Eastwood Electric Banjoline

Originally conceived by banjo virtuoso Eddie Peabody in the 1930s, the Banjoline combined the bright, rhythmic character of a banjo with a compact, mandolin-inspired format. Acoustic versions were produced by several manufacturers during the heyday of banjo bands and mandolin orchestras, but it wasn't until the 1960s that electric versions appeared. Even then, they remained extraordinarily rare.

Our Electric Banjoline takes inspiration from the one-off VEGA prototype played by Peabody during a 1962 appearance on The Lawrence Welk Show. Perhaps the most notable production model was the Rickenbacker Banjoline, though even these were only manufactured over a three-year span in limited numbers, with originals now fetching prices north of $5,000. These unusual instruments have all but disappeared, leaving behind a fascinating branch of electric-instrument history waiting to be rediscovered.

With its distinctive six-string layout, the Electric Banjoline is tuned cC–gG–B–D, with the C and G courses paired in octaves. This creates a broad, layered voice that blends the shimmer and rhythmic snap of a mandolin with the fuller range and authority of a guitar.

A pair of blade P-90 pickups captures every string evenly, delivering plenty of clarity, bite, and vintage character. A custom JM-style tremolo adds expressive pitch control to an instrument already unlike anything else in your collection.

The Electric Banjoline brings one of Eddie Peabody's rarest instruments back to the stage not as a museum piece, but as a versatile new voice built to be played.

• Octave-paired tuning (cC–gG–B–D) delivers a broad, layered voice that blends mandolin shimmer with guitar-like range
• Tone-chambered mahogany body adds warmth and resonance while keeping weight in check
• Dual custom blade P-90 pickups with 3-way switching capture every string evenly for clarity, bite, and vintage character
• JM-style tremolo with tune-o-matic bridge provides smooth, expressive pitch control and reliable intonation
• 26" scale length with a compact 1 5/16" nut width keeps the paired courses comfortable and naturally playable