5 comments about Rogue Learn-the-Banjo Starter Pack.

1. I bought this banjo starter pack for my fiance for Christmas. He already plays the guitar and wanted to learn the banjo. This was perfect for a banjo beginner. Not the best banjo quality in the world, but it's decent for someone learning!



2. Advertised as a starter kit, and that's exactly what it is. A bare bones banjo, a book with DVD that tells the preliminary things like how to hold it, tune it, basic rolls and chords, and two finger picks. The bag is even handy.
   Nothing fancy, but it doesn't need to be. I was pleased.



3. I've been playing the guitar (casually) for over five years, and as a big fan of bluegrass music, decided to purchase one of the cheapest banjos I could find. I figured if I got the hang of the technique (such as finger rolls) and found myself still practicing it in six months, I would upgrade to a better (and more expensive) banjo. So, I went ahead and purchased the Rogue Travel Banjo.
   
   The banjo arrived in need of some tweaking. Nothing too difficult. First, the bridge does not come installed-- the user will have to tune the strings down until they are loose and manually insert the bridge (you can find where to place the bridge online). Also, the neck on my product was slanted, but just gripping the neck where it connects to the body and giving it a little twist straightens it out no problem. I also had to tighten the nuts on the tuning pegs.
   
   After getting the banjo in proper order (any good music shop should know how to do so, and any great music shop will do it at no cost since it's only a few minutes of work), it works great. It's got a nice sound to it, and although I haven't compared it with any expensive banjos since I've owned it (but I've been around them), I feel it is certainly worth every dollar you pay for it.
   
   If you need help with your banjo, do a search for "banjo hangout" and visit the forums. Members are very friendly and will be able to help you tweak the instrument to get it sounding optimal and help you place the bridge properly.
   
   The DVD makes it easy to tune to if you don't have a tuner. I also found the chord book helpful (and the DVD comes with a tiny book inside with tablature to a few relatively easy songs).



4. Almost everything that a beginning banjoist needs! The only things I had to buy were the strap, the picks and the stand...everything else was included! The banjo itself is a good starter, not the highest quality, but perfect to start on. The case is excellent, the book and DVD are invaluable. I'm on my way to the Grand Ole Opry :)



5. I've just returned the banjo to the seller after trying to get it in tune for the last couple of weeks. I'm not sure what was wrong with this banjo but I could not get it to even sound close to what a banjo should sound like. I will point out that Musician's Friend has been easy to work with so far. I'll post an update after they receive my return as far as how quickly they credit my refund and if they charge me a restocking fee (they shouldn't as I've returned everything to them in the original packing and in perfect condition).

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