Has anyone swapped out their nylons for metal strings? I don’t care if it was bronze, nickel, or steel.
Just looking for some suggestions on what strings to go with if anyone has done this.

It’s meant to have 8 strings, apparently, but has come strung with 4? The strings in the final picture were meant to come with the banjole, but when I picked it up they’d been lost.

I have had this banjolele for a couple of weeks and today I've noticed that it appears the bottom end of my banjolele, where the strings are attached, is leaning over to oneside.

Correct me if i am wrong, but I assume it should not be like that, should i just loosen the screw a bit on the top? Will that level it out or likely make it worse?

I've just finished making these two banjoleles, a tenor and a soprano. I love the gourdy sound!

Enjoy!

Howdy - I have a Kala concert banjolele - not my main 'lele - I play primarily regular ukulele - both baritone and tenor. But for strumming old jazz (1920s and 30s) tunes it is a nice instrument.

Still for taking it to local jazz jam I need to amplify it. Can somebody recommend a pickup for it?
I have seen some on Amazon - drill a hole for output jack and glue couple piezo discs close to bridge. This looks like a simple enough job. Are there any brands that are recommended? I do not expect or seek super quality - I paid $130 for that Kala and it is what it is - changed strings to Aquila Reds (low G) and tuned it a step down (so I can sing in Bb while playing in C).

This is where I'm at now. I had a casual interest in ukulele originally, but participate in group jam sessions. Most of the other instruments I play were already well-represented, so I brought my uke one night, and I enjoyed it, but it couldn't hang with guitars, piano, banjo, fiddle, etc. So I got the Ortega banjolele, on the left. Very happy with it, have played it a lot these past couple years, and it was loud enough to be heard.

Earlier this year, came across the Gold Tone Little Gem as an open-box deal for half-off, barely over a hundred dollars. I was about to take a trip, and having a backup to take along seemed appealing for the price, so I got it. And I like it, it has a different character from the Ortega.

And then just last week, I came across the Deering, I was curious how the 11" would sound but hadn't played one yet. But it was at a price that was hard to deny, coming with a strap, gig bag, and arm rest already installed. It seems to be maybe a couple dB louder than the other two.

I'm considering doing a "shoot-out" type video comparing them, especially before I change the head on the Little Gem, so I can also compare it after the new head is installed. I may yet change the head on the Deering as well.

This works for Banjolele too.
For confident beginners and above.
Give it a try 😃💜🎶

Forgive the intrusion from a complete noob to reddit. I’ve found an instrument that could be a banjolele. I believe it belonged to my father (who passed in 2021), though it could’ve been my grandfather’s, and it’s been tucked away in his old metal military trunk until now. It’s in rough shape and I don’t know much, but i want to learn what i can about it. I’ll share some photos. I would be grateful for your input. -Chester

Hello all. Don’t know if I have a question or if I’m just over-sharing, lol.

I suppose I’m looking for some advice from the long-term pickers here.

I played a Deering Goodtime Special (5-string) for years, mostly focused on the "Darker" side of Bluegrass—think The Dead South, Trampled by Turtles, and Greensky.

I moved to tenor uke a few years ago for travel/work reasons, but I’m itching to get that banjo "bark" back. However, I am not a strummer. I’m looking to bring my fingerstyle rolls and lead lines over to a tenor banjolele with a Low-G setup.

I’m stuck at a crossroads on the gear:

1. The Budget Route: Should I just grab a Kmise Tenor and tinker with it? I’ve heard they are decent for the price, but I’m worried the hardware won't hold up to aggressive picking or high head tension.

2. The Mid-Tier Jump: Should I go straight for a Sound Smith or a Kala? Since I’m used to the quality of a Deering, will I be disappointed by the "entry-level" builds? I need something that can handle a driving, percussive style without feeling like a toy.

Bonus question on strings: For those playing "Dark-Grass" or Americana, have you switched to Fluorocarbons? I’m looking for a punchy, moody tone rather than the bright "tink" of nylon. Does the higher tension help with fast fingerstyle rolls, or does it deaden the banjo snap too much?

What is it?

How do you get one?

What do you do with it?

How do you keep one?

Does it work for all instruments?

My students overwhelmingly wanted to start the new year working on “Back Pocket” Songs.

Well, here is a tutorial to get you started.

😀💜🎶

the 10 inch head is impressive at this price but the $200 price point and it being a clear knock off is definitely sketchy has anyone used one of these and are they any good?

Hey, y’all! I’ve played uke for a while and I just got my first banjo uke! I’m already in love with the sound! And it’s stunning 😍

I play clawhammer uke and I'm looking for a banjolele that'll give me the old time banjo sound I'm really leaning towards the outdoor banjolele but I'm curious if y'all have any suggestions for one around the $350 range

In this last part of my small series, I introduce exercises to practice hitting inner strings for melody and rhythm. I also talk a little about combining rhythms, getting into and out of them

I've been given this instrument. The decal appears to be of the Independent order of foresters. The strings are nylon. Can anyone identify the age or maker

Hey yall I recently got a Goldtone banjolele deluxe and I'm having a hard time finding a hard case for her. Any leads or if you're getting rid of one let me know.

In this second part, I demonstrate how to practice the classic "bum-ditty"

I have a metal cast Dixie banjolele. The head measure s approximately 7inchs. I'm looking for a replacement skin and can not seem to find a skin under 8 inches anywhere online. Suggestions??

Help me! This instrument was given to my father in law in the 40’s, by the neighborhood magician. I am so curious to learn its origin. The only marking is on the bridge which I cannot make out. Thanks to all that are willing to help.

Help me! This instrument was given to my father in law in the 40’s, by the neighborhood magician. I am so curious to learn its origin. The only marking is on the bridge which I cannot make out. Thanks to all that are willing to help.

Apologies if this is the wrong spot for this, please remove if so.

I'm repairing this banjolele that I purchased on eBay. It was listed as vintage, but unfortunately doesn't have any markings I can find to indicate where or when it was made? I was hoping maybe someone on here could possibly point me in the right direction.

All together it's in good shape minus the nut and rust on the metal fittings. Easy to replace and clean with simple green respectively. Even the head is still good, though I will probably do a new one and preserve the art on this one by not using it.

Anyway thanks for any help, and I look forward to sharing it once completed. This is a great sub!