Epiphone MB-100 First Pick 5-string Open-back Banjo Reviews
Epiphone's MB-100 banjo is a perfect first instrument for a budding bluegrass picker. The MB-100's warm and plucky tone will inspire your creativity as your build up your banjo chops. Epiphone founder Epi Stathopoulo's first patent was for a banjo and the company has always been a trendsetter in banjo design. An ideal travelling banjo, the MB-100 features lightweight open back design, m Mahogany body and neck, a rosewood fingerboard with dot inlays, and a Remo head. If you're getting into bluegrass or stringband music, pick up an affordable Epiphone MB-100 Banjo - and start pickin'!
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Highest Rated Reviews
Epiphone MB-100
Solid banjo. Out of personal preference, not necessity, we switched the strings out for Nylgut strings without any alterations and it stays in tune well and plays great. I'd recommend it for both a beginner and anyone looking for a banjo, that's not an heirloom, to leave out on a stand and play often.
Awesome banjo
This is absolutely worth the money. It is a very nice well made instrument. I have played many banjos over the years and this compares to instruments in the $700 price range. The mahogany really gives it a warm balanced tone. The tuning machines are stable including the 5th string, and the frets feel great too.
Great Banjo
Great banjo for a beginner as well as an intermediate player.
Very happy with the Banjo
My son who is a professional guitarist says this is a very nice quality banjo. He has purchased items from your company before and thinks highly of the professionalism and knowledge of the musical equipment you offer. I bought it for my husband and he is very happy with it.
Epiphone 5 string banjo-NICE!
As a professional musician,teacher &hobbyist on guitar,I appreciate quality yet affordable instruments. The MB 100 fits the bill.Just a fantastic first banjo.Open back allows for "towel mute" + piece of fabric under strings I practice while we watch TV & no complaints from wifey! Take away "muting" & it has GREAT sound !!
Good starter banjo
I have been playing guitar for over 15 years and recently decided to jump into the banjo world. This banjo plays well with a decent action and the hardware seems on par with a $ instrument. My only issue is that it did not come with any sort of set up instructions. After a few attempts I finally figured it out and haven't looked back since. As always Sweetwater gave me and amazing buying experience and super quick shipping.
Banjo just what I was looking for
I am very pleased with the look and sound of the banjo. If my grandson doesn't learn how to play, I get it back. Quick delivery!!!
Great Banjo for the price!
It needed a little set up but youtube to the rescue! Learned some basic set up and did it myself. Tightened everything, lowered the action and replaced the bridge with a compensated bridge and it's really a nice starter banjo! I would recommend it for sure!
Nice go to banjo
I never write reviews, but thought that someone on a tight budget, should take a look. Recieved banjo in fine shape, luckily had purchased a compensating bridge for another project and had her set up and playing fine. Very satisfied with the condition of the banjo and the quick shipping by Sweetwater who always delivers decent service. Thanks
Second Banjo
Bought from Sweetwater in September 2022. Corroded strings, digs in first 6 frets- and they had considerable burs on the ends. Fixed all those issues, dressed frets and removed the gashes, did the truss rod adjustment, and rolled the fingerboard edges. Tuners still stink, although tuning up to A kept it in better tune. Note- the nut is narrower than my other banjo. Not bad, just be aware. Next plan is for Grover tuners. I look at it as a decent starting point to be improved on.
It’s okay, but I wouldn’t buy again.
It's a bottom of the line banjo. Open back, okay for beginner. Tuners are AWFUL. Have to tune roughly every 5 minutes. Nice Remo head. Change the strings before you set it up. Nice bridge. Good sound, low quality. Neck feels unnatural. If I were to do it again, I would have spent a bit more on the banjo, and found one of better quality.
It is a beginner banjo but it might turn a lot of people away from wanting to play because of the cheap quality.