How to mic a banjo

As is the case with all acoustic instruments, recording a banjo is always a compromise between getting the full timbre of the instrument and isolation from other instruments or unwanted reverberation.

Omnidirectional mics for banjo

If there are good acoustics and no other disturbing sound sources, a precise and highly detailed omni mic is ideal.
The 4041-SP Large Diaphragm Mic or 4006 Omnidirectional Microphone are good solutions that will ensure that you do not lose any vital information. Try aiming the mic at the sweet spot, which is often where the neck meets the body.

This position should give a good blend of strings, fingers and the resonating head that is essential to a banjo. Also try placing two omnis at 30-40 cm (12-16 in) distance to create a stereo image.

For a miniature solution, the 4060 CORE+ Series Instrument Microphone offers a wide variety of placement possibilities, and many live situations could benefit from close miking. 

Cardioid mics for banjo

If more isolation is needed, one or two cardioids or wide cardioids is a good solution. The 2012 Compact Cardioid Mic is one good solution. Otherwise, two 4011 Cardioid Mics can be placed in XY configuration at the sweet spot using MMP-ES Modular Active Cable. The CXO4000 Compact XY/ORTF Stereo Holder can be used for this configuration.

For an A/B configuration, two 2015 Wide Cardioid Mics make a good solution. 

The miniature supercardioid 4099 CORE+ Instrument Microphone is the perfect choice for all live applications. It offers lots of gain before feedback while retaining the clear and transparent DPA signature sound.