Barnes & Mullins BJ304 'Perfect' 4-String Tenor Banjo

Barnes & Mullins BJ304 'Perfect' 4-String Tenor Banjo

An Excellent Introductory Instrument If You're New To Banjos 

The Barnes & Mullins BJ304 'Perfect' 4-String Tenor Banjo is an excellent choice for beginners, providing high-quality craftsmanship at an affordable price point. With its low action and quick neck, this tenor banjo offers a comfortable and enjoyable playing experience for new players.

Key features of the BJ304 include a closed-back mahogany resonator that enhances its authentic and punchy tone. The banjo is equipped with a genuine Remo Vellum head and geared machine heads, which contribute to improved tuning stability, allowing players to focus on their music without constant retuning concerns.

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Why should I buy a 4-string Banjo?

This B&M Perfect 4-string banjo is also sometimes referred to as a ‘plectrum’ or ‘tenor’ banjo and is generally used for lively styles such as traditional jazz (Dixieland). It is usually played with a pick (or ‘plectrum’) in either an accompaniment strumming fashion or by picking individual melody notes – much like a guitar.

It makes for an excellent introductory instrument if you’re new to the world of banjos given its use of fewer strings than 5-string banjos, its shorter scale length, and its versatile playing styles.

Common 4-String Banjo Tunings

• C, G, D, A – Standard Tenor Tuning
• D, G, B, E – Chicago Tuning

Body & Construction Specifications:

• STYLE: 4-String Resonator
• RESONATOR: Mahogany 
• HEAD: Remo Weatherking®
• FLANGE: Chrome
• BRACKET QTY: 30
• RIM: Aluminium
• BRIDGE: Maple with Ovangkol Tip
• COORDINATOR RODS: 1
• HARDWARE: Chrome
• TAILPIECE: Chrome
• ARMREST: Chrome
• NECK: Mahogany 
• FINGERBOARD: Ovangkol
• FRETS: 19
• INLAYS: Mother of Pearl Dots
• MACHINEHEADS: Closed Gear
• TRUSSROD COVER: 'Perfect' Script
• NUT WIDTH: 30mm
• SCALE LENGTH: 576mm
• WEIGHT: 3kg

The Barnes & Mullins Story

In 1894, Mr Albert Mullins and Mr S. Bowley Barnes started “The Jo”, their famous musical instrument journal.

Specialising in all things banjo, they soon began manufacturing their own banjos as well as importing many other instruments. The original Barnes and Mullins banjos are still sought after today, with collectors seeking them out all over the world. Sadly in 1914 at the age of 40, Albert Mullins drowned when the ‘Empress of Ireland’ sank on the St Lawrence River. He was on the home leg of a 2 year sales trip.

Bowley Barnes continued the business thereafter, and what he had started with his partner years earlier in Bournemouth now moved to Rathbone Place, London. In 1976, Mark Barnes – son of Bowley Barnes – moved the business to Grays Inn Road, Bloomsbury. Sadly in 1986, Mark Barnes died. He was greatly admired and respected by employees and customers alike who were quick to tell of his fair and generous nature.

In 1999, Bruce Perrin – a Director since 1986 – became Managing Director and moved the business from London to the current location – Grays Inn House – a modern 46000sqft warehouse and office facility in Oswestry, Shropshire. Bruce Perrin says “We are excited about the future and are constantly looking at ways to innovate and evolve, yet Barnes and Mullins has always endeavoured to put the customer at the top of its priority list”.