Cello Banjo 4-String

Cello Banjos: Low and Loud--What More Could You Want?

The 4 string cello banjo, originally used in banjo orchestras of the early 20th Century, has been redefined in this decade by the playing style of Marcy Marxer and others. The revived cello banjo was pretty much invented by Gold Tone. Tuned in 5ths (like a mandolin, fiddle, cello, etc.) it allows accompaniment and lead arrangements for not only old time but most all genres of music. It is being used especially in Irish music.

One of the coolest things about this instrument is that, by changing the string gauges, the Cello Banjo can be tuned like a Cello (C G D A) or an octave lower than an Irish-tuned tenor banjo (G D A E...now that is LOW!...that's the way I would tune it, because I like the low notes).

Oh, by the way, these instruments are  LOUD!

Check out the videos of Marcy Marxer and Cathy Fink playing some classic Old-Time tunes featuring Marcy Marxer on Gold Tone Cello Banjo. If you are not blown away with the possibilities of this instrument, you are without imagination (or you don't like bassy instruments :-))