rfvelk - Posted - 12/26/2013:  15:04:16

I have owned a beautiful Kay company banjo for over 30 years. Kay company banjos were normally not that high-quality but this one is different. My understanding is that only 12 of these particular banjos were ever manufactured by Kay. Gold-plated tuning gears, LOTS of abalone inlay. This is a high-quality instrument. There is a Kay company logo on the headstock but absolutely no other identifying marks. I removed the resonator today and there is a hand written number 8 and that's it. No serial numbers etc.

Here's the photo gallery that I put together: velkdesign.com/assets/banjo/

Thanks for any assistance you can provide.

SFI - Posted - 12/26/2013:  15:23:59

Your banjo is Asian made, likely Korea, but maybe Japan. Though you were told there was only 12 of this model made, it will not be any more valuable than if there 10,000 made. As a vintage instrument dealer, I see no collectors market for banjos like yours. There is a utility market though. 

It will be interesting of one of the BHO members has a vintage Kay catalog with that particular banjo. At least then you will know the model name.

Bob Smakula 

Blake507 - Posted - 12/26/2013:  15:42:17

I just have a few questions.  What's the history on the this jo, are you the original owner?  How did you come to own it?  and What's it sound like? 

I would sure like to hear what it sounds like.  Why not post a little tune with it.    I have to say that it is most interesting.  Never seen one with an inlay on the back of the neck.  

db

beegee - Posted - 12/26/2013:  17:07:16

I doubt you'll find this in a catalog. I'm thinking it was made by the Iida folks for a NAMM show or something. The pot fairly screams Iida to me. I have never seen one like this in person or even a picture of one. Scott Zimmerman may be able to shed some light on this.

rfvelk - Posted - 12/26/2013:  17:23:40

Thanks for the feedback! As for how I came to own the instrument, my grandmother's cousin was an instrument collector. He lived in Illinois all his life. I visited his place once when I was kid (probably mid - late 1970's) and his finished basement was filled with guitars, banjos, lots of different instruments. When he passed, my grandmother bought it for me from his brother who was attempting to liquify his collection. Sounds great and the instrument is very easy to play. I'll have to record it and post a tune. 

Robert

Edited by - rfvelk on 12/26/2013 17:31:36

Blake507 - Posted - 12/26/2013:  22:24:21

Yes, please do post your tune here on this page.  That way I'll be sure to hear it, since I will get a heads up when you post. 

Thanks for the history, I always love the story.  Every banjo has a story. 

db

mikehalloran - Posted - 12/27/2013:  17:21:06

I'm kind of with Bob on the Korea origin - almost screams Sam Ick from the 1980s to me - except that it's a little understated and the finish isn't as thick as you normally see on a Samick presentation banjo.

If 1970s, would be Japanese, more likely. I'm leaning more in that direction. 

Presentation banjos often turned up at NAMM and other shows. It would surprise me if there were 12 of those made as K banjos, however. I wouldn't be surprised if a few exist with other brand names.

Yes, paging Scott to the Collector's Corner, please. 

>I see no collectors market for banjos like yours.<

Yes, I have to agree. 

Any dealer would want to find this as part of an estate sale and put it out to see what the market would bear - but none would have high hopes for its value.

Yet somehow, there's a certain cool factor to this one. I dunno... I like it.  

Yes, post a sound clip!

Edited by - mikehalloran on 12/27/2013 17:30:00