How to buy a banjo

[kermit116]

Totally random question:

I need to buy a banjo for a family member for Xmas. He doesn't play but wants to learn so I need a beginner kit or beginner banjo.

I have no musical knowledge whatsoever, so I'm not sure if I should get this beginner banjo kit on Amazon I found for $150 (marked down from $300), or if I should try to get him a used banjo on Craigslist. I assumed I could get a better deal on Craigslist, but since I don't know what I'm doing I'm concerned I'll get taken for a ride.

Any tips?

 

[cornflake]

Go to a music store. Don't do this on either Amazon (beginner kits for music are always wrong unless the person is under 12 months old and it's something to bang on) or CL (if you knew what you were looking for, that's one thing but as you don't, steer very clear).

Go to your local music store, tell them what you want, they'll know. There are options there for used instruments, different levels of instruments from starter to professional, different sizes, etc., etc. You also need the finger things if someone is going to try clawhammer, I *think*, or picks... I dunno, ask the people at the music store, that's why they opened a music store, heh.