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Mandolin With Bill Monroe being known as a mandolin player, it is an instrument that finds a welcome home in bluegrass jams. It serves as both a melody instrument and as an important rhythmic instrument. There are many different types of mandolins but due to their style of construction, there are two main types that tend to be used in bluegrass music - A-style and F-style. If you're just starting out, an A-style mandolin will offer higher quality at a more affordable price-point. The main thing to seek in a mandolin is solid wood construction. The top should be hand-carved solid spruce while the backs and sides should be solid maple. Additionally, a bluegrass mandolin should have f-holes as these add to the traditional sound. Left - Eastman MD605 - This model is several years old and there have been some cosmetic changes. It is made with a solid sprue top, solid maple back and sides, and ebony fittings as well as an internal pickup. Right - Eastman MD305 - This is Eastman's most affordable model and is well-loved. Although it comes with a matte finish - which is a little "loud" when it rubs - it can be buffed to a semi-gloss. *Not Pictured - Eastman MD315 - This is Eastman's most affordable F-style mandolin. Again, if money is a consideration, the A-style is the way to go. Other reputable entry brands are Kentucky , Gold Tone , and The Loar .

Banjos The 5-String Banjo, played in the 3-finger "Scruggs" style is one of the defining sounds of bluegrass music. Banjos have a long history and have gone through many changes since first coming to the Americas on slave ships from West Africa. Because of this, it is important to make sure you're playing the appropriate banjo for each style of banjo music. Left - Gretsch G9400 Broadkaster Deluxe - This 5-string resonator banjo is what most people think of when discussing bluegrass banjos. It has 5 strings - including the short 5th string that gives it the distinctive sound, a resonator on the back - to project loudly in a bluegrass ensemble, and a flathead tone ring under the head for a increased depth of sound. This banjo is normally played with a thumb and two finger picks in order to get the characteristic attack of the bluegrass banjo. Middle - Gretsch G9451 Dixie Deluxe - This 5-string open-back banjo should not be confused with its bluegrass sibling. Although it still has 5 strings, it is usually played with bare fingers in a clawhammer or frailing style - often heard in old time music. Lacking a resonator, it doesn't project as much and has a much more "round" sound to it. Right - Stromberg-Voisinet Tenor Banjo - Notice that this banjo is missing the 5th string that is characteristic of bluegrass and old time banjos. They are most commonly played with a pick, similar to guitar. Tenor banjos find a ready home in jazz, jugband, and celtic music.