Tanglewood TWB18M4 Union 4 String Maple Resonator Banjo, Natural Gloss

A bright maple banjo with four strings

The Tanglewood TWB18M4 is a four string banjo made largely from maple, from the resonator to the neck. It is a step up from the entry models in the Union series, and it suits players of Irish music, trad jazz and folk who want a bright, clear voice.

Why maple matters

Maple is a dense wood, and on a banjo it gives a sharp, focused tone with good sustain. The resonator pushes that sound out towards the audience. You get strong projection, so melody lines stay audible in a session. The Remo Mate Ivory head softens the attack a little and adds some warmth, which stops the sound being too harsh.

Neck and fingerboard

The neck is also maple, so the whole instrument has one consistent character. The fingerboard is engineered wood, which is smooth and stable. The bridge is maple with an ebony tip. The build feels solid in the hands and is made to cope with regular playing.

Natural gloss

The natural gloss finish lets the maple grain show. It is a lighter, cleaner look than the burst finishes, and the gloss coat gives lasting protection.

On the session or at home

A four string banjo is the usual choice for Irish tunes and for jazz chord work, and the bright maple voice suits both. Fast reels need notes that start cleanly and stop cleanly, and maple helps with that. At home, the sound is lively but not overpowering. If you are moving up from a beginner banjo, the build and tone here are a clear improvement, and the extra cost buys you a more refined instrument for years of regular playing.

• Maple resonator and maple neck
• Remo Mate Ivory head
• Engineered wood fingerboard
• Natural gloss finish

If you prefer a warmer, mellower tone, compare it with the mahogany TUB4. If you want the same instrument with five strings, look at the TWB18M5, also £399. The TWBU is a cheaper tobacco sunburst option at £279. The TWB18M4 costs £399, with free UK delivery.