Barnes & Mullins Empress 4-String Irish/Gaelic Banjo
The Barnes & Mullins Empress banjos are striking instruments created in memory of the RMS Empress of Ireland steamship, which tragically sank in Canada’s St Lawrence River in May 1914 with the loss of over 1,000 lives. Amongst those lost was Albert Mullins, on the return leg of a two-year worldwide sales voyage.
Blending this rich heritage with master craftsmanship, the Empress banjo stands out visually and sonically. Its figured burl walnut resonator displays a mesmerising marbled grain, paired with a walnut rim and neck that give the instrument both elegance and character.
Tone & Playability
Expect a deep, resonant tonal foundation complemented by a bright, articulate response. This balance encourages expressive playing across a wide range of musical styles. Whether you’re strumming, picking, or exploring fast melodic runs, the Empress rewards precision and inspires creativity.
Why Choose a 4-String Banjo?
The Empress is a 4-string Irish/Gaelic banjo with 17 frets, traditionally tuned to G–D–A–E (Irish tuning). Its shorter 502mm scale length makes it ideal for the fast melodic passages common in Irish fiddle music.
For beginners, the 4-string banjo offers an accessible entry point into the world of banjo playing, with fewer strings than the 5-string, a more compact scale, and versatile tunings suited to folk, Celtic, and traditional styles.
Popular tunings include:
G–D–A–E – Irish Tenor Tuning
C–G–D–A – Standard Tenor Tuning
Specifications
Body & Construction
Style: 4-String Irish/Gaelic Resonator
Resonator: Figured Burl Walnut
Head: Remo Weatherking®
Flange: Chrome
Tone Ring: Rolled Brass
Brackets: 24
Rim: Walnut
Bridge: Maple with Ovangkol Tip
Hardware, Tailpiece & Armrest: Chrome
Neck
Material: Walnut
Fingerboard: Ovangkol
Frets: 17
Inlays: Mother of Pearl Patterned
Headstock
Machine heads: Planetary
Truss Rod Cover: “Empress” Script
Nut Width: 31mm
Dimensions
Scale Length: 502mm
Weight: 5kg
