Barnes & Mullins BJ400E Rathbone 5-String Banjo with Pickup

Barnes & Mullins BJ400E Rathbone 5 String Banjo with Pickup

A Testament to Exceptional Craftsmanship and Historical Legacy with Superior Playability and Eye Catching Design

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Dive into a blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary features with the Barnes & Mullins BJ400 'Rathbone' 5-string banjo. This model, inspired by the rich history of Barnes & Mullins in Rathbone Place, London, boasts a design that enhances playability for both beginners and seasoned musicians alike. It combines a sleek, eye-catching appearance with functional design elements that cater to performance needs.

The Rathbone features a closed-back mahogany resonator and a mahogany rim, paired with a genuine Remo black banjo head. This setup delivers an authentic, punchy bluegrass tone, while a rolled brass tone ring amplifies the banjo's volume and projection, making it a standout in any musical ensemble. The geared machine heads ensure stable and consistent tuning.

Unique to this model is the Humbucking pickup hidden beneath the Remo head, which facilitates amplified play with controlled volume adjustments through a simple knob. This modern adaptation allows for seamless integration into amplified band settings, making the Rathbone an excellent choice for live performances.

The aesthetic is completed with chrome hardware and fittings, an ovangkol fingerboard, and traditional planetary machineheads, which all contribute to its stylish modern aesthetic. With its combination of rich, warm sounds and smooth playability, the Barnes & Mullins Rathbone is more than just a musical instrument—it's a piece of musical heritage equipped for the modern stage.

Why should I buy a 5-string Banjo?

This B&M Rathbone 5-string resonator banjo is the standard for bluegrass playing but is also an excellent choice for other musical styles including country, gospel, jazz, folk, classical and rock. It's the go-to style of banjo for 'Scruggs' players who use three-fingers with fingerpicks on the index and middle fingers and a thumbpick for a fast-tempo and lively style.

This Rathbone banjo is unique in that it is an electro model featuring a humbucker pickup, 1/4" jack input and volume control and is therefore a fantastic choice if you're someone who plays banjo in an amplified band setup.

Specifications:

Common 5-string banjo tunings

G, D, G, B, D - Open G
G, C, G, B, D - C Tuning / Drop C

BODY & CONSTRUCTION

STYLE: 5-String Resonator - Electro
RESONATOR: Mahogany
HEAD: Remo Weatherking® Black
FLANGE: Chrome
TONE RING: Rolled Brass
BRACKET QTY: 24
RIM: Mahogany
BRIDGE: Maple with Ovangkol Tip
HARDWARE: Chrome
TAILPIECE: Chrome
ARMREST: Chrome
PICKUPS: Humbucking Pickup with Onboard Electronics, 1/4" Jack Input & Volume Control

NECK

NECK: Mahogany
FINGERBOARD: Ovangkol 
FRETS: 22
INLAYS: Mother of Pearl Patterned

HEADSTOCK

MACHINEHEADS: Planetary
TRUSSROD COVER: 'Rathbone' Script
NUT WIDTH: 30mm

DIMENSIONS

SCALE LENGTH: 697mm
WEIGHT: 5kg

Barnes & Mullins has a rich history that began in 1894 with founders Albert Mullins and S. Bowley Barnes. Despite the tragic loss of Albert Mullins in 1914, the company has continued to grow and innovate under various leaders, always maintaining a focus on quality and customer satisfaction. Today, under Managing Director Bruce Perrin, the company remains committed to evolving while prioritizing the needs of its customers from its modern headquarters in Oswestry, Shropshire.