Customer Reviews

Rogue Travel / Starter Banjo

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've been playing the guitar (casually) for over five years, and as a big fan of bluegrass music, decided to purchase one of the cheapest banjos I could find. I figured if I got the hang of the technique (such as finger rolls) and found myself still practicing it in six months, I would upgrade to a better (and more expensive) banjo. So, I went ahead and purchased the Rogue Travel Banjo.

The banjo arrived in need of some tweaking. Nothing too difficult. First, the bridge does not come installed-- the user will have to tune the strings down until they are loose and manually insert the bridge (you can find where to place the bridge online). Also, the neck on my product was slanted, but just gripping the neck where it connects to the body and giving it a little twist straightens it out no problem. I also had to tighten the nuts on the tuning pegs.

After getting the banjo in proper order (any good music shop should know how to do so, and any great music shop will do it at no cost since it's only a few minutes of work), it works great. It's got a nice sound to it, and although I haven't compared it with any expensive banjos since I've owned it (but I've been around them), I feel it is certainly worth every dollar you pay for it.

If you need help with your banjo, do a search for "banjo hangout" and visit the forums. Members are very friendly and will be able to help you tweak the instrument to get it sounding optimal and help you place the bridge properly.

I've been playing the banjo for three years now on a used middle tier Fender resonator banjo. I was looking for a banjo that I could play while backpacking on the AT and came accross the Rogue Travel / starter banjo. I got the banjo for Christmas and have been fooling around with it for about a month now. The name says it all. First off, I think that it is a quality starter banjo for anyone looking to try out the insterment, and it is lighter than most banjos. On the other hand, don't expect anything wonderful out of this Rogue. The banjo dosn't stay in tune very long and for me that meens taking a tuner with me. The sound quality was a little under what I was hoping for but not bad for the price.

The reason that I even felt compelled to write a review was that it seems that there are so many reviews out there praising the Rogue as the only banjo you need (or something like that) and I don't feel that's the case. If someone is serious about playing the banjo there are probably used ones out there for about $50-100 more that are of a much higher quality. All said, it's a fine starter and I will attempt to backpack with it (plus I can take it out with me and not worry too much about banging it up).

Bottom line: DO THE RESEARCH, play a few banjos (both resonator and open backed) at a couple of stores to get some kind of feel for what you want for your price range. If you can afford to pay a little more (in some cases you may be able to find a used banjo for nearly the same price) and want a better sounding banjo than the Rogue they're out there.

I purchased this banjo to learn the claw hammer style of banjo playing. When it arrived I was suprised to see the quality of the banjo. I took it to my dad and showed it to him since he plays the banjo. He thought it was made well and played well also. He said the banjo noted true all the way down the neck. I took it to a banjo lutheir to add a tone ring which was my own choice and to tighten up the head and adjust the bridge. I'm very satisfied with the banjo.

I picked up a rogue (not this same model - mine has a resonator) quality isn't quite there. It's not horrible but it's not great either. The high G tuning machine is, excuse my choice of terms but 'piss poor'. I think that alone makes me give it a 3. I'd give it a 2.5 if possible, because if you make a stringed instrument, now, with less than operable tuning equipment you deserve a good ribbing.

But again - if you're deciding whether or not the banjo is for you it's a good way to decide - without breaking the bank. Banjos like so many other instruments are EXPENSIVE! I moved up to a Goodtime 2 by Deering. I've played this instrument so much more consistently than the Rogue that it's proved it's worth.

Aside from my review I would suggest the Folk of the wood URL - there is a page of banjo lessons that are just great for banjo players - quite a few scales, which any musician will tell you is the core of beginner practice. My playing has already gone up a notch since working my scales every night for 30 minutes.

Have fun!

great banjo buy the one with out all the extra crap tho because that one is a hunk of junk. the one thats just the banjo is great. youl need to set it up tho(learn on youtube)this is a great banjo i own it and love it buy a nice case for it some strings and a strap and start picking

For the price it really cannot be beat. It is really difficult to get the tune just right and it loses it's tune shortly after playing. There is a bit of a buzz as well. Great for beginners and when you just can't afford anything else.

I wanted a cheap banjo I could try frailing on. I am not looking for a refined sound, but one that is more like the classical banjo. This really fits the bill. I replaced the tailpiece with a no-knot and re-strung it with nylon strings. It gives me a great plunky sound.

The only downside is the rim does not have an armrest. My arm gets a little uncomfortable resting on the rim hooks. I have ordered a wire rest so my arm is not directly on the rim. Other than that, I am entirely pleased.

The action is good, and is easily adjustable.

I was a bit perplexed with the bridge coming un-installed (this is common so the bridge or head is not damaged in shipping), but a few minutes on the web got me the instructions needed to determine proper placement.

This is a great platform to get started on. It works as it is, but can easily be modified as desired. The tuners work well, but I may replace them with tuners that don't show from the front (only a preferance, not a necessity). I also may replace the head with a real skin head, but the provided head works fine to get started on.

I bought this banjo for my son. I wanted it set-up before I wrapped it for Christmas. I did this myself just from reading the instructions and going online to some banjo sites. My son is 25 years old and we BOTH love it. We went online to tune it and it has stayed in tune since Christmas. It is very well made and looks nice. Buy this banjo!

Purchased as a gift. The person who received it said it was not was he was looking for. Returned with no problem and received credit quickly.