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“Absolutely beautiful! The sound is as outstanding, as is the craftsmanship. ”
The Freedom 5 String Banjo (Bluegrass, 22 Fret)
- SKU:
- STR937100
- UPC:
- Weight:
- 6,000.00 Grams
- Shipping:
- Calculated at Checkout
30 Day Money Back Guarantee
By Musicians for Musicians
Reduced Priority Shipping Worldwide
World class aftercare service
Key Features
- Bright highs, deep lows, no buzz
- Mahogany resonator that fills the room
- Rosewood fingerboard plays like a dream
- Simple, quick tuning that sticks
- Includes a Premium Banjo Gig Bag
- One strum and you’ll feel it
“Absolutely beautiful! The sound is as outstanding, as is the craftsmanship. ”
We're dedicated to exceptional service and quality. With over 5,000 delighted 5-star reviews, you can trust in our commitment to your musical journey. Your complete satisfaction is our standard.
Product Description
Description
The Freedom 5-String Banjo
"A beautiful instrument, from construction to sound. Playing it is pure pleasure." - Davor T.
The Freedom 5-String Banjo is designed for musicians who demand exceptional sound and are ready for a premium instrument that can keep up and stand out. Its mahogany neck and resonator give a deep, warm tone that fills the room and captures attention.
Inspired by the bluegrass tradition, the 22-fret neck unlocks a wider range of musical possibilities. From the driving rhythms of bluegrass to the catchy melodies of old-time music, this banjo delivers power and playability. The Gibson-inspired flange and mahogany rim combine for a sound that is clear, bright, and perfectly resonant.
If you’re ready to step up from the limits of a beginner’s instrument or want to skip that stage entirely, this is the banjo you need!
Special Offer! Order today and get a FREE Premium Banjo Gig Bag.
Limited Stock: Order now and enjoy free Priority Shipping Worldwide.
Watch the video below to hear Ryan McAuley demonstrate the powerful sound of the Freedom 5-String Banjo.
Reviewed 5/5 by customers!
Listen to the Powerful Sound of the Freedom 5-String Banjo
Rated 5/5 By Our Happy Customers
Watch as Ryan McAuley demonstrates the Bluegrass roots of the Freedom Banjo
Rated 5/5 By Our Happy Customers
Reviewed by 500+ customers
Product highlights
Why Does It Sound So Good?
The mahogany neck, rim, and resonator give this banjo a naturally warm, rich tone, the reliable D’Addario strings add a brightness, and the Remo head ensures brightness and clarity where it counts. The result is a sound that projects with power and nuance, ideal for bluegrass solos, folk backing, or just filling your living room with music.
“Absolutely beautiful! A very fine instrument, the sound is as outstanding as the craftsmanship.” - John A.
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Ready for Bluegrass and Beyond
With a 22-fret neck, quality resonator, and 5 D’Addario strings tuned to Open G, this banjo opens up a wide melodic range for your favourite Bluegrass tunes. It’s also perfect for Scruggs-style picking, clawhammer tunes, and even Irish folk accompaniment. A versatile voice that adapts to the music you love.
“A beautiful banjo, perfect for Bluegrass. I can't leave it out of my hands. So, so happy, I would highly recommend it." - Peter L.
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The Real Impact of a Quality Resonator
The resonator is the power behind your banjo’s voice. It directs the sound out into the room, giving your playing the volume and clarity it deserves. The mahogany resonator gives a real depth and richness, providing a fuller tone that carries beautifully.
“Beautiful instrument with its inlaid fret board and the mahogany resonator. Thanks for another quality instrument!” Mark S.
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Everything You Need and More
Get off to a solid start quickly with our Premium Banjo Set, included FREE with your Freedom Banjo!
The digital tuner makes tuning fast and simple every time, spare strings keep you playing, and the banjo strap and premium padded bag keep your instrument safe and accessible anytime, anywhere.
Finally, your copy of Hal Leonard’s Banjo Method Book 1 has all the music know-how you need to start mastering your new instrument right away. All valued at more than €100/$100!
Protection That Goes Wherever You Play
Whether you’re heading to a session, a lesson, or travelling between gigs, this padded banjo bag is designed to keep your instrument safe and easy to carry.
With 20mm padded sides for added protection, comfortable back straps for hands-free transport, and a dedicated accessories pocket for tuners, capos, and essentials, it’s a reliable and practical companion for any banjo player on the move.
In Tune in No time
Geared planetary tuners mean smoother, faster, and more accurate tuning for fewer interruptions to your playing. Combined with 24 steel brackets and a nickel tailpiece, this banjo stays locked in and ready to perform, wherever and whenever you play.
Why Players are Loving the Freedom
The Freedom 5-String Banjo is as beautiful as it is powerful. Its mahogany neck and resonator give it a classic, elegant look, while the rosewood fingerboard with decorative inlays and Remo skin head ensure both style and superior sound quality.
Players tell us they keep picking it up just because it feels that good, and that’s the best habit you can build. It’s the perfect blend of form and function.
Musician Setup Makes All the Difference
Each Freedom Banjo is professionally set up by our workshop team before it leaves McNeela. That means smooth action, no buzzing, and a banjo that plays clean right out of the box. No guesswork. Just great music.
Designed for Growth, Not Outgrown
Whether you're upgrading from your first banjo or want to start off strong with an instrument that’s there for the long haul, this is a banjo that starts strong and grows with you. It’s made to serve you well from your first chords all the way through to more advanced styles and live performances.
Think this is the right
banjo for you?
KEY FEATURES
- 5-string, 22-fret for full musical range
- Open G tuning (GDGBD) and 670mm scale
- Triple-footed bridge, bone nut and double truss rod
- Custom headstock and brass truss rod cover engraved 'Freedom'
- 24 brackets and geared planetary tuning
- Remo skin for tonal clarity
- Gibson-inspired flange
- Mahogany neck, rim, and resonator
- Nickel armrest for comfort
- Hand-picked D'Addario strings
- Free Premium Banjo Gig Bag
Built with Musicians in Mind
When we say “designed by musicians, for musicians”, we mean it. We spend years developing our instruments, working with other music professionals and instructors to gather insight and feedback the whole way.
Every improvement on this banjo has been guided by that process, and I’m incredibly proud of the results! It’s specially designed for players like you to reach your goals and play more of the music you love.
Plus, each one is carefully set up here in the workshop before it’s shipped to you, and our team is here for any questions you have.
The McNeela Mission
We believe in the power of music for people, communities, and tradition. That’s why we’re so committed to making affordable quality instruments available to anyone who wants to bring a little more of it into the world!
The McNeela Guarantee
Before our products ever reach your hands, we meticulously test them for durability and craftsmanship, to make sure you receive nothing short of excellence. This commitment to quality is why we proudly offer a 30-day try-at-home guarantee. It allows you to experience firsthand the exceptional standard we uphold. Should you find that our product doesn't meet your expectations within 30 days, returning it is hassle-free. Plus, our dedicated aftercare service is always available to assist you with any questions or needs.
The McNeela Guarantee
Before our products ever reach your hands, we meticulously test them for durability and craftsmanship, to make sure you receive nothing short of excellence. This commitment to quality is why we proudly offer a 30-day try-at-home guarantee. It allows you to experience firsthand the exceptional standard we uphold. Should you find that our product doesn't meet your expectations within 30 days, returning it is hassle-free. Plus, our dedicated aftercare service is always available to assist you with any questions or needs.
Don’t Miss Out On The Freedom Banjo
Join the countless musicians who have discovered the exceptional quality of the Freedom 5-String Banjo. Crafted with care and designed for serious beginners and advancing players, this banjo offers unmatched sound and playability.
- Mahogany neck, rim, and resonator for great tone
- Powerful sound with a stylish design
- Geared planetary tuners and 24 steel brackets
- Professionally set up in our workshop
- Free Priority Shipping worldwide
Don't Miss Out On The Freedom Banjo
Join the countless musicians who have discovered the exceptional quality of the Freedom 5-String Banjo. Crafted with care and designed for serious beginners and advancing players, this banjo offers unmatched sound and playability.
- Mahogany neck, rim, and resonator
- Powerful sound with a stylish design
- Geared planetary tuners and 24 steel brackets
- Professionally set up in our workshop
- Free Priority Shipping worldwide
The Freedom 5-String Banjo at a glance
The Freedom 5-String Banjo by McNeela: full specifications
- Scale
- 670mm
- Frets
- 22
- Strings
- 5
- Tuning
- Open G (GDGBD)
- Rim
- Mahogany
- Resonator
- Yes, mahogany
- Tone ring
- None
- Flange
- Chrome-plated iron
- Brackets
- 24
- Neck
- Mahogany
- Fingerboard
- Rosewood
- Inlays
- Decorative inlays
- Bridge
- Triple-footed
- Nut
- Bone
- Truss rod
- Double truss rod, brass cover engraved 'Freedom'
- Tailpiece
- Adjustable
- Tuners
- Planetary (reinforced)
- Head
- Remo, smooth
- Strings fitted
- D'Addario, plus a spare D'Addario set
- Case or gig bag
- Padded gig bag (20mm padding, A4 pocket)
What the Freedom gives you over similarly priced banjos
Compared with similarly priced 5-string resonator banjos, the Freedom gives you a few things that make a real difference once you start playing:
- 24 brackets. Some banjos at this price have 16. More brackets let you tighten the head evenly all the way round, which keeps the sound clear and makes small adjustments easier.
- A bone nut. Some similarly priced banjos use a plastic nut. Bone is hard and wears slowly, so the strings sit firmly in their slots.
- Planetary tuners. Some banjos at this price use guitar-style tuners that stick out from the side of the headstock. Planetary tuners sit behind it, as on many traditional bluegrass banjos, and give you fine, steady control when tuning.
- A padded gig bag and a spare set of D'Addario strings in the box. Some banjos at this price sell the bag separately. With the Freedom you have what you need to carry it and restring it from day one.
How does the Freedom compare with other banjos at this price?
Compared with similarly priced 5-string resonator banjos, the Freedom has 24 brackets where some have 16, a bone nut where some use plastic, and planetary tuners. It also comes with a padded gig bag and a spare set of D'Addario strings.
Does the Freedom come ready to play?
Yes. It comes fitted with D'Addario strings and tuned to open G (GDGBD), with a spare D'Addario set and a padded gig bag included.
Does the Freedom have a tone ring?
No. The Freedom has a mahogany resonator and a chrome-plated flange, without a tone ring. That gives it a warm, clear sound that suits bluegrass and old-time playing.
Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 35 verified reviews on REVIEWS.io (7 November 2026).
★★★★★
"A great banjo which feels and plays like quality. I own several banjos and since receiving it in November I haven't touched the others. I was looking for a banjo upgrade and the Freedom 5 string is just that!"
★★★★★
"Wonderful sounding instrument. Bright and clear that has a little bit of an old time sound, but crisp and loud enough for bluegrass music. Thanks"
★★★★★
"I am very pleased with the banjo. It is a quality piece of kit. It sounds great and is eminently playable after minimum set up. Would highly recommend it at its price point. Lovely instrument"
What the Freedom gives you over similarly priced banjos
Compared with similarly priced 5-string resonator banjos, the Freedom gives you a few things that make a real difference once you start playing:
- 24 brackets. Some banjos at this price have 16. More brackets let you tighten the head evenly all the way round, which keeps the sound clear and makes small adjustments easier.
- A bone nut. Some similarly priced banjos use a plastic nut. Bone is hard and wears slowly, so the strings sit firmly in their slots.
- Planetary tuners. Some banjos at this price use guitar-style tuners that stick out from the side of the headstock. Planetary tuners sit behind it, as on many traditional bluegrass banjos, and give you fine, steady control when tuning.
- A padded gig bag and a spare set of D'Addario strings in the box. Some banjos at this price sell the bag separately. With the Freedom you have what you need to carry it and restring it from day one.
Reviews
New content loaded
The Freedom 5-String Banjo by McNeela: full specifications
- Scale
- 670mm
- Frets
- 22
- Strings
- 5
- Tuning
- Open G (GDGBD)
- Rim
- Mahogany
- Resonator
- Yes, mahogany
- Tone ring
- None
- Flange
- Chrome-plated iron
- Brackets
- 24
- Neck
- Mahogany
- Fingerboard
- Rosewood
- Inlays
- Decorative inlays
- Bridge
- Triple-footed
- Nut
- Bone
- Truss rod
- Double truss rod, brass cover engraved 'Freedom'
- Tailpiece
- Adjustable
- Tuners
- Planetary (reinforced)
- Head
- Remo, smooth
- Strings fitted
- D'Addario, plus a spare D'Addario set
- Case or gig bag
- Padded gig bag (20mm padding, A4 pocket)
Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 35 verified reviews on REVIEWS.io (7 November 2026).
★★★★★
"A great banjo which feels and plays like quality. I own several banjos and since receiving it in November I haven't touched the others. I was looking for a banjo upgrade and the Freedom 5 string is just that!"
★★★★★
"Wonderful sounding instrument. Bright and clear that has a little bit of an old time sound, but crisp and loud enough for bluegrass music. Thanks"
★★★★★
"I am very pleased with the banjo. It is a quality piece of kit. It sounds great and is eminently playable after minimum set up. Would highly recommend it at its price point. Lovely instrument"
Reviews
How does the Freedom compare with other banjos at this price?
Compared with similarly priced 5-string resonator banjos, the Freedom has 24 brackets where some have 16, a bone nut where some use plastic, and planetary tuners. It also comes with a padded gig bag and a spare set of D'Addario strings.
Does the Freedom come ready to play?
Yes. It comes fitted with D'Addario strings and tuned to open G (GDGBD), with a spare D'Addario set and a padded gig bag included.
Does the Freedom have a tone ring?
No. The Freedom has a mahogany resonator and a chrome-plated flange, without a tone ring. That gives it a warm, clear sound that suits bluegrass and old-time playing.
STILL UNSURE? READ OUR
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the founder of McNeela Music?
McNeela Music was founded by Paraic McNeela , an Irish musician and enthusiast with a passion for providing high-quality musical instruments and accessories.
What modes of payments does McNeela Music accept?
McNeela Music offers a secure risk free payment experience. All Credit and Debit cards are accepted. Additionally, Paypal is also accepted at McNeela Music.
Does McNeela Music ship to my location?
Yes, McNeela Music ships worldwide, allowing musicians from different countries to enjoy their products and services. McNeela Music offers fast shipping to the United States, United Kingdom, and Rest of the world at a reduced rate, ensuring prompt delivery to customers around the globe.
When will my product be shipped?
McNeela Music strives to provide efficient order processing and shipping. In most cases, orders are shipped the same day or the next day after they are placed. If you place an order on a weekend, it will be shipped on the next working day. Our goal is to ensure prompt delivery and get your musical instruments and accessories to you as quickly as possible. Please note that shipping times may vary depending on the destination and the shipping method selected during checkout.
How are shipping costs calculated?
Shipping costs are calculated at the checkout page based on various factors, including the destination country, package weight, and chosen shipping method. This ensures accurate and transparent pricing for customers.
How can I track my order from McNeela Music?
Once your order is shipped, you will receive a shipping confirmation email from McNeelaMusic. This email will contain a tracking number and instructions on how to track your package. If you cannot locate the email, please check your spam or junk folder as it may have been filtered there. If you still cannot find the tracking number, please reach out to our customer support at by Clicking Here.
What is the return policy at McNeela Music?
At McNeela Music, we strive to provide our customers with high-quality musical instruments and accessories. We offer a 30-day “Try-At-Home” return policy. We take great care in ensuring that our products are in excellent condition and carefully packed before being shipped.
Are the products at McNeela Music suitable for beginners?
Yes, McNeela Music caters to musicians of all skill levels, including beginners. They offer instruments and resources specifically designed to support newcomers on their musical journey.
How can I contact McNeela Music for further assistance?
For any further assistance, you can reach out to McNeela Music's customer support team through their website's contact page or by emailing us at service@mcneelamusic.com
Product Delivery
Ireland
Average Shipping Time Once Dispatched
Est. 2-3 days delivery
United Kingdom
Average Shipping Time Once Dispatched
Est. 5-7 days delivery
Europe
Average Shipping Time Once Dispatched
Est. 7 days delivery
USA
Average Shipping Time Once Dispatched
Est. 3-5 days delivery
Rest of world
Average Shipping Time Once Dispatched
Est. 10-14 days delivery















