How Much Does Your Banjo Weigh?
Whether you’re a musician or not, you’ve probably wondered how much a banjo weighs. After all, it’s not a common instrument, so it’s natural to be curious about it.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the banjo weight for their different types and give you an idea of what to expect if you’re thinking of purchasing one.
What is the Average Banjo Weight?

Unfortunately, there’s no standard Banjo weight. This is because they come in so many different styles and types. That being said, the most common type of banjo weight is between five and six pounds. Banjos with an extended neck are usually heavier than those with a shorter neck, while resonator banjos are generally heavier than open-back banjo models.
A popular type of banjos can have different weights, it includes:
- Open-back banjo – 6 lbs 6 oz
- Five-string banjo – 5 lbs 13 oz
- Resonator banjo – 4 lbs 12 oz
- Tenor banjo – 7 lbs 14 oz Prum banjo – 6 lbs
- Mandolin banjo – 3 lbs 8 oz
- Piccolo banjo – 1 lb 12 oz
- Electric banjo – 7 lbs 7 oz
- Ukulele-banjo – 2 lbs 10 oz
As you can see, there’s quite a range. If you’re looking for an estimate of how heavy the different types of banjos are or what is the actual weight, here’s what we’ve found:
- Open-back banjo weighs between five and six pounds.
- Resonator models are usually lighter than other styles at around four to five pounds.
- A 5-string banjo typically falls somewhere in the middle, at approximately five to seven pounds.
- And finally, the Electric ukulele-banjo weight is only about two pounds.
The banjo weight depends on its type, so there’s no set weight. It could be anywhere from two to seven pounds depending on which one you get.
Why are Banjos so Heavy?
There are a few things that contribute to the overall banjo weight. These include:
- Construction – Since most banjos are crafted from wood, they’re naturally heavier than models made from other materials. Acrylic models are lighter, though they also tend to cost more due to their material properties. That’s why the banjo purchase price is higher.
- Resonator – The resonator is an essential component of the instrument that makes it loud enough for playing tunes in public spaces. While many banjos have this feature, some do not, so be prepared for increased weight if you want one with a resonator.
- Neck material – Most electric banjos have metal necks, while acoustics usually have wooden ones. Hardwood is typically rather heavy compared to other types.
Does the Banjo Weight really Matter?

Banjo weight is definitely something you should consider if you’re thinking about getting a banjo. Most people can handle the weight of five to six pounds, but things get more challenging once it goes over that mark. So it comes down to personal preference, your needs as an individual musician, and how much effort and energy you want to put into playing your instrument. Also, the price range for different styles of banjo gets affected with banjo weight as it influences the construction.
An extra pound or two might not seem like a big deal, especially when you compare it to other instruments such as guitars, which go all the way up to 20 pounds. However, every pound counts when it comes to holding up a string instrument for extended periods of time. So before purchasing a banjo with an extended neck or resonator, keep this in mind.
In this case, another option is to purchase an electric ukulele-banjo. While they’re heavier than other types, they typically weigh less than other heavy banjos with these features, so you have the best style of banjo for both worlds.
What to Expect if you’re Purchasing a Banjo?
- If you’re thinking of buying a banjo, it’s important to know about the details of the banjo with weight.
- Banjos come in all shapes and sizes, but the average weight is between 6-14 pounds.
- A lighter banjo will be more comfortable for beginners to play, while heavier banjos are better for professional banjo players who need more control over their instruments. So the lightweight banjo is a feature for beginner banjo.
- Banjos may also have different weights depending on whether they are made from wood or metal.
- Many factors go into deciding which type of banjo will work best for your needs, if you can’t decide what size to buy then ask an expert.
- It’s always good practice to try out any instrument before purchasing it so that you can see which one feels most comfortable in your hands.
Conclusion:
The weight of a banjo depends on the type and construction. So if you’re in the market for a new banjo buying, we recommend that you do your research before making any banjo purchase so that you know what to expect when it comes to playing quality sound. I hope the article was helpful.