Oscar SchmidtOB5LH LEFT HANDED 5-String Banjo, Cast Tone Ring, Bluegrass Mahogany Resonator

Best deal on the web as far as quality versus cost goes. I was really impressed with the quality of the build. Requires that you watch a couple YouTube videos to figure out setting the bridge and tightening the head but totally worth it as it's something you should know if you're a banjo owner. The resonator is loud and crisp, I had to put a small towel in it to dampen the high end it's so loud. Tuners actually stay in tune better than my Ibanez guitar so that is another pleasant surprise.

This is actually a Washburn banjo, but for some reason the lefty version is only sold as under the Oscar Schmidt. Nevertheless, it is a quality piece, with well finished pieces, especially the fret finish and polish - no raggedy ends to catch on your hands. Recommended without reservation. That said if you want a hand-crafted, US artisan-made instrument, this ain't it. Those will cost you a lot more that $250.Be prepared to do your own setup - it ships with the bridge uninstalled. Hint: place it so the 12th fret is exactly - exactly - halfway from bridge to nut. Otherwise the intonation will be wayyyyy off. As for tuning the head, that's up to you, as it impacts the tone of the instrument.

I bought this for my adult daughter for Christmas. She's a singer in a band and decide she wanted to play an instrument. For some reason, she chose banjo. We were both impressed with how beautiful the wood is on the resonator and how warm the sound was - and it's brand new. A lot of instruments take years to sound that good. Anyway, she's happy. Which means I'm happy..

Very well made and beautiful sound.

Did not dislike anything , love it

Nice! My 18 year old guitar playing son wanted a bango to start playing. Great starter bango. Although had wished it came with some kind of instructions of how to tune it. Was able to access some tuning online and a friend helped him.

VERY NICE. SOUNDS GOOD.

This was a birthday present for my son. And he is having a ball learning to play! Great!! The item looks more expensive than it is. Very pleased!