The Barnes & Mullins Empress 5-string resonator banjo combines magnificent acoustic depth, rapid note articulation, and rich heritage design for bluegrass picking, folk accompaniment, and multi-genre banjo performance. Named in memory of the historic RMS Empress of Ireland, this premium instrument pairs a solid walnut neck and rim with a rolled brass tone ring and a figured burl walnut resonator to ensure every roll and lead line projects with impressive volume and clarity.
Figured Burl Walnut Resonator and Rolled Brass Tone Ring
Crafted with a walnut rim and a figured burl walnut resonator displaying a striking marbled grain pattern, the Empress is engineered for maximum projection, focused mid-range depth, and snappy note attack. The resonator acts as a natural acoustic reflector, directing sound forward to produce the bright, assertive voice needed for fast-tempo 'Scruggs' three-finger picking, country leads, and lively folk rhythms. Fitted with a rolled brass tone ring, a Remo Weatherking head, and 24 individual brackets, the pot assembly provides clear tonal resonance and stable head tension across the entire playing surface.
Walnut Neck and Ovangkol Fingerboard Ergonomics
The neck is constructed from solid walnut, providing excellent structural stability and smooth vibration transfer from the bridge into the soundhead. Topped with a smooth ovangkol fingerboard housing 22 frets, a 31 mm nut width, and mother of pearl patterned inlays, the neck offers comfortable spacing for fast scalar movement, position shifts, and complex chord shapes across a 26.3" (67.0 cm) scale length.
Chrome Hardware and Traditional Planetary Tuners
Outfitted with chrome hardware throughout—including a polished flange, matching tailpiece, armrest, and tension hoop—the Empress delivers a clean, classic appearance. Traditional planetary machineheads provide smooth, direct-gear tuning control and authentic headstock alignment, keeping Open G, Drop C, and custom tunings stable through long jam sessions and venue performances. A maple bridge topped with an ovangkol tip ensures efficient string energy transfer and articulate tone.
Barnes & Mullins Empress 5-String Banjo Specifications
- Model Name - Empress.
- Instrument Type - 5-string resonator banjo.
- Style - 5-string resonator.
- Resonator Material - figured burl walnut.
- Rim Material - walnut.
- Tone Ring - rolled brass.
- Head Type - Remo Weatherking.
- Bracket Quantity - 24 brackets.
- Neck Material - walnut.
- Fingerboard Material - ovangkol.
- Number of Frets - 22.
- Fingerboard Inlays - mother of pearl patterned inlays.
- Scale Length - 26.3" (67.0 cm).
- Nut Width - 31 mm.
- Bridge - maple with ovangkol tip.
- Tuners - traditional planetary machineheads.
- Flange - chrome flange.
- Tailpiece - chrome.
- Armrest - chrome.
- Hardware Finish - chrome.
- Truss Rod Cover - 'Empress' script.
- Overall Length / Dimensions - 67.0 cm scale length.
- Instrument Weight - 5.0 kg.
A dependable choice for bluegrass players, folk musicians, and performing banjoists seeking authentic heritage tribute, rich walnut resonance, and classic chrome hardware, the Barnes & Mullins Empress earns its place on stage and in studio sessions.