The new Tranjo Express line is now available for ordering! The Tranjo Express is lighter and narrower than previous Tranjo models, but still feature a full 26 1/4" scale neck and suitcase portability. The design uses an imported neck, mated with a unique aluminum and wood body, and a pre-tensioned Remo Fiberskyn head. Head sizes are 6" or 8" diameter, and left-handed and radiused fingerboards are available for an additional charge. The introductory price of $350 includes a padded nylon gig bag, a custom 1" wide strap, and a capo. Production models will be available for delivery before November 30. A donation to the BHO will be made for orders taken from Hangout members. www.tranjo.com/txpictures.php for more details. Sound and video clips at The demo video is now posted at http://www.tranjo.com/txpictures.php !





Sam Farris
www.tranjo.com -- Tranjo travel Banjo
www.electricbanjo.com - TranjoCaster electric banjo
www.silentbanjo.com - Silent Practice system for any banjo

Posted - 10/25/2009 :  04:23:40  

That's certainly a novel construction. I suggest that you offer an alternate rear support beam made from wood, or maybe just a thin piece of wood veneer to cover the aluminum support. I know that it would add some weight and increase the cost compared to the aluminum support but I believe that it would broaden the market appeal of the instrument. The squared edges and shiny metallic appearance of the aluminum support won't appeal to everyone. It's utilitarian and functional but sufficiently different in appearance that it will generate an immediate love-it or hate-it reaction.

If you give people an upgrade choice from aluminum to a more traditional look of wood with slightly beveled edges and corners you'll get them thinking about the instrument for a few extra seconds when they first glance at the product page. Those few seconds where people imagine themselves using one version of a product instead of another are often the tipping point for a purchase decision.

Good luck Sam I hope you sell a truck load of them.

Edited by - jpiperson2002 on 10/25/2009 07:57:26

Posted - 10/25/2009 :  09:52:01    

I have to disagree with the last post. I played this banjo at IBMA and was amazed at the sound fidelity compared to conventional banjos. The appearance is already so radically different from a conventional banjo that appearances are the least of my concerns, especially any one particular aspect of construction. This thing is ideal for the road warrior or kids who need light weight and still want a decent sound. I have no financial interest in this whatsoever; YMMV.

Regards,
Randy in Germantown, TN

"I may be schizophrenic, but at least I have each other."

Posted - 10/25/2009 :  10:20:05      

I beleive ipiperson2002 stated that the shiny appearance of the aluminum support "will generate an immediate love-it or hate-it reaction". I happen to think think that is true and if a wooden support beam didn't alter the sound of the banjo, I would think it would be an excellent option to have.

I own a Tranjo 6.0 and I love the look of the wood and I play the heck out of it. I would like the appearance less on my Tranjo if it was made of a combination of Aluminum and wood.

To each his own I guess. Interesting product Sam! I'm always amazed at how you come up with creative and great sounding works of art.

Edited by - Grinnin&Pickin on 10/25/2009 10:21:20

Posted - 10/25/2009 :  14:04:29        

Thanks for the comments! I prefer the look of wood too, but it's not as stiff as aluminum and would require additional time and effort for sanding and finishing. I'm trying to keep things simple by not offering too many options, and also trying to keep the labor costs to a bare minimum. I may go with a black anodized aluminum to eliminate the "shiny" aspect, but I won't be using any more wood than necessary.

Sam Farris
www.tranjo.com -- Tranjo travel Banjo
www.electricbanjo.com - TranjoCaster electric banjo
www.silentbanjo.com - Silent Practice system for any banjo

Posted - 11/18/2009 :  20:24:07        

The demo video is now posted at http://www.tranjo.com/txpictures.php

Posted - 11/19/2009 :  06:23:16              

Boy-O-Boy, I just gotta get me one! This is on my At-a-Boy list for sure.