Harley Benton BJ-55Pro 5 String Banj B-Stock
5-String Banjo
- Bluegrass Series
- Body: Mahogany
- Neck: Nato
- Dark blackwood fingerboard (Pinus Radiata)
- Heart fingerboard inlays
- 22 Frets
- Scale: 670 mm
- Nut width: 32 mm
- Bindings
- Headstock inlay
- Remo haed
- Brass tone bracket with 24 lugs
- Deluxe machine heads
- Nut: Graphite
- Bridge: Maple/blackwood (Pinus Radiata)
- Colour: Dark Cherry Sunburst
- Suitable replacement head: Article no.: 156789 (not included)
High-level features, entry-level price
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Bluegrass and Folk music are very much "en vogue", and the banjo is one of the key instruments in these genres - though as anyone who has already set their sights on a banjo will know, these instruments have a tendency to be on the expensive side. However, rules are made to be broken, and accordingly, Harley Benton's BJ-55Pro five-string banjo gives musicians an instrument that is both extremely affordable and provides a combination of features that are often difficult to find even in much higher price brackets - including a tone ring and resonator - combined with extremely classy looks. Altogether, the BJ-55Pro has everything banjo players need for a truly authentic playing experience.
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Convincing arguments
The Harley Benton BJ-55Pro is a "Bluegrass" banjo and as such has four strings of normal length together with a fifth, shorter string. The body is made from mahogany, and the tensioned head conceals a metal tone ring which, as on all other instruments with similar features, is responsible for the banjo's reassuring weight. The 11" head (made by renowned manufacturer Remo) is tuned using 24 tension hooks - a higher number than found on most other banjos - that guarantee a uniform level of tension across the whole surface. The neck is made from nato and features a fingerboard made from a specially treated pine known as blackwood. At 67cm, the scale length is slightly longer than that of a guitar, and precise tuning is ensured by four banjo-style machine heads on the headstock and a special machine head for the shorter string.
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Broad shoulders required!
The Harley Benton BJ-55Pro's pleasingly affordable price is an indication of its target audience: This is primarily a banjo for beginners and especially for those who love Bluegrass, a genre to which the five-string banjo is virtually exclusive. That is not to say that it cannot be used for other styles, however, as countless banjo players prove on a daily basis. The most noticeable thing aside from its affordability is the quality of the workmanship, which is susprisingly high for this price point. Both of these aspects together make it possible for musicians on a budget to get their hands on an authentic Bluegrass instrument, and guitarists who dream of taking up the banjo as a second instrument should also take a look at the BJ-55Pro. All players considering this instrument should be advised, however: A banjo of good quality can tip the scales at close to five kilogrammes, so a wide strap and a pair of strong shoulders are essential.
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About Harley Benton
Since 1998, the Harley Benton brand has been catering for the needs of numerous guitarists and bassists. In addition to an extensive range of stringed instruments, Thomann's house brand also offers a wide choice of amplifiers, speakers, effect pedals, and other accessories. In total, the range includes over 1,500 products. Built by established names in the industry, all Harley Benton products combine quality and reliability at attractive and affordable prices. The continuous expansion of the range ensures that Harley Benton always provides new, exciting, and innovative products that keep players perfectly in tune with the musical world, day after day.
A specialist with universal appeal
Being a five-string banjo, the Harley Benton BJ-55Pro is designed specially for American music styles like Roots and Bluegrass, as characterised by the standard "open G" banjo tuning that together with the shorter, high string allows those famous "banjo rolls" to be played. The BJ-55Pro's tone ring and resonator also mean that it can hold its own in a band context or as part of an ensemble thanks to its ability to cut through when played alongside other instruments and when there is background noise, which also makes it a great alternative instrument for busking. It is advisable to get on the neighbours' good side before playing this banjo at home, however! Removing the resonator produces a smoother and slightly quieter sound that is perfect for "Oldtime" and Roots music.
