Name/Title
BanjoleleEntry/Object ID
2004.6.7Description
Description: Banjolele:
The banjolele (brand name; sometimes banjo ukulele or banjo uke) is a four-stringed musical instrument with a small banjo-type body and a fretted ukulele neck. 'Banjolele', sometimes also spelled 'banjelele' or 'banjulele' is a generic nickname given to the instrument, which was derived from the 'banjulele-banjo', introduced by Alvin D. Keech in 1917.
The instrument achieved its greatest popularity in the 1920s and '30s, and combines the small scale, tuning, and playing style of a ukulele with the construction and distinctive tone of a banjo, hence the name.
Banjo ukuleles parallel banjo construction, on a smaller scale, in terms of overall construction. They are always fretted. Most are built of wood with metal accoutrements.
The banjolele neck typically has sixteen frets and is the same scale length as a soprano or, less commonly, concert-sized ukulele. Banjo ukuleles may be open-backed, or may incorporate a resonator. (Ours has a resonator.)
Banjo ukulele heads were traditionally made of calf skin, but most modern instruments are fitted with synthetic heads. Some players prefer the natural skin heads for a more traditional tone. (Ours has a calf skin head.)
Although our banjolele is not labeled, U.S. manufacturers include Sandstrom, Dixie, Ludwig, Slingerland Drum Co., Dayton String Instrument Co., and Kay / Stromberg-Voisinet.Collection
Suomynona CollectionDimensions
Width
7-1/8 inDepth
2-11/16 inLength
20 inLocation
Location
Container
LeftDrawer
Top ShelfShelf
LeftCabinet
F5Wall
NorthBuilding
Founders RoomCategory
Permanent
