Tenor Banjo Vs. 5 String Banjo - Which is Better?

The first instrument in this video is the Deering Tenor Banjo. The second is the Goldtone Travel Banjo. Both are very similar but very different.
Which sounds better to you?
I hope this video helped in identifying which instrument you like the best.
Thanks for watching!

[@charliebakken2074]

I hit a wall trying to learn the finger rolls on my 5-string. Lately, I play a tenor banjo in a second line band and two polka bands. I love 5-string players like Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn (bluegrass vs. claw hammer) but also love Irish tenor banjo players. Another banjo to mention is the plectrum which is popular in Dixie Land, older jazz and polka. Keeping all the tuning straights for the three types of banjos is a major challenge.

[@Clfike]

Well, I may be prejudiced but I prefer the style of the 5 string but the volume of the tenor is stronger. I think it’s just the nature of the instrument. I like them both. I guess it depends on what other instruments are being played with them. 👍

[@michaelmatheny3927]

You know, I think you're right. There is so much to be said for simplicity and the 'louder' quality of the Tenor. But maybe it makes it more of 'a natural' with other instruments where it can hold its own and compliment perfectly. However, when the banjo is front & center, there's none better than the rolling, almost 'clapping', sophisticated qualities of the 5-String. I once saw Dolly Parton (not in person) playing the banjo, I believe a 5-String, and it was surprising, kind of out of nowhere, and remarkable. I immediately thought to myself "I didn't know she could do that!" But now, of course, I know she can probably play just about anything.

[@blackrosesarge]

I have a tenor and a 5 string. I preter the tenor banjo for irish music jigs, reels etc but for the number just played I prefer the 5 stringer i also play the mandolin whichis tuned the same as the tenor banjo which helps make it a lot easier

[@markosterman419]

Hmm .. might be good to find people who is a comfortable players of each style

[@horacesawyer2487]

5 string Gold Tone sounds richer to me. I'm not sure I"m digging a tenor . . .
Somebody started them in different versions for a reason. You're onto something : )

[@reallyoldtom9352]

Should have thrown in some triplets on the tenor banjo so that it wouldn't sound so flat. Otherwise good job!😊

[@alekseiZ422]

Can you put 4 strings and tenor tuning on a 5 string banjl? I ask because I have a 5 string banjo and I would prefer a tenor banjo


[@largethanks6376]

If you're not able to find a tenor banjo, that may work until you do. You will however need to change to tenor banjo strings

[@tomaswalsh4937]

4

[@jevers123]

I don't think this is a fair comparison , you ran a capo on the 5 string, and played it with finger pics, the 4 string , no capo and 1 pic , please do another comparison video with an even playing field

[@davidlippert9449]

Tenor sounds better. More authentic... just sayin

[@sacredinstrumentals]

the tenor looks easier

[@largethanks6376]

It is if you play mandolin. But starting from scratch on either instrument is going to be difficult

[@robinleebraun7739]

Not better. Different. So a clickbait headline.

[@kaintuffin-qb5wu]

Easy, the 5 string takes a crap on the 4.... Thanks man.

[@jimmytomkins5126]

nice try - but neither is good