Barnes & Mullins BJ400E Rathbone Closed-Back 5-String Banjo w/ Pickup

Closed-Back Banjo Projection with Built-In Pickup Control

The Barnes and Mullins BJ400E Rathbone is a closed-back 5-string banjo for players who want acoustic bluegrass punch with a simpler way to plug in. The mahogany resonator gives rolls and picked phrases more forward projection than an open-back banjo, while the mahogany laminate rim and rolled brass tone ring help add volume and a clearer attack when you are playing harder rhythm parts or cutting through an acoustic session.

The low action and quick neck make the BJ400E feel approachable for chord changes, slides and three-finger patterns, without making the banjo feel like hard work under the left hand. The ovangkol fingerboard gives you a practical fretting surface, and the geared planetary-style machine heads help keep tuning steadier through practice, rehearsals and performance.

The built-in humbucking pickup sits beneath the Remo black head, with a side-mounted volume knob and jack output at the base of the instrument. That makes the BJ400E especially useful when you need banjo tone through an amp or PA without relying only on external microphones.

At Riffs & Licks Music, we think this banjo is best for players who want a punchy closed-back 5-string with comfortable action, mahogany warmth and built-in pickup control for live use.

Features / Specifications