Irish Banjos

Q: What is the difference between an Irish tenor banjo and a regular banjo?

The Irish tenor banjo features 4 strings, tuned GDAE – the same as an Irish fiddle. This specific string setup makes it perfect for playing fast, melodic traditional Irish tunes, unlike the 5-string banjo used in bluegrass.

Q: What is the best Irish banjo for beginners?

The best Irish banjo for beginners is the Celt Banjo – lightweight, easy to play, and crafted for clear tone. It’s the most popular choice among learners and offers excellent value for money without sacrificing quality or performance.

Q: How to Choose the Right Irish Tenor Banjo

If you're just starting out, a 17-fret Irish tenor banjo is ideal – it's lighter, more compact, and easier to handle for beginners. Intermediate or advanced players looking for greater volume and resonance may prefer a 19-fret banjo, which offers extended range and projection for session playing.

Q: Is it safe to buy an Irish banjo online?

When you buy an Irish banjo from McNeela, your order is handled with care and shipped via trusted couriers like FedEx, DHL, and An Post. Checkout is secure, and a clear return policy is offered. In-person shopping is also available at our Dublin showroom.

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Irish Tenor Banjo For Sale

Welcome to McNeela Instruments, where we’ve been proudly crafting traditional Irish musical instruments for over 40 years. Among our most iconic creations is the Irish tenor banjo – a 4-string resonator instrument derived from the 5-string banjo.

While the 5-string banjo is typically used in bluegrass and country music, the Irish banjo is almost exclusively dedicated to performing traditional Irish melodies. It has become a cornerstone of Irish traditional music and a favourite among players worldwide.

Each McNeela banjo is handcrafted with exceptional attention to detail, offering high-quality craftsmanship at an affordable price. Whether you're looking for a reliable beginner banjo or you're a seasoned player, we have an Irish tenor banjo that suits your needs and budget.

What Is the Best Irish Banjo?

Our collection features a variety of Irish tenor banjos, but the standout model is the Celt Banjo – our most popular series. Beautifully made and available in both 17-fret and 19-fret versions, it offers brilliant tone, durability, and ease of play for both beginners and intermediate musicians.

No matter what style or level you're looking for, if you're ready to buy a banjo for traditional Irish music, you’ll find it right here at McNeela.

Curious about the origins of the Irish tenor banjo? Visit our music blog to explore the fascinating history and evolution of the irish banjo.

Frequently Asked Questions about Irish Banjos

What is the difference between an Irish tenor banjo and a regular banjo? +

The Irish tenor banjo features 4 strings, tuned GDAE – the same as an Irish fiddle. This specific string of a banjo setup makes it perfect for playing fast, melodic traditional Irish tunes, unlike the 5-string banjo used in bluegrass.

What is the best Irish banjo for beginners? +

The best Irish banjo for beginners is the Celt Banjo – lightweight, easy to play, and crafted for clear tone. It’s the most popular choice among learners and offers excellent value for money without sacrificing quality or performance.

How to Choose the Right Irish Tenor Banjo +

If you're just starting out, a 17-fret Irish tenor banjo is ideal – it's lighter, more compact, and easier to handle for beginners. If you're an intermediate or advanced player looking for greater volume and resonance, a 19-fret banjo offers extended range and projection, perfect for session playing.

Is it safe to buy an Irish banjo online? +

When you buy an Irish banjo from McNeela, your order is handled with care and shipped via trusted couriers like FedEx, DHL, and An Post. Our checkout is secure, and we offer a clear return policy. Prefer in-person shopping? Visit our Dublin showroom.