Welcome to the Gear Page! These are some recommendations to get you started if you’re unsure of what would be good to have if you’re new to stringed instruments. This is by no means a comprehensive list, but is designed to give you some ideas of what I would get if I were getting started playing music. Just click on the image of the item you’re interested to visit the retailer. If you have any questions about purchasing an instrument or accessories, feel free to reach out to me!

Recommended Gear

If you’re wanting to learn clawhammer banjo take a look at the Gold Tone AC1 and the Deering Goodtime. If you’re wanting to learn three finger (Scruggs) Style I would take a look at the Washburn B9 and the Deering Goodtime 2. If learning clawhammer, you do not need picks. If learning three finger style, you will need a thumb pick and two finger picks (I always recommend having extras). A tuner is a must have! Capos aren’t necessary at the beginning but as you progress they will become a necessity. A strap is helpful for light weight banjos like the banjos in the recommended list but isn’t required for learning.

Banjo Necessities

If you have a child (typically under the age of 13) that is wanting to learn, a smaller body guitar might make that process a bit easier. I have listed the Yamaha FG-Junior JR1 if that is the case. As far as accessories, you will need a flat pick (I recommend getting a bunch of them as they’re easy to lose), a tuner (required for first lesson), a capo (not required for first lesson but will become necessary very swiftly), and then a strap is also nice to have.

Guitar Necessities

There are several styles of mandolins out there but I’ve found that the A style is the most affordable to start on, so I have selected two that are good options for a first mandolin. As far as accessories, you will need a flat pick (I recommend getting a bunch of them as they’re easy to lose), a tuner (required for first lesson), and then a strap is also nice to have. You will not need a capo

Mandolin Necessities

Recommended Accesories

Entry Level Banjos ($315-$850)

Gold Tone AC1

Washburn B9

Deering Goodtime

Deering Goodtime 2

Entry Level Guitars ($190-$700)

Yamaha FG-Junior JR1

Eastman PCH1-D

Yamaha FG830

Eastman Guitars E1D

Entry Level Mandolins ($495-$730)

Kentucky KM-14

Eastman MD305

Accessories

Banjo Strings

Mandolin Strings

Guitar Strings

String Winder

Guitar Capo

Banjo Capo

5th String Banjo Capo

This is only needed if you’re learning 5-string banjo. I also offer railroad spike installation for the fifth string if you reach a point where that would be of interest. This capo is more of a “get you started” than a long term solution

Dunlop Flat Pick

If playing lead mandolin or guitar, I recommend buying the 1mm pick. If you’re interested in learning Celtic Rhythm Guitar, I recommend the 0.6mm. These picks can also be purchased on Amazon.

Dunlop Finger Picks

I recommend the .020 finger picks. These are if you’re wanting to learn three finger (Scruggs) style banjo. If you want to learn Clawhammer style banjo you do not need finger picks. You can also buy these in sets of 20 off of Amazon,

Dunlop Mini Finger Picks

These picks are fantastic for kids! I find that kids hands aren’t large enough for standard finger picks until around the age of 13. I recommend the .020 guage.

Pro Pick Thumb Pick

I like these because they have a metal band that can be adjusted to different finger sizes. Get the general size that is most likely to fit and then adjust it from there