Barnes & Mullins BJ400E Rathbone 5-String Banjo with Pickup

Barnes & Mullins BJ400E Rathbone 5-String Banjo with Modern Pickup

Introducing the BJ400E Rathbone 5-String Banjo by Barnes & Mullins: a blend of classic craftsmanship and contemporary design. Drawing inspiration from the historic Rathbone Place, the residence of Barnes and Mullins in the early 20th century, this banjo exudes unmatched quality with its distinctive looks. Designed for playability, it boasts a swift neck and low action, ensuring a seamless playing experience. With its closed-back mahogany resonator, players can expect an authentic bluegrass resonance, complemented by a genuine Remo black banjo head. The inclusion of geared machine heads promises enhanced tuning precision, while its rolled brass tone ring amplifies the instrument's volume and clarity.

Departing from traditional designs, the Rathbone model incorporates a Humbucking pickup positioned beneath the Remo head. This allows musicians to adjust the volume effortlessly using a knob on the instrument's side. Sound output is streamlined through a jack socket conveniently located at its base.

SPECIFICATIONS:

• Neck: Mahogany
• Resonator: Mahogany
• Fingerboard: Ovangkol
• Rim: Mahogany Laminate
• Tone Ring: Rolled Brass
• Brackets: 24 
• Hardware: Chrome
• Head: Remo Black
• Machineheads: Geared, Planetary Style
• Pickup: Humbucker

Barnes & Mullins Origins

In 1894, Mr Albert Mullins and Mr S. Bowley Barnes started “The Jo”, their famous musical instrument journal.

Specialising in all things banjo, they soon began manufacturing their own banjos as well as importing many other instruments. The original Barnes and Mullins banjos are still sought after today, with collectors seeking them out all over the world.

Sadly in 1914 at the age of 40, Albert Mullins drowned when the ‘Empress of Ireland’ sank on the St Lawrence River. He was on the home leg of a 2 year sales trip.

Bowley Barnes continued the business thereafter, and what he had started with his partner years earlier in Bournemouth now moved to Rathbone Place, London.

In 1976, Mark Barnes – son of Bowley Barnes – moved the business to Grays Inn Road, Bloomsbury. Sadly in 1986, Mark Barnes died. He was greatly admired and respected by employees and customers alike who were quick to tell of his fair and generous nature.

In 1999, Bruce Perrin – a Director since 1986 – became Managing Director and moved the business from London to the current location – Grays Inn House – a modern 46000sqft warehouse and office facility in Oswestry, Shropshire.

Bruce Perrin says “We are excited about the future and are constantly looking at ways to innovate and evolve, yet Barnes and Mullins has always endeavoured to put the customer at the top of its priority list”.