[benj]

Banjo pickup suggestions?

[Sean.thomson]

I've heard people rave about the Fishman Rare Earth Banjo pup, but never heard one in action. I personally prefer to mic banjos though....

[Ted Logan]

Unless you're playing an open-back banjo, you already have amplification. It's called a resonator. :-P

Seriously, though, I would look in the forums at banjohangout.org. I found a recent thread on the topic, but you'll be able to find more if you look. The website is quite large, with lots of builders, professionals, and experienced hobby players. You should be able to find what you need.

[Almost Enough]

[jeepnstein]

K&K makes a banjo pickup. You'll need a preamp with it. It should run you less than $200.

[LWatford]

I also like the little audio technica lav mics. You can get them with an instrument clip (a little gooseneck deal), and it should clip onto one of the tension rods on the resonator. You could get something like a pro 35, or the cheaper pro 70.

[roscoestring]

Jes curious - why ya want a pickup?
For volume or for effects?

I've never put a pickup on my banjo. I did put a Fishman on a mandolin once. It sounded ok but it broke very easily. About $75 wasted for a weeks worth of playing. Mine was one of those that attaches to the front of the instrument. I've always thought of using effects on a banjo. Maybe the one's built into my amp. It would be interesting. I've also done harmonica like that. Cool sounds.