If I put my money somewhere to amplify my banjo, would you use a pickup or a condenser mic? What type could you recommend without breaking an arm and a leg?
Banjo Mic
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I once had someone complain my Stelling Banjo was too loud. I had to point out that my banjo didn’t come fitted with a volume control. 
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A microphone is gonna sound better than any pickup. A Shure SM 57 sounds great on a banjo.
For condensers, SE 7, Audio Technica Pro 37, and Line CM 4 are excellent small diaphragm condensers. I still prefer an SM
57 to a small diaphragm on the banjo.
Large diaphragm condensers sound great on a banjo but you have to be aware of feedback etc.
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It would also greatly depend on your application, whether recording or live, and what type of live scenario (room size, sound system, band configuration).
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Church auditorium seating 400ish, playing live with worship band (usually bass guitar, electric guitar, drum set, keys and vocals). I only have the need about every month or 2, but sometimes they have trouble picking it up with the stand mic. I don’t know the kind of sound system, and we are working with a variety of sound guys. Not a huge deal, but want it to be as good as it can
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Thanks!
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I think, in this case, you should consider a pickup like this one: https://store.banjobenclark.com/products/myers-pickups-the-feather-pickup-system
Is that within your budget?
I use a piezo strip from Pickup the World. It’s mounted under the bridge and taped to the inside of the head. They make a bracket for the jack but I just zip tied it to the flange. For years I ran it through a Boss EQ pedal but recently got a Tone Dexter DI/preamp after hearing about it from Ned Luberecki. That thing sounds amazing!
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Here’s a link for that. Interesting, haven’t seen those yet and pretty affordable.
https://pickup.world/store/ols/products/banjo-pickup-open-back
One thing to note is that you’ll want to run it through a good preamp/DI. The Tone Dexter looks amazing, though a bit pricey. Baggs has some great options as well.
If you use the Myers Feather, you won’t have as much need for the preamp because you’re playing through an actual powered mini mic.
Thanks to both of you-- this is helpful!