Barnes & Mullins Empress 5-String Banjo

Barnes & Mullins Empress banjos are beautiful instruments named in memory of the 'RMS Empress of Ireland' steam ship which sank on Canada's St Lawrence River in May 1914 with the loss of over 1000 lives. Mr Albert Mullins, who was on the return leg of a 2 year worldwide sales voyage, was one of the lost souls that day.

Featuring a wonderfully figured burl walnut resonator with its spellbinding marbled grain pattern, combined with a walnut rim and neck, the Empress banjo is a real head turner!

Tonally, you can expect superb depth to the overall sound, paired with a bright and articulate response that rewards exploration and encourages performance of a wide range of playing styles.

Complete with chrome hardware and fittings, ovangkol fingerboard with patterned fret inlays, and traditional planetary machineheads.

Why should I buy a 5-string banjo?

This B&M Empress 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.

Its resonator design means this banjo sounds naturally loud and bright and therefore makes for an excellent accompaniment instrument.

Common 5-string banjo tunings

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