larrydata - Posted - 11/14/2025:  10:33:43

Hi Folks,

I have a Ramsey tubaphone that was originally sold new by Mandolin Brothers from Staten Island, NY for $2049 w case in 2013. It was described on the receipt as "Chanterelle (new) Tubaphone 11" #3 fretted open back banjo". I'm the second owner (purchased here on the classifieds back in 2017).

I'm aware of Mr Ramsey's reputation, but this banjo is a delight and plays perfectly w/o issues. I really enjoy it. I'm sure mandolin Brothers made sure it was 100% before selling it.

I was hoping that y'all might help solve a mystery for me. This Chanterelle/Ramsey banjo has a unique nameplate on the dowel stick. Unlike the metal plates I would expect to see saying "Ramsey Banjos Makers Appomattox VA"  this one has an abalone plate with simply "RAMSEY" engraved on it. 

I'm not sure if this was a special option that Stan Jay might have ordered or if Mike had run out of metal plates, or was feeling artistic that day? Maybe it was a one-off experiment? Maybe he was between shops at the time? I believe he had relocated to Pittsboro, NC prior to 2013.

If you have any info I would appreciate it. It doesn't really matter at all, but I'm just curious.

Best, Larry

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banjo bill-e - Posted - 11/14/2025:  10:39:34

Donald Zepp might know. He is not active but still a member you might could message him. I've never seen a nameplate like that one.

TheLastWord - Posted - 11/14/2025:  15:48:58

Nice banjo. Maybe early in his luthier career.

larrydata - Posted - 11/14/2025:  17:16:22

Thanks for the tip about Donald Zepp. He was gracious enough to give me some background on my banjo although he didn’t have the exact answer. Super nice guy!

Larry

The Old Timer - Posted - 11/15/2025:  10:12:40

Ramsey moved his shop at least 3 times I'm aware of, so there were three different locations on his name plaque. I also would guess this is an early product, and he hadn't yet thought of showing his shop location on the plaque.

jbalch - Posted - 11/18/2025:  18:48:55

Look up Mike's old website on the wayback machine internet archive:  

ramseybanjos.com/Tubaphone.html">web.archive.org/web/20130509234350/ramseybanjos.com/Tubaphone.html

According to what is says there, in 2013 he was located in Pittsboro, NC.  That was the last location of his shop (I think).   

A "new" 2013 banjo would not have been a particularly early example.