Gold Tone CEB-4: Marcy Marxer Signature 4-String Cello Banjo with Case

The Gold Tone CEB-4 is a piece of banjo history brought back to life. Cello banjos were once a staple of early twentieth century banjo orchestras and clubs, but they had essentially disappeared by 1930. Gold Tone partnered with the legendary Marcy Marxer to revive this fascinating instrument, and the result is something truly special.

If you don’t know Marcy Marxer, she’s a Grammy-winning multi-instrumentalist who’s been a fixture in American acoustic music for decades. When Gold Tone asked her to help design a modern cello banjo, she brought her deep knowledge of string instruments and performance to the project. Her signature is inlaid right on the fingerboard—a testament to her involvement in every aspect of this instrument’s development.

The CEB-4 is tuned CGDA, just like a mandola, viola, or cello. That means any mandolin family player, cellist, or violist can pick this up and feel at home within minutes. The fifths tuning opens up melodic possibilities that standard banjo tuning simply can’t match, making this instrument equally suited for lead work or accompaniment.

That fourteen-inch pot is the largest banjo pot in production from any manufacturer. The custom Remo Renaissance head stretched across that massive rim delivers deep, resonant bass notes with surprising clarity. The rolled brass tone ring adds punch and projection without muddiness—when you play those low notes, they cut through a mix.

The shortened 24-3/4″ scale length makes fingering easier than you might expect for such a large instrument, and the high-tension nylon strings are easy on the fingertips while delivering punchy, dynamic tone. Gold Tone designed custom strings specifically for this instrument’s unique requirements.

The craftsmanship throughout is exceptional. The bound ebony fingerboard features gorgeous Weymann vintage floral inlays—a nod to the golden age of American banjo making when cello banjos were at their peak. The bound headstock carries matching ornate inlay work, and the cream ABS binding contrasts beautifully against the vintage brown finish on the walnut-stained maple rim.

You’re getting professional-grade components: 32 bracket hooks, a notched brass tension hoop, dual 14-inch coordinator rods, and smooth guitar-style tuners. The Terminator tailpiece and maple bridge with ebony cap round out the hardware package.

Every CEB-4 ships with a fitted hardshell case and Gold Tone’s professional setup from their Titusville, Florida facility. This is a brand new instrument with full factory warranty.

Related Questions

Is there a 5-string cello banjo for bluegrass players?
The Gold Tone CEB-5 uses the same massive 14-inch pot but adds a fifth string and tunes a full octave below standard 5-string banjo (GDGBD). It’s designed for players who want to add bass foundation to old-time or bluegrass ensembles while using familiar three-finger or clawhammer techniques.

What other specialty banjos does Gold Tone make?
Gold Tone leads the industry in specialty instruments—from banjoleles and 6-string banjitars to Irish tenors, bass banjos, and travel models. Our complete Gold Tone guide covers their full lineup including signature models developed with artists like Marcy Marxer, Bob Carlin, and Béla Fleck.

How does the cello banjo compare to an Irish tenor banjo?
Both use fifths tuning, but the CEB-4’s CGDA tuning sits an octave below the Irish tenor’s GDAE. The cello banjo’s 14-inch pot delivers deep bass tones for accompaniment roles, while Irish tenors use a smaller pot optimized for cutting through Celtic sessions. Mandolin players will feel at home on either.