The Barnes & Mullins Empress BJ504BW 4-string tenor resonator banjo delivers exceptional acoustic projection, rich tonal depth, and agile playability for traditional jazz, Dixieland accompaniment, and multi-genre picking. Named in memory of the historic RMS Empress of Ireland, this 19-fret instrument pairs a solid walnut neck and rim with a rolled brass tone ring and a figured burl walnut resonator to ensure every rhythm chord and melody line cuts through with clarity and volume.
Figured Burl Walnut Resonator and Rolled Brass Tone Ring
Crafted with a solid walnut rim and a figured burl walnut resonator featuring a striking marbled grain pattern, the Empress Tenor is engineered for focused acoustic projection and vibrant harmonic depth. The resonator acts as a natural reflector, directing sound forward to create the bright, articulate voice needed for traditional jazz, folk strumming, and plectrum melody work. Fitted with a rolled brass tone ring, a Remo Weatherking head, and 24 individual brackets, the pot assembly maintains balanced head tension and impressive acoustic volume across all playing styles.
Walnut Neck and Compact Tenor Scale Length
The neck is constructed from solid walnut, offering excellent structural rigidity and direct energy transfer into the soundhead. Topped with a smooth ovangkol fingerboard housing 19 frets, a 31 mm nut width, and mother of pearl patterned inlays, the compact 22.7" (57.6 cm) scale length provides comfortable fret spacing for swift chord shifts, single-note runs, and plectrum technique. This shorter scale length makes it an ideal introductory instrument for guitarists and new players transitioning to the banjo.
Chrome Hardware and Traditional Planetary Machineheads
Adorned with chrome hardware throughout—including a polished flange, matching tailpiece, armrest, and tension hoop—the Empress Tenor provides a clean, classic visual presence. Traditional planetary machineheads deliver smooth, direct-gear tuning control and authentic headstock alignment, keeping Standard Tenor (C, G, D, A) and Chicago (D, G, B, E) tunings stable through practice sessions and live venue performances. A maple bridge with an ovangkol tip ensures efficient string vibration transfer into the soundboard.
Barnes & Mullins Empress BJ504BW Tenor Banjo Specifications
- Model Name - Empress Tenor.
- Model Number - BJ504BW.
- Instrument Type - 4-string tenor resonator banjo.
- Style - 4-string tenor 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 - 19.
- Fingerboard Inlays - mother of pearl patterned inlays.
- Scale Length - 22.7" (57.6 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.
A dependable choice for traditional jazz performers, folk musicians, and multi-instrumentalists seeking authentic heritage tribute, rich walnut resonance, and comfortable tenor playability, the Barnes & Mullins Empress BJ504BW earns its place on stage and in the studio.