Tom Cussen preparing the rim of a Clareen Banjo

A Brief History

The past number of years has seen an phenomenal growth in the musical importance of the Banjo. The growing demand for high quality banjos for use in dance bands, groups and as a solo instrument has also become more apparent.

The banjo and especially the Tenor Banjo, has become a very popular instrument in Irish Music and Folk Music generally. The rewards to good banjo players have become real and substantial so that the banjo player of today gives much thought to the attainment of perfection in their playing.

These are some of the reasons I began making banjos and it is my aim to provide the best possible instruments to both beginners and professionals alike. A banjo player can be no better than his/her instrument, therefore I am building instruments that are of the highest playing quality.

Clareen Banjos are made to give the player every opportunity to do themselves justice on the instrument. As a banjo player myself, with over 35 years experience, I can guarantee that each instrument is hand crafted to the highest quality. Only the best materials are used, and are now, where possible, made & sourced in Ireland.

At present the standard models available from Clareen Banjos are the The Clarinbridge,  Special,  Celt,  Pearl, Oyster ,Elite and Setanta.  Our new Top of the Line banjo is called the "Setanta" a beautiful banjo with a great tone. All banjos are available in Tenor, Plectrum and 5 String. Variations and modifications can be made to any instrument to suit each individual customers needs.

Our basic  tenor banjo is marketed under the brand name "The Bridge" and is an ideal beginners banjo. The banjo is professionally set up in our shop before it is dispatched to our customers and retail shops.

We also have a "The Bridge" mandolin , this is also ideal for beginners.