Waldman 14″ Cello 5-string Banjo – New

Designed for low tunings and nylon strings, this cello banjo opens a whole new tonal range for the open-back banjo player. (We have this one tuned down to A, but you can go as low an octave below standard banjo tuning.) Note that while it’s a large shell, the string scale is relatively short so you’re not reaching deep into left field with your fretting hand. The design is deceptively simple but with a closer look you’ll notice the artistry Chuck Waldman gives to functional details, such as the wood tailpiece carved from California manzanita. The neck and shall are made from cherry and it has Douglas fir tone rim.

Maybe you like playing banjo but want something at the far end of the typically metallic banjo tone. Or maybe you play with other banjo pickers and want to lend some much-needed bottom end without getting stuck on guitar. Think of what the cello adds to a string quartet…spend some serious time with this cello banjo and you’ll be wondering why there aren’t a lot more of them in use.