notice a difference other than appearance in that respect.

This banjolele set comes with a decent gig bag: sturdy material, some padding (so-to-speak, so it is not one of those thin gig bags that feels like a windbreaker jacket), but not quite as awesome as some of the gig bags that came with some of my Donner traditional ukes. I wouldn’t mind a more spacious pocket. It comes with the Donner tuner as all Donner ukes do, which is my favorite tuner.  I received another tuner with another brand of uke, and it has been less than pleasing…so glad that I have the occasion to know the difference!

The set also comes with an extra pair of strings (but they are not labeled as to which one is which?), picks, a truss rod, and a strap---however the strap might be meant for a guitar or regular sized banjo.  It is too long for me even when tightened all of the way.  Decent quality, just doesn’t serve my purposes.  Granted, I am a petite 5’1’’, but with all of my other ukes, the straps that come with them have been fine. Also, just so you know, one needs to have 2 small strings or ribbons in order to connect the strap to the banjolele (by looping them through the holes at the end of the strap). It’s not an exciting strap, either.  Black canvas with fake brown suede/leather ends, but for the right person, it will do the trick, and honestly some of the straps that come with other instruments, ones with crazy patterns- they probably don’t please everyone either. I have been known to buy a particular strap for a particular instrument just because I wanted it to be more “me”.

What the set lacked in my case was the special tool for measuring where to set up the bridge, or alternatively, instructions for how to measure without that special see-thru tool that one usually sees with these types of banjolele sets.  I found out later that there *should* have been a tool included. Luckily, I had one from my other banjolele, and though they have slightly different lengths of neck/fretboard, etc, when I double-checked using the manual measurement method, it actually came out the same. Interesting.

As for comparison, the Donner banjolele drum is about ¼ inch deeper than my other banjolele, and the neck is slightly thicker.  I was surprised at this and wondered if it would make it more difficult to play…but actually, the Donner Banjolele is quite comfortable to play!
My other banjolele has a slightly brighter sound than the Donner Banjolele, but saying the Donner has a darker sound does not seem accurate…perhaps a bit richer or deeper…
The neck and body of the Donner banjolele are a beautiful red wood look, smooth to the touch. I wouldn’t mind a little more texture there for the feel of wood. The Black headstock is actually quite classy looking- I was not sure if I would like that or not, as my other banjolele looks a bit more rustic, but it turns out pleasing to me.  I am not sure if the Donner name on the headstock is a sticker or paint.  I might have expected something that was etched or punched in, like other products from Donner that I have experienced, but like I said, it is still lovely, and thus far, every Donner product that I have purchased, from ukuleles to other music accessories, has been a home run. So, I am going to give them the benefit of the doubt.

I have had my banjolele for about a month now.  As can be expected with any new uke (but it not always the case), the banjolele went out of tune pretty quickly in the first week or so, like literally within minutes of playing.  However, recently I have realized that it has been holding tune through a 15 to 30 minute practice session, which is also what one could certainly hope for and expect from playing an instrument regularly once the strings settle down. (fyi, my first ever uke was a Donner, and it held tune well from the beginning...I was spoiled! ????)

All in all, another great instrument by Donner, at an affordable price. Super value with great quality.
Customer image
Happy Girl
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful "plunky" sound & quality at a great price
Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2021
Wow, I really like this banjolele.
It is actually my second banjolele.  I have been a fan of ukuleles made by Donner for about 15 months now (I have owned and played 4 of them, and all of them were just amazing values for price and great quality), so when I began wishing for a banjolele, I was really hoping that Donner would have one available. 
After months of waiting and hoping, and both my husband and I doing some research, he gave me a banjolele from another company for Christmas. Just letting you know that for point of reference.  It is not from a famous brand, but it is one of a few that we had narrowed down to from research over affordable options, and the company which made it seemed very similar to Donner, which had been so good to me thus far, so…we took a chance.  And that banjolele is wonderful.  Again—just sharing for point of reference for this detailed review.
I was so excited to hear that Donner now had a banjolele available, so I immediately took the opportunity to purchase one and try it out!  And how fun that I could now compare as well.
The Donner banjolele has a wonderful “plunky” sound, as a banjo should.  The drum head has the Remo logo on it, which is one of my qualifications for what I desire in a banjolele, though the skin is a flat white matte, which was surprising to me, as my other banjolele has a Remo skin that has that sort of mottled look to it.  Honestly, I don’t notice a difference other than appearance in that respect.

This banjolele set comes with a decent gig bag: sturdy material, some padding (so-to-speak, so it is not one of those thin gig bags that feels like a windbreaker jacket), but not quite as awesome as some of the gig bags that came with some of my Donner traditional ukes. I wouldn’t mind a more spacious pocket. It comes with the Donner tuner as all Donner ukes do, which is my favorite tuner.  I received another tuner with another brand of uke, and it has been less than pleasing…so glad that I have the occasion to know the difference!

The set also comes with an extra pair of strings (but they are not labeled as to which one is which?), picks, a truss rod, and a strap---however the strap might be meant for a guitar or regular sized banjo.  It is too long for me even when tightened all of the way.  Decent quality, just doesn’t serve my purposes.  Granted, I am a petite 5’1’’, but with all of my other ukes, the straps that come with them have been fine. Also, just so you know, one needs to have 2 small strings or ribbons in order to connect the strap to the banjolele (by looping them through the holes at the end of the strap). It’s not an exciting strap, either.  Black canvas with fake brown suede/leather ends, but for the right person, it will do the trick, and honestly some of the straps that come with other instruments, ones with crazy patterns- they probably don’t please everyone either. I have been known to buy a particular strap for a particular instrument just because I wanted it to be more “me”.

What the set lacked in my case was the special tool for measuring where to set up the bridge, or alternatively, instructions for how to measure without that special see-thru tool that one usually sees with these types of banjolele sets.  I found out later that there *should* have been a tool included. Luckily, I had one from my other banjolele, and though they have slightly different lengths of neck/fretboard, etc, when I double-checked using the manual measurement method, it actually came out the same. Interesting.

As for comparison, the Donner banjolele drum is about ¼ inch deeper than my other banjolele, and the neck is slightly thicker.  I was surprised at this and wondered if it would make it more difficult to play…but actually, the Donner Banjolele is quite comfortable to play!
My other banjolele has a slightly brighter sound than the Donner Banjolele, but saying the Donner has a darker sound does not seem accurate…perhaps a bit richer or deeper…
The neck and body of the Donner banjolele are a beautiful red wood look, smooth to the touch. I wouldn’t mind a little more texture there for the feel of wood. The Black headstock is actually quite classy looking- I was not sure if I would like that or not, as my other banjolele looks a bit more rustic, but it turns out pleasing to me.  I am not sure if the Donner name on the headstock is a sticker or paint.  I might have expected something that was etched or punched in, like other products from Donner that I have experienced, but like I said, it is still lovely, and thus far, every Donner product that I have purchased, from ukuleles to other music accessories, has been a home run. So, I am going to give them the benefit of the doubt.

I have had my banjolele for about a month now.  As can be expected with any new uke (but it not always the case), the banjolele went out of tune pretty quickly in the first week or so, like literally within minutes of playing.  However, recently I have realized that it has been holding tune through a 15 to 30 minute practice session, which is also what one could certainly hope for and expect from playing an instrument regularly once the strings settle down. (fyi, my first ever uke was a Donner, and it held tune well from the beginning...I was spoiled! ????)

All in all, another great instrument by Donner, at an affordable price. Super value with great quality.
Images in this review
Customer image Customer image Customer image
Ronamy402
3.0 out of 5 stars Nice beginner banjo but has problems
Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2023
Received banjo & everything looks great. When I tried tuning it, I noticed 3 of the tuning keys were loose. During closer inspection, one mounting screw in each of the loose ones are stripped out. It’s not a deal breaker, as I can fix the problem myself, but I don’t think I should have to being it’s brand new.
aZ watch guy
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic instrument at a unbelievable price.
Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2024
This is a really wonderful little banjo uke. The price is so low everyone should have one. It looks more expensive than it is. I love the sound and it's really well made. Even a Remo head. The gig bag is quite nice, better than the one that came with my Luna uke. Comes with a decent strap, picks, tuner, extra strings template to set the bridge and adjusting tool. For those who complain about the tuning, you have to understand that these strings need to stretch out. This can take a couple of weeks. This uke is so much fun you won't regret it. This is a phenomenal value.
Customer image
aZ watch guy
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic instrument at a unbelievable price.
Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2024
This is a really wonderful little banjo uke. The price is so low everyone should have one. It looks more expensive than it is. I love the sound and it's really well made. Even a Remo head. The gig bag is quite nice, better than the one that came with my Luna uke. Comes with a decent strap, picks, tuner, extra strings template to set the bridge and adjusting tool. For those who complain about the tuning, you have to understand that these strings need to stretch out. This can take a couple of weeks. This uke is so much fun you won't regret it. This is a phenomenal value.
Images in this review
Customer image Customer image Customer image Customer image Customer image Customer image

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