Barnes & Mullins BJ500BW Empress 5 String Banjo

Inspired by the ill-fated ‘Empress of Ireland’ ocean liner, the Barnes & Mullins BJ500BW ‘Empress’ 5 string banjo exudes exceptional craftsmanship and a distinct, captivating design. With a smooth and swift neck and a low action, this banjo guarantees an effortless playing experience. Its closed back burl walnut resonator produces a deep and dynamic bluegrass sound, enhanced by a genuine Remo Vellum head. Precision-engineered machine heads ensure impeccable tuning stability. The BJ500BW also boasts a rolled brass tone ring, amplifying the instrument's volume and projection.

SPECIFICATIONS:

• Neck: Walnut
• Resonator: Burl Walnut
• Fingerboard: Ovangkol
• Rim: Stained Maple Laminate
• Tone Ring: Rolled Brass
• Brackets: 24 
• Hardware: Chrome
• Head: Remo Vellum
• Machineheads: Geared, Planetary Style

Please Note: Specifications are subject to change at any time.

Barnes & Mullins Origins

In the year 1894, Albert Mullins and S. Bowley Barnes began their renowned musical instrument journal, "The Jo".

With expertise in all things banjo, they quickly transitioned to producing their own banjos and importing various other instruments. Today, Barnes and Mullins' original banjos remain highly coveted, with collectors eagerly seeking them out worldwide.

Tragically, in 1914, at the young age of 40, Albert Mullins lost his life in a drowning accident when the ship, 'Empress of Ireland,' sank on the St. Lawrence River. This unfortunate event occurred on the final leg of his 2-year journey to sell our premium products.

Bowley Barnes carried on the business, which he had begun with his partner in Bournemouth years ago, and relocated it to Rathbone Place in London.

In 1976, Mark Barnes, the son of Bowley Barnes, relocated the company to Grays Inn Road in Bloomsbury. Tragically, in 1986, Mark Barnes passed away, leaving behind a legacy of admiration and respect from both employees and customers. His kind and altruistic nature was always cherished by those who knew him.

In 1999, Bruce Perrin, who had been a Director since 1986, was appointed Managing Director. He relocated the business from London to the current location, Grays Inn House – a contemporary 46000sqft warehouse and office space in Oswestry, Shropshire.

Bruce Perrin says “We are excited about the future and are constantly looking at ways to innovate and evolve, yet Barnes and Mullins has always endeavoured to put the customer at the top of its priority list”.