Tenor Banjo

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$289.00 to $314.99 Price Tier: Budget

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Page last updated Jun 21, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated May 27, 2026.

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5.0 (1)

$314.99

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$314.99

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4.4 (27)

$314.99

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$314.99

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4.4 (15)

$295.00 $289.00 $6.00 · All time low

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Average Price: $310

Budget/Beginner

$499

$1300+

Price Tier

In the Banjos category, Tenor Banjo is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

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High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Tenor Banjo". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Experience the harmonious blend of traditional charm and modern craftsmanship with our 4-String Short Scale Tenor Banjo. This beautifully crafted instrument is a nod to the enduring appeal of folk music, yet it brings a contemporary touch to your musical journey. The sapele body paired with an okume neck offers a warm, resonant tone, perfect for both novice strummers and seasoned banjo players. The amaranth fingerboard is both durable and smooth, ensuring comfortable playability during long sessions.

With 30 tuning lugs and a dual-action truss rod, this banjo provides exceptional tuning stability and neck adjustment, accommodating a variety of playing styles. The Remo head adds to the rich, vibrant sound that enthusiasts have come to expect from high-quality banjos. The maple and amaranth bridge, combined with chrome hardware, not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also contributes to the instrument's durability and tonal precision.

Whether you're playing solo or jamming with friends, the ivory-colored binding and die-cast machine heads ensure your banjo remains visually striking and impeccably in tune. With 17 frets and a scale of 505 mm, this tenor banjo is designed to deliver a versatile performance that can handle everything from fast-paced bluegrass tunes to mellow folk melodies.

Key Features:

Body: Sapele
Neck: Okume
Fingerboard: Amaranth
30 Tuning lugs
Dual-action truss rod
Ivory-colored binding
17 Frets
ABS nut
Nut width: 32 mm
Scale: 505 mm
Chrome hardware
Bridge: Maple / Amaranth
Die-cast machine heads
Remo head

Product specs

Available since	July 2020
Number Of Strings	4
Body	Sapele
Open Back	No
Neck	Okoume
Frets	17
incl. Case	No
Incl. Gigbag	No
Pickup	No

FAQs

What is the scale length of the Harley Benton HBJ-24 Short Scale Tenor Banjo?: The Harley Benton HBJ-24 features a short scale length, making it easier to play for those with smaller hands or those seeking a more compact instrument.
What type of wood is used for the body of the Harley Benton HBJ-24 Tenor Banjo?: The body of the Harley Benton HBJ-24 Tenor Banjo is made from sapele, which is known for its warm tonal qualities and durability.
How many frets does the Harley Benton HBJ-24 Tenor Banjo have?: The Harley Benton HBJ-24 Tenor Banjo is equipped with 17 frets, which is typical for many tenor banjos and suits various playing styles.
Does the Harley Benton HBJ-24 Tenor Banjo come with a case or gigbag?: No, the Harley Benton HBJ-24 Tenor Banjo does not include a case or gigbag, so you may need to purchase one separately for protection and ease of transport.
Is the Harley Benton HBJ-24 Tenor Banjo suitable for bluegrass music?: While the tenor banjo is not traditionally used for bluegrass, you can retune it and use fingerpicks to achieve a sound similar to a 5-string banjo, making it versatile for various genres.

Reviews

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PROS

Solid construction with a reliable and tight resonator and pot
Comfortable neck and well-polished, level frets
Stable bridge that keeps strings firmly in place
Lightweight design enhances portability without sacrificing volume
Comes with a quality Remo Weatherking 11" head
Suitable for both hoop and ball end strings
Affordable option for students and multi-instrumentalists
Perfect size for traditional folk music

CONS

Basic economy tuners have some play and affect tuning stability
Supplied with strings not suitable for Irish tuning
Requires additional string purchase for optimal Irish tuning
Additional setup needed to tighten the drum head

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Tenor Banjo.

Features and functionality

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Tenor banjos are praised for their versatility, accommodating a variety of styles without altering the fundamental sound as much as 5-string banjos.
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The Gold Tone AC-4 and AC-4IT models have a composite pot and no tone ring, which contributes to their lighter weight and "plastic" tone.
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Use cases and applications

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Tenor banjos excel at playing melody lines akin to fiddle or mandolin arrangements, and can even adapt cello music for unique performances.
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While tenor banjos aren't ideal for clawhammer style, they perform well in dixie jazz, making them a preferred choice for those genres.
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The Gold Tone AC-4IT is now a 17-fret model, recommended for Irish/Celtic styles, while 19-fret models are better for jazz.
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A Slingerland May Bell tenor banjo was purchased for around $100, noted for needing cleaning, setup, and new strings, but overall in good shape with a case.
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Setup and maintenance

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Changing tuning on a tenor banjo from CGDA to GDAE requires restringing due to differing string tensions.
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ShopGoodwill auctions are recommended for affordable tenor banjos, particularly Harmony, Kay, and "bottle cap" models, which often require setup and cleaning.
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User experience

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Owners appreciate the tenor banjo's symmetrical fretboard for making music theory concepts like chords and intervals more intuitive.
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Beginners with a strong music theory background find the tenor's fifths tuning logical, facilitating easier learning with instructional books.
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Owners report that banjo maintenance is more mechanical than luthier-focused, suggesting ease of self-repair for those with basic mechanical skills.
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Comparisons

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The Gold Tone IT-19 is distinct from the AC-4IT, with superior build quality, although both models use a zero fret and have an 11-inch pot.
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Value and pricing

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Vintage or used tenors, like those on Banjo Hangout, can be a cost-effective choice for jazz, though navigating this market can be challenging for beginners.
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Used tenors on Reverb can be found around $160, often showing play wear, indicating they may play well enough for sellers to upgrade.
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Artist usage

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Leyla McCalla

Singer, Guitarist

Carolina Chocolate Drops

Verified via Leyla McCalla

Leyla McCalla is a New York-born Haitian-American living in New Orleans, who sings in French, Haitian Creole and English, and plays cello, tenor banjo and guitar. Deeply influenced by traditional Creole, Cajun and Haitian music, as well as by American jazz and folk, her music is at once earthy, elegant, soulful and witty — it vibrates with three centuries of history, yet also feels strikingly fresh, distinctive and contemporary.