Rioga
euphonic
Tenor Banjo

the Rioga Euphonic will take your playing to new levels

The Rioga Euphonic is a uniquely designed tenor banjo, combining many elements much sought after by tenor banjo players, especially in the field of Irish Trad music.

From the first moment you lift the banjo you know you are holding something very unique and special. From the feel of the neck profile to how the concave resonator sits on your lap, you know you are in control. Available in three scale lengths we found the 18 fret model a dream to play, especially reaching the 7th fret (high B) with ease.

Fusing design elements of the 1920’s tenor banjos with a twist of the modern day Irish tenor banjo we came up with the Euphonic.

We left the naming of the banjo to County Sligo Banjoist Theresa O’Grady who tested it out at the All Ireland Fleadh, Mullingar 2023. She described its sound as balanced with bright crisp tones on the E and A notes and a depth and warmth from the D and G strings. The Euphonic has good sustain when you wish to ring out long notes and provides good note articulation and clarity when you need it to be punchy and expressive.

Neck width at the nut: 29 mm
Scale Length, Nut to Bridge: 19 fret – 23 inches, ; 18 fret – 21 – 1/2 inches,
Approximately Weight: 3.8Kg

18 fret design with 21.5″ scale length.
5 piece hundoran mahogany neck with centre walnut/maple laminate strips
Beautifully carved neck profile with unique sleek carved heel.
Carbon fibre truss rod.
Solid block sycamore rim with mahogany veneer and fancy wood marquetry around the inner and outer edges.
Locally manufactured Rioga archtop tone ring
Bacon & Day style hooks and nuts.
Quality tailpiece.
Hand made wooden armrest, crafted from the original neck block.

2024 model

All new Euphonic

Rioga bell bronze archtop tone ring

Euphonic features

Neck wood

7 piece hundoran mahogany neck with centre walnut/maple laminate strips. Our woods are locally sourced wherever possible and cured for a minimum of 3-5 years. We only choose select straight grain hardwoods quarter sawn to give increased structural integrity. This model uses a carbon fibre non adjustable truss rod for extra strength and stability.

Rim wood

Our block rims are constructed from Irish sycamore which are built in three tiers and covered in veneers to match the neck wood. The banjo rim is such an important factor in the tone and resonance of a banjo which is mostly overlooked. Our rims are highly decorated with wood marquetry and ivoroid binding along the inner and outer edges. Unfortunately the detail is hidden from sight due to the resonator & flange but this allows the option to play your banjo as an openback and to admire our high level of craftmanship.

Resonator wood

The Euphonic resonator is concave in shape compared to most other banjo makers. The tone produced by a banjo with a concave resonator is generally warmer and less bright, making it well-suited for folk, traditional, and more intimate acoustic settings.

Headstock

Elegantly hand crafted headstock shaped from the styles of the 1920’s vintage era banjos from the USA.

Armrest

We use the off cut of our 7 piece neck to create a cohesive match to the neck. We believe the wooden armrest offers better comfort and an attractive appearance. The armrest is attached to the tension hoop via a brass ferrule insert & 3 screws which is tapped into the hoop, this is a solid attachment. Some banjo players can have nickel allergies and cannot use nickel plated armrests, so this is a perfect solution!

We have also considered the possibility of customising the armrest with intricate patterns, adding a touch of visual elegance to the banjo.

Mother of Pearl Inlay

We try to keep the mother of pearl inlay to a minimal and therefore adding a small decoration to the headstock including the Rioga Logo and Euphonic name. We also inlay the middle of the banjo neck with a floral design.

RiogaeuphonicTenor Banjo