Gold Tone actually does make a mini, it’s just not anything near what you see Russ playing. Check it out.
https://goldtonemusicgroup.com/goldtone/instruments/bg-mini
If I recall correctly, it’s about 8" longer than Russ’s.
Gold Tone BG mini banjo
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When people talk about “travel” guitars, etc., I always remind them that guitars, banjos, mandolins, and violins, are already pretty portable. It’s why they were brought here in such large numbers in the first place. They’re all travel instruments. If you’re looking for a smaller banjo, just try an open back; without a resonator, they’re smaller, quieter, and much lighter. That’s what I bring to work on my 7 day on hitches; either that or a mandolin.
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No but I want one! It’s not quite as cool as Russ Carson’s mini, but it would be great for playing in the car. The mandolin is also a great choice
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I got to play Russ’s and it’s incredible the detail that it has!
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I think the mini is around $700US or $1000 Canadian. A little too much for a practice instrument that will be used a couple times a month. My banjo(s) and guitar are too long to comfortably play while sitting in the car. I guess I could buy a mandolin, I know a good website to learn how to play it.
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I do have an open back Travel banjo, Deering good time. Still just a bit too long to comfortably play in the car.
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You could always buy a uke. They’re tons of fun!
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This is true, but I prefer mandolin, there’s pros and cons to each: uke is cheaper, a bit smaller, and more comfortable (plastic strings) but mandolin is a more versatile instrument and easier to find proper instructional materials for beyond just playing chords. One good option is to get a uke and tune GDAE
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The uke isn’t just for chords any more. 
Check out this kid’s channel. He’s unbelievable.
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I have an Ashbury Banjo Uke and it holds it own. I’d like to buy a Goldtone Mini 5 String but they are pretty scarce over here and also overpriced when compared to other instruments.
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I know, but it’s hard to find any instructional material to learn how to play it like that, and there’s relatively few musicians doing it so you often have to make your own way
Not so Gunnar. Check out YouTube there’s ton of free stuff and other’s are offering subscription lessons through Patreon Cynthia Lin
On DVD Dave Brozman is one to check out
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You bet. Ukuleles are wildly popular right now. It goes in cycles, but I think they’re more popular now than I’ve ever seen them. A lot of my daughter’s friends have ukes, which is why she asked for one for Christmas last year.
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Really popular in the UK, US and Canada. A few years back I recall a group from Alaska travelled to Hawaii for a big ukulele festival. I am not sure if it’s an annual event.
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Unless things have changed drastically in the past few months 90% of the YouTube tutorials are incredibly basic usually just teaching chords, I’ve looked and tutorials for more advanced playing are few and far between
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I’ll admit it’s hard to find stuff on YouTube due to the high volume of vids out there
Check out these channels, websites and promo vids that’ll get you started.
Couple of websites
https://ukuleletricks.com/ukulele-blues-fingerpicking-lesson-pattern-1/
https://www.ezfolk.com/uke/Tutorials/Clawhammer/clawhammer.html
DVD Promo Videos - Bob Brozman teaches advanced techniques
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For those of you living near Austin you might care to check out this ukulele group. I just love listening to their videos and try to jam along
Website
https://austinukulelesociety.com/
YouTube Channel
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I bought a Gold Tone Mini BG this weekend! I am a pilot for a living and often go for 8-10 days without being able to pick up a banjo, it is is small and light enough for me to take with me on trips, so I’m very excited. It is tuned to C, but I hear it can be also tuned to G. So far I’m impressed with it.
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Cool! Any chance of posting a video so we can hear how it sounds?
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I’m heading up to work for a few days, but I’ll try to do it next week when I get home. It sounds kinda toyish compared to a full size banjo, but it’s better than not being able to take anything with me.
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