The Barnes & Mullins 'Albert' open back 5-String banjo is an authentic 'old-time' banjo. Unlike more commonly used 'bluegrass' banjos, open back models produce a noticeably quieter sound than their resonator-equipped, louder siblings.

Featuring a chocolate-coloured walnut rim and mahogany neck, the Albert’s natural ‘open-back’ character is complimented perfectly with a charming mature tone and subtle brightness that brings the Albert to life.

The Albert is complete with chrome fittings and armrest, ovangkol fingerboard with patterned fret inlays, and traditional planetary machineheads.

Who is this banjo for?

This B&M ‘Albert’ 5-string open back banjo is – like all open back banjos – a great choice for ‘Clawhammer’ players. Clawhammer playing employs a percussive technique where the index or middle fingers are used to strike the strings rather than finger picks – with the hand in a ‘claw’ shape.

This technique naturally produces a softer sound that is complimented perfectly by an open back instrument as it is quieter and more subdued tonally as some of the sound escapes through the back towards the player.

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 Open Back

HEAD: Remo Weatherking®

BRACKET QTY: 18

RIM: Walnut

BRIDGE: Maple with Ovangkol Tip

HARDWARE: Chrome

TAILPIECE: Chrome

ARMREST: Chrome

NECK

NECK: Mahogany

FINGERBOARD: Ovangkol 

FRETS: 22

INLAYS: Mother of Pearl Patterned

HEADSTOCK

MACHINEHEADS: Planetary

TRUSSROD COVER: 'Albert' Script

NUT WIDTH: 31mm

DIMENSIONS

SCALE LENGTH: 670mm

WEIGHT: 3kg