Description
The Barnes & Mullins UBJ1 Banjo Ukulele is a lively, characterful instrument that blends classic banjo snap with the familiar feel of a ukulele. Tuned GCEA, it delivers a bright, percussive voice that cuts through acoustic ensembles and brings vintage charm to modern playing. It is ideal for ukulele players who want more projection, guitarists exploring compact instruments, and performers seeking that unmistakable Formby style chime. Whether you are moving from a standard uke or adding a distinctive colour to your collection, the UBJ1 offers easy playability and an instantly recognisable tone that suits folk, trad, skiffle and busking just as well as home practice and small stages.
Features
Authentic banjolele tone
UBJ1 delivers the crisp, punchy character that makes banjo ukuleles so addictive, while retaining familiar GCEA tuning. Strums are articulate, single notes pop with presence, and chords project clearly in acoustic mixes, making it perfect for skiffle, trad jazz, folk sessions and lively sing-alongs.
Comfortable concert-scale feel
A concert-scale neck provides a little more room for the fretting hand without losing the compact, portable feel players love. The result is confident chord changes, easier stretches and improved control for both beginners and advancing players.
Stable tuning and intonation
Geared machine heads, a floating bridge and a properly tensioned head work together for reliable tuning and consistent intonation. The setup supports dynamic strumming and light picking, so you can focus on performance instead of constant adjustments.
Durable, gig-ready construction
With metal tension hardware and a sturdy rim and hoop assembly, the UBJ1 is built to handle everyday practice, rehearsals and regular gigging. The synthetic head resists humidity swings better than natural skin, helping the instrument stay responsive across UK seasons.
Easy maintenance
A floating bridge and accessible tension hooks make common adjustments straightforward, from fine-tuning intonation to optimising head tension. This keeps the instrument performing at its best with minimal fuss, ideal for busy learners, teachers and performers.