The Celt Banjo Set by McNeela (Tenor, 4 String, 19 Fret)

“I am so pleased with this banjo. The craftsmanship is incredible.” - Killeen R.

Due to its performance and ease of play this is by far the most popular tenor banjo amongst our traditional Irish music students and intermediate customers.

The McNeela Celt Banjo has recently been upgraded (Nov 2024) for an even better playing experience:

What’s New? We’ve added planetary tuners for faster tuning mid-play; planetary tuners provide even tension while turning smoothly. We’ve also upgraded the rim to wood for richer acoustics and a more premium look.

The Celt Banjo is a 4-string tenor banjo (19 Fret) made by McNeela Instruments. It's a closed back 24 bracket banjo with excellent traditional tone.

Special Offer: Buy today and get a Premium Padded Gig Bag, the Absolute Beginners Banjo Book, the Ultimate Beginner Banjo Pack plus Free Priority Shipping Worldwide. Limited stock available.

Watch Below: See Karen Dolan, Jon Reville, and Theresa O'Grady put the Celt Banjo through its paces and hear how it delivers trad tone with clarity and confidence.

NB - Straps, strings, and/or picks may be substituted with other similar items, based on current stock.

Session-Ready Sound

With its 24-bracket closed-back design, the Celt delivers that punchy, responsive tone Irish trad players rely on. The upgraded wooden rim gives it warm projection, helping it stand out without ever sounding harsh. This is tone you can trust in a crowded room.

No More Tuning Frustration

We’ve fitted the Celt with professional-grade planetary tuners, meaning a 4:1 gear ratio that allows precise tuning adjustments without slipping. Whether you’re at home, in class, or halfway through a pub session, you’ll stay in tune and ready to play.

Trad-Optimised Playability

The 19-fret neck, GDAE tuning, and hand-selected D’Addario strings give the Celt a feel that’s responsive and comfortable. The action is adjusted by our team of trad musicians, so it’s ready to play, right out of the box.

Built with Irish Heritage in Mind

The Celt delivers the tone trad players dream of. Its wooden rim adds warmth and resonance, while the Remo head and maple bridge provide clarity and volume. The result is that crisp, punchy Irish sound that holds its own in any session, even alongside fiddles and pipes.

Everything You Need and More

Get off to a solid start quickly with our Premium Banjo Set, included FREE with your Freedom Banjo!

The digital tuner makes tuning fast and simple every time, spare strings keep you playing, and the banjo strap and premium padded bag keep your instrument safe and accessible anytime, anywhere.

Finally, your copy of Absolute Beginners Irish Tenor Banjo Book has all the music know-how you need to start mastering your new instrument right away. All valued at more than €100/$100!

Protection That Goes Wherever You Play

Whether you’re heading to a session, a lesson, or travelling between gigs, this padded banjo bag is designed to keep your instrument safe and easy to carry.

With 20mm padded sides for added protection, comfortable back straps for hands-free transport, and a dedicated accessories pocket for tuners, capos, and essentials, it’s a reliable and practical companion for any banjo player on the move.

Built to Last and Grow with You

Whether this is your first step into trad or an upgrade from a starter banjo, the Celt is built to support years of playing. From its solid mahogany construction to its stable hardware and clear tone, it’s designed to evolve with your skill.

Irish Craftsmanship You Can See

With its Celtic motif design and eye-catching gloss mahogany finish, the Celt looks like it belongs on stage or in a crowded session. It’s built with care, not mass-produced, and you can see and feel the difference.

Ready for Any Playing Environment

The Celt’s 24-bracket, closed-back design keeps the head tension even and the tone consistent, no matter the room or weather. It’s a banjo that works just as well in a pub session as it does at home or in a lesson.

Musician Setup Makes All the Difference

Each Celt Banjo is professionally set up by our workshop team before it leaves McNeela. That means smooth action, quality you can count on, and a banjo that plays clean right out of the box. No buzzing or guesswork. Just great music.

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The McNeela Guarantee

Before our products ever reach your hands, we meticulously test them for durability and craftsmanship, to make sure you receive nothing short of excellence. This commitment to quality is why we proudly offer a 30-day try-at-home guarantee. It allows you to experience firsthand the exceptional standard we uphold. Should you find that our product doesn't meet your expectations within 30 days, returning it is hassle-free. Plus, our dedicated aftercare service is always available to assist you with any questions or needs.

The McNeela Guarantee

Before our products ever reach your hands, we meticulously test them for durability and craftsmanship, to make sure you receive nothing short of excellence. This commitment to quality is why we proudly offer a 30-day try-at-home guarantee. It allows you to experience firsthand the exceptional standard we uphold. Should you find that our product doesn't meet your expectations within 30 days, returning it is hassle-free. Plus, our dedicated aftercare service is always available to assist you with any questions or needs.