jkerr - Posted - 03/20/2008:  20:05:53

I recently came across a Bay State Model 301 for sale. The banjo is in good condition recently all frets replaced. It plays well -nice sound- action seems a little low. The owner wants $900.00. This price seems high to me. Own research indicates that this was a lower model Bay State banjo. I like the banjo but hesitant to purchase at this price. Any feedback will be greatly appreciated

Moved from "Collector's Corner."

Edited by - Banjoman on 03/20/2008 20:32:21

Hobbyhorse - Posted - 03/20/2008:  20:17:20

Seems a bit high to me. I would expect around $700 if you walked into a store and saw one.

Jake Wildwood, Talcville, VT

banjonz - Posted - 03/20/2008:  21:28:56

Definitley not worth the asking price. Try knocking off about $400.

Wayne
New Zealand

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dbrooks - Posted - 03/21/2008:  09:36:14

I own two Bay State banjos: a Model 300 and a Model 318. The 300 is the bottom of the line, I believe. It's an A-scale with a 10-inch pot and was probably intended as a ladies banjo. The 318 is a mid-range banjo with some nice inlay, though it's not an ornate banjo. I really like both of them a lot, and they are my main players.

The 301 is near the bottom of the line, though it sounds like a good banjo. $900 seems more like a price for an all-original S.S. Stewart with similar characteristics. The Bay State usually sell for less than Stewart because they are less well-known, the model numbers seem more haphazard, and they do not have the cachet of the Stewart brand. John C. Haynes did produce some presentation-style Bay State banjos and these command higher prices, naturally.

Ithaca Guitar Works has had a Model 309 which they rate as in excellent condition for over a year at $895. Interestingly, the dots on the fretboard are in non-standard spots.
http://www.guitarworks.com/bluegrass.html

Newburg Music Center has had a worn Bay State on Ebay for many months with an $800 or so Buy It Now price.

You have to decide what it is worth to you and factor in what work, if any, needs to be done on it and how that compares with a Reiter or a Enoch banjo (or another contemporary maker). $500-750 might be my price range.

David