19 Fret Banjos

Q: What is the difference between a 17 fret tenor banjo and a 19 fret banjo?

A 17 fret tenor banjo has a shorter neck, ideal for Irish music and smaller hands. A 19 fret banjo offers a slightly longer neck and extended note range, preferred for jazz and melody-focused styles.

Q: Should I choose a 17 fret tenor banjo or a 19 fret banjo?

If you prefer Irish traditional music and easier playability, a 17 fret tenor banjo is recommended. For broader melodic range and jazz styles, a 19 fret banjo is often the better choice.

Q: What tuning options are available for 19 fret banjos?

19 fret banjos are commonly tuned to CGDA for jazz and traditional styles. Irish musicians often prefer GDAE tuning, which matches violin and mandolin tuning. Exploring different tuning options helps adapt the instrument to your musical needs.

Tenor Banjo for Sale – 19 Fret Banjos Available

Welcome to McNeela Instruments – your trusted source for 19 fret banjos, the preferred choice for many traditional Irish and jazz musicians. Whether you're playing fast-paced reels or melodic jazz solos, our 19 fret tenor banjos offer exceptional clarity, projection, and tonal richness.

Ideal as a beginner banjo or for seasoned players, the tenor banjo with 19 frets features a longer scale length that allows for greater tuning stability and a brighter, punchier tone. It's especially popular for GDAE tuning, making it perfect for Irish traditional music.

If you’re looking for the best banjo for Irish music or jazz, the 19 fret tenor banjo is an excellent choice.

Are 19 Fret Banjos Always Tenor Banjos?

While the vast majority of 19 fret banjos are indeed tenor banjos, not every 19 fret banjo is technically a tenor. The term "19 fret banjo" almost always refers to the 4-string tenor banjo, which is especially popular in jazz and Irish traditional music. Other types of banjos—like plectrum or 5-string banjos—typically have more frets (usually 22), and it's extremely rare to find them with only 19 frets.

So, in practice, when you see a 19 fret banjo, you can safely assume it's a tenor banjo. It’s also common to find tenor banjos with 17 frets, which feature a slightly shorter neck and a different feel.

Both 17 and 19 fret tenor banjos are popular choices among Irish and jazz musicians.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tenor Banjos

What should I look for when choosing a tenor banjo for sale? +

When choosing a tenor banjo for sale, consider factors such as the number of frets (17 or 19), the quality of the materials, the reputation of the brand, and the type of music you want to play. It's also important to decide whether you prefer a new, vintage, or refurbished instrument. Make sure to check the setup and playability, as well as the banjo’s sound and projection. Trying different models, if possible, will help you find the tenor banjo for sale that best fits your style and needs.

What is the difference between a 17 fret tenor banjo and a 19 fret banjo? +

The main difference is the neck length. A 17 fret tenor banjo has a shorter neck and scale length, making it ideal for Irish traditional music and players with smaller hands. A 19 fret banjo (usually a tenor banjo) has a slightly longer neck, which offers greater note range and projection—perfect for jazz and melody playing.

Should I choose a 17 fret tenor banjo or a 19 fret banjo? +

Your choice depends on your preferred style and comfort. A 17 fret tenor banjo is favored by many Irish musicians for its playability and tone, while a 19 fret banjo is often chosen by jazz players for its broader melodic range.

What tuning options are available for 19 fret banjos? +

When it comes to tuning a banjo, 19 fret banjos are most commonly tuned to CGDA, which is the standard tenor banjo tuning used in jazz and many traditional styles. Another popular option, especially among Irish musicians, is GDAE tuning, which matches the tuning of a violin or mandolin and is ideal for playing traditional Irish melodies. Exploring different tuning options allows you to adapt your 19 fret banjo to the style of music you prefer.