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ARCHIVED TOPIC: B&D special #1 tenor

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/348011

pasdimo - Posted - 11/05/2018: 19:43:33

Do you think $450 for a B&D special #1 tenor is a fair price. It's apparently in good condition but I don't have more details for now. Is there a tone ring in these models ?
Thanks

gbisignani - Posted - 11/05/2018: 22:02:07

I own 2 of these. One is a 5 string conversion and the other I bought for parts. I really like them. I'm pretty sure there is no tone ring although some have told me there is a brass ring. I can't see any ring but I have never taken either apart. I can tell you that they are loud. I paid $300 for the 5 string back in the 70's and I paid about $400 or $450 for the other about 2 years ago.

jbalch - Posted - 11/06/2018: 05:40:34

The tone ring might be similar to this #2 Special that I had a few years back. The #2 had a brass hoop covered by a spun brass skirt (similar to Vega's Little Wonder ring). I also had a Gordon banjo - by B&D with the same type ring.

I think the #1 might have a brass hoop - not sure if it is covered by the skirt.

My #2 was a great sounding tenor. The Gordon was too. I sold them only because my collection was too large at the time and I really don't play tenor much at all. I kept a Silver Bell and sold these.

I think prices on tenor banjos are hard to predict. But $450 for a well-kept Special #1 seems reasonable to me. As with any instrument, condition & details are very important.

Edited by - jbalch on 11/06/2018 05:51:57