'Ukeifying' A Tenor Banjo

This is an example of a tenor banjo that is set up like a ukulele. The steel strings have been replaced with Nylogut, and the tuning is the same as a baritone ukulele. Hear music examples this banjo makes.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Giant
• banjo-uke

[therandallizer]

This is great! I love the tune you are playing! I have been wanting to get a banjolele for a while, but I think you've inspired me to "ukeify" a tenor banjo. Thanks for posting this!

[pokeyone12]

@therandallizer Thanks for your kind comments. This banjo has worked well for me. It's best if you ukeify an Irish tenor which has a shorter neck than a regular tenor banjo. The baritone uke strings fit mine, but many have trouble finding ukulele strings for a regular tenor banjo. You can do it though. If Worth makes strings for a baritone uke, they would be a good choice because their strings tend to be extra long. Hope it works well for you. Pokeyone

[pokeyone12]

There is an early music shop in Boston that I've heard about. They can customize strings for your banjo. You tell them the string length you need and the tuning you want, and they'll send you the correct strings.

[pokeyone12]

The banjo I'm playing is an Irish tenor which has a shorter neck than most four string banjos. There are 17 frets before the body. Baritone uke strings fit nicely. I've used both strings that were made for the G tuning (like a guitar) and baritone strings that were made for the C tuning (like most standard sized ukuleles). It sounds like your banjo has a longer neck than mine. I know there are stores that specialize in strings, and they can fit your banjo.

[etol56]

It seems to me that thetuning you used is standard ukulele gCEA (rentrant tuning), whereas baritone ukulele is DGBE like the bottom four strings of the guitar...is that correct? Thanks for this video as I have only just purchased an ollder 1930's tenor banjo as well.

Ed

[pokeyone12]

@etol56 My banjo was an Irish tenor which has only 17 frets to the neck. Baritone ukulele strings just fit. However, I think you can find longer strings. Someone mentioned to me a place in Boston that sells strings for Early music instruments. They can send you just about any size and thickness you want. I'm sure they could help you find the strings you're looking for if you called them. Try googling Early music instruments & strings. Good luck. Pat

[alanfromdarwen]

@fourstringsful

hi thanks for your reply, but i gave up on mine months ago, and sold the thing..

[fourstringsful]

@alanfromdarwen leave 1,and 2 strings and get a 009" guitar string for number 4 aquila nygut for number 3 string./ works very well on my "jo" with 20 frets ! good luck oh, tune to gcea..!

[fourstringsful]

i did my 20 fret jo and its gcea and sounds great!

[alanfromdarwen]

are the strings you used easy to get hold of, i play a uke/banjo, and have just bought a tenor banjo to use te same as you have.. i have tried guitar strings without success.. have you any advice.. many thanks.

[etol56]

Where did you find strings long enough? I need 32" stings and Baritoine Ukulele strings are an inch or so too short....