Bulas Old Joe 12" Open Back Banjo

An open-back banjo should sound smooth, warm and accessible from the very first chord. The Bulas Old Joe 12" Open Back Banjo is just such an instrument: musical, ready to play, and with a character that is instantly inspiring.

The Old Joe is handcrafted by a European brand that has been making high-quality stringed instruments in Lomianki, Poland, since 2015. Father Piotr works there with his son Michal, having gained three decades of experience in instrument making. Bulas builds almost all of the metal parts in-house, combining carefully selected solid woods with classic construction techniques. The result is an open-back banjo with a warm, resonant tone and a natural response, ideal for clawhammer, old-time and folk music.

The 12-inch open-back, resonator-less construction gives the Old Joe a soft, rounded tone with clear midrange and a playful dynamic range. The walnut rim and Pau Ferro armrest combine comfort with projection, while the elegant finish, Macassar ebony fingerboard with subtle inlays and Gotoh tuners are both lovely to look at and a pleasure to use.

It comes in a sturdy hardshell case and is an excellent choice for players who want a traditional sound, built with modern precision and craftsmanship.

This banjo has been carefully inspected for condition and playability, then set up to our Gold Standard by a luthier. We make sure it arrives in your hands exactly as it should: sounding its best, playing effortlessly and ready to be enjoyed from the very first note.