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Banjo Models

Rioga Tensioner Tenor Banjo Tailpiece

Solid Brass/Nickel Plated

£150.00

  • Available in 18 fret & 19 fret versions

  • Styrofoam pod case included

  • Life time guarantee

Vintage inspiration. Modern versatility. A classic idea, re-engineered by Rioga.

Rioga Banjos is pleased to introduce the new Rioga Tensioner Tenor Banjo Tailpiece, designed by Rioga Banjos and manufactured from solid brass with a nickel-plated finish.

Inspired by the beautifully engineered tenor banjo tailpieces of the 1920s jazz era, the Rioga Tensioner retains elements of that classic period styling while incorporating additional design features to make it equally at home on modern and vintage banjos.

Whether your preferred setup uses ball-end or loop-end strings, the Rioga Tensioner is designed to accommodate both, with compatibility across string gauges from light to heavy.

Inspired by the classic tailpieces of the 1920s jazz era, the Rioga Tensioner will add a touch of class to either your vintage or modern banjo. They are easily swapped over from your older tailpiece, in fact we’ll fit it for free!

🔹 Designed by Rioga Banjos
🔹 Solid brass construction
🔹 Nickel plated
🔹 Suitable for modern and vintage banjos
🔹 Accepts ball-end and loop-end strings
🔹 Suitable for light through to heavy string gauges

A little Jazz Age inspiration, redesigned for today’s tenor banjo.

Available to purchase from Rioga Banjos.

FAQ

What is the Rioga Tensioner made from?

The tailpiece is manufactured from solid brass and finished with nickel plating, providing a traditional appearance that complements both vintage and contemporary banjos.

Why is it called the Rioga Tensioner?

The name Tensioner reflects the tailpiece’s role as the point at which the strings are secured and tensioned on the banjo via thumb screws, while also giving this Rioga-designed component its own distinctive identity.

Is it designed specifically for tenor banjos?

Yes. The Rioga Tensioner has been designed as a tenor banjo tailpiece, it is solely for a 4 string tenor only.

Can I fit it to a vintage banjo?

The Rioga Tensioner has been designed to be suitable for both vintage and modern banjos. As vintage instruments can vary considerably in construction and dimensions, compatibility should always be checked before installation.

Do you offer worldwide shipping?

Yes we offer worldwide shipping rates with various companies. Details to follow….

What if I’m not happy with my banjo when it arrives?

As we aim to build the perfect sounding and playing banjo I am sure our sound my not suit everyones taste. We would offer a full refund within the first week of purchase if the banjo is returned in the same condition it was sent out (buyer to pay return shipping costs)

Can it be fitted to a modern banjo?

Yes. Although its appearance is influenced by classic 1920s jazz-era tailpieces, the design incorporates features intended to make it suitable for modern banjos as well as older instruments.

Can I use loop-end strings?

Yes. One of the practical features of the Rioga Tensioner is its ability to accommodate ball-end as well as loop-end strings, giving players greater flexibility in their choice of strings. When using loop end we have created a chamfer to guide the loop part of the string through the right angle to limit string breakage.

What string gauges can I use?

The tailpiece is designed to accommodate strings ranging from light through to heavy gauges.

What inspired the design?

The Rioga Tensioner draws inspiration from the beautifully engineered banjo tailpieces associated with the 1920s jazz era, a period strongly associated with the tenor banjo.

Rather than simply reproducing an old tailpiece, Rioga Banjos has incorporated additional design features for modern-day use, while retaining the character and visual influence of the period.

Is the Rioga Tensioner a reproduction of an original 1920s tailpiece?

No. It is a Rioga Banjos design. While it incorporates design influences from 1920s jazz-era tailpieces, it has its own features intended to meet the requirements of modern and vintage banjo players.

Why use solid brass?

The Rioga Tensioner is manufactured from solid brass, giving the component a substantial, traditional construction. The brass is then nickel plated to provide its finished appearance.

What finish does it have?

The Rioga Tensioner has a nickel-plated finish, giving it a classic appearance that works particularly well with the traditional metal fittings found on many tenor banjos.

Will the Rioga Tensioner improve the sound of my banjo?

A tailpiece forms part of the overall banjo setup, but every instrument, string choice and player preference is different. For that reason, Rioga Banjos does not make a blanket claim that fitting the Tensioner will produce a particular change in tone.

The Tensioner has instead been designed around quality construction, versatility, compatibility and the combination of vintage-inspired styling with modern functionality.