What to Look for When Buying Your First Cigar Box Banjo
If you are thinking about picking up the banjo for the first time, you’re in for an exciting musical journey! Whether you are drawn to folk, blues, or old-time music, choosing the right cigar box banjo can make all the difference in your playing experience. With so many handmade options available, it’s important to know what to look for before making your purchase. In this guide, we will break down the key factors to consider when buying your first Smoky Mountain Bullet Banjo.
1. Understanding Cigar Box Banjos
Unlike traditional banjos, cigar box banjos are handcrafted using top of the line, sustainable cigar boxes for the body, giving each one a unique look, sound, and character. These instruments produce a raw, authentic tone that is perfect for blues, folk, and Appalachian music. Our cigar box banjos feature a single-string, making it great for beginners and slide guitar players.
2. Choosing the Right Configuration
Cigar box banjos come in many different configurations, each suited to a unique and individual sound. Perfect for slide playing and bluesy tones, Smoky Mountain Bullet Banjos pride themselves in crafting “One String…None the Same!” single string banjos. Smoky Mountain Bullet Banjos offers an array of banjos each conveying a unique and original melody.
3. Pay Attention to Build Quality
Since each cigar box banjo is handmade, craftsmanship plays a huge role in sound and durability. When examining a banjo, look for:
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A solid neck made from quality wood for stability and tone.
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A well-constructed cigar box body that resonates properly.
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Smooth action and tuning peg to ensure stable tuning and easy playability.
At Smoky Mountain Bullet Banjos, we take pride in crafting unique, high-quality cigar box banjos that deliver great sound and character. Each banjo is crafted with .44 Magnum Brass Casings for the upper and lower bridges, optimal sound holes, and a custom finished neck.
4. Set a Realistic Budget
Cigar box banjos range in price depending on materials and craftsmanship. At Smoky Mountain Bullet Banjos, we offer a banjo for every type of budget from Build-a-Kits to Permium Banjos. Our SMBB Build-a-Banjo kits ($25) comes with everything you need, excluding tools, to build your very own single string banjo. Not handy with tools, SMBB also offers Mini Banjos ($75), Regular Banjos ($100), and Premium Banjos ($125).
5. Try Before You Buy (if Possible)
If you can, visit SMBB at their showroom or one of the many craft shows around Eastern Tennessee. This will provide you with the opportunity to hold and play a variety of cigar box banjos before making a description. You will want to pay attention to how the instrument feels and sounds before purchasing.
Final Thoughts
Choosing your first cigar box banjo doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By considering the easability of play, build quality, and budget, you can find an instrument that suits your musical goals. If you’re looking for a handcrafted, high-quality cigar box banjo, check out Smoky Mountain Bullet Banjos–we’d love to help you find the perfect instrument to start your journey!
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