Best Closed Back Banjos of 2025

Hayden Bryant Avatar
Hayden Bryant
Last Updated: 5 Feb 2025

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Closed back banjos are a type of banjo that have a back panel attached to the pot, which creates a more focused and resonant sound compared to open back banjos. These instruments are popular for playing various styles of music, including bluegrass, folk, and old-time music. Closed back banjos come in a range of sizes, designs, and materials, and are suitable for both beginners and experienced players. They are versatile and can be played solo or in a group setting, making them a great addition to any musician's collection.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Pyle 5 String Banjo Beginner Kit Cover #TOP 1
Pyle 5 String Banjo Beginner Kit
ftb score rating icon 9.8
3rd Avenue 5 String Banjo with Gig Bag Cover #TOP 2
3rd Avenue 5 String Banjo with Gig Bag
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ADM 5 String Beginner Banjo Kit with Accessories Cover #TOP 3
ADM 5 String Beginner Banjo Kit with Accessories
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Closed Back Banjos

#TOP 1

Pyle 5 String Banjo Beginner Kit

PBJ140
Red Burst
Full
Pyle 5 String Banjo Beginner Kit Cover
Pyle 5 String Banjo Remo Head, Banjos Beginner Kit, 39" Full Size, Open or Closed Back Instrument w/ 24 Brackets, Starter accessories, Geared 5th Tuner, Gig Bag, Extra Strings - Strap – Picks, Wrench

The Pyle 5 String Banjo is an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced players. With its attachable Sapele wood resonator, you can easily enhance the sound quality, resulting in a richer tone. The Milky Skin Remo Head offers clarity and resonance, ensuring that your music is expressive and consistent. Additionally, the precise tuning system with 24 adjustable brackets allows you to achieve perfect pitch effortlessly. This complete 9-piece banjo set provides everything you need to get started on your musical journey.

What We Like
Rich, full sound quality
Complete beginner-friendly kit
Precise tuning for perfect pitch
Durable and polished finish
#TOP 2

3rd Avenue 5 String Banjo with Gig Bag

BJW01
Brown
28*66 cm
3rd Avenue 5 String Banjo with Gig Bag Cover
3rd Avenue Western 5 String Banjo with Remo Head Closed Solid Back with Gig Bag BJW01, Brown

The 3rd Avenue Banjo BJW01 is a fantastic 5-string bluegrass banjo that boasts high-quality construction, ensuring durability for long-term use. You'll appreciate its excellent sound projection, making it perfect for performances or practice. The banjo is fitted with a Remo head, known for its superior tone, while the nickel plated tailpiece adds to its longevity and aesthetic appeal. This makes it an ideal choice for beginners or guitar players looking to enhance their musical collection.

What We Like
Durable construction
Good sound projection
Remo head for superior tone
Nickel plated tailpiece
Great for beginners
#TOP 3

ADM 5 String Beginner Banjo Kit with Accessories

ADM
ABO245-GS
white
Full
ADM 5 String Beginner Banjo Kit with Accessories Cover
ADM 5 String Beginner Banjo Kit with Remo Head, Closed Back Full Size Banjos in 24 Bracket with Free Lessons & Starter Accessories for Adult and Teenager

The ADM Beginner Banjo Kit is designed for newcomers to the instrument. It features a high-quality Remo drum head, which produces a sweet tone with clear sound, making it easier for you to enjoy playing. The superior materials, including a black walnut fingerboard and sapele sides, ensure durability and a layered sound. Additionally, the geared 5th tuner enhances tuning accuracy and playability, allowing you to explore various music styles like country and bluegrass. To protect your banjo while travelling, the thickened bag provides excellent safeguarding.

What We Like
High-quality sound production
Durable materials used
Accurate tuning with geared tuner
Good protection for travel

Vangoa 5 String Acoustic Electric Banjo Set

VBJ-4E
White
Full
Vangoa 5 String Acoustic Electric Banjo Set Cover
Vangoa Banjo 5 String Acoustic Electric Full Size Closed Back Set with Mahogany Resonator Remo Head Banjoe 24 Brackets with Geared 5th Pegs for Beginners Adults

The Vangoa Acoustic Electric Banjo is a versatile instrument perfect for both practice and performances. With its acoustic-electric feature, you can easily plug into an amplifier, allowing you to control the volume while maintaining an authentic acoustic tone. The premium Mahogany body delivers a rich, full sound, and the closed-back design ensures louder projection. Additionally, the quality Remo head provides crisp clarity for fast fingerpicking, making it ideal for various music styles, including country and bluegrass.

What We Like
Versatile for practice and performances
Rich, full sound quality
Crisp clarity for fast playing
Easy volume control
Durable and comfortable design
#TOP 5

Mulucky 5 String Mini Banjo Beginner Kit

B806
Brown
B806
Mulucky 5 String Mini Banjo Beginner Kit Cover
Mulucky 5 String Banjo Mini - 26 Inch Travel Banjo Sapele Body Closed Solid Back Beginner Kit With Gig Bag Picks Strings Strap - B806

The Mulucky Mini Banjo is designed for easy learning and bright, percussive sound. Its 26-inch size and five strings help you quickly grasp the distinctive tones banjo players love. The chrome-plated closed tuning pegs make tuning straightforward, allowing you to focus on playing. Additionally, the geared fifth tuner and 12 brackets ensure a beautifully balanced sound, giving you the ability to create melodious tunes effortlessly. This beginner kit is perfect for anyone looking to start their banjo journey.

What We Like
Bright and percussive sound
Easy to learn and tune
Complete beginner kit included
Beautiful classic tones
#TOP 6

Left Handed Banjo Guitar with Resonator

Jameson Guitars
BJ006LH
Left Handed Banjo Guitar with Resonator Cover
Left Handed 6 String Banjo Guitar with Closed Back Resonator and 24 Brackets

The Jameson Davison Banjo Guitar is a unique instrument that combines the playability of a guitar with the distinctive sound of a banjo. As a left-handed model, it caters specifically to left-handed players, ensuring a comfortable playing experience. Its maple neck and mahogany resonator not only provide durability but also contribute to a warm, rich tone. With 24 brackets and diecast enclosed tuners, you can expect excellent tuning stability, allowing you to focus on your music without constant adjustments.

What We Like
Left-handed design for comfort
Rich sound quality
Durable materials used
Stable tuning performance
#TOP 7

Mulucky 5 String Banjo with Beginner Kit

B1107
B1107
One Size
Mulucky 5 String Banjo with Beginner Kit Cover
Mulucky 5 String Banjo - Large Size with 24 Brackets, Closed Solid Wood Back, Mahogany Resonator Banjos, Geared 5th Tuner, Gift Package with Beginner Kit - B1107

The Mulucky 5 String Banjo is designed for a bright, clear sound thanks to its Remo head, which is secured with 24 chrome-plated brackets. Its traditional style, featuring a guitar-style headstock and tambourine-shaped body, makes it suitable for various genres, from country to bluegrass. Crafted with high-quality maple and mahogany, the banjo offers durable construction and a smooth playing experience. Additionally, the geared 5th tuner enhances your tuning accuracy, allowing you to play with confidence without worrying about slippage.

What We Like
High-quality construction materials
Versatile for multiple music styles
Accurate tuning with geared tuner
Includes complete beginner kit
#TOP 8

ADM 5 String 38" Banjo Beginner Kit

ADM
JB352-BGR
Bluish-Green
38 Inch
ADM 5 String 38" Banjo Beginner Kit Cover
ADM Banjo 5 String Full Size 38" Banjoes Set, Remo Drum Geared 5th Tuner Beginner Banjo Kit with Resonator Open Closed Back, Gift Package Free Lessons Starter Accessories for Adult Teens,Bluish-Green

The ADM Banjo Kit is designed for beginners, featuring a high-quality Remo drum head that produces a sweet and clear tone, making it easier for you to enjoy your music. The superior materials, including a black walnut fingerboard and sturdy sapele sides, ensure durability and a rich sound. With an economical kit, you receive essential accessories like a bag, digital tuner, and more, allowing you to get started without extra costs. The geared 5th tuner enhances tuning accuracy and playability, perfect for various music styles.

What We Like
High-quality sound clarity
Durable build materials
Complete beginner-friendly kit
Accurate tuning for playability
#TOP 9

Mulucky Banjolele 23 Inch Beginner Kit

MBU-806
MBU-806
One Size
Mulucky Banjolele 23 Inch Beginner Kit Cover
Mulucky Banjolele 4 String Banjo Ukulele Concert Size 23 Inch, Closed Solid Wood Back, Beginner Kit with Truss Rod Gig Bag Tuner String Strap Picks - MBU-806

The Mulucky Banjolele is a fantastic option for beginners looking to explore music on the go. Its 23-inch size makes it lightweight and portable, perfect for parties or lessons. The polyester drumskin offers excellent elasticity, ensuring a bright and punchy sound. You will appreciate the comfort of playing, as the 3mm motion at the 12th fret is easy on your fingers. Additionally, the premium Sapele wood construction ensures durability, meaning your instrument will withstand the test of time.

What We Like
Lightweight and portable design
Bright, punchy sound quality
Comfortable playability
Durable Sapele wood construction
#TOP 10

Mulucky Banjolele Concert Size Beginner Kit

Brown Skull
Mulucky Banjolele Concert Size Beginner Kit Cover
Mulucky Banjolele 4 String Banjo Ukulele Concert Size 23 Inch, Closed Solid Wood Back, Beginner Kit with Truss Rod Gig Bag Tuner String Strap Picks - MBU-808

The Mulucky Banjolele is an ideal choice for beginners and music lovers alike. Its portable 23-inch size makes it perfect for travelling to parties or courses, allowing you to play music wherever you go. The polyester drum skin offers excellent elasticity, ensuring a bright and punchy sound, while the premium Aquila strings from Italy enhance the overall tuning quality. Additionally, the comfortable design at the 12th fret makes playing enjoyable, and the adjustable truss rod allows you to fine-tune the string height to suit your preferences.

What We Like
Portable and lightweight
Bright, punchy sound
Comfortable to play
Durable Sapele body
Adjustable truss rod
Buying Guide Image
Editor's Notes

During our closed back banjo research, we found 18 closed back banjo products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 6,302 customer reviews through our big data system to write the closed back banjos list. We found that most customers choose closed back banjos with an average price of £249.14.

The closed back banjos are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of closed back banjos, including Pyle, 3rd Avenue, ADM, vangoa, Mulucky.

Written by
Hayden Bryant Avatar

Hayden was born in Liverpool, and he never left his hometown until university. In his freshman year at the University of Manchester, Hayden was the group leader of a popular music group. Hayden is responsible for the popularity of his music, and this is because of his natural ability to play with keys and strings. He graduated with BFA in 2016 and returned in 2018 as a lecturing staff in the School of Music.