What are tenor banjos?
Tenor banjos are shorter necked with 17 “short scale” or 19 frets typically played with a plectrum. The tenor banjo was a popular rhythm instrument in the early 20th-century dance bands. These banjos have 4-strings and became popular with Irish banjo players in the 1920’s – which is why these banjos are often referred to an Irish tenor. The dance halls in Ireland and New York City were the starting point of the tenor banjo we know today. If you are hoping to create these Irish dance hall sounds then the Deering Sierra 17 Fret Irish Tenor is a great choice. Tenor banjos are also commonly played in traditional New Orleans jazz. The Deering Boston 19-Fret Tenor Banjo is a great choice if going more for the traditional New Orleans jazz style.
The tenor banjo has widely spaced chords that are easier to play than plectrum banjo’s conventional tuning. Tenor banjos are smaller and lighter weight, making them convenient to stay sitting right by your favorite chair or travel with for pick up jam sessions. The Artisan Goodtime Two 17-Fret Tenor embodies that iconic banjo sound even with its lighter weight.

It is a delight to play with its short scale fretboard, slim neck and light weight body. he shorter 17 fret neck reduces the length of the entire banjo to just 32 inches end to end.
-

A beautiful 17 fret tenor banjo that features a rich brown stain, planetary tuners, and a Midnight Maple fingerboard.
-

A beautiful 19 fret tenor banjo that features a rich brown stain, planetary tuners, and a Midnight Maple fingerboard.
-

With a resonator back for projection, the American made Artisan Goodtime Two banjo has a 3-ply violin grade maple rim and produces a bright and clear tone that projects well and is louder than its open back counterpart. The Artisan Two is enhanced with a rich brown stain and white detailing.
-

The vintage look and vibrant tone of the patented Goodtime Special tone ring set this banjo apart, as clearly louder than the Goodtime Two and great for playing in a band setting. A great looking American made banjo that features a tone ring, resonator, & Midnight Maple fingerboard.
-

A great recording tenor banjo with resonator for sound projection, the Boston 19 fret tenor works for dixieland jazz, traditional jazz, or any style you like to play.
-

A great recording tenor banjo with resonator for sound projection, the Boston 17-fret tenor works for Irish, traditional jazz, or any style you like to play.
-

Irish Tenor banjos have the shorter 17 fret neck for a brighter, snappier sound. The Sierra 17-fret tenor has our professional -06- bronze tone ring and you get all the most important features that affect the tone and playability at an economical price.
-

The Deering Sierra banjo, while being our least expensive completely professional banjo, is truly the flagship of our entire line!
-

The Maple Blossom tenor banjo is a professional grade 19-fret tenor banjo made of maple with quick response from the shallower air chamber, bright highs, and good bass response that is fast and easy to play!
-

A premium quality, world class tenor banjo that is appreciated for its crisp tone with great highs and distinctive bass response. The beautiful highs and powerful well rounded bass is the result of intense study of alloys and shapes resulting in superb sound.
-