Banjo Hangout - Collector's Corner Forum Feed

Clifford Essex Regal (Adventures in Vinatge Banjos Part 3)

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 03:11:02 CST

I've just purchased a Clifford Essex Regal for the princely sum of £40 off Reverb. (Pictures below)

It's a top tension banjo. The metalwork is in great condition although the resonator back is very worn. I'm not sure about the tone ring arrangement. There's a sleeve around the rim but also a supported brass hoop inside making an archtop shape. The rim must be semi hollow judging by the holes.

The tuners say "Page patent" and seem to be good quality.

I'm assuming the things attached to the tension bolts are for a armrest.

The pegs at the perch pole bracket are missing but I have one carved for my Special XX which wasn't needed and wood to carve the other. The neck is therefore loose at present.

The fifth string tuner is odd. There's a fill or cover on the hole and the tuner pip seems unused.

The head is some strange plastic material and has a slight tear. I guess this is not some original 1920s (or whenever0 experiment. It reminds me of the material from Musima GDR banjos.

It had four ancient steel strings and seems not too bad but the bridge is extremely small. I'll be putting on nylons.

1970's Tokai Hummingbird banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 9 Jun 2026 20:20:18 CST

I picked up this jo last weekend. Am in the process of stripping it down for cleaning and inspection. When I pulled the tone ring off, I found a brass rod sitting inside the ring. Any ideas why it is there and what purpose it serves?

1985 gibson ess

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 8 Jun 2026 14:09:10 CST

Just bought this 1985 gibson ess and it has what looks like marks on the tuner head, are these normal and does anyone know what they are ?

NAME THAT BANJO!

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 7 Jun 2026 22:58:25 CST

Fellow Strummers and Pickers:

I've had this "no-name" Japanese banjo for about 40 years. (Bought it in 1983 from a friend's dad for 40 big ones, during that wonderful Ronald Reagan era of "American pride".) If the photo of the banjo doesn't appear in this post, it is my profile picture.

At any rate, I am starting to play it more often - I really like it - but I hate looking at a "naked" headstock. I want to give it a "manufacturer-correct" - name - and have researched similar looking 1960s and 70s Japanese banjos. I came up with the following possible "name" choices. I realize it could be anyone of these but I'm guessing one of these banjos were more popular than the others so I'm asking for help. Fun stuff, right?

A) Alex
B) Conrad
C) Conqueror
D) Hohner
E) Kent
F) Kingston
G) Lyle
H) Mayfair
I) National
J) Norma
K) Sears "Space Dot" Could it have been bought at Sears?

Please help by responding with one of these names. Or, if you know of other cheapo vintage Japanese banjos that look like mine, please provide the name of that (or those) particular banjo(s). Eventually, I plan to have a waterslide decal made for it, which I will - enthusiastically - install.

If you dislike this post - please pass it by. I don't need any "banjo-snob" BS.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!! Thank you!!!

1932 Gibson TB-2 Five String Conversion Banjo Demo by Geoff Hohwald

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 6 Jun 2026 16:22:09 CST

youtu.be/aF1y469YfT4

Is there such thing as a Chrome Plated Pre-War Presto Tailpiece?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 6 Jun 2026 14:40:53 CST

I recently acquired this tailpiece on a Vega Whyte Laydie plectrum banjo. It is definitely a pre-war Presto, but it is chrome plated. The hanger bolt isn’t original and some filing was done to the back, however, this filing was done post plating. I’ve never seen a chrome pre war presto. Has anyone seen one or have any thoughts as to weather this is original plating or not? Thank you!

Wynn Dojo

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 6 Jun 2026 07:36:44 CST

I saw an article recently about a Wynn Dojo (Wynn of Banjo and Mandolin fame from Ozark, MO).
He only evidently made one Dojo 5 string neck resonator guitar customer request back in the 70's?
It was on consignment at a music store and I played it for about an hour and I already have a Dobro brand Dojo like John Hartford used to write Gentle on My Mind, and Allen Shelton played with Jim and Jesse.
I take my dojo along on gigs and bluegrass festivals and if there are too many banjos sitting around I drag it out.
My wife says the audience seems to like it.
This one has tri-cone instead of biscuit cone and is louder and better sounding to me?

Wonder if anybody saw this article about this particular instrument (can't relocate it). Driving to pick it up today instead of shipping it.

Phil

Steiney Banjos Fairmont Minnesota

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 6 Jun 2026 07:26:33 CST

Hello,
New Member posting.
Is anyone familiar with Steiney Banjos formerly of Fairmont, Minnesota?
Builder of banjos with custom necks using proprietary parts, pots etc of other manufacturers.
Any info, history etc. appreciated.

Vintage Gibson Truss Rod Screw Changes / Cover Size

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 5 Jun 2026 08:21:11 CST

Hello All,

I have a couple of 00 series banjo necks. The truss rod cover screws on one has slotted screws and the second has phillips style screws. Also, the size of the covers is different. Do we have a timeline when Gibson made the change in the type of screws used and truss cover?

Thanks,

Recent acquisition

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 4 Jun 2026 07:31:39 CST

Hiho.

Not posted in a while but recently acquired a 1926 Granada TB archtop converted to a flathead 5. Huber tone ring and neck by Frank Neat.

Here's a weird one.

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 3 Jun 2026 19:37:49 CST

Have been chatting to a chap in my country about a Hondo 2 banjo he obtained real cheap from FB Marketplace in his town. He contacted folk on an NZ banjo FB page about parts. He had some questions and with the photos he sent me, I can see why.
The co-ordinator rods are of two different types. One is an adjustable arrangement that shows up in cheapy Asian entry level (the top rod) instruments and the other (bottom) is a standard rod.

This banjo appears to be from the 80-90's when these were getting close to being discontinued. It appears they used whatever they had on hand to complete the banjo inventory, sort of like a Gibson 'floor-sweep' instrument.

He has stripped it all down to clean it and will reassemble it. I advised that he doesn't need to add the top rod arrangement, instead he can just use a nut that will fit the threaded rod to tighten the neck against the rim. Just when ya think you've seen it all!!!

Vintage Deering banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 3 Jun 2026 17:11:07 CST

I have a vintage Deering banjo with numbers 019 on the neck. No serial numbers inside.

Wyatt Fawley Neck or Not?

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 3 Jun 2026 14:13:40 CST

I have a Tubafone Style M Pot Conversion and the neck was said to be made by Wyatt Fawley but it does not have his name stamped on the dowel. Is there another way to prove it was made by him or am I simply not going to be able to resell or trade it as a WF work. I was gifted it by a friend who got it from a well known and reputable dealer who said it was a WF neck but still, I can't prove it.
When I first rec'd it I wrote the dealer to ask about any info on its history and he kindly said he handles so many instruments he doesn't remember much about any one particular banjo, so that is a dead end. Any comments will be appreciated.

Vegavox Little Wonder????

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 3 Jun 2026 10:39:51 CST

Just for curiosity i found this on the EBay I think it doesn’t make sense: The instrument is not a little Wonder, it is a tubaphone without the bracket band, I think Vegavox didn’t have Bracket band? So it could be an open back Vox? No flange no resonator but the vox banjo is famous for the deep resonator... does it make sense? Or it’s a fake?

https://www.ebay.it/itm/117148164164?_skw=banjo+vegavox+little+wonder&itmmeta=01KT78KRJSEKW0CH0FSMPXF41D&hash=item1b46932044:g:1cwAAeSwPL5p4lrO&itmprp=enc%3AAQALAAAA4GfYFPkwiKCW4ZNSs2u11xDDpu63d1VCaDrPHPqukbhOpw9dDDyuDKVs7EhBFqJbihabqFxBsPXBTM17tUI%2BSxESohj9PY0p0mMcXMGKcgA1arFtcK7RGqKYrjN8vRKjjRaDTmV1Shaz5IjSL3%2FhAUWb7eWbQSoCLr85N%2BgNcwGmxcb%2F9lhgOoBc3soQBbHTOkM17xiARerwNcGs%2BHgY%2FZP0rneNx%2FH9tywG1LBowDBNT2%2FcTawnMWnSPpsnFN4PEV7pSFqzWeM9CwAjGxayYITcfTyV5Ftb2wZcpddgjKE9%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR8CJz-jRZw

Anyone know what these are?

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 2 Jun 2026 18:24:39 CST

Got them in a storage unit today. Do you see anything special? No visible markings on the left 2. I believe the right one is a Harmony.

Looking for help

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 2 Jun 2026 17:29:58 CST

Can anyone provide me information on this banjo? It has been in our family many years and I am hoping to learn its origin.

Alvarez Banjo from the 70s or 80s???

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 2 Jun 2026 11:45:49 CST

I was recently given this Alvarez banjo and I know next to nothing about Alvarez banjos. There doesn't seem to be any serial numbers on it.

It has a single coordinator rod. The tuners are not geared. It appears to have a 20 hole brass tone ring. It also has a presto tail piece. It's not a bad little banjo.

At the very least, I'd love to know when and where it was made. But I would appreciate any information or details that you all might offer about this banjo. Thanks!

Gibson Mastertone year?

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 1 Jun 2026 15:03:00 CST

Hello, Gents. I'm hoping that someone can help me date a Gibson Mastertone banjo with the serial number 416999. Thanks in advance for any insight!

Please help identify this Silvertone banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 1 Jun 2026 14:12:16 CST

I just picked up a Silvertone banjo. I searched the internet for a few hours, cannot find one that is a close match. I plan to fix it up myself to start learning to play. the 5th string tuning peg is missing, as well as some of the binding on the neck. Nut will have to be repositioned. Otherwise seems to be fairly intact.

A Gardner Banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 30 May 2026 15:44:18 CST

I found this cool little banjo for sale at Guitar Center. It was listed at the North Olmstead GC in Ohio. In a recent discussion here, there was discussion about Don Gardner and if he was still making dulcimers and banjos.

I purchased this A scale from GC online because it looked vintage and Don Gardner is well regarded around here. It also wasn't very spendy. I'm hoping that folks here would share if this could be a vintage banjo. I'm not familiar with this type of hardware on a banjo. It is in very nice condition.

Vintage Gibsons for sale in UK

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 30 May 2026 08:01:00 CST

The auction house Gardiner Houlgate (who specialize in musical instruments and collectibles) are listing some wonderful banjos in their June auction. There are several Granadas, two Florentines, a Bella Voce and an All American. They are all tenor banjos, and I imagine they must form part of an estate sale or from a private collector. I have no connection to either the seller or the auction house, and I'm posting this simply because we rarely see instruments like this, especially in the UK. Here's a link auctions.gardinerhoulgate.co.u...ilter=BAN

Estimate on value of Whyte Laydie No. 2?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 30 May 2026 07:28:32 CST

Hello!

I was interesting in selling my Whyte Laydie but was having a hard time estimating a fair market price. Any insight would be much appreciated. All original (vintage planet tuners installed, Newer Renaissance head. )

Help Identifying a Gibson Open Back Banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 28 May 2026 14:26:09 CST

A friend inherited this banjo from his father. I'm trying to help him identify the model, age and approximate worth. We took several pictures that I have attached.

Any and all help is appreciated.

Maker of August Polmann banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 27 May 2026 16:40:12 CST

Here’s another one for those in “the know”…
I have an August Polmann Royal Professional banjo as indicated in the ivoroid disc inlaid in the fretboard. It is marked G L Wild and Bro, Washington DC.
We know Polmann was a seller of banjos made by others and, I assume, Wild was a distributor or music store.
I’d love some insight as to who actually made this banjo.
Thanks!
Mike

Trying to find out information on this prewar 5-string tailpiece

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 27 May 2026 12:04:32 CST

hangoutstorage.com/banjohangou...82910.jpg
Does anyone have any info about this tailpiece? Thanks in advance!

Bridges on Fairbanks

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 27 May 2026 08:43:14 CST

I’m looking to find out what type / brand of bridges would have come on the Fairbanks by Vega Tubaphone 5 strings. Specifically, a 1914 (11-ish
pot) and a 1920 (12-ish pot).Thanks for any insight!

Mike

I.D on banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 25 May 2026 17:29:57 CST

This banjo I found in the tsumura 1001 banjo book. Sorry if the photo isn’t very good I got it off a review from the book. It says on the label on the neck “Richard Cook & CO” If anyone has information on this or a better photo I would much appreciate it Thanks.

ID Eagle motif antique open back skin head banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 25 May 2026 13:26:23 CST

I own resurrected relics Maryville TN . I’ve built a lot of master clones. Someone brought this in to me today. Very cool Maby I’ll get it playing? I dunno if I wanna invest the time. It’s so cool does anyone know a possible maker or any info?

1987 Stelling One-Bird Virginian | Gold-Plated and Hand-Engraved Walnut

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 23 May 2026 15:04:01 CST

youtube.com/watch?v=B0NhMo5njsQ

Free Banjo Instruction, Catalogs, Music and Books, all Public Domain!

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 22 May 2026 10:00:02 CST

It has been awhile since I have made a post about this so...

Here is a link to my Internet Archive account. I have significantly increased the number of banjo related document scans here.

You will find:

A Notation Instruction Books
C Notation Instruction Books
Nearly Complete Correspondence Courses for Banjo
Folios of Banjo Music.
Banjo Related Magazines
Personal Historic Letters
Concert Programs
Instrument Catalogs
Banjo Advertising Flyers
Sheet Music Catalogs
Manuscript Banjo Music (including from Fred Bacon's own hand and pen)
Photos
&c., &c.

Thousands and thousands of pages of banjo documents.

ALL FREE TO DOWNLOAD!

A large amount of these documents have not been available to view before. Some items are unique and only one physical copy exists.

This will continue to grow as I continue to scan. I expect my scanning will go on for years (if not a decade) so save the link and check it often.

archive.org/details/@joel_hooks

"Original 5-String Banjo"

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 20 May 2026 09:20:20 CST

It goes without saying that this banjo has a conversion neck. I messaged the seller to let them know.

banjohangout.org/classified/115204#

This banjo also has a conversion neck and is not an "SS Stewart Deluxe banjo original five string banjo the only thing that has been replaced on this banjo is the 5th gear tuning string button and the banjo head. Everything else on this banjo is original from head to toe."

S S Stewart Deluxe - Banjo Hangout

2026 Huber Truetone Custom 5-String Banjo, Gold Engraved RB-6 Style Demo

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 19 May 2026 19:02:27 CST

youtu.be/2MTMDNdxPSU

Info on maker please

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 19 May 2026 11:52:40 CST

Looking for who may have made this unmarked banjo. Has been in family since great grandfather bought it on return from WW1. Thanks!
More photos in next post.

Hewett pre 1900 five strung untouched

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 18 May 2026 23:33:41 CST

worth to think about
banjohangout.org/classified/115181

Gibson Parts Banjo Confirmation

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 18 May 2026 18:02:18 CST

Just looking for confirmation that this is a Gibson parts banjo…hopefully. Ignoring the obvious headstock break, the mastertone label looks like a fake to me, and it has a FON of 287642 (with no dashes) written in faint yellow/gold marker on the resonator. Just seems strange that someone would rip out the mastertone block and also some of the aging of the neck seems inconsistent

Riley-Baker Perfected Banjo 1847

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 18 May 2026 17:17:18 CST

I came across a riley-baker perfected banjo. It is good shape for its age. It needs to be skinned and strings, etc. I would like to get ride of it but do not know value or where to do it at. Any advice would greatly appreciated.

Need help identifying Vintage banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 18 May 2026 06:09:23 CST

Hello all, I'm new to the Banjo world and I need help identifying a banjo that was gifted to me. I would like to know the maker and try to get an estimated valuation on it. Unfortunately, I don't have any info on it. I saw that the marking at the top of the headstock may identify a 1920-1930's Gretsch but I also saw it on some non-Gretsch as well.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Jon

who made this banjo?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 17 May 2026 11:33:07 CST

I found this banjo in a music store in Fredericksburg, Virginia. They didn't know who made it. On the side of the truss rod is: Virginia-2000, and on the front of the rod something was scratched out. The strings were old and rusty, the tuning pegs were 1:1 ratio, with the fifth string tuner a friction peg, and there was a open crack at the edge of the lower head. Now that I've replaced the tuning pegs with planetary tuners and had the head replaced (with a goatskin head, not what I intended but that's what happened) It sounds great, and really easy to tune. Any ideas out there who might have made it? I've sent these pictures and an email to two custom banjo makers in Virginia, but they didn't know.

9557-8!!!

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 16 May 2026 15:12:04 CST

Nobody talking about this one...possibly the most important banjo available today, or in our lifetimes!!
Probably the most beautiful Granada Ive seen. I believe $350K will get it!!
earnestbanjo.com/wp/gibson-rb-...ne-9557-8
facebook.com/share/p/1CZSEZYucb/

Perry Botkin sr. - S/N his Weymann Plectrum Banjo No.4

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 16 May 2026 08:13:58 CST

Hello, does anyone know the serial number of Perry Botkin Sr.'s Plectrum Banjo - I mean his Weymann Plectrum banjo No.4. Is it S/N: 37943? I contacted Charles Robinson, if is possible see to his register...But, I am worry, that is not possible... Thank you for your oppinion, informations and help. (PS: I heard that this banjo belongs to Mr. Paul Scavarda, but I haven't been able to get in touch with him).

Banjo appraisal

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 15 May 2026 11:38:14 CST

Hi, finally trying to figure out how old my dad’s Gibson banjo is and what it could be worth. Its serial number is 8172-14. I’m guessing it’s from 1925 but I haven’t seen that exact number. There’s diamond inlay on the neck and it also says Mastertone. Tuning pegs, bridge and tailpiece are Grover, not sure if they’re original but look to be of good quality. Thanks in advance for any info.

Pre War All American tenor flat head at Carter's Vintage

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 13 May 2026 19:13:41 CST

Has anyone personally examined the pre war All American tenor flat head at Carter's in Nashville?

It started at $95,000 but hasn't sold and is now $55,000.

Why do you think it has not sold? Supposedly an original heavyweight flat head tone ring. Good looking except painted American scenery has been rubbed off the fingerboard due to heavy use.

I know getting a proper All American 5 string neck would be wildly expensive, but even given that, someone could put a hearts and flowers neck on it and have a heck of a bluegrass banjo, wouldn't they?

Is there something "off" about this banjo?

I don't have $55,000 to spend, so I'm not gonna buy it. But I'm mighty curious.

J.H.Z. Tunneled 5th Neck Maker ?

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 12 May 2026 17:43:39 CST

Just interested to find out

What is it, does it have value??

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 12 May 2026 13:28:15 CST

Recently acquired this banjo and don’t know whither to smile or frown. Is it worth restoring? Suggestions and comments appreciated.

Bacon Grand Concert value

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 12 May 2026 12:16:59 CST

Posting for a friend who is interested in selling this Bacon 5 string. Interested in price/value estimates and of course offers.

Maker of this banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 11 May 2026 11:50:45 CST

I don't see a name anywhere on this banjo, just a star on the headstock

Baldwin Long Neck Need help identifying and accessing worth

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 10 May 2026 04:45:08 CST

Hi! I am hoping for some info on this banjo and also what I should ask for it. I was gifted this by a late family member who was a friend of Seeger. We think it was a gift from him as my mother still has letters that were written back and forth from them. He was also gifted one of his 12 strings as well which is pretty incredible. I am hoping to find this a new home to someone who will love it as I do not play banjo. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks so much!

Got a banjo and I need help

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 8 May 2026 15:53:33 CST

Hi everyone,
I was given the task to sell a banjo except I don’t know anything about it.
He usually doesn’t ever ask for favors but I want to help him in the best way possible.

When and on what was this Grover Pat. Pend. friction banjo peg

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 8 May 2026 15:45:26 CST

and with a string locking screw used?

1970’s custom built heavy resonator banjo, “Elaine”

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 7 May 2026 10:19:24 CST

Howdy everyone, I want to share a picture of a great banjo I bought 2021 in Eugene, by a local banjo maker back in the 1970’s. It is well built, loud and heavy. It is named “Elaine” and was gifted to a spouse or lover of the man. Not much is known about it, but posting some pictures here.