deering travel banjo

Top 5 Best Travel Banjos

There’s a certain romance to strapping a banjo on your back and hopping on the next train headed out west. Of course, for most of us, the reality of travel is more like stuffing your banjo into the overhead compartment of a plane headed to Atlanta. Wherever you’re going, though, and however you get there, one thing is clear: a banjo makes a perfect travel companion.

There are a bunch of great options for travel banjos out there. Whether you want something compact, sturdy, or easily playable (or all three), here’s our guide to finding the best travel banjo for you!

Table of Contents

Types of Travel Banjo

There are three main type of travel banjo, which all have pros and cons. Ultimately, your needs will determine which is best for you. If you’re just looking for something portable to practice on, a mini travel banjo may fit the bill. If you’re going to end up playing in a jams or at gigs, however, a cheap full-size banjo may be the best way to go.

Mini Travel Banjos

These have a very short scale, and are usually designed to be tuned cGCEG, a 4th up from normal banjo tuning. This means that you’ll have to transpose everything you play. If you play a G chord, it’ll come out as C, if you play a C, it’ll come out as F, etc.

They also have a markedly different sound than a normal banjo, thanks to their small size. Mini travel banjos are usually quieter, and a little tinny-sounding, in part because of the high tuning.

Ultimately, this makes mini banjos less useful for playing in groups. However, the shorter scale makes them extremely portable. If you need a banjo that will fit in a carry-on bag, or just want something to play around with by yourself, a mini travel banjo like the Gold Tone Plucky or Dean Backwoods Mini might be the best for you.

A-Scale Travel Banjos

These banjos are just a bit smaller than the usual banjo. They’re usually built to be tuned aEAC#E, one full step up from standard banjo tuning. Again, this means that you will have to transpose whenever you’re playing one with other people. However, you can also just put heavier strings on and tune it in standard tuning.

A-scale travel banjos are an intermediate step between mini and normal banjo sizes. If you’re looking for something just a bit more portable than your current banjo, they can be a great fit. Their smaller size means they’re lighter, but they still have much the same tone and volume as a regular banjo. Still, the small size savings you get may not be worth it if you have to buy specialty strings to keep your travel banjo in standard gDGBD tuning.

Cheap, Lightweight Normal Banjos

A third option is simply to buy another banjo, preferably one that is easy to carry and you’re not afraid of knocking around. An open-back banjo is usually better for this, since a resonator adds a lot of weight. The Gold Tone AC-1 and Rogue starter banjo are great examples of this. Inexpensive yet sturdily built, they can be great travel companions.

Since we’re talking about a normal-scale banjo, you won’t find it any easier to fit this on a plane or in your trunk. Even a lightweight open-back banjo can be somewhat bulky. However, you’ll have a full-size banjo that sounds and feels exactly like a banjo should. If you’re planning on playing in a group or just don’t want to transpose constantly, this is the best option for you.

Gold Tone AC-1

Summary: A full-sized banjo that won’t break the scales or the bank

Best for: Anyone who just needs a lighter banjo to travel with

One of the best features of the AC-1 when it comes to travel is its weight. At less than 4 pounds, it’s incredibly light for a full-sized banjo. That’s thanks to the acoustic composite material that Gold Tone uses to make it. Rather than the usually wooden neck and rim, the AC-1 has a molded composite body that will withstand the elements better than its wooden counterparts.

Gold Tone actually makes a travel banjo in its AC series, the AC-Traveler . It’s an A-scale banjo, meaning it’s about 3 inches shorter than the AC-1. I personally don’t find that 3 inches to be hugely important, and prefer the scale of a normal-length banjo. If those 3 inches are important, though, the AC-Traveler has all the features of the AC-1 in an even smaller package.

The AC-1 is very comfortable to play, and very well set up. Intonation and action are great out of the box, and the tuners work well even after time on the road. Since it’s a full-sized banjo, you won’t notice a difference in scale length from your usual banjo, which is a big advantage over smaller banjos. The normal size also helps give it a full, loud tone.

Overall, the AC-1 is the best choice for someone who just wants a regular banjo that they can knock around. In fact, it’s also one of our top picks for affordable banjos , not just for travel. It’s certainly not compact, and wouldn’t be a great fit for a backpacking trip. But its light weight and playability make it a great travel companion for those who don’t need the absolute smallest banjo they can get.

• Full size helps playability and tone
• Very lightweight for a full-size banjo
• Very durable composite body and neck
• Not very compact

Deering Goodtime Parlor Banjo

Summary: A smaller but still full-bodied banjo

Best for: Someone who doesn’t want to sacrifice sound when they travel

Taking a page from the parlor guitar, Deering uses the term “parlor” to mean a smaller version of a banjo. Their Goodtime parlor banjo is 4 inches shorter than a standard banjo, with 19 frets instead of 22. Not only does this make it more portable, it’s a great size for kids or anyone with small hands. In fact, it’s often sold to music schools for younger students to use.

Like all of Deering’s Goodtime banjos, the parlor banjo is made in the USA. It is fairly light, weighing in at about 4.5 pounds. Don’t let that fool you, though. It is quite solidly built out of hard maple, and will withstand the rigors of the road. One slight concern is that there’s no truss rod to reinforce the neck, although there is a similar “coordinator rod” useful for making adjustments. I wouldn’t expect to have any issues with the neck on this banjo, but a truss rod is usually preferable.

One great thing about the parlor banjo is that, unlike other small banjos, it has a full-sized, 11″ head. This means that you get a loud, full sound out of it, despite the smaller scale length. You’ll definitely be heard in a jam or group setting. The plunky tone is especially good for clawhammer, although it has a nice punch useful for bluegrass. Despite the shorter scale, it still feels very comfortable to play, and the set-up out of the box is very good.

As with any short-scale banjo, you’ll need to put heavier-than-normal strings on the Goodtime parlor banjo in order to keep it in standard G tuning. It also sounds quite nice in A tuning (aEAC#E) using standard banjo strings.

Gold Tone Plucky Travel Banjo

Summary: A sturdy mini banjo that still sounds great

Best for: Anyone looking for a lightweight banjo without a lightweight tone

Plucky is a cute name for a tiny banjo. Gold Tone created this mini travel banjo with portability in mind, and it’s incredibly compact. But don’t let cute looks fool you into thinking this is a toy! The Plucky gets the same care in assembly and set up as Gold Tone’s other banjos, making it the best-sounding mini travel banjo out there.

Like other mini banjos, the Gold Tone Plucky is designed for “C tuning,” cGCEG. This is a 4th up from standard banjo tuning, or like you’ve got a capo on the 5th fret. It’s bright and jangly, with a lot of punch but not a ton of sustain. It gets a little shrill at the top of the range, but that’s to be expected when you get up that high. Because it has a smaller body than a normal banjo, it’s a little quieter. The higher tone helps it project more, though, so being heard shouldn’t be an issue.

As a mini banjo, the Plucky’s fretboard can feel a little crowded. This is especially true up the neck, as the frets get very close together. However, Gold Tone has done a lot to keep this very playable, and even those with big hands and fingers won’t find it too hard to fit them. If you’ve ever picked up a concert-sized ukulele, the Plucky will feel very familiar.

The Plucky is built very solidly, and can take a beating while on the road. Even so, it’s quite light, and very portable. At around 2 pounds, this is just about as light a banjo as you can get, making it a good hiking companion. It’s also short enough to just about fit in a carry-on bag.

• Compact and lightweight
• Very sturdily built
• Gets shrill at its highest notes

Dean Backwoods Mini Travel Banjo

Summary: A banjo with a Goldilocks size and great playability

Best for: Someone who wants a compact banjo that can still take standard tuning

The Dean Backwoods Mini can perhaps best be described as a big mini banjo. Yes, I know that sound weird. But with a scale length of 20″, it’s not quite a “short scale” banjo like the 24″ Goodtime parlor. It’s also not as small as the ~16″ Gold Tone Plucky. This makes it a bit of a Goldilocks instrument for those who want to go small without sacrificing too much space on the fretboard.

The scale length on the Dean Backwoods Mini is at the edge of viability for standard banjo tuning (gDGBD). It’s certainly possible, and can sound OK, but it’s better suited to a higher tuning. If you do want to use standard tuning, you won’t be able to use regular banjo strings. Instead, use a tool like the D’Addario String Tension Pro to figure out how heavy you’ll have to go.

The Dean Backwoods Mini is a very compact banjo at just over 30 inches long. It’s not quite short enough to fit in a standard carry-on bag, but it will still easily fit in an overhead compartment or even possibly under your airplane seat. It is, however, somewhat heavy for its small size, and weighs about as much at the Gold Tone AC-1 at 4 pounds. As the name suggests, it’s still not a bad choice to take on a hiking trip, but it won’t quite be light as a feather.

• Shortest scale length that still allows for standard tuning
• Fretboard still very comfortably spaced
• Not as compact as the Plucky
• Needs heavy strings for standard tuning

Rogue Starter/Travel Banjo

Summary: A bare-bones banjo with everything you need and nothing you don’t

Best for: Someone who just wants a cheap knockaround travel banjo

Like the Gold Tone AC-1, the Rogue “travel banjo” is simply an inexpensive full-sized banjo. Rogue has made its name in making very cheap instruments that still play and sound good, and their travel banjo is no different. It’s a bare-bones banjo that may sound and feel a little clunky, but holds up well. And the price just can’t be beat.

The Rogue travel banjo is not as light as the Gold Tone AC-1. Still, it’s not particularly heavy for a banjo, especially since it does not have a metal tone ring or a resonator. It has a hollow, plunkier sound that suits old-time clawhammer playing better than it does bluegrass. The neck is a little chunky but still pretty comfortable, and the Rogue starter/travel banjo is easy to play. After all, it’s built with a beginner in mind!

One thing to note is that it does not come very well set up out of the box. You’ll need to set the bridge properly when you first tune it up, or else you’ll suffer from bad intonation. Luckily, this is pretty easy to do. Simply measure from the nut to the 12th fret. Then, measure that same distance from the 12th fret onto the head. That’s where your bridge goes! This is a good skill to know anyway, since banjo bridges can get easily get knocked out of place during travel.

• Great value
• Needs a set-up out of the box
• Tone not as well suited for bluegrass

Similar Posts

Top 5 Best Cheap Mandolins

Just because you can spend a lot of money on a mandolin doesn’t mean you have to. In fact, finding a great cheap mandolin is easier than ever. No matter how small your budget, you can find a mandolin that will get you playing your favorite bluegrass licks or Irish jigs in no time. From…

Top 5 Best Cheap Banjos

The banjo is one of the most iconic sounds in American music. From bluegrass to old-time to folk, the banjo can brighten up just about any song. Old-timers used to send away for a cheap banjo from a mail-order catalogs. The times may have changed, but one thing hasn’t: there are a ton of great…

Which Tenor Banjo Tuning To Choose

Traditional Tenor Banjo Tuning: CGDA The tenor banjo first gained popularity in jazz. The punchy, loud sound could cut through back in the days before amplification, and provided a nice rhythmic backing to early jazz bands. CGDA tuning is the most popular jazz tuning for the tenor banjo, and is usually what people mean when…

Seagull S8 Mandolin Review

Seagull has long been known for unconventional designs, and their S8 mandolin is no different. With a fresh look that nods to tradition without being bound by it, it’s certainly a mando that will get a lot of attention. But does it sound as good as it looks? Read our review of the Seagull S8…

Where To Find Banjos For Sale

The banjo has gotten a lot of well-deserved attention recently, as more and more players trade six strings for four or five. While you won’t find banjos for sale on every street corner, there are plenty of places to get your fix, both online and in person. If you’re just starting out, brands like Deering,…

One Comment

well written ! I explore epiphone mb100 banjo and its the most lilghtweight banjo I’ve ever seen. You can list down it.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• 4 String Banjos
• 5 String Banjos
• 6 String Guitar Banjos
• Vintage Era Banjos
• Left Handed Banjos
• Used Banjos
• *SOLD* Used Banjos
• Flagship Series
• Eagle Series
• Golden Series
• Artist Series
• Tenbrooks Series
• Vega Banjos
• Private Collection
• Deering Goodtime Series
• Deering Goodtime Leader Banjos
• Deering Goodtime Erin Banjos
• Deering Flagship Series
• Deering Eagle Series
• Deering Golden Series
• Deering Artist Series
• Deering Tenbrooks Series
• Deering Vega Banjos
• Music stands, mic & foot stands
• String winders
• Tuning Pegs
• Single Strings

Gig Bags & Hard Cases

• More Banjo Goodies
• Banjo Articles & Advice
• Banjo Parts Defined

Our Top Banjo Brands

• Eastman AC Series
• Eastman PCH Series
• Eastman Traditional Series
• Eastman Antique Varnish Series
• Eastman Double Top Series
• Eastman Gypsy Jazz Series
• Tanglewood Crossroads Series
• Tanglewood Roadster II Series
• Tanglewood Winterleaf Series
• Tanglewood Union Series
• Tanglewood Java Series
• Tanglewood Sundance Performance Pro Series
• Tanglewood Sundance Historic Series
• Tanglewood Master Design Series
• Tanglewood Heritage Series
• Faith Guitars
• Martin Guitars
• Sigma Guitars
• Admira Guitars
• Steels & Slides
• More Guitar Goodies
• Guitar Articles & Advice

Our Top Guitar Brands

• Tanglewood Mandolins
• Ozark Mandolins
• String Winders
• More Mandolin Goodies
• Mandolin Family Buying Guides
• Mandolin Articles & Advice

Our Top Mandolin & Bouzouki Brands

• Featured Brands
• Mainland Ukuleles
• Pickups & Transducers
• More Ukulele Goodies
• String Sets
• Ukulele Buying Guides
• Ukulele Articles & Advice

Our Top Ukulele Brands

• More Harmonica Goodies
• Novelties / Badges
• Harmonica Buying Guides
• Harmonica Articles & Advice

Our Top Harmonica Brands

• More Squeezebox Goodies
• Squeezebox Buying Guides
• Squeezebox Articles & Advice
• Flute & Whistle Buying Guides
• Flute & Whistle Articles & Advice
• Dulcimer DVD's
• More Violin Goodies
• Irish Fiddle Tutor CDs
• Violin Articles & Advice
• Event Videos
• Company Information
• Visit Our Shop
• Meet Our Team

  Account

  Basket

  01484 661460

Banjos from Deering, Gold Tone and more

All types of 4 string banjos for playing Irish  Jazz  chicago or plectrum style

5 string banjos suitable for fingerpicking clawhammer or frailing including openback or fitted with a resonator

Choose a 6 string banjo or 'Banjitar' if you play guitar and want that banjo sound

Banjo ukuleles combining both the elements of the ukulele and banjo

Selection of classic banjos from that bygone era that still have plenty of life left in them

Used or 'pre loved' banjos from beginner to professional in all styles including commission sales

Beginner models in different styles with a selection of accessories already chosen for you in a convenient package to help you start pickin!

Banjos that have been sold at Eagle music over the years used for reference only.

Quality USA made banjos by Deering including banjo uke tenor plectrum  5 and 6 string models

Selection of Goldtone banjos ranging from the Little Gem coloured banjo uke to an electric 6 string Banjitar.

Banjo accessories and other bits!

All parts & accessories, banjo string sets, banjo single strings, amps, pickups, cables etc, banjo music cd's, why customers worldwide love us.

Thousands of 5 star independent customer and product reviews, testimonials, awards and Eagle Music events.

We are a family business headed by family members Steve Noon and Rachel Price. We provide a personal and friendly service, supplying quality musical products at the keenest possible prices. Eagle is recognized worldwide as a trustworthy, customer centric music shop.

Meet the Team

Engage with our fantastic musical community on Facebook, follow us to get notified about special promotions, Eagle Music events, enter competitions and more.

Popular Banjos at Eagle Music Shop

A selection of our most popular banjos here at Eagle Music Shop.

5 string bluegrass, frailing and clawhammer banjos. Irish and jazz tenor banjos, parts & accessories, books and music. Everything you’ll ever need for banjo is right here at the Eagle Music Banjo Emporium. All banjo types including best selling 5 string and tenor models from top makers including Deering, Nechville, OME, Prucha, Huber, Gold Tone, Tanglewood and many more.

We’re Europe's unrivalled leading banjo retailer , proven by winning the Deering Banjos international dealership award for best customer service and sales for that past 8 consecutive years. We are passionate about the world of Banjos and supply an inimitable range of banjos, banjo parts and fittings, plus a huge selection of banjo music, all at the best value you’ll find on the web. If you want to learn to play the banjo we have a great choice of beginners banjo packs at amazing value, each item in the packs is hand picked by our experienced banjo specialists.

Whether you are looking for a new Deering, OME, Nechville, Ozark, Prucha, Huber, Goldtone, Tanglewood, Vintage Paragon, Paramount, Vega or any other modern banjo, our specialists at Eagle Music Shop can give you the best advice and supply you with the correct banjo to suit your needs. You will also find plenty of banjo related advice on our website blog pages to help you buy a banjo that suits you just right.

For world class banjos from the USA you need to look no further than our superb range of Deering Banjos , hand built in Spring Valley, California. You can buy from us with peace of mind, knowing that you are getting the very best quality, guarantee and price on all Deering banjo models. Being the world’s number 1 Deering Master Dealership for 10 consecutive years running, nobody knows them better than we do.

Buying Guides for Banjos, we're here to help!

Banjo buying guide.

Start here for your ultimate guide to buying a banjo. Not sure what type of banjo you need? This guide, written by Eagle Music founder Steve Noon, will set you on the right track to Banjo Paradise.

5 String Banjos Buying Guide

So, you’ve narrowed down your choice, and you want to start playing 5-string banjo. We have on our listings 5-string banjos to suit all styles and budgets.

4 String Tenor Banjos Buying Guide

If you've decided you want to buy a 4 string banjo, this guide will talk you through the different types available, from Irish to Jazz to Plectrum. Its all here to help you make the right choice.

6 String Banjos Buying Guide

So, you’ve narrowed down your choice, and you want to start playing 6-string banjo. We have on our listings 6-string banjos to suit all styles and budgets.

Featured articles for Banjos

Banjo care & maintenance - looking after your banjo.

Here Eagle Music answers in simple terms the important do’s and don’ts regarding general care of your banjo, storing, cleaning and transporting your banjo safely.

The Banjo Head

We explain the different types of banjo heads and the different sounds produced from each.

Banjo sound and volume

The banjo rim & the pot assembly.

The banjo rim and the banjo pot assembly explained by the specialists at Eagle Music.

How to change the strings on your Banjo, Mandolin, Guitar, Ukulele and other stringed instruments

Eagle Music explains here all the do’s and don’ts when fitting a new set of strings to your instrument.

A guide to Plectrums, Flat Picks, Finger and Thumb Picks

Eagle Music explains their popular uses, how to choose them and things you need to know about them.

• *NEW* Goodtime Deco Banjos
• 5-String Openback Banjos
• 5-String Resonator Banjos
• Tenor & Plectrum Banjos
• 6-String Banjos
• Banjo Ukulele
• Beginner Banjo Packages
• Tenor Banjos
• 6-String Banjo
• Blackgrass Banjos
• Boston Banjos
• Sierra Banjos
• Maple Blossom Banjos
• Calico Banjos
• Eagle II Banjos
• White Lotus
• Vega Vintage Star
• Vega Senator
• Vega White Oak Banjos
• Vega Wonder Banjos
• Vega Tubaphone Banjos
• Vega Long Neck Banjos
• Rustic Wreath
• Golden Wreath
• Tony Trischka Banjos
• John Hartford Banjos
• Jens Kruger Banjos
• Clawgrass Banjos
• Terry Baucom Model
• Dropkick Murphys Model
• Kingston Trio Banjos
• Saratoga Star
• Julia Belle
• Tree Of Life
• ProPik® Picks
• Banjo Parts
• Banjo Education
• Apparel & Collectibles
• Cases & Gig Bags
• Showroom Banjos
• Find A Dealer
• Knowledge Base
• Banjo Repair Center
• Teacher Locator
• Maintenance Manuals
• Visit our Showroom
• Banjo Demo Videos
• Banjo Tech Videos
• Deering Live
• Learn Banjo
• Deering Banjo Masterclass
• Festival & Event Calendar

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH US

The deering showroom and repair center will be closed from jan. 22nd to jan. 29th, 2024. please make your appointment for jan. 30th, 2024 or later., we are now accepting appointments to visit our showroom and try out some banjos or for you to drop off/pick up your banjo so it can get serviced..

Our showroom is now open between the hours of 10am to 3pm PT, Tuesday through Friday by appointment only. Please make an appointment below so that we can meet you.

Our repair department is open. Schedule your appointment to drop off/pick up your banjo. Choose from our different repair packages here.

We're glad to see you back face to face.

Introducing the new Goodtime Deco Series, a stunning tribute to the vibrant American Art Deco design movement of the 1920s when the banjo reigned as America's most beloved instrument. 

Learning how to play the banjo is no different. There are different types of banjos and plenty of new terminology for parts of banjos and playing styles. Aspiring players also wonder what makes one banjo better than another.

Watch and listen to Deering artists play our banjos and choose your favorite tone!

• Tour Account ›
• Travel Forum ›
• Travel Forum
• Independent Trave...

Independent Travel to Moscow and St. Petersburg

My wife and I have traveled independently to many European countries and, after reading many of the comments in this forum, feel like we may be able to do so in Moscow and St. Petersburg as well, although we feel somewhat less comfortable than the other countries where we have traveled in Europe.

My biggest question is how much we will miss by visiting the main sites without a tour guide. In the other European countries we have visited on our own we have been comfortable and satisfied with the level of knowledge we have gained by studying and visiting on our own, although we believe a tour guide or tour company in any country would normally be able to provide greater insight than visiting a site on our own, but about in Moscow and St. Petersburg?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Unless you speak at least some Russian and read the alphabet it would be difficult without a guide. Very few signs in English especially in Moscow. Also not too many people speak English there.

I visited St Petersburg last Autumn for a protracted period , and did not find it anymore daunting than any other European city . As Ilja says , learning the Cyrillic alphabet is a big plus . I also found that it was fairly easy to grasp . It will , among other things , enable you to read signs with relative ease . I would answer the main part or your question ( about tour guides ) thus - I am not enamored of tour guides or tours. While I only use a tour under duress ( A sites rules prohibiting an independent visit - ie Glasgow School of Art , Municipal House in Prague , etc ) . Doing your own preparation and homework is the best way , in my opinion . My wife and I ventured through St Petersburg with nary a concern ,and made two day trips outside of the central district ( one was twenty five miles away , and no English speakers in sight ) Figuring out the logistical details , did not present any difficulties . While I never use tours , I am an inveterate eavesdropper , have done so many times , and find , that on balance , the information that they impart is fairly elementary . If you want greater detail , they are unlikely to supply it . I also prefer to go at my own pace , not being rushed and being able to dwell on things that most other visitors barely give a passing glance . If you are interested , let me know . I would be happy to provide you with information that will enable you to travel independently

Thank you, Steven. I am encouraged by your comments and feel the same way you do about tour groups. We are very much willing to prepare in advance and learn the basics of the Cyrillic alphabet to help us have a better experience.

I would be very interested in learning more about your experience in Russia and receiving any additional information you can provide on independent travel there, starting perhaps with obtaining the visa.

I am not opposed to hiring a private or small group guide for a specific site or for a day trip outside St Petersburg and Moscow, but, like you said, I much prefer the freedom of staying at places as long or short as I want and seeing the sites that interest me most. For example, neither my wife nor I are big into shopping, yet most tour itineraries leave afternoon time for just that. Not interested!

Please provide whatever you may feel would be helpful for us.

Russ , I see you are quite near San Francisco - you can start by looking at the VISA procedure , it's fairly straightforward . Since there is a consulate in San Francisco - look here http://www.consulrussia.org/eng/visa-sub1.html

And here - http://ils-usa.com/main.php

Having always traveled independently, we thought we could do a better job than any tour. How misguided (pun intended) we were. Now that we have had the experience of having someone native to the area walk us around and explain things through a personal perspective we realize how much we missed. For St. Petersburg I highly recommend http://www.peterswalk.com/tours.html . This is not a traditional guided tour, but an opportunity to receive some orientation to the area as well as insight into the "Russian soul". I think if you did this upon arrival the rest of your time would be much more meaningful. We really liked the http://www.pushka-inn.com . The location is superb (just around the corner from the Hermitage square), the rooms lovely, the included breakfast at the restaurant next door ample and overall an excellent value. We used this company to get our visa: https://www.passportvisasexpress.com/site/san_francisco_customer_service Note that it costs about the same for a 3-year visa as a one-year, and you never know if you might want to return within that more extended window of time. It is not cheap, so factor that into your planning.

If you like traveling without a guide in other countries and find this satisfying, the same will be true in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Of course it's not either/or - you can certainly take a guided walk or boat tour, for instance.

I cannot emphasize enough the importance of learning Cyrillic if you're going on your own. The book I used was Teach Yourself Beginner's Russian Script, which was great. It breaks down the alphabet into letters that are the same as English, letters that look the same but are pronounced differently, etc. It's out of print, but you can get used copies on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Teach-Yourself-Beginners-Russian-Script/dp/0071419861/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1459701143&sr=8-2&keywords=teach+yourself+russian+script

Russia is indeed a bit more "foreign" than say, Italy. However, in Moscow and St. Petersburg, I found enough English to be able to get by. Many restaurants had English menus and/or English speaking staff, for instance. This was most emphatically not true in Vladimir and Suzdal (two cities in the Golden Ring outside Moscow). I went with my sister, a Russian speaker, and if she hadn't been there, I would have been in big trouble. So, if you want to see places outside these two big cities, use a guided tour (even if just for that part). Also, Moscow and St. Petersburg are huge cities. Coming from New York, I wasn't intimidated, but those not used to a megacity may not be so cavalier (even I found them overwhelming at times, especially Moscow).

I found both Lonely Planet and Rough Guide to be helpful, and both to have various errors. Look at both, buy whichever one has a more recent edition, and then be prepared to have to discard some of the advice therein. Also, these places change more quickly than places in Western Europe. Be very careful of outdated advice. For instance, I was there in 2001 and 2010, so I won't give you any specifics on getting a visa - that changes constantly.

Just as a teaser, two things I saw and loved that I doubt would be included in any escorted tour are the Gorky House in Moscow (an Art Nouveau wonder) and the Sheremyetov Palace in St. Petersburg (it's now a museum of musical instruments, and the decor is amazing, particularly in the Etruscan Room).

Thanks for all the good advice. Any additional thoughts are welcomed.

One of history's seminal works pertaining to Russian history and culture and a MUST for anyone contemplating a visit or simply interested , is this fine work from 1980 - http://www.amazon.com/Land-Firebird-The-Beauty-Russia/dp/096441841X

This is about you and not about Petersburg. Do you like guided tours? We don't and didn't find that a guide added to our experience in China where we did hire private guides mostly for the logistics; it was easy to have someone drive us places. But once at a site, we didn't need the guide. I felt the same way about our 9 nights in Petersburg. We did hire a guide for the trip to the Catherine Palace again for the ease of logistics for us Olds. Here is our visit: https://janettravels.wordpress.com/2016/01/23/an-easy-trip-to-the-catherine-palace/ There are also snapshots of the Church on Spilled Blood in this photo journal. Having someone pick us up at the apartment and get us in without line ups and shepherd us through the palace steering clear of the tour groups was lovely. But we didn't need commentary because we can read and prepare.

You certainly don't need a guide for the Hermitage (we spent 4 days there), the Russian Museum, the Kazan Cathedral or Church on Spilled Blood or the Faberge Museum. We enjoyed a number of self guided walking tours including a couple from Rick Steves guidebooks. We took the canal cruise suggested by RS that had an English commentator. I would not take one without that as you will be totally clueless. The commentator was not all that good but at least we had some idea what we were seeing. So for people like us who like to do our own thing and can read a guidebook and don't particularly like to be led about, a tour is not needed. If you enjoy tour groups, then go for it. Petersburg is easy to negotiate. It helps if you can read the cyrillic alphabet and it is also useful to have the google translate ap on your phone. We found ourselves translating packages in grocery stores with it and the occasional museum sign or menu. I have one food I need to avoid and so it was handy to have the translator to talk with waiters (I could either show them the sentence, or play it for them or play it to myself and then repeat it to the waiter -- that all worked well)

Dear Russ, I cannot help you with Moscow, but about four years ago, my husband and I went to St Petersburg on our own. But, we did use a private guide for 4 half days. We both feel that our guide absolutely made our trip (we stayed 6 or 7 nights). We used a company owned by Tatyana Chiurikova, www.tour-stpetersburg.com I cannot say enough good things about her and our experience. I emailed her and we worked out a schedule/ sights that was tailored to our interests. She also offered some recommendations, which we took. The guide will meet you at your hotel. And frequently, at certain places, with the guide, we were able to skip the long entrance lines. We had an half day driving tour of the city (car, driver, & guide). You are taken to & go in places such as Peter & Paul Fortress, some of the cathedrals, etc. We had a half day with the guide at the Hermitage which ensured that we would see the major sights there. And, of course, you can stay after your guide leaves or return another day. Also, we had the guide for Peterhof (a must & go by boat) and Catherine's Palace. I hope that you will go to the website. As I said, our guide made our trip. I am positive that we would have missed quite a bit on our own everyday. And I'm sure we would have wasted a lot of time trying to get to various place.This was the best of both worlds, a guide where needed and plenty of time on our own. Whatever you do, I'm sure that you will love St Petersburg! Ashley

I am curious about the lines as we encountered no lines on our trip -- but it was in September. We got tickets for the Hermitage at machines and skipped those lines and our guide for the Catherine Palace which was our only guided experience (as noted before, chosen for the logistics of getting there) had arranged tickets and we didn't have a line, but then we also didn't see lines. We did not find lines at any other site.

Both Moscow and St Petersburg I've done on my own, that is together with the Dear Partner. I can't remember any problem getting where we wanted to go. The Metro systems are well signed, and with a little exercise and patience you can recognize the station names. With a good map and a good guide - we had the Rough Guides - that part of the logistics is solved. The language is a major problem, but the usual tricks of pointing, looking helpless, and making a joke of it all do wonders. I would hate to be led by a guide, but for others it is a comfortable thought.

We also did both cities on our own. I found the DK Eyewitness guide for Moscow has the best map. I used the one from our library (kept the book at home). Took the smaller RS book for St. Petersburg ( his book on northern cities). His map and restaurant ideas were all good. We also downloaded the Google maps in our Android Samsung tablets/phones for both cities and then could get directions to any place we typed in. The blue ball guided us everywhere. I'm sure we missed somethings by not having a guide, but we just enjoy walking around and getting a sense of a place. If you like art, The Hermitage is great. We went 3 times and still missed alot. In St. Peterburg we stayed at the 3 Mosta which we loved (quite and not far from the Church of Spilled Blood.) We also loved the Georgian food in both cities. There's a great Georgian restaurant near the 3 Mosta hotel. We're now in Belarus- very scenic. Enjoy your trip!!

This topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity.

Please upgrade to Internet Explorer version 9 or download Firefox, Opera, Safari or Chrome.

No products

• Banjos For Sale
• Bluegrass Banjos - All
• Deering Banjos - All Models

Deering Calico 5-String Banjo

Display all pictures

Condition: New product

Deering Calico 5-String Banjo at BanjoTeacher.com

A premium quality world class 5-string banjo that is appreciated for its crisp tone with great highs and distinctive bass response . The Calico is not only beautiful, but it is also exceptionally dynamic with both powerful sound and response providing an excellent tool for all styles of music. At this price point we add two features, we taper the inside of the resonator walls for added projection of tone, and we also add the feature of glued-in frets. Each fret is fitted to the fingerboard and glued in place so that in the future when the frets are worn out, they can easily be replaced without chipping the fingerboard. You will gain these benefits on every model from the Calico on up the line .

List of FREE Included with this Banjo

Free with this Banjo All 5-string  Deering Bluegrass Banjos include the FREE items listed above. This banjo includes 5 Ross Nickerson DVDs , an electronic  banjo tuner , the official Deering Hard Shell Banjo Case, Free Pro Set-up and Free US Shipping. You can make substitutions for free items or receive credit for any free items offered. Call or email us anytime with questions or for our special prices. You can also make adjustments to the free items that come with each Deering Professional, Eagle, Golden Series, Artist Signature, Tenbrooks, Private Collection Series or Custom Banjos. 1-866-322-6567 email us Call us with questions or for unadvertised special prices anytime 10AM to 10PM at 1-866-322-6567 or contact-us

• No Leather Strap
• Add Deering Leather Strap $34

Add to cart

The minimum purchase order quantity for the product is 1

--------------------------------------------

Pay in 4 Easy Payments with No Interest

Select " AfterPay " when checking out

Featured Banjos

Gold Tone OB-300 Gold

Gold Tone OB-2 Bowtie

Gold Tone OB-3

Gold Tone OB-2 AT Archtop

Bela Fleck ML-1 Baritone Banjo

Bela Fleck Bluegrass Heart

Deering Blackgrass Special

Deering Artisan Banjos

--------------------------------

-------------------------------

Sign Up for our Newsletter

Sign up and Receive Tips On Learning Banjo and a Free Banjo E-Book

-----------------------

• Reviews (3)

The Neck: • Curly Maple With A Honey Stain • Natural Ebony Fingerboard • 22 Glued In Nickel Silver Frets • Mother Of Pearl Scroll Inlays • Ivoroid Bound Fingerboard • Multi-color Neck Purfling Trim • Adjustable Truss Rod • Deering Planetary Tuners • Deering Geared 5th String Tuner • Bound Neck and Peghead • Slender and Comfortable Deering Neck Shape • High Gloss Finish

The Pot: • Deering -06- Bell Bronze Tone Ring • Deering Premium Violin Grade 3-ply Maple Rim • Deering Brass Notched Tension Hoop • 11″ Top Frosted Medium Crown Head • 24 Round Hooks with ¼″ Hex Nuts • One Piece Nickel Plated Zinc Flange • 5/8″ Deering Maple/Ebony Bridge • Deering True Tone Tailpiece • Satin Finish Resonator: • Curly Maple • Coral Snake Wood Purfling Trim • Ivoroid Binding • Shallow Depth For Quick Response • Resonator Sides Are Specially Tapered On the Inside for Projection of Tone • High Gloss Finish Tone: With a brighter tone than mahogany, maple provides a beautiful bass response and great highs. The banjo plays string to string and up the neck at a consistent clarity and excellent volume so it is easily heard amongst a band.

Dimensions: • Neck Width at the Nut 1 1/4″ • Scale Length Nut to Bridge 26 1/4″ • Resonator Diameter 13 7/8″ • Overall Instrument Length 38″ • Weight Approx. 11 lbs Includes a Deering Hardshell Case Lifetime Warranty

Accessories

Complete Online Banjo Course Special

Rock Solid Banjo Timing and Back Up Banjo Instruction DVD and Tablature Book by Ross Nickerson

Lakota Leather 2 inch or 3 inch Non-Cradle Strap

30 other products in the same category:

Deering Goodtime Blackgrass SPECIAL - FREE Hard Case

Deering Goodtime Blackgrass Banjo - Free Hard Case

Deering Sierra 5-String Acoustic/Electric Banjo

Deering Eagle II 5-String Banjo

Deering John Hartford 5-String Banjo

Deering Deluxe 5-String Banjo

Deering Maple Blossom 5-String Banjo

Deering Artisan Goodtime 2 Banjo - Free Guardian Hard Shell Case

Deering White Lotus Lightweight 5-String Banjo

Deering Eagle II Acoustic/Electric 5-String Banjo

Deering Golden Wreath 5-String Banjo

Deering Golden ERA 5-String Banjo

Deering Golden Classic 5-String Banjo

Deering Boston Long Neck

Deering Terry Baucom Model Banjo

Vega Kingston Trio Long Neck Banjo

Deering Boston 5-String Banjo

Deering David Holt Model Banjo

Deering Clawgrass Banjo

Deering Goodtime Americana Demo Version $100 Off

Deering John Hartford 24-Fret 5-String Banjo

BanjoTeacher.com Banjo Demo Video Playlist

Deering Goodtime Special Banjo - Free Beginner Package, Spikes, Deering Case

Deering Tony Trischka Silver Clipper Banjo

Deering Tony Trischka Golden Clipper Banjo

Deeering Goodtime Artisan Americana

Deering Goodtime Parlor Banjo - Travel Banjo - Child Sized

Deering Tenbrooks Saratoga Star Banjo

Deering Tenbrooks Legacy Banjo

Deering Banjo - Goodtime Six-R 6-String Banjo

What our customers say

Recently Viewed

Find What You Need at BanjoTeacher

Banjo expertise and personalized service, easy & safe online shopping.

• Beginner Banjo Players
• Song Books Banjo Tabs
• Banjo Technique
• DVD DOWNLOADS STREAMING LESSONS
• E-Books You Download
• Banjo Lesson DVDs
• Discounts and Free Shipping
• Intermediate Banjo Lessons
• Backup Band Play Along
• Advanced Banjo
• Banjo CDs MP3s
• JD Crowe Tab Books
• Banjo Songs Made Easy
• Old Time, Frailing, Clawhammer
• Other Banjo Instructors
• Tenor and Plectrum
• Irish Tenor Books and DVDs
• Learn Beginner Banjo Chords
• Guitar Books/CDs/DVDs
• Dobro Instruction
• Mandolin Books/DVDs
• Banjo Bridge
• Banjo Straps
• Banjo Picks
• Banjo Parts
• Banjo Mutes
• Banjo Tuner
• Banjo Stands
• Banjo Strings
• Banjo Armrest
• Banjo Tailpieces
• Banjo Cases
• Banjo Heads and Tools
• Banjo Pickups
• Banjo Set Up
• Slow it Down Software
• Tone Enhancer
• Music Stands
• Zero Glide Nut System
• Beginner Banjo Kits
• Deering Goodtime
• Open Back Banjos
• Alternative Banjos
• Ross Recommends
• Travel Banjos
• Electric Banjos
• 4-string Banjos
• Banjo Ukes, Banjolele
• Six String Banjos
• Shop By Brand
• Resophonic Banjos
• 5-String Guitar Banjo
• Banjo Sales FAQ
• Kits - Build a Banjo
• Used Banjos, Vintage
• Join Our Lesson Site
• Complete Online Banjo Course
• DVDS Online Immediate Access
• Download Banjo E-books
• Beginner Online Banjo Courses
• Banjo Song and Video Lessons
• Intermediate and More Advanced
• Advanced Banjo Lessons
• Banjo Licks Banjo Essentials
• Play Along With Bluegrass Band
• Online Lessons FAQ
• Sample Lessons
• Live Group Banjo Classes
• Hard Copy Discs
• Lesson Site
• Banjo Cruise Information Homepage
• Ross Nickerson Banjo Workshops
• Banjo Safari
• Playing By Ear Banjo Workshops with Ross Nickerson
• St Pete Beach Banjo Camp - Annual Ross Nickerson Banjo Workshop
• Nova Scotia Banjo Camp

The Banjo Cruise

The Banjo Cruise The Banjo Cruise Workshop is held in a large private conference room that is essentially sound proof and separate from all other passengers. The workshop takes place during the days we are at sea so you can visit all ports and still have plenty of time for fun with your spouse, family or friends while on the cruise. The class sizes are small ensuring that each student receives the assistance and encouragement they need.

ST Pete Banjo Camp

ST Pete Beach Banjo Camp

Annual Banjo Workshop weekend in Sunny St Pete Beach Florida! The Academy of Performance Arts with Ross Nickerson Banjo camp seminar and group banjo lesson workshop in the USA for bluegrass 5-string banjo in Florida at sunny St Pete Beach. This is an annual Florida banjo event and held during the winter months for locals,winter residents and students who want to escape the cold while improving their banjo playing, and having fun doing it .

The Banjo Safari

The Banjo Safari Join me for an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience traveling to Africa for an African Photo Safari. I am to be teaming up with our professional Safari guides Kevin and Tricia Dooley on an adventure that none of us will forget. We'll spend our mornings and late afternoons exploring the wildlife of South Africa, and the mid day will be filled with a banjo workshop that should be fun and rewarding.

BanjoTeacher.com has been at the forefront of banjo instruction since 2001. In the last 15 years we have helped thousands of people learn to play the banjo online. Our experienced advice and service comes from someone who really cares about your progress.

Banjo Demo Videos

Banjo Demo Videos  for Goldtone Banjos , Recording King , Goldstar , Nechville , Deering .  Savannah and Morgan Monroe . See the banjos closeup and hear different models so you can compare better.  Most videos include descriptions too. We are adding new videos all the time.

Banjo Reviews

Banjo Reviews  for Goldtone Banjos , Recording King Banjos , Morgan Monroe , Electric banjos , six string banjos, bluegrass banjos , clawhammer banjos , travel banjos banjo ukes , 4-string banjos and the many banjos we service and carry. Read reviews from banjo sales in the US, Europe, Canada and Australia.

Questions and answers to student questions and emails. While reading these you should be able to see many questions you have had as well. The answers should be helpful and the questions you read will remind you that you are not alone out there!  Email Ross with a question. Contact-us

Testimonials, reviews and comments from customers. Read reviews about our Banjo Books , DVDs , Banjo CDs , Banjo Lessons Online The Banjo Encyclopedia , Banjo Camps and Workshops Banjos on Sale , Banjo Accessories Customer Service and Customer Satisfaction .

Free Banjo Videos

Free Banjo Videos and Banjo Lessons from Banjo Master and Teacher, Ross Nickerson. Performance videos including El Cumbanchero, I'll Fly Away, Cherokee Shuffle, Cluck Old Hen, Little Martha and Ross Nickerson with X-Train.

Banjo Instructor List 

The BanjoTeacher.com Banjo Teachers Directory is for both students and teachers. Students please use this free service to find a banjo teacher near you, banjo teachers please help me build the list! BanjoTeachers submit your name to our Banjo Teacher List

More Resources

Click over to our  banjo resources pages and see sample videos, video performances, more articles, hear MP3', banjo tablatures and our banjo teacher list for the US, Canada, UK, Europe and Australia. We want you to keep improving and your appreciation and support means a lot to us.