At McNeela Instruments, we have a wide range of plectrum banjos for sale, which are 4-string basses known for being played with finger picks. We offer different types of plectrum banjos, ranging from recent models to antique and refurbished ones, made by legendary brands such as Bacon & Day, Leedy, and Recording King.
No matter the type of banjo you're looking for, whether plectrum, 4-string, Irish, or 5-string, at McNeela you'll find the perfect model for you.
Is a plectrum banjo a 4-string banjo?
Yes, all plectrum banjos are 4-string banjos, but not all 4-string banjos are plectrum banjos. A plectrum banjo is a specific type of 4-string banjo that, like the Irish banjo, comes in both resonator and openback versions.
Plectrum banjos originated in the early 20th century with the birth of jazz, which led to the banjo being used as a rhythmic accompanying instrument. This caused the fifth string to be removed and played with a plectrum (pick) to strum chords like a guitar. Over time, these models became known as Plectrum Banjos.
Plectrum banjos and Irish tenor banjos have many features in common (since the Irish banjo comes from the plectrum banjo design), so Irish banjos can also be played like a plectrum banjo, in accordance with the origin of the Irish banjo.