Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/329150
The Old Timer - Posted - 03/25/2017: 12:14:40
A No. 5 B&D Silver Belle, "said" to have belonged to Thelma Truett, they think. It sure is purty, and a bit different. I don't know anything about these except that there are those here who like to discuss them. Just stumbled on this under new acquisitions at Gryphon website.
I will now enjoy the discussion!
shop.gryphonstrings.com/produc...5--50449-
Bill Rogers - Posted - 03/25/2017: 12:34:37
One thing's certain: Gryphon's integrity is of the highest order; they'l have made every effort to dig out accurate information on this banjo.
eagleisland - Posted - 03/25/2017: 12:46:18
day-AMN, but that's pretty!
jbalch - Posted - 03/25/2017: 14:09:47
I believe the #5 banjos are quite rare.
I have an very unusual 1925 #2 17-fret tenor with similar engraved pearl inlay. Mine is a good bit less refined that the # 5. Definitely an unexpected look for a B&D instrument. I'm crazy about this #2. It sounds amazing. I always liked the look of the silver plating. The engraved inlay is a bonus (IMHO).
Ed Britt told me that these were likely the result of experimentation by David Day shortly after he came over from Vega. Obviously, the engraved pearl look was big for Vega. But I assume that it sold less well for Bacon. I think relatively few were produced.
Edited by - jbalch on 03/25/2017 14:19:08
csacwp - Posted - 03/25/2017: 14:59:58
Price-wise the No. 5 was so close to the Ne Plus Ultra No. 6 that I imagine it couldn't compete. If one had the money to afford a No. 5 then why not spend a tiny bit more for a NPU to get the tonal benefits of the ebony neck and those beautiful ivory inlays.
Edited by - csacwp on 03/25/2017 15:01:31
mikehalloran - Posted - 03/25/2017: 22:16:29
I know this banjo and have played it—before my stroke, of course. Always loved the silver plate. Sorry to learn its former owner is no longer with us. He had other very interesting instruments as well.
Banjo Den - Posted - 03/25/2017: 23:38:59
I'm in total agreement with Mr Rogers regarding Gryphon's integrity. I'm not sure if I've ever seen a banjo so thoroughly photographed in other advertisements. It looks like Gryphon Strings was photographing a crime scene. They left no stone unturned in terms of disclosure. I'll have to keep them in mind the next time a have a couple of thousand bucks to spend, or win Powerball or Mega Millions !
Polle Flaunoe - Posted - 03/26/2017: 01:17:12
PS!
An info for a possible provenance hunter/researcher - the last owner of the #5 in question - the late Jurg Pfister - bought the banjo at "The 5th String" in Berkeley around 1980.
PPS!
I estimate that only 10-12 nos. #5 plectrums were built - in the period 1924-29.
Edited by - Polle Flaunoe on 03/26/2017 01:19:49
dspainters - Posted - 03/26/2017: 06:21:26
why does the neck adjustment screw maxed out just wondering
TB-4 Guy - Posted - 03/26/2017: 06:26:59
That's a beautiful instrument!
Polle Flaunoe - Posted - 03/26/2017: 07:01:26
quote:
Originally posted by dspainters
why does the neck adjustment screw maxed out just wondering
Most likely due to a loose or poorly re-glued dowel stick.
Do btw. notice that the heel cut fitting the tension + flesh hoops goes very deep - most likely down to the top of the dowel - this could indicate an early fix icw. a bottomed-out calf skin.
Polle
dspainters - Posted - 03/26/2017: 11:07:52
that make sense then..... thanks
