Barnes & Mullins BJ350G Albert Open Back Banjo

The "Albert" open back 5-string banjo from Barnes & Mullins is an authentic 'old-time' banjo. Unlike more commonly used bluegrass banjos, open back models produce a noticeably quieter sound than their resonator-equipped, louder siblings. Offering excellent sound & great looks to match, the BJ350G has mother of pearl inlays on the fingerboard & headstock.

Who is this banjo for?

This B&M ‘Albert’ 5-string open back banjo is – like all open back banjos – a great choice for ‘Clawhammer’ players. Clawhammer playing employs a percussive technique where the index or middle fingers are used to strike the strings rather than finger picks – with the hand in a ‘claw’ shape.

This technique naturally produces a softer sound that is complimented perfectly by an open back instrument as it is quieter and more subdued tonally as some of the sound escapes through the back towards the player.

Common 5-string banjo tunings

G, D, G, B, D - Open G
G, C, G, B, D - C Tuning / Drop C

SPECIFICATIONS:

• Style: 5-String Open Back
• Neck: Mahogany
• Bridge: Maple with Ovangkol Tip
• Fingerboard: Ovangkol
• Rim: Walnut
• Brackets: 18
• Inlays: Mother of Pearl Patterned
• Coordinator Rods: 2
• Hardware: Chrome
• Tailpiece: Chrome
• Armrest: Chrome
• Nut Width: 31mm
• Scale Length: 670mm
• Head: Remo Vellum
• Machineheads: Planetary

Please Note: Specifications are subject to change at any time. Please see https://www.bandm.co.uk/ for specifications

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”.