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“ Circa 1980′s Unmaked Boston Made”

”Every once in a while an instrument come along with absolutely no makers stamp at all. This instrument has all of the ear mares of the fabulous banjos made in the Boston area when the banjo was in its hey day. The fretless fingerboard is a slab of the blackest ebony and then decorated with snail shell inlay at positions 1, 3, 7, 12 and the end of the board. The mahogany neck has a long back strap which extends to the 5th fret. The wooden rim is 11-3/4 and is fitted with all original hardware as found on Bay State banjos of the period. The bottom edge of the rim is embellished with small pearl dots”

Source: Bernunzio Uptown Music

www.bernunzio.com

#bernunzio.com #bernuzio uptown music #oddwhite #thebanjoblog #fretlessbanjo #supercoolbanjo #delifreshdesign

1980′s Buckbee

“A very special wood rim Buckbee with ornate celtic inspired Green man marquetry on fretboard. Frets have been added to this banjo, which was originally fretless. Friction pegs, original ebony tailpiece present. Star inlayed in peghead.”

www.bernunzio.com

#thebanjoblog #buckbeebanjo #5stringbanjo #oldbanjo #banjo #oddwhite #fretlessbanjo

1930's Bruno & Son's Picolo Banjo

"Year: 1930s Finish: Original Tuners: Original Case: None Comments: Very rare and cool find! This little Piccolo banjo holds a great tune and plays amazing for its age."

Source: Emerald City Guitars

emeraldcityguitars.com

#piccolo banjo #picolo banjo #banjo #5 string banjo #emerald city guitars #thebanjoblog #The Fretboard Journal #the fret files podcast

C Bruno & Son 5 String Banjo. C 1915

"5 String Banjo, labeled C. Bruno & Son, c. 1915, probably New York City, natural finish, spunover rim, maple neck with ebonized fingerboard, original canvas case. Overall length is 36 1/4 in. (92.1 cm.), 10 7/8 in. (27.6 cm.) diameter head, and 2 3/8 in. (6 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 26 in. (660 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1/4 in. (32 mm.). This is a fairly simple but very nice playing banjo; almost certainly the product of New York’s Rettberg & Lange for C. Bruno & Co. It appears original except for possibly the neck securing hardware, which is in a period style but looks more recent. This banjo does have an interesting re-inforcing strap over the rim between the dowel and heel that is original, basically a much-simplified version of the patented S.S. Stewart neck brace. Some wear overall but no najor damage or repair. Set up with a very old skin head (solid if somewhat dirty looking) and newer bridge, with no tone ring to speak of the sound is fairly dark and sweet and it is an agreeable banjo for solo playing or Old-Time music. Excellent - Condition.”

Source: Retrofret

retrofret.com

#oddwhite.com #the banjo blog #The Fretboard Journal #banjo #5 string banjo #folk banjo #Folkway Music #folk music

1920 Vega Electric Six String

“A remarkably cool, early Vega-Fairbanks "Electric" model, with Whyte Laydie scalloped tone ring, always desirable. With its 11-7/8" diameter oversize rim, genuine calfskin head, and 100% all-original parts and hardware (even the way cool tailpiece), this is about as nice a guitar-banjo as one could hope to find. Plays beautifully and sounds like all the Jazz Age of the 1920s. Comes with it original hard shell case.”

Source: umanovguitars.com

“Back in the early part of the 20th century, the banjo, the mandolin, the ukulele and the guitar were all racing to be the most popular fretted instrument in America. In 1920, the year this Vega Electric was made, banjo builders were hedging their bets by making banjos with mandolin, ukulele and guitar necks. These hybrid instruments never caught on in a big way, but the guitar banjo was the instrument of choice for important players like Johnny St. Cyr, who played with Louis Armstrong's Hot Five and Hot Seven in the 1920s, and Papa Charlie Jackson, a prolific blues singer.

This particular guitar banjo was made by Vega, a Boston based builder and distributor that was founded in 1881. In 1904 Vega purchased the assets of A.C. Fairbanks, a builder of very nice banjos including the confusingly named Electric. Despite its moniker, the Electric was a completely acoustic instrument with an innovative scalloped tonering that was invented in 1890. The name was presumably chosen because electricity was a popular late-19th century buzzword that denoted modernism and progress. (Click here for a good look at the Electric's scalloped tonering.)

Vega continued to use the Electric name for some of their own instruments, including today's Catch. I have been fascinated with guitar banjos for years and I've played quite a few in my time including a handful Vega Electrics. I think that Vegas from this period are extremely well made and the Electric tonering gives the instrument a bright, ringing tone that is very appealing. Banjos from the 1920s are usually very ornate but I find the simple, unadorned look of this one quite attractive. This Vega Electric is piced at $1995 and it's for sale at Matt Umanov Guitars.”

Source: fretboardjournal.com

#Six string banjo #banjo #the banjo blog #6 string banjo #matt umanov #umanov guitars #Umanov Guitars #guitar #the fretboard Journal #louis armstrong #oddwhite #oddwhite.com

Ludwig Banjo Ukulele, c.1929

"Ludwig Banjo Ukulele, c. 1929, made in Chicago, natural walnut finish, walnut resonator and neck, metal rim, celluloid fingerboard, original black hard shell case.

This is one of the classic banjo-ukes of the 1920's, and remains one of the most sought-after. After 1929, Ludwig began selling this house branded version of the "Wendall Hall" banjo ukulele as the endorsement with Hall had apparently lapsed. The instrument is generally the same as the earlier version but has a pearloid headpiece with a painted-on "Ludwog" script logo and fancier fingerboard inlay-the overall effect is a much flashier instrument! This is structurally (and sonically) the same as the Deluxe model famously played by George Formby in the 1930's, with overall walnut construction and an integral rim-"flaredge" (Ludwig's term) of metal. This is a very rare instrument; few were made after 1930 and this one should prove of interest to Formby fans worldwide. This is a very well-made and extremely powerful-sounding little instrument, one of the best of its kind!"

Source: Retrofret

retrofret.com

Overall length is 22 3/8 in. (56.8 cm.), 7 1/2 in. (19 cm.) diameter head, and 2 3/4 in. (7 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 14 in. (356 mm.). Width of nut is 1 5/16 in. (33 mm.). Very fine original condition overall; there is a little wear to the back of the resonator but otherwise not too much evidence of use. There is an old repaired split to the heelcap (a notorious weak point on this otherwise solid design-many are missing!) that is solidly sealed but visible. A very fine playing banjo-uke and one of the loudest we have ever heard!

#4 string banjo #banjo ukulele #ukulele #the uke hut #ukehut #roaring 20s #the banjo #5 string banjo #the banjo blog #thebanjoblog #oddwhite.com #oddwhite #delifreshdesign

1930's Windsor Paramount Supremus

“The Windsor Company of Birmingham, England was the UK’s largest stringed instrument manufacturer prior to 1940, when their factory was destroyed by German air strikes. They made banjos of all kinds and sizes; and the Paramount Supremus was one of their highest-tier instruments. Original 5 string versions of any 1930’s era banjo are hard to come by at best, which makes this Windsor even more of an interesting find. You’ll notice that there is no 5th string peg on the side of the neck, as was the norm with US-built instruments. Rather, the 5th string tuner is located at the center of the peghead, and the string passes under the fingerboard through a brass tube that exits behind the 5th string nut at the 5th fret. Very cool, and perfectly functional. The instrument features 4 slightly newer planetary tuners, and one original ‘Pancake’ tuner on the 5th string. Ebony fingerboard with nicely cut pearl inlays, excellent modern frets, 27.25” scale, 1-5/32” nut. Walnut neck and dowel stick; spun-over beech rim with 28 brackets; raised hoop arch-top tone ring; walnut resonator. Nickel plated brass flange, brackets, and heavy weight notched tension hoop. Finely engraved Pyxe tailpiece. And all of it is in perfect working order!”

Source: Folkway Music

www.folkwaymusic.com

#banjo #the banjo blog #5 string banjo #tony trischka #steve martin banjo #Five String Banjo #bluegrass banjo #bluegrass #steve martin #banjos #oddwhite.com #delifreshdesign.com #folkway music #Old Time music #folk music

Unlabeled Pony Banjo 1890

"This is a lovely if unpretentious small-rim banjo from the late 1880's to early 1890's, typical of its era but better preserved than many. The rim is a single lapped piece of wood with a re-inforced top edge, veneered with rosewood. The neck is typical period pattern with a interesting (if slightly asymmetrical) peaked headstock shape and plain dot inlay. There are no maker's marks but the instrument is similar in pattern to many typical New York made banjos of the period. This is a nice little player, fairly rare in this size and a cool period piece.

Overall length is 28 in. (71.1 cm.), 7 7/8 in. (20 cm.) diameter head, and 3 3/8 in. (8.6 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 20 in. (508 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1/4 in. (32 mm.). this banjo has some general wear overall, but considering its age is very nicely preserved. Most of the hardware is original, with a later repro No-Knot tailpiece, newer fifth string button and a single replaced (close but not perfect) hook and nut. A little primitive but a very servicable player, suitable for tuning to taste somewhat above the standard five-string range. Very Good + Condition."

Source: Retrofret

Retrofret.com

#the banjo blog #thebanjoblog #banjo #the banjo #5 string banjo #pony banjo #oddwhite.com #delifreshdesign #delifreshdesign.com #retrofret #retrofret.com

Fairbanks Columbian Banjo (c. 1892)

Was in Denver this past week and stopped by the Denver Folklore Center, an awesome music shop with some great employees. Thanks!

"This is a true collectors banjo. It was designed and built for the Columbian Exhibition in Chicago to commemorate the 400th Anniversary of Columbus "discovering" America. It is a terrific example of the art of banjo building in the late 19th Century. This banjo is all original except for the tailpiece, the armrest, and the bridge. There is one small piece of mother-of-pearl that has been replaced- but we aren't saying which one!"

Source: Denver Folklore Center

denverfolklore.com

#denverfolklore.com #denver folklore center #5 string banjo #banjo #thebanjoblog #ornate banjo #delifreshdesign #oddwhite.com

Clef Club Deluxe Model Guitar Banjo, c. 1925

“ Made in Philadelphia, PA, natural varnish finish, laminated mahogany neck and resonator, original brown hard shell case.

One of the more unusual and visually impressive instruments we have seen, this huge and very ornate banjo-guitar is the work of a fairly obscure but quite skilled maker and may be one of a kind. The rim is a full 16" wide, two inches wider than even the largest Gibson banjo-guitars, and with a full flange and resonator attached spans over 18 1/2". The entire instrument is lavishly decorated with a vine fingerboard inlay, elaborate marquetry on the resonator sides and multiple colored wood laminates in the neck and headstock. The hardware is a mix of styles (some looks very Lange/Paramount) but appears all original; this is obviously a handmade instrument. The very small internal labels promise "exceptional quality" and in this case at least seems to be accurate!”

Owned and played by Dom Flemons

Source: retrofret.com

#dom flemons #carolina chocolate drops #4 string banjo #6 string banjo #Old Time music #old time banjo #ragtime #jazz banjo #oddwhite.com #the banjo blog #thebanjoblog #delifreshdesign

1938 Charles McNeil 5-String Resonator

"Charles McNeil Model 1584 Model 5 String Resonator Banjo, made by Gibson, c. 1938, made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, sunburst lacquer finish, maple neck, rim and resonator, rosewood fingerboard, original black chipboard case.

This is an unusual banjo made by Gibson for Montgomery Ward in the 1930's, intended for catalog sales alongside the more familiar Recording King line. The instrument was offered in tenor or 5-string configuration-this 5-string variant is a much rarer find. The banjo itself is very nicely made, price-pointed in between a Kalamazoo and Gibson level of quality with a simple solid tone ring, single co-ordinator rod, tabbed Grover tuners, maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard and an unusual deep-dish resonator with a triple bound edge. The fingerboard inlay is fan-shaped pearl pieces, with Charles McNeil's name stenciled in white paint on the headstock. Wards catalogs listed the McNeil-logo's banjos between 1936 and 1940; from 1934-35 the same basic instrument was sold under the Mitchell Brothers name. The Mitchell Brothers were vaudeville banjosts- Charles McNeil was an orchestra banjoist but primarily known as a well-respected music educator in the 1920's and '30's-he authored what is still considered one of the best tenor banjo methods (and similar guitar method) ever published. Ward's included the "$3.00 value" book with this 24.95 banjo when new. the case was not included-it cost $3.98 extra! Then and now this is is a very fine mid-line instrument and a genuine pre-WWII Gibson made 5-string banjo at a reasonably affordable price."

Source: www.retrofret.com

#5 string banjo #retrofret #banjo #steve martin banjo #the banjo blog #thebanjoblog #oddwhite #oddwhite.com #delifreshdesign #delifreshdesign.com #resonator banjo #pre war banjo #pre war instrument

A.C. Fairbanks Piccolo

“This is an extremely rare model with 7-1/2 inch spun over rim with all original hardware and ivory tailpiece and tuners. The mahogany neck has a 15 inch scale neck with an ornately carved heel and ebony fingerboard with very fancy pearl inlay. This is the only known Fairbanks piccolo with a carved heel! STUNNING!!!”

Source: www.bernunzio.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=206CRJYnbo4

#the banjo blog #thebanjoblog #5 string banjo #banjo #piccolo #piccolo banjo #bernunzio.com #bernuzio uptown music #oddwhite #delifreshdesign.com #delifreshdesign #steve martin banjo #folk banjo #folk music

1931 Gibson GB-1

"Here we have a mostly original guitar banjo. The tailpiece, head and bridge are replacements otherwise all original including the finish. These were made as a short cut for players in the 20s and 30s who wanted to double on the banjo without learning a whole new instrument. The Gibson catalog form 1931 says it best: "Instantly responsive and easily controlled -- but ready for you with almost unbelievable volume when required. Stirring tones -- martial and gay -- or soft, sweet and serious -- an inspired mingling of deep bass and lilting soprano." The neck rim and resonator are maple with a rosewood fingerboard. The set-up is perfect and the round neck plays smooth all over."

Source: www.trcrandall.com

#the banjo blog #5 string banjo #6 string banjo #Gibson Banjo #gibson #guitar #trcrandall.com #trcrandall #banjo

1890's Cole's Eclipse

"10 1/2" rim, 27" scale, 'Man in the Moon' "

Source: Intermountin Guitar and Banjo, www.guitarandbanjo.com

#guitarandbanjo.com #banjo #5 string banjo #open back banjo #coles banjo #bluegrass banjo #old time banjo #Old Time music

1892 S.S. Stewart Imperial Banjeaurine.

"Overall length is 28 in. (71.1 cm.), 12 in. (30.5 cm.) diameter head, and 2 1/4 in. (5.7 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 19 1/4 in. (489 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1/4 in. (32 mm.). Very nice original condition overall; original tuners, hooks and nuts are all original except one old mismatch. The tailpiece is a slightly later (early 20th century) No-Knot model"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banjeaurine

Source: Retrofret, www.retrofret.com

#the banjo blog #retrofret #banjo #Banjeaurine #open back banjo