TANGLEWOOD TWB18-M5 UNION BANJO 5 STRING

Description

The Tanglewood TWB18-M5 Union is a meticulously constructed 5-string banjo designed to deliver the sharp, percussive attack and rolling sustain required for authentic traditional music. Functioning as a high-quality resonator banjo, this instrument relies on a heavy, closed-back wooden shell to reflect acoustic energy forward, drastically increasing its volume and cutting power. The tensioned Remo Weatherking head serves as the primary acoustic diaphragm, producing the snappy, articulate transient response that defines the 5-string style.

Featuring a prominent geared fifth peg positioned on the neck and intricate inlay work along the fretboard, the instrument adheres strictly to historically accurate design principles. Its primary application lies in bluegrass ensembles, folk recording sessions, and live acoustic stage work, where its powerful forward projection easily slices through the sonic frequency of acoustic guitars, upright basses, and mandolins.

Who Is This For?

This banjo is engineered for dedicated bluegrass pickers, traditional folk musicians, and recording artists who require a high-volume, professional-grade 5-string instrument. The closed-back resonator design makes it specifically ideal for ensemble players who need their fast, intricate picking patterns to cut cleanly through a dense mix of competing acoustic instruments without forcing their right-hand technique.

Key Features:

Resonator Back plate and Forward Projection

Unlike open-back banjos that disperse sound equally in all directions, the TWB18-M5 features a solid wooden resonator attached to the back of the rim. This physical barrier prevents sound waves from being absorbed by the player’s torso, instead reflecting all acoustic energy forward through the tone ring and out the front. This structural design drastically increases the overall decibel output, making it an essential feature for playing unamplified in loud bluegrass bands.

Remo Weatherking Head and Tensioning

The instrument is equipped with a premium Remo Weatherking head, secured firmly by heavy-duty tension hooks surrounding the metal rim. This synthetic head is highly resistant to changes in humidity and temperature, ensuring consistent tension and reliable tone regardless of the playing environment. By adjusting the bracket hooks, players can precisely tune the head tension to achieve their preferred balance of sharp attack and ringing sustain.

Geared Fifth String and Fretboard Playability

Adhering to traditional 5-string architecture, the banjo features a dedicated geared tuner for the drone string located mid-way down the neck. This allows for precise intonation of the crucial high-G string, which is fundamental to the Scruggs style of fingerpicking. The smooth fretboard, adorned with detailed position markers, provides a comfortable, fast-playing surface that accommodates rapid chord shifts and complex picking rolls without causing unnecessary friction.

Specifications Table

FLAT SHIPPING FEE TO MAJOR CAPITAL CITIES AND METRO AREAS. DOES NOT INCLUDE REGIONAL DISTRICTS

Regional areas please email for a quote: sales2@stagefrontmusic.com.au