There are at least two kinds of 4-string banjos:
1.) The plectrum banjo (think "5-string banjo, but w/o the 5th string")
2.) The tenor banjo (which has a shorter neck, VSL and tuning).
This area is dedicated to discussions of the plectrum banjo.
Basically, the plectrum banjo is a 5-string banjo without the 5th string.
It is played using a plectrum (pick) instead of claw-hammer or other finger picking styles.
The scale length of a plectrum banjo is identical to a 5-stringer (ignoring the 5th string): 26 inches. Most have 22 frets.
Traditional (standard) tuning is CGBD, but alternative tunings exist, including DGBE (Chicago tuning) and GDAE (Celtic tuning).
Strings for a plectrum banjo are NOT the same as those for a tenor banjo. "Regular Light" string gauges for a plectrum banjo are typically .009, .011, .013, and .020W for strings 1 thru 4.
Here we loosely define plectrum banjos as any 4-stringer with a 26" VSL (scale length) and a twangy banjo sound regardless of what you are using for a sound box.
Here's a nice photo of a 4-String Cigar Box Banjo (CBB) built by Ben Kimbler:
Tags:
Hi Steve.
Go ahead and try to build one. I have posted a photo of a Cigar Box Banjo for inspiration (see above). It has a build in drum head to help give it a banjo like sound. Let us know how it turns out. And don't be shy about asking questions.
-Rand.
Steve Trowbridge said:
At 25.5" string scale and 4 strings i must have a Plectrum Banjo! love the sound, hope to record a song or three this year (-;
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