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CEB 4 (Marcy Marxer Signature Model)

As Seen in the December 2009 issue of Banjo Newsletter.

Name key is (L to R): Tony Trischka, Bela Fleck, Victor Wooten, Abigail Washburn, Rick Sampson, Mike Keys, Cathy Moore, Bill Evans, Wayne Rogers, Marcy Marxer, Curly Miller, Chuck Levy, Paul Roberts, Bob Carlin, Tim O'Brien, Leonard Podolak, and Mary Cox.

Marcy Marxer signature model. The 4 string cello banjo, originally used in turn of the century banjo orchestras, has been redefined in this decade by the playing style of Marcy Marxer. Tuned in 5ths it allows accompaniment and lead arrangements for not only old time but most all genres of music. Plus string gauges may be changed for low octave playing of any four stringed instrument The 14” body is very loud and the brass tone ring extends its punchy tone. The shortened scale makes fingering easy. It uses nylon high tension classical strings. Mandolinists, cello, violin or viola players can finger immediately, lending a new tone to all styles of music.  The CEB4 is setup and tuned to CGDA using the CES4 strings but can be easily tuned to GDAE using nylon gauges .042w, .034w, .024w, and .024p.

 

Be sure to check out some of the YouTube Videos we have come across and be sure to notice the versatility.  Enjoy!

CEB-4

Marcy Marxer:

Ishikawa

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=soHk3P7BvC4&feature=PlayList&p=043B1CBEC1D259AD&index=3

Cello Banjo Blues

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mp_xeqLh2vk

O Carrolan’s Draught

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyZW8jhgFeA&feature=related

Angeline the Baker

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_tPC0knYbE&feature=related

Kitchen Girl

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qP0KeymSQI

Johnny Don’t Get Drunk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kE_oFtjkEtk

 

Paul Roberts

Lady Hammond’s Alman

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhLBJLBocH0

All in the Garden Green

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JswtKxPrw6M

The Swallow

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSX01eHPurE

Michael Keys

Cello Banjo Critique

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5zX6xpRswI

Cello Banjo Critique, Pt. 2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=333RiqnNaxE

Cello Banjo Critique, Pt. 3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQinKD6DUDs

O’Carolan Medley

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hy7puFNjwU

 

 

Tim Obrien

 

Playing the cello banjos is having a profound effect on me. I have both the CEB-4 and CEB-5. There’s something about the sound of the low tuning, with the large sound chamber and nylon strings, that sets off a deep spiritual resonance. It’s a hypnotic effect; the sound keeps pulling me in deeper and deeper, making me want to just keep playing. Somehow, I have the sense that the earth needs to hear this sound. For me, it feels like coming home to my soul.   Paul Roberts BanjoCrazy.com - Paul Roberts

Dear Gold Tone,      Thank you for making the 4 string Cello Banjo!  Each instrument has it's own unique voice and this voice hasn't been heard in nearly 100 years!   When this banjo was heard at the turn of the century, it was barely playable.   It needed to come back as a playable instrument.   The Cello Banjo has been given a second chance and this time it's working!   Thank you for making it happen! Marcy Marxer - Marcy Marxer

Dear Wayne,   I give Gold Tone my permission to quote me on their website re. my satisfaction with their products.  "The Gold Tone model CEB-4 four-string cello banjo is everything that I had hoped yet never dreamed possible.  I prefer its rich, full sound to my 1928 Gibson Bella Voce plectrum."   About 33 yrs. ago, I had the privilege to play the only Gibson Loar signed H-5 mandola (then priced at $6500).  That was a fine sounding instrument but your deeper cello banjo has a acousticlly fuller and louder sound.  I use to own four instruments that were designed by Lloyd Loar and were his personal property.  Twenty yrs. ago, I sold them to Roger Siminoff (the former editor of 'Pickin' and 'Frets' magazines) who specializes in collecting Loar designed instruments including Loar's 'Vivitone' brand.  I had Roger make for me a Virzi tone producer for one of my two custom made mandobasses....   I'm going to re-position the armrest to next to the tailpiece as that's a more natural position for me.  It's easier for me to read the side position dots when the neck is held away from my head.  An efficient (e`rgonomically correct) right hand position does not accommodate seeing  the face of a fretboard, so, the position markers in the face of the fingerboard are purely ornamental for the audience.  The inlaid mother of pearl was expertly installed.    The wound metal C, G and D strings that came with the CEB-4 (ser. no. 3) are fine, although, the monofilament A is a little wiry in comparison to the wound strings, so, may require striking it farther away from the bridge than the other strings.  This is the only thing that needs to be improved.  The strings are not subject to excessive stretching.    The tuning machines turn very smoothly and hold the pitch well.      You've produced a fine product.      Graham Johnson - Graham Johnson