Barnes & Mullins BJ500M Troubadour 5 String Banjo

Pay tribute to the heritage of Barnes & Mullins banjos with the Barnes & Mullins BJ500M Troubadour 5 String Banjo. Named after the monthly magazine published by Barnes & Mullins in 1895, the BJ500M ‘Troubadour’ 5 string banjo combines outstanding quality with a unique and striking appearance. This 5 string banjo features an ‘antique’ appearance with a patterned tone ring and flange. A low action and quick neck make this banjo a joy to play. It features a stunning closed back burl maple resonator, which delivers an authentic, punchy bluegrass tone that sounds as great as this banjo looks. The resonator is matched by a hard maple neck and maple laminate rim. Geared machine heads ensure improved tuning stability. The BJ500M also features a rolled brass tone ring to improve the volume and projection of the instrument. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you should definitely check out the BJ500M.

SPECIFICATIONS:

• Neck: Hard Maple
• Resonator: Burl Maple
• Fingerboard: Ovangkol
• Rim: Maple Laminate
• Tone Ring: Rolled Brass
• Brackets: 24
• Hardware: Antique Gold
• Head: Remo Renaissance
• Machineheads: Geared, Planetary Style

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”.