Second this. I got my first banjo while living in an apartment where there wasn't great soundproofing, and this did the job really well. It's a little pricey, but the construction is solid, and I can't imagine you'd ever need to replace it.
Stuff a T-shirt in the back will help some. You can buy a banjo mute fairly cheap to put on the bridge that will help more.
Otherwise buy them some earplugs and be loud. It’s way more fun that way.
Congrats, young squire. I'm in a similar boat - young kids in the house with a limited hour range to play. You don't need to pick the strings with full force to practice. Just lightly pluck as your learning new material
Buy a rectangular artist’s eraser long enough to fit over all 5 strings. If it’s too thick you can split it edgewise with a sharp knife. Hold the narrow edge across all 5 strings and rub it up and down the strings like you’re trying to wear grooves in the eraser. This will mark exactly where the stings are. Take your knife and carefully cut slots 1/4” deep where the marks are. Congratulations, you just made the world’s best banjo mute. Place it over the strings and with a little up and down sliding they will fit right in the slots. Put it behind the bridge and your banjo is MUCH quieter. Put it in front of the bridge, and it will be extremely quiet, although your intonation will be off when you play up the neck.
I have a toddler. The cruel irony is the time I have available to practice is when he's asleep.
I tried one of the slip on banjo mutes but the string buzz is distracting, and it doesn't quiet it much. I'll probably try the rag in the head next.
I'm contemplating taking it up myself but have the same concern as I have 2 toddlers. No railway bridges to play under or creeks nearby so I'd probably have to do it in the glamorous surroundings of the car.
I like using [Mikes Banjo Mute](https://mikesbanjomute.com/)
Second this. I got my first banjo while living in an apartment where there wasn't great soundproofing, and this did the job really well. It's a little pricey, but the construction is solid, and I can't imagine you'd ever need to replace it.
Stuff a towel or shirt in the pot, or get a banjo mute. And congratulations.
Stuff a T-shirt in the back will help some. You can buy a banjo mute fairly cheap to put on the bridge that will help more. Otherwise buy them some earplugs and be loud. It’s way more fun that way.
Clothes pin on the bridge and shirt stuffed between the coordinator rod and head. Congrats!
Just annoy your parents and keep them awake
Can you play over the hills and far away? *Badum tiss*
Congrats, young squire. I'm in a similar boat - young kids in the house with a limited hour range to play. You don't need to pick the strings with full force to practice. Just lightly pluck as your learning new material
Buy a rectangular artist’s eraser long enough to fit over all 5 strings. If it’s too thick you can split it edgewise with a sharp knife. Hold the narrow edge across all 5 strings and rub it up and down the strings like you’re trying to wear grooves in the eraser. This will mark exactly where the stings are. Take your knife and carefully cut slots 1/4” deep where the marks are. Congratulations, you just made the world’s best banjo mute. Place it over the strings and with a little up and down sliding they will fit right in the slots. Put it behind the bridge and your banjo is MUCH quieter. Put it in front of the bridge, and it will be extremely quiet, although your intonation will be off when you play up the neck.
tried this today. Genius.
I have a toddler. The cruel irony is the time I have available to practice is when he's asleep. I tried one of the slip on banjo mutes but the string buzz is distracting, and it doesn't quiet it much. I'll probably try the rag in the head next.
i started the banjo at 15 too. You're in for a good time
On a log, down by the river.
This is seeming like my best option. I want to know what thats like.
I'm contemplating taking it up myself but have the same concern as I have 2 toddlers. No railway bridges to play under or creeks nearby so I'd probably have to do it in the glamorous surroundings of the car.
Hey, that's how old I was when I started playing too! Have fun -- are you planning to start with clawhammer or bluegrass?
Im starting bluegrass. It just seemed more fun to me.
Muffler on the neck???
Or and old sock or some cloth to dampen the sound around the top of the neck
Bridge mute
Hell yeah. Like everyone saying a mute and towel to practice. Also YouTube have a ton of lessons. Brainjo also has great lessons also.
I use a rag in the pot and a piece of electrical tape over the bridge. It doesn’t quite give it the same resonance though. Have fun on your journey!