Barnes & Mullins "Perfect" 4-String Tenor Banjo

Barnes & Mullins BJ304

Overview

The ''Perfect'' series of banjos were first created by Messrs Barnes & Mullins at the start of the 1900s and formed the very core of the early B&M instrument offering.

Featuring a mahogany resonator and aluminium rim with a Remo WeatherKing head and mahogany neck, Barnes & Mullins Perfect banjos deliver a warm and controlled sound with a gentle and mature response.

Complete with chrome hardware and fittings, ovangkol fingerboard, and modern closed gear machineheads.

Well into the 21st century, original B&M 'Perfect' banjos still change hands for considerable sums of money amongst both antique dealers and musicians alike. The modern-day 'Perfect' banjos draw on the influence of the original instruments, paying homage to the vision and designs of our founders.

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