The Celt 17 Fret Banjo by McNeela (Tenor, 4 String, 17 Fret)

“Absolutely delighted with my McNeela Tenor Banjo, beautifully designed & plays splendidly. ”

— Stephen C

The Celt 17 Fret Banjo by McNeela (Tenor, 4 String, 17 Fret)

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SKU:: STR461100
UPC:
Weight:: 4,450.00 Grams
Shipping:: Calculated at Checkout

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Key Features

This item is in stock and available for next day dispatch
Crisp, authentic tone turns heads
Planetary tuners keep it locked in
Mahogany rim for rich, warm projection
Great action across 17 frets
Built for trad, loved by players
Free padded gig bag, no stress

“Absolutely delighted with my McNeela Tenor Banjo, beautifully designed & plays splendidly. ”

— Stephen C

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.

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By Musicians for Musicians

McNeela Music Instruments, founded by Paraic McNeela and Irish family owned and operated to this day, is a brand with a deep understanding of the needs and aspirations of fellow musicians. Paraic established McNeela Music Instruments over 40 years ago with a dedication to providing exceptional instruments. McNeela Music continues to thrive as a brand driven by the love and appreciation for music.

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At McNeela Music, our commitment to our customers goes far beyond the initial purchase. We believe in providing world-class after-sales service to ensure that your experience with our musical instruments is nothing short of exceptional. From the moment you choose McNeela Music, you become part of our musical community, and we are dedicated to supporting you at every step of the way. Got a Question? Ask it here and we’ll respond very quickly!

Product Description

Description

The Celt 17-Fret Irish Tenor Banjo

“This is a beautiful instrument with a beautiful sound.” - Greg W.

The Celt Banjo isn’t just popular, it’s our most-loved banjo among Irish traditional music students and teachers alike. It’s been upgraded for an even better tone, feel, and longevity, so whether you're just starting your journey or returning to trad after years away, this banjo is built to grow with you.

We’ve given the Celt a solid wooden rim, enhancing resonance and warmth while also adding visual elegance. Planetary tuners make mid-session tuning smooth and reliable, while our carefully adjusted setup gives it an ease of play that’s perfect for reels, triplets, and ornaments.

And the17-fret neck gives easy playability while keeping that authentic Irish sound, so you’ll enjoy increased projection, punch, and a rich, unmistakable low G that holds its own in any session.

Special Offer: Buy today and get a Premium Padded Gig Bag, the Absolute Beginners Banjo Book, the Ultimate Beginner Banjo Pack plus Free Priority Shipping Worldwide. Limited stock available.

Watch Below: See Karen Dolan put the Celt Banjo through its paces and hear how it delivers trad tone with clarity and confidence.

A banjo resting on a chair draped with a blanket.

Reviewed by 40+ customers!

Listen to the Sound of the Celt Banjo

Rated 4.9/5 By Our Happy Customers

Product Highlights

Close-up of a banjo showing its strings and resonator.

Session-Ready Sound

With its 24-bracket closed-back design, the Celt delivers that punchy, responsive tone Irish trad players rely on. The upgraded wooden rim gives it warm projection, helping it stand out without ever sounding harsh. This is tone you can trust in a crowded room.

“My new Celt banjo is exactly what our session group needed. Its warm tone, great volume, and solid feel help to make this new addition stand out among our other trad instruments.” - Keith B.

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No More Tuning Frustration

We’ve fitted the Celt with professional-grade planetary tuners, meaning a 4:1 gear ratio that allows precise tuning adjustments without slipping. Whether you’re at home, in class, or halfway through a pub session, you’ll stay in tune and ready to play.

“Nicely made, lots of mahogany, a top-line Remo head, well-clamped on. Has that traditional banjo sound and stays in tune very well.” - Tom S.

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Trad-Optimised Playability

The 17-fret neck, GDAE tuning, and hand-selected D’Addario strings give the Celt a feel that’s responsive and comfortable. The action is adjusted by our team of trad musicians, so it’s ready to play, right out of the box.

(The Celt is also available with a 19-fret neck.)

“A very rich, pleasing sound. Top quality and excellent value.” - Peter O.

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Built with Irish Heritage in Mind

The Celt delivers the tone trad players dream of. Its wooden rim adds warmth and resonance, while the Remo head and maple bridge provide clarity and volume. The result is that crisp, punchy Irish sound that holds its own in any session, even alongside fiddles and pipes.

“Great price, amazing sound and it looks awesome.” - Albert R.

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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 Absolute Beginners Irish Tenor Banjo Book has all the music know-how you need to start mastering your new instrument right away. All valued at more than €100/$100!

“A beautiful instrument. It arrived quickly and very well packaged.” - Dearbhaile O. .

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Built to Last and Grow with You

Whether this is your first step into trad or an upgrade from a starter banjo, the Celt is built to support years of playing. From its solid mahogany construction to its stable hardware and clear tone, it’s designed to evolve with your skill.

Irish Craftsmanship You Can See

With its Celtic motif design and eye-catching gloss mahogany finish, the Celt looks like it belongs on stage or in a crowded session. It’s built with care, not mass-produced, and you can see and feel the difference.

Ready for Any Playing Environment

The Celt’s 24-bracket, closed-back design keeps the head tension even and the tone consistent, no matter the room or weather. It’s a banjo that works just as well in a pub session as it does at home or in a lesson.

Musician Setup Makes All the Difference

Each Celt Banjo is professionally set up by our workshop team before it leaves McNeela. That means smooth action, quality you can count on, and a banjo that plays clean right out of the box. No buzzing or guesswork. Just great music.

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KEY FEATURES

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.

Please visit our Returns Policy page for product-specific warranties.

The McNeela Guarantee

Please visit our Returns Policy page for product-specific warranties.

Don't Miss Out On the Celt Banjo

Join the countless musicians who have discovered the exceptional quality of the Celt Banjo. Crafted with care and designed for both beginners and advanced players, this banjo offers unmatched sound and playability.

Built for session tone and volume
Now with planetary tuners for pro-level tuning
Comes fully set up and ready to play
Includes free gig bag and priority shipping

Don't Miss Out On The Celt Banjo

Join the countless musicians who have discovered the exceptional quality of the Celt Banjo by McNeela. Crafted with care and designed for both beginners and advanced players, this banjo offers unmatched sound and playability.