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Washburn Americana B16 5-string Resonator Banjo - Tobacco Sunburst

5-string Resonator Back Banjo with Flame Maple Resonator, Maple Neck, Bell Brass Tone Ring, Planetary Tuners, Ebony Fretboard, and Hard Case - Sunburst
$190 Price Drop!
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$1,299.00
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Washburn Americana B16 5-string Resonator Banjo - Tobacco Sunburst
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$1,299.00
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Classic Banjo Tones from Washburn

Washburn has been making banjos since the 1880s, and the Washburn B16 5-string banjo is the culmination of all that experience poured into a single instrument. Its flame maple resonator back gives you the volume and projection you need to be heard in any setting. A smooth-playing maple neck with a bound ebony fretboard is effortless to play from the first fret to the last fret. The genuine Remo head combined with the ebony-topped maple bridge deliver the bright and punchy sound you want. When you want killer banjo tones, the Washburn B16 resonator-backed 5-string banjo is the instrument you need.

Washburn B16 Resonator-backed 5-string Banjo at a Glance:
  • Traditional styling and tonewoods for great banjo tone
  • Resonator-backed banjos provide classic banjo tones
  • Washburn has been producing fretted instruments since 1883
Traditional styling and tonewoods for great banjo tone

Thanks to the use of traditional tonewoods and design, the Washburn B16 5-string banjo gives you the punchy, plucky banjo sound you want. The flame maple resonator not only looks good but increases the volume and projection of your banjo. Let your fingers fly across the bound ebony fretboard and comfortable maple neck. The resonator-backed Washburn B16 5-string banjo gives you great tone and feel at an affordable price.

Resonator-backed banjos provide classic banjo tones

If you want that traditional bluegrass sound, then you want a banjo with a resonator. The Washburn B16's flame maple resonator gives you a brighter tone and great projection associated with bluegrass. Combine this with the Remo head and the ebony-topped maple bridge, and you have an instrument ready for any gig or jam session. The bell brass tone ring gives your sound extra punch, volume, and tone. Quality planetary tuners give you rock-solid tuning every time.

Washburn has been producing fretted instruments since 1883

With humble beginnings in Chicago dating back to the 1880s, Washburn is an American institution in musical instrument manufacturing. From guitars to mandolins, banjos, ukuleles, and more, Washburn has long been a recognized and cherished brand among musicians. Many of the biggest names in folk, blues, and rock 'n' roll have played these well-crafted, quality instruments. Washburn combines quality construction with premium materials to deliver an instrument that's ready to perform on any stage. Call your Sweetwater Sales Engineer to find out more about this iconic brand.

  • Washburn B16 Resonator-backed 5-string Banjo Features:
  • Solid 5-string banjo for players of all levels
  • Delivers classic bluegrass banjo tones
  • Flame maple resonator for increased volume and projection
  • Remo banjo head and ebony-topped maple bridge for crisp tone
  • Planetary tuners for precise tuning
  • Bell brass tone ring delivers big tone
  • Maple neck with bound ebony fretboard
Get the banjo tone you have been looking for with Washburn's B16 5-string banjo!

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Tech Specs

  • Type: Acoustic
  • String Type: Steel
  • Number of Strings: 5
  • Body Style: Resonator
  • Color: Sunburst
  • Finish: Gloss
  • Top Material: Remo head
  • Body Material: Flamed Maple (rim), Flamed Maple (resonator)
  • Neck Material: Maple
  • Fingerboard Material: Ebony
  • Fingerboard Inlay: Deluxe Pearloid
  • Number of Frets: 22
  • Scale Length: 26.35"
  • Nut Material: ABS
  • Nut Width: 1.22"
  • Bridge Material: Maple with Ebony tip
  • Tuners: Planetary Chrome
  • Hardware: Chrome
  • Strings: D'Addario. .009-.020
  • Case Included: Hardshell Case
  • Manufacturer Part Number: B16K-D-U

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

Amazing Banjo!

I am unbelievably impressed with Washburn's B-16 banjo. The tone and projection is amazing. The sunburst on the pot and the neck make for a beautiful instrument. Ryan my sales engineer took very good care of me and had the instrument waiting in the showroom when I arrived. We are truly blessed in Fort Wayne to have such a great music resource like Sweetwater!
Rated 5/5

Washburn Banjo

What a great deal! This is a beautiful instrument! What a great price!
Rated 4/5

Great Banjo quality for the price.

Hi All, am very much satisfied with the instrument at this point. Quality of workmanship seems to be good, tone is not bad, stays in tune well. Changed the bridge, tailpiece & string gauge for personal preference. Would recommend anyone looking for a banjo with upper end qualities at a good price, take a look at the Wasburn B-16. RLW
Music background: Student/hobbyist
Rated 2/5

ok for beginners. Not a banjo you'll want to upgrade.

I have had a B16 for twenty years. its one of a number of banjos I have / have had. For the money, the B16 ie way over priced. Out of the box, the sound is thin. The high end side is passable, but the the 3rd and 4th strings, where you really want that gut, and the root of the flathead sound, just isn't there. The tone rings in them just are not good. They are made with a two piece tube and plate, as opposed to a one piece, so upgrading the neck or tone ring for better sound is a major proposition since standard Gibson style single piece parts will not fit. For a beginner, these are over priced. For someone who really wants to learn the banjo, they aren't a good one to grow into. I would recommend finding a used Gibson, or one of the Masterclones out there with Bette upgradeability down the road.
Music background: Professional banjo and dobro player, Instrument builder
Rated 1/5

Washburn B-16

I received two of these instruments... TWO... and both had the same problem. The tail piece was mounted wrong and threw the strings to the lower edge of the fret board, to the point of making it un-playable. After the second banjo the rep asked me if the inspection paperwork was in with the banjo. Neither of them had any inspection paperwork. After the ridiculous fiasco of trying to get the return label emailed to me I'm sorry to say that my first order from Sweetwater was not as warm and fuzzy as it seems to have been for the rest of you. And, for the fellow complaining about his $500 Gretsch being shipped with the bridge uninstalled and needing a full set up out of the box... that's exactly the way the $900 Washburn came.
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