OVERVIEW

The B&M Empress banjos are beautiful instruments named in memory of the 'RMS Empress of Ireland'' steam ship which sank on Canada's St Lawrence River in May 1914 with the loss of over 1000 lives. Mr Albert Mullins, who was on the return leg of a 2 year worldwide sales voyage, was one of the lost souls that day.

Who is this banjo for? 

This B&M Empress 5-string resonator banjo is the standard for bluegrass playing but is also an excellent choice for other musical styles including country, gospel, jazz, folk, classical and rock. It's the go-to style of banjo for 'Scruggs' players who use three-fingers with fingerpicks on the index and middle fingers and a thumbpick for a fast-tempo and lively style.

Its resonator design means this banjo sounds naturally loud and bright and therefore makes for an excellent accompaniment instrument.

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 Resonator
RESONATOR: Figured Burl Walnut
HEAD: Remo Renaissance
FLANGE: Chrome
TONE RING: Rolled Brass
BRACKET QTY: 24
RIM: Walnut
BRIDGE: Maple with Ovengkol Tip
COORDINATOR RODS: 2
HARDWARE: Chrome
TAILPIECE: Chrome
ARMREST: Chrome

NECK

NECK: Walnut
FINGERBOARD: Ovengkol 
FRETS: 22
INLAYS: Mother of Pearl Patterned

HEADSTOCK

MACHINEHEADS: Planetary
TRUSSROD COVER: 'Empress' Script
NUT WIDTH: 31mm

DIMENSIONS

SCALE LENGTH: 670mm
WEIGHT: 5kg