LutherWood - Posted - 03/10/2010:  23:04:25

I am looking for info on this Banjo. I can only find on B&J guitars. Any info is helpful, history, fair market value etc. I know they keep coming form me. I did buy a fairly large-ish collection. I have picked out my keeper, so I am trying to list them. My wife is away with the kids for spring break, and wants them listed and out of the living room before she gets back! Have not told her I am keeping one yet!!! Anyway, you all are great, thanks again.

- Adam - The accidental banjo dealer.

Bill Rogers - Posted - 03/10/2010:  23:19:57

Stromberg-Voisenet, or its successor, Kay. See http://www.mugwumps.com/NoNameBanjo...Voisinet.jpg

Both made trade banjos for music houses such as B & J.

Edited by - Bill Rogers on 03/10/2010 23:22:20

mbirdmusic@aol.com - Posted - 03/11/2010:  03:15:22

I have one here. In pieces. The original tailpiece was an engraved prewar presto. I have that with mine (although admittedly it has been drilled and seen duty on my five string) Was engraved with B&J and Serenader. Hope this helps. Resonator is interesting but weighs a ton! Glenn

NYCJazz - Posted - 03/11/2010:  09:54:23

B&J was located here, which is about 2 blocks away from where I am right now:



Right on Union Square Park in NYC.

LutherWood - Posted - 03/11/2010:  10:09:09

That is very cool! It is a very heavy banjo. Any thoughts on what I should list it for? the head is torn, but other than that, it is in solid condition.

Bigbike4 - Posted - 03/11/2010:  15:19:34

They are not particularly valueable instruments, as they were mass produced, and still around in ample supply. Tonally they ranged all over the place-if you got a good one, terriffic, if only a so- so made one then wall hanger it. If yours is in playable condition, you might try starting the selling at $75.00 and see if there are any takers. On ebay on a good day it MIGHT go for $100-$125 plus the shipping of $30 or so.

They were nice looking, but are better wall hangers today, as they do not have truss rods, or co ordinator rods and generally speaking action is usually quite high-yes the neck/pot can be shimmed, but most who want that type instrument only want them as wall hangers.