Guide: Plucked Strings

Banjo, mandolin, ukulele, and harp in detail – body styles, tonal differences, and what to check when buying used.

Harp

Buying a Used Harp: What to Check

A practical checklist for buying a used harp: warping, soundboard, seams, mechanism and strings, plus prices, where to buy, follow-up costs, care and transport.

Harp

Pedal Harp vs. Lever Harp: Key Differences

The two main harp types compared: how levers and pedals work, string counts, sizes, string materials, costs, running costs and which one suits a beginner.

Banjo

Buying a Used Banjo: What to Check

How to inspect a used banjo: neck, neck angle, frets, pot, hoop, hooks, resonator, bridge and head, how to check and adjust head tension, setup figures, new and used prices in the US, typical repair costs, warning signs and care.

Banjo

4-String vs. 5-String Banjo: Differences for Beginners

How 4-string tenor and plectrum, 5-string and 6-string banjos differ, which tunings and styles go with them, open-back versus resonator, what beginners should buy, new prices, accessories and typical wrong buys.

Mandolin

Buying a Used Mandolin: What to Check

A used-mandolin checklist: top and arching, neck, bridge, frets, setup, prices, depreciation, repair costs and care.

Mandolin

A-Style vs. F-Style Mandolins Compared

A-style vs. F-style mandolins explained: looks, tone, price, weight and comfort, plus archtop, flatback, flat-top and bowl-back builds, style fit, scale and tuning, beginner picks and typical mistakes.

Ukulele

Buying a Used Ukulele: What to Check

Used ukulele checklist: body, bridge, neck, nut, tuners (friction vs. geared), humidity care, string changes, prices and repair costs.

Ukulele

Soprano, Concert, Tenor, Baritone: Finding the Right Size

Soprano, concert, tenor and baritone compared by scale length, tuning, sound and hand fit, plus woods, solid vs. laminate, strings, US prices, myths and typical wrong purchases.