Banjo Hangout - Collector's Corner Forum Feed

Old Washburn (no pictures)

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:04:43 CST

Wish I wodda took my camera with me. Fellow showed me a very nice old banjo. Straight pegs, fancy curly inlays. And a tone ring that appears to be sitting on a couple dozen chisel-ended spikes! Never saw anything like it. I'm encouraging the owner to log on here, and become a member, since he is learning banjo.

TB-1's & 2's

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:44:35 CST

I just had a phone call from a dealer friend who informed me that two of his dealer friends have bought "original" Tb-1's and 2's this week(internet deals) that have turned out to be total fake pots using original Gibson tenor necks. Just a heads-up in case you're considering such a purchase. Be careful...

1920s Columbia 5-stringer

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:40:26 CST

Just thought I'd share a Columbia I just finished work on. Neck yells at me that it was built by the same folks that made 20s Supertones... Here ya go: http://antebelluminstruments.blogspot.com/2009/11/c1920-columbia-5-string-banjo.html

Weymann Plectrum Banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:19:13 CST

FWIW here is a Weymann plectrum on the Goodwill auction site: http://www.shopgoodwill.com/auctions/Banjo-with-Case-and-Accessories-5446529.html#des

Please help ID this old Mute

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:40:31 CST

I got this at the store in a case with a Vega banjo and can’t find any information on it. I plan on putting in on eBay but can’t locate any information at all. Any ideas: [img]http://www.banjohangout.ws/banjohangout.org/storage/photos/large/1358-112321619112009.jpg[/img] [img]http://www.banjohangout.ws/banjohangout.org/storage/photos/large/1358-213321619112009.jpg[/img] [img]http://www.banjohangout.ws/banjohangout.org/storage/photos/large/1358-313321619112009.jpg[/img] Thanks,

new banjo styles

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:53:07 CST

i would love to see a banjo maker build a comparable banjo say to a florentine or a bela voce even a painted resonator and neck like a tb 11 nothing crazy dont have to be ornately carved or gold plated i think the paint makes a different sound

Would You Re-Plate this Armrest?

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:51:19 CST

TB-00, now sporting a 1st Quality 5 string neck and Hatfield Tone Ring. All hardware looks really good but the armrest has lost almost all of its nickel. Should I re-plate?[img]http://www.banjohangout.ws/banjohangout.org/storage/photos/large/16435-118501319112009.jpg[/img]

1974 Vega (Martin) V-45-5

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:09:35 CST

I am having trouble finding any information about this banjo. As I am new here, can anyone direct me somwhere? Thanks!

What is it?

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:22:02 CST

Zebra banjo on ebay. Maker? http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Tenor-Banjo-Kay-Vega-Maybell-Wild-Finish_W0QQitemZ250533399374QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3a54f44b4e

handmade, square nuts

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:30:57 CST

I've got one fairly old banjo that has handmade square nuts (on the pot j-hooks). I just picked up another oldster that has a nice complete set of handmade, square nuts. Any ideas whether square nuts can be used to date a banjo ? Mark "taking a while to get used to no signature line, kinda liked seeing that quote from Dave Macon" Ralston

Greg Rich's Grandpa?

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:04:19 CST

I'm wondering.... [url]http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Tenor-Banjo-Kay-Vega-Maybell-Wild-Finish_W0QQitemZ250533399374QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3a54f44b4e[/url]

Ebay deal?

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:07:16 CST

I am so tempted.... http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Air-Banjo_W0QQitemZ110458862787QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Musical_Instruments_Sting_Instruments?hash=item19b7dc7cc3#ht_500wt_1182

Is this a Joke?

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:36:52 CST

No offense to this Aria Pro II,but $7,600? Come on?

TB7 - end of recession?

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:02:55 CST

I noticed that Bernunzio's has raised the price of its Gibson TB7 conversion from $65,000 (last month) to $69,500. Still a bargain in the long run. http://bernunzio.com/products/0812485 ~Julio

prewar Presto

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:06:29 CST

For those of you who may be interested in the kinda rare Prestos with the little legs, I've spotted one on eBay, still unpunched and not too bad as far as plating: http://cgi.ebay.com/PREWAR-GIBSON-BANJO-ORIGINAL-PRESTO-TAILPIECE_W0QQitemZ360208296347QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item53de16699b Needless to say, I'm NOT the seller, nor I know who the seller is, but the Presto is a nice one.

Bob Rock Banjo Site Updates

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:42:06 CST

We've added some new pix and stories about the heralded Bob Rock banjos. Go to www.bobrockbanjo.blogspot.com . Thanks for your contributions to the site!

Late 70' Gold Star Archtop

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:29:11 CST

The guitar player in our band has a 1977?, Gold Star HF12, maple, multiply rim, 40 hole archtop, tube and plate. I haven't payed much attention to these banjos, and couldn't find any comps. I seem to recall reading in the past, that the early Gold Star's were fairly desirable instruments. Can anyone provide an ball park estimate of its current value?

Vintage Gibson Rim

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:31:50 CST

I have collected Gibson parts for a nice banjo...but need a vintage Gibson rim to complete. Where would a fella look to find only a rim? Not really sure of what I should look for..but don't want anything new. Something from like a early TB? Any suggestion on rim selection or where I can begin to look? I did review the BHO classifieds..but no luck. Will I have to buy a whole banjo just to get the rim? thanks ron

Silver Bell #4

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:20:30 CST

http://cgi.ebay.com/1925-BACON-DAY-B-D-SILVER-BELL-No-4-TENOR-BANJO-L-K_W0QQitemZ110458971731QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item19b7de2653 Serial Nos don't match. Neck looks like it's from a #2. [img]http://i.ebayimg.com/06/!BfUZHZ!B2k~$(KGrHqQH-DQErgL3O-cqBL!)IRuvTQ~~_3.JPG[/img] opinions? Nathan [img]http://www.banjohangout.ws/banjohangout.org/storage/photos/large/27931-13441811112009.jpg[/img]

Flying Eagle Gison

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:26:59 CST

Hello, Does anyone know if Gibson made a Banjo with a mohogany neck and res. with a Flying Eagle inlay and if so what model is it? Thanks Will

Is this a Buckbee?

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:51:13 CST

Here is a nice banjo for auction on ebay. [url]http://cgi.ebay.com/Heavily-Inlaid-Vintage-Openback-Parlor-Banjo-1890s_W0QQitemZ150389328629QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2303e70af5[/url] I think it is a Buckbee, because it is almost identical to the Geo. C. Dobson I got a few weeks ago, which was made by Buckbee. The only differences are the peghead inlay and that this banjo has more brackets. Seems like a good deal and no one is bidding, maybe because the name Hermann Sonntag is unfamiliar. If didn't have the Dobson, I'd bid on this one. Heck, if I had lots more money I'd bid on it anyway, because the Dobson is one sweet little banjo! Mary "Do not pray for an easy life. Pray to be stronger. Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers. Pray for powers equal to your tasks." - Fr. Solanus Casey

Gibson History - Style 12 Production

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:34:45 CST

Gibson introduced their top tension banjo series in 1937. These instruments represented almost a complete design break with any banjos that Gibson had produced before. Radiused fingerboards, solid wood resonators, "art deco" style inlays and pegheads as well as the top tensioning stretcher band were all new for Gibson. The style 12 featured chrome plated metal parts and walnut lumber. The first style 12 banjo was a tenor, shipped on 9 July 1937. The original production run of this model ceased with the onset of World War II in 1941. Because Gibson's shipping records exist for the entire period of style 12 production we can know exactly how many were shipped, thus giving a very good idea of how many were produced. The Gibson shipping ledgers show the following information: TB-12 19 units shipped PB-12 4 units shipped RB-12 7 units shipped

B&d seniorita

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:31:28 CST

recently been gifted a B&D Seniorita 5 string with resonator, serial number 4743...anyone have any thoughts as to its heritage... it's all about the music, the rest is only opinion

8-string 1935 Washburn help indentifying

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:43:07 CST

I recently dug this little treasure out of the closet and was wondering if i cou8ld get some info on it. I havn't been able to find any references to 8-string Washburn banjos online so hopefully you guys can shed some light on the subject. [IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v220/pyrozen/Cancun2009001.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v220/pyrozen/Cancun2009002.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v220/pyrozen/Cancun2009004.jpg[/IMG] 22 clamps around the perimeter(one is missing) 17 frets drum reads "remo weather king banjo" Impression on the dowel reads "Improved George Washburn", "1935", and "6686" neck is 15" long, trim is kinda busted up on the sides sorry about the pics of the back, it's very hard to get a good shot of the inscriptions. I'm kinda interested in price, because i don't play the banjo and this is just gathering dust in my closet. i assume someone could get enjoyment out of playing this or simply owning it.

gibson serial number

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:22:49 CST

Would anyone be so kind as to tell me what year this Gibson serial # (8307-85)would be (modern day era). Thanks! 8307-85

Difference between TB and PB

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 06:34:48 CST

Can someone tell me what the difference is between a pre-war Gibson TB and PB?

stolen instruments

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:21:58 CST

a buddy of mine out in the Denver area had his house broken into on 11/10/09 and among the things stolen were his Alvarez banjo and Westminster mandolin both which he bought new over 30 years ago. Both are in excellent condition and mandolin like new. I'm not sure if he has the serial numbers. They're all he had. Thanks for any help. steve

Plating a pre-war tone ring

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:21:54 CST

I have a question of some of the collectors and experts out there. If one had a authenticated pre-war flathead tone ring that had never been plated, what would be the effect on it's value to have it lightly nickel plated? Also, has anyone had experience to know how the sound might be effected? Thanks...Bill http://billinme.googlepages.com/

Gibson History - Reuse of Factory Order Numbers

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 06:27:54 CST

The Factory Order Number (FON) of any Gibson instrument manufactured between 1932 and 1941 may not be a reliable indicator of the year it was assembled or shipped. It is well known that Gibson reset their FON's to 1 at some point in 1932. But what is not so well known is that on 7 June 1935 Gibson did it again and started re-using the some of the same FON's over again. Then, for each year afterwards (1936-1941) they did the same thing. Using the same FON's for a third, fourth, fifth time, etc. etc. Each time they re-used a number (after 1934) an alphabetic letter was added to the FON. So in the Gibson shipping ledgers you will see things like #413-A-1 and # 413-B-1 and so on and so forth. On the instruments themselves the letter is sometimes stamped and sometimes not. A few original pre-World War II Mastertone banjos have been seen with their FON letter added to the rim stamping. More commonly examples of the additional letter may be seen inked on the headblocks of the guitars and mandolins from this period. Here are a few examples for the sake of clarity, taken from the Gibson shipping ledgers: FON 25 In 1932-34 FON 25 was a medium size batch of TB-3's. In 1935 FON 25-A was a large batch of L-30 "Black Special" guitars, first known to shipped 3 July 1935. In 1936 FON 25-B was a medium size batch of MB-1's, first known to have shipped 10 Sep 1936. FON 181 In 1932-34 FON 181 was a large batch of L-0 guitars. In 1935 FON 181-A was a medium batch of L-50 guitars, earliest known shipped 1 October 1935 In 1937 FON 181-C was a very small batch of PB-3's, earliest known shipped 16 Jun 1937 FON 413 In 1932-34 FON 413 was a batch of TB-1's. In 1937 FON 413 was a very small batch of RB-18's FON 807 In 1932-34 FON 807 was a medium batch of L-Century guitars. In 1936 FON 807 was a very small batch of RB-3's. Because Gibson reused their FON's annually after 1935 the most reliable dating for any Gibson instrument from that period is a careful look at the specific characteristics of the finish, construction details and accessories like tuners and tailpieces. I understand that this information is revolutionary to most Gibson banjo collectors. But, the guitar and mandolin gurus have known about this for quite some time. For more conversation on this topic check out this thread over on the Unofficial Martin Guitar Forum. http://theunofficialmartinguitarforum.yuku.com/topic/85573/t/Gibson-Serial-Numbers-vs-FON--FON--tell--year--mfg.html?page=1

Craigslist Gibson in Flint, MI

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 04:23:19 CST

Heads-Up. This is very cool. Twenty fret tenor. http://flint.craigslist.org/msg/1467758153.html Hope a BHO member gets her. Beezaboy

Differences in pre-war Vega tenors

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 04:20:16 CST

Can anyone help me clear up what the differences in pre-war Vega tenors are? Specifically I'm looking at the professional vegaphone tenor in comparison to the model N tenor. From what I can discern, I see the following differences: 1) Neck is different - pro model has more ornate neck. Is that the only difference in the neck? Or are the tuners different as well? 2) Model N always came as an open back banjo 3) Tailpiece is different 4) Tone ring is different Is the rest of the banjo more or less the same? What I'm getting at here is can I get a clean model N, swap on the missing bits and essentially have a pro model tenor?

Majestic Tenor in awesome condition

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 19:36:50 CST

A friend of mine recently asked me to take a banjo that had been in in his family for many years to maybe get it playable again, etc. He didn't know anything about banjos. I have been playing banjos since I am a kid, but unfortunately don't have much knowledge about them. I didn't even know what an archtop was, actually until my brother explained to me (he got me started growing up, and he knows a lot more than I do). I didn't even know I learned on an archtop, haha! Anyhoo, my friend's turned out to be a vintage Majestic, and it is in great shape. All pearl inlaid neck, etc. Only needs a string really. I am a 5-string player (at least I know that much), 3-finger Scruggs style, and this one is a tenor I guess (4-string), which I think was strummed? Can someone tell me about this instrument, what it might be worth, and how I can find out what model it is? I can't locate a serial number or anything on it other than the name? It is supposed to be very old, but I can't believe how great it looks. I mean if someone had handed me it, I would swear it was less than 20 years old! It is in that good of a condition. It has a few scratches on the back of the pot (the wooden back part of the resonator--I call it the pot, but not sure that's even the right word). But other than that it is flawless. All the plating is shiny and well kept. The tuners all look original but hardly used. It is incredible, really if this is as old as my friend says...like from the 1920s or 30s? ...thanks for any info you can provide

Possible Vega fake - help deciding

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:13:26 CST

First time post, hi. :-) I'm about to purchase a Vega tenor that I'm thinking might be a fake, or possibly just a heavily modified original. The things I'm noticing: 1) The obvious - the tailpiece and original resonator are gone. Not too alarming, considering these things could easily have been removed/replaced at some point. This doesn't alert me as much as... 2) The fingerboard seems to hang over the rim, and I'm unable to find any vega banjos of the era that do the same, they all stop just short of the rim. Also, the heel on the neck seems to have been "added onto" in order to fit what to me looks like an unoriginal resonator. I'm attaching a picture. Have a look and let me know what you think, and if my suspicions that this may be a fake or just really heavily modified banjo. I'm thinking it may vega neck retrofit onto some other model of banjo. I've asked the seller to remove the resonator to look for any vega stampings and also give me the serial. No response so far.. [img]http://www.graphicrage.com/uploads/vega002.jpg[/img] Fingerboard hanging too far over the rim [img]http://www.graphicrage.com/uploads/vega004.jpg[/img] Heel that has some modifications to fit the hole of the "new" resonator

Is this a Gibson?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 13:51:29 CST

It sounds pretty good for a uke. [url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBXihp2cbEI&feature=related[/url] Rex

If you could design your perfect prewar Gibson

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 13:33:21 CST

Let's just say that Gibson produced the banjo of your dreams in the prewar era, what would it consist of? Ok, here's my wish list, what's on yours? 1. Fancy Flying Eagle design 2. High Profile Flathead Tonering 3. Granada gold plated and etched hardware 4. Checkerboard Binding 5. Top Tension 6.Starburst finish inlay on resonator 7. Clamshell tailpiece 8. Kluson stairstep tuners Ely

Craigs list 1918 Tenor trap door

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 12:38:53 CST

I'm not in the market and I know nothing about the seller or this banjo. I simply ran across the ad on Craigs List and thought that I would pass it on. It says it's a 1918 Gibson Tenor Trap door. Here's the link. http://neworleans.craigslist.org/msg/1456289882.html Bill The best you can do is the best you can do, and you can do anything if you want to bad enough." - Barry Abernathy, Mountain Heart a Flathead an Archtop and an Open back

Help to identify this banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 10:17:49 CST

Hello and thanks in advance for any help that is given identifing this Alvarez banjo. Here is a link to the photo of different parts of the banjo: [url]http://www.treasurefinders.net/ebaypics/banjo.jpg[/url]. This banjo is pretty heavy. It has 24 brackets for the head, and the neck has 22 frets. As you can see it has the bowtie inlay on the neck. Also pictured is a photo of the emblem on the back of the resonator, as well as a photo of the turner piece of the banjo with the inlay. I have researched very much on the internet and have not found a picture of one of these. I can find no date, model number, serial number or any other identification on the banjo. Thanks in advance. Snakeg

64 vega scruggs

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 06:11:52 CST

well folks i just posted my 1964 vega earl scruggs on e bay this is the first item i have put for sale in an e bay auction and i have pictures and i tried to go worst case on the description now as far as these vintage vegas go is this banjo a common example with two rods and the fact it doesnt have cam tuners there are a lot of different options to these banjos almost like a prewar gibson thing well all criticism is welcome on the banjo or add thanks in advance jason

Vintage banjos in high/dry climates...

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:43:42 CST

I'm thinking about buying a #1 SS Stewart, but I live in Taos, NM, at 7000 feet... very high and dry here... Any thoughts on this???

Cole Eclipse

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 13:44:19 CST

I just finished setting up a Cole Eclipse a freind of mine just received. We were wondering what the value is. I looked on Bills Banjos , It is a 2500 model 3790 serial # puts around 1897. Its in pretty nice shape a few dings has the cool neck adjuster plays and sounds good too. Steve

Douglas Banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 12:54:32 CST

Hello, Does anyone know anything about the banjo pictured below? Aside from "Douglas" on the headstock I don't know much about it. It's missing the tuning key for the 5th string, bridge and tail piece. The neck seems rather light weight. At the headstock you can see that it is not solid for 2 side pieces were glued on/doweled etc. The drum has no markings. I'm trying to find out wood material and possibly country origin. If anyone can contribute some info. I'd appreciate it. <br> [IMG]http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o174/billybogartshow/banjo001.jpg[/IMG] <br> [IMG]http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o174/billybogartshow/banjo002.jpg[/IMG]

Bacon Belmont

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 04:00:55 CST

I would like a Bacon Belmont tenor banjo like this with the pearloid board. Did Gretsch make this banjo in a tenor?? http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Bacon-Belmont-Banjo_W0QQitemZ220509120949QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item33575e29b5 Beezaboy

Article on Banjo History

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:32:58 CST

Well folks for a casual phone interview where I was just spouting off the top of my head, this online article in The Collectors Weekly: [url]http://www.collectorsweekly.com/articles/an-interview-with-banjo-collector-player-and-historian-lowell-levinger/ [/url] is a pretty good primer on banjos and has some good pictures along with it. Thanks Banana

A Real Bluegrass Machine

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:25:06 CST

check this out Ebay Item number 120488710096

Vega Little Wonder pot/Ballpark price

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:45:39 CST

[img]http://www.banjohangout.ws/banjohangout.org/storage/photos/medium/8805-14421012112009.jpg[/img] [img]http://www.banjohangout.ws/banjohangout.org/storage/photos/medium/8805-24421012112009.jpg[/img] I figure I'd ask you collectors for a ballpark figure on the value of this pot, so I can price the banjo accordingly. Of course, being the word juggler that I am, I do realize that food and beverasges cost FAR more in a ballpark than they do in the Real World, but what I'm asking for is not the highest possible price, but a reasonable range.

Gibson Tenor Age????

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:33:25 CST

I pulled a Gibson Mastertone tenor banjo out of my dad's attic and was wondering what year it is, also what it may be valued at. We are thinking about selling it and don't know what it is worth. If i can talk him into it i may just keep it and learn how to play it. it has a few scratches on it, and the number on back of the peg board is 14291. I think that puts it in the 1960's but i'm not sure. I put up a few pictures on my homepage. thanks rob

Need help identifying a Gibson # 9248-22 .

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:29:28 CST

A friend called me last night with the serial number from a banjo that was his wifes Gradfathers. All I can tell you right now is, it's a 4 string. I suspect it's a TB-1 from around 1930. Any other opinions based on this little bit of info offered? PD There's so little time and so much room to experiment, why choose to play like someone else? If I were Earl, I wouldn't play it like me either.

Ed L. Bailey - Banjo Maker

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:57:39 CST

Ed L. Bailey (E.L. Bailey) is listed as a banjo maker in Mugwumps: Bailey, Ed L. Brooklyn NY circa 1924 There is scant information about this manufacturer and you would think Bailey banjos would be scarce. And yet I bought an ebay Bailey just recently: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150383502522&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT There is another one on ebay now: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250527957298&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT And here is yet another (under tenor & plectrum) at Spruce Tree Music in Madison, WI http://www.sprucetreemusic.com/miscinst.html I find that very odd that an obscure maker would be such an apparently prolific producer of banjos. Or, put another way, I wonder why so little history remains about a maker that seems to have manufactured many banjos. Just musing. Anyone here have Ed L Bailey information would appreciate a heads-up. Thanks, Beezaboy

Hartford´s RB 18 at Christie´s

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 01:56:26 CST

Y´all vintage geeks, this one got me going: http://www.christies.com/LotFinder/lot_details.aspx?from=searchresults&intObjectID=5273114&sid=ee22b45e-9a9b-4ff0-a69e-066e3651ca36 Aparently I´m too unadept to post a photo of the banjo here. So I put it on my site on the hangout. The Christie´s auction estimate is for $20,000 - $30,000. That´s low, ain´t it; or is it? So let´s get out the glass ball and speculate about the going price, conditition etc. Christie´s kind of seclusive concerning an indepth description of the item. What do you make of it (apart from the obvious like the 5´th string sliding capo etc.)? Olaf

Weymann No. 50 Tenor

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:28:16 CST

I just came across a nice banjo and debating on keeping or selling it. It is like this one at elderly, but less fancy and in good shape. http://elderly.com/vintage/items/80U-2196.htm Any ideas as to a going rate for these? Thanks for the help.