The Washburn B7 5-String Banjo brings early 20th-century design directly to modern folk, old-time, and clawhammer players.
Built for Traditional Folk Techniques
Rooted in an instrument-making legacy that began in the late 1800s, this open-back model is built to deliver the classic acoustic ring required for traditional fingerpicking and rhythmic styles.
It combines period-correct aesthetics with dependable modern hardware, making it a highly valued choice for touring musicians and acoustic amateurs who appreciate historical accuracy and reliable performance.
Unlike modern hybrid variants, this instrument is designed from the ground up for authentic five-string performance.
It features a long 27.5-inch scale length mahogany neck that accommodates traditional open tunings with optimal string tension.
The rim assembly is built around an 11-inch grooved tension hoop optimised with 18 individual brackets, giving players precise control over head tension.
The neck is topped with a 22-fret engineered wood fingerboard with classic dot markers, providing a smooth surface for rapid slides and intricate pull-offs.
Traditional Hardware & Tonal Mechanics
The acoustic response is centred on an industry-standard Remo head that provides excellent clarity and midrange bite.
A maple bridge topped with an ebony tip supports the strings, providing an efficient physical pathway for vibrational energy to transfer into the mahogany rim and sides.
To address the unique tuning needs of five-string players, the headstock features smooth chrome die-cast gears, while the critical fifth string is controlled via a geared Planetary tuner for precise pitch retention.
The banjo is finished in a smooth natural matte coating and arrives strung with premium nickel strings.
Washburn B7 5-String Features & Specifications
Authentic 5-string open-back configuration optimized for clawhammer and folk music styles
Aesthetic layout modeled after early 20th-century traditional instruments
Solid mahogany rim coupled with a matching mahogany neck and sides
Premium Remo head for maximum acoustic projection and definition
Specialized maple bridge with a hard ebony tip for superb vibrational transfer
Smooth-action chrome die-cast main tuners paired with a geared 5th-string Planetary tuner
Long 27.5-inch playing scale length
Engineered wood fingerboard featuring 22 frets and clean dot inlays
Eleven-inch grooved tension hoop held firmly by 18 brackets
Traditional-style string tailpiece and a stable ABS nut
Non-reflective natural matte body and neck finish
Pre-strung from the factory with light-gauge D'Addario J60 nickel strings
Built upon a historic handcrafted heritage extending back to the late 1800s
Prized by pros and amateurs for dependable construction and tonal clarity