SX BJ504 Natural Matte Banjo

4-String Tenor Banjo with Traditional Irish Tone

The SX BJ504 tenor banjo is built for players who want authentic Celtic banjo character without stepping into vintage American price territory. Its 279 mm Remo Fiberskyn head sits on a rolled brass tone ring and an Okoume wood rim, producing the bright, articulate attack that cuts through fiddle and flute in a traditional session. Shipped with a padded denim gig bag, the instrument is ready to carry to lessons, sessions, or the festival stage from day one.

What Sets This Model Apart

Most budget tenor banjos rely on a simple bracket ring without a true tone ring; this one includes a 279 mm rolled brass rod tone ring that adds projection and harmonic complexity. The resonator is built from Okoume with a 5A-grade flamed veneer and maple binding, giving the back of the instrument a dressed-up appearance that punches above its price tier. A 2-way truss rod inside the nato neck lets players dial in relief for both standard GDAE tuning and lower tunings without warping.

Specifications That Shape the Playing Experience

The numbers behind this banjo explain why it feels balanced in the hands and stays in tune through long sets.

• Scale Length: 576 mm — standard tenor scale for traditional Irish tuning
• Nut Width: 30 mm — narrow enough for fast melodic runs and chord work
• Head: 279 mm Remo Fiberskyn, low collar — synthetic head with the warm response of natural skin
• Rim and Resonator: Okoume with 5A-grade flamed veneer, maple binding — solid wood construction that adds warmth and sustain
• Tone Ring: 279 mm rolled brass rod — defines the bright, projecting voice of the instrument
• Hardware: Die-cast sealed chrome tuners (14:1), 24 brackets, chrome flange — precise tuning that holds through long sessions
• Fingerboard: Rosewood with maple star inlays and ABS ivory binding — smooth feel under the fingers with clear position markers
• Includes: Padded denim gig bag

Who Should Pick Up This Banjo

This tenor banjo is the right choice for intermediate players moving up from a beginner instrument who want a real tone ring and resonator at a sensible price. Irish traditional musicians, folk session players, and students preparing for grade exams will find the 576 mm scale and 30 mm nut width familiar and easy to navigate. The included gig bag makes it a practical fit for players who travel to sessions or workshops, while the chrome hardware and sealed die-cast tuners keep maintenance low for busy gigging musicians.