Draft:Banjola
Submission declined on 14 June 2025 by KylieTastic (talk).
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Comment: In accordance with Wikipedia's Conflict of interest policy, I disclose that I have a conflict of interest regarding the subject of this article. K2kemerling (talk) 12:32, 14 June 2025 (UTC)
| String instrument | |
|---|---|
| Classification | String instrument |
| Inventor(s) | Edward Dick |
| Developed | Early 1990s |
| Related instruments | |
| Banjo, Mandola, Guitar | |
Banjola is a hybrid stringed instrument that combines the neck and tuning of a 5-string banjo with a wooden, guitar-like body. Known for its warm and resonant tone, the banjola was developed in the early 1990s by luthier Edward Dick, based in Denver, Colorado. The instrument has gained popularity among banjo players and acoustic musicians seeking a more melodic and expressive alternative to the traditional banjo.
History
[edit]The banjola was invented by Edward Dick, a classically trained guitarist and luthier, who began exploring new acoustic instrument designs in the late 20th century. Dissatisfied with the sharp, percussive tone of the traditional banjo in certain musical contexts, Dick created an instrument that maintained the familiar tuning and playability of the 5-string banjo but offered a warmer, more sustained tone.
Dick's first prototype combined a 5-string banjo neck with a carved, wooden resonating body similar to that of a mandola or small guitar. The result was a unique hybrid instrument that quickly drew interest from musicians, prompting Dick to build and refine additional models under his Victor Banjola brand.[1]
Design and Construction
[edit]The banjola retains:
- A traditional 5-string banjo neck, with the high-pitched fifth string
- Standard banjo tuning (typically gDGBD)
- A wooden body constructed from tonewoods such as spruce, maple, or mahogany
Unlike the drumhead of a traditional banjo, the banjola features a fully wooden soundbox, offering greater sustain, warmth, and harmonic complexity. Bodies are often carved, archtop-style, and may include decorative inlays or internal pickups for amplification.
Musical Use
[edit]The banjola is used in genres where the brightness of a standard banjo may be less appropriate:
- Folk
- Americana
- New acoustic music
- Celtic music
- Singer-songwriter/acoustic
- Classical crossover and instrumental compositions
Because of its unique tonal character, the banjola is favored for solo performances, fingerstyle arrangements, and melodic exploration.
Notable Players
[edit]Several musicians have incorporated the banjola into performance and recording:
- Ken Perlman, a leading clawhammer banjoist, uses the banjola for fingerstyle interpretations and solo compositions.[2]
- Mary Z. Cox, a folk and Americana musician, frequently records with the banjola.[3]
- Edward Dick, the instrument’s creator, also performs and promotes the instrument.[1]
Manufacture
[edit]Originally custom-built by Edward Dick at his Denver workshop, the banjola is now produced in small quantities by:
- Gold Tone Music Group (produced in consultation with Dick)
- Independent luthiers and boutique builders
Dick continues to build artisan models under the Victor Banjola name.[1]
Legacy
[edit]The banjola is regarded as a successful example of hybrid instrument design in the modern acoustic scene. Though not intended to replace the traditional banjo in ensemble settings, it has become a favored solo and accompaniment instrument among progressive acoustic musicians.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c "Featured Player - Edward Dick". Victor Banjolas. 5 January 2017. Retrieved 2025-05-20.
- ^ "Ken Perlman - Club Passim". Passim. Retrieved 2025-05-20.
- ^ "Bio - Mary Z. Cox". Mary Z. Cox. Retrieved 2025-05-20.
External links
[edit]- Victor Banjolas – Official website
- Mary Z. Cox – Official website
- Ken Perlman – Official website
- Petite Banjola demo – YouTube
- Classic 5-string Banjola demo – YouTube
Category:Banjo family instruments Category:Hybrid musical instruments Category:American musical instruments Category:Experimental musical instruments Category:String instruments Category:Musical instruments invented in the 20th century
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