armystud25 - Posted - 03/14/2012:  14:48:52

I have a banjo that i inherited from my grandfather.  Here are the pictures. The serial number is 35197. can anyone tell me when it was made and the value? It's missing the strings has the metal key for tuning it i guess. has two chips of the finish on the rim. other than that its really nice.

jbalch - Posted - 03/14/2012:  15:07:20

Made my The Bacon Banjo Company (aka Bacon & Day or B&D)

Check out the database here: acoustudio.dk/BD_and_Bacon_database.html  The serial number dates to 1937 a few other Kingston banjos are listed.

There is s group page on this site for all things related to B&D banjos.  banjohangout.org/group/baconan...blog/3027

Several experts will probably reply with more information.

Nice Banjo ... best wishes!

Edited by - jbalch on 03/14/2012 15:12:29

beegee - Posted - 03/14/2012:  15:10:52

It's a Bacon-made Kingston, probably from the 1934-38 date range. Polle Flaunoe may be able to narrow down the date by serial number. He'lll probably be better able to give you a value estimate as well. I'd just have to guess.

Ludwig also made a Kingston model, but this is definitely not a Ludwig.

armystud25 - Posted - 03/14/2012:  15:18:30

I went on to the database and i looked up the serial number and i couldn't find the exact one. I would assume it's close to 1937 model. As far as the value, i have no idea how to work the database and do not see anywhere it says values.  Could anyone help me figure this out? that database isnt hard to understand i just dont know exactly what i'm looking for.

jbalch - Posted - 03/14/2012:  16:18:17

The database is a list of known examples.  Others occur sequentially in ths same range.  Your falls in the period of 1937.

Values are not listed.  These banjos sell from time to time on ebaY and elsewhere.  I would guess tha ta nice one with all original parts and ready to play might bring around $400-500.

Edited by - jbalch on 03/14/2012 16:19:59

Polle Flaunoe - Posted - 03/15/2012:  05:12:52

Kyle,

The banjo is now included in my database - only I´ll like to know - is it a 19-fret tenor or a 22 fret plectrum banjo?

As for value - yes, as indicated by John B. above - 4-500 bucks, I take. Depends very much on type and condition.

Polle

Edited by - Polle Flaunoe on 03/15/2012 05:14:13

NYCJazz - Posted - 03/15/2012:  08:48:40

Hi Kyle

I have a plectrum Kingston. It's a Bacon, so it's special! It was made a few months before yours

banjohangout.org/myhangout/pho...umid=5343

I have a question for you: Does yours only have the serial number on the dowel down the middle like this:

Or is there a stamp that says "Made by Bacon Banjo Co Groton, Conn"?

Mine does not have the stamp. Thanks!

armystud25 - Posted - 03/16/2012:  11:30:50

So it's a 19 Fret. and the serial number is in the middle just like yours with no Bacon and Day stamp on it.

Edited by - armystud25 on 03/16/2012 11:31:42

armystud25 - Posted - 03/16/2012:  13:39:05

 Another question for you. Do you play yours still? Mine is missing the strings and i know thats not expensive but it's in pretty good condition and i wanted to start playing. Is it a good idea to get it cleaned up really good by a Pro or do you think just stringing it up would be ok? Also, how hard is it to learn? i played a acoustic gutair for alittle and knew the basics but i have heard that the Banjo is a bit different. Can someone tell me what the major differences are and maybe reccommend a good learners book or dvd i could get. Or if anyone knows of a online Webcam lessons that i coud take or if anyone on here would be willing to do that. I would of course pay for your time.

Edited by - armystud25 on 03/16/2012 13:42:17

NYCJazz - Posted - 03/16/2012:  16:12:06

I play mine almost daily.  It was a budget instrument from the finest banjo maker of the 20's & 30's (IMHO) so it isn't fancy but it's very high quality.

String it up... then maybe take it to a pro. He or she may be able to really improve the sound & playability for modest $$.

Since you played guitar, you can tune it DGBE like the four highest pitched strings of a guitar and play it right away. This is known as "Chicago tuning" and is very common. I think normal light gauge acoustic guitar strings should work fine. Banjo isn't that different from guitar. You could learn the basics from just about any guitar teacher that knows jazz.

If you want to learn about traditional tenor banjo. Check out Eddy Davis on YouTube. He's the musical director of Woody Allen's jazz band and posts here occasionally.

I know two wonderful tenor teachers who give lesson via Skype: Cynthia Sayer and Steve Caddick.

Congrats!

NYCJazz - Posted - 03/16/2012:  17:22:53

If you would like to see some of the more expensive products of Bacon & Day check out:

banjoworld.de/Bacon1.htm

armystud25 - Posted - 03/17/2012:  08:55:13

Thanks so much for the knowledge and information you gave me. I think i'm going to go to a music shop today and get it strung and tuned up. I cant wait to learn how to play. Is there anyway you can give me the contact information of the two people that can do lessons via skype? I would love to start learning. I know videos on youtube can be helpful but i also know a one on one lessons can be very heplful. Thanks again for your help. Also those banjos on that site were beautiful!