Whats a long neck banjo?
The answer to this question depends on who you are! A 5-string player will use the term “long neck” to refer to a Pete Seeger style instrument. This has 25 frets and a scale length around 30″. It tunes rather lower than the conventional (26″) 5-string – normally to a chord of E. It has a great tone and was originally designed by Pete Seeger for accompanying singing in the lower keys. A jazz player will use the term “long neck” to refer to a plectrum banjo. This has 22 frets and a scale length around 26″ – rather like a conventional 5-string without the 5th string. It can be tuned CGBD, DGBD or DGBE and is normally used as a rhythm instrument in traditional jazz bands. It’s a “long neck” because it’s much bigger than a standard (23″) or shortscale (21″) tenor.
