| Hobgoblin Music - Banjos | |
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Banjo TypesTenorThe Tenor Banjo is used extensively in both Irish traditional music, and Traditional Jazz. It has a shorter scale than the G Banjo, and 4 strings tuned CGDA, but it is common for Irish musicians to retune down to GDAE using thicker strings. Used in jazz and popular music earlier this century the tenor has 4 strings and is usually tuned CGDA.
The Irish and Scottish traditional players put heavier guage strings on them and tune them down to GDAE, an octave below mandolin, fiddle etc. They also favour instruments with a shorter scale length (17 frets rather than 19) because it makes using the same fingering as the fiddle possible. Tenor banjo should not be confused with plectrum banjo which was used much like the tenor but has a longer neck (22 frets) and a different tuning. Jazz players like the extra frets because they can use the same chord shapes and patterns in different positions.
Five StringThe 5 string is used for Bluegrass music, usually in the style popularised by Earl Scruggs, and players look for a resonator and tone ring. For old time clawhammer or frailing styles, an open backed simpler model is better. Finger style classical also uses the 5 string, but is less common now. Used for bluegrass and country music. But is also used for old time and song accompaniment in the British Isles.Bluegrass players favour banjos with a resonator back. Old time players often favour the open back variety. Many tunings are used, especially in old time music, but the most common are gDGBD and gCGDB.
Please read the rest of this article, and much more, on our FAQ page. Blue MoonBlue Moon Banjos are made in China, and are great fun for beginners, at a very good price!AshburyAshbury make a great range of banjos suitable for beginners to mid-range buyers. Ashbury models include 5 strings, Tenor banjos, a Guitar Banjo, open backs, resonators and a Uke Banjo, and they are priced very competetively.DeeringDeering are America's top selling banjo range, and they are fantastic in quality and sound.Gold StarGold Star is made by Saga (the same people who brought us Blueridge and Gitane). It's the only banjo made in the Far East that comes close to resembling the popular American banjos in quality of build and sound. It's a good, economical alternative to the real thing! | |
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