Prax - Posted - 12/07/2025:  08:57:57

Greetings, all --

I recently posted a thread over in Collector's Corner to get info about an Orpheum #3 banjo I have; the consensus over there is that it is a conversion from on Orpheum #3 something (probably a tenor?) to a long neck 5-string. I'll repost the pictures here, plus a few extras I didn't include in my original thread.

I'd like to get advice from you all about what to do with it, i.e. how to sell it, how to price it, etc. Since learning it's a conversion, I've wondered which is preferable: selling it as a complete instrument? or disassembling it and selling parts? In the electric guitar and bass world, it's sometimes more advantageous to part an instrument out vs selling outright, but I don't know how that strategy might play out with an old converted banjo. I suppose it's possible someone may be looking for an Orpheum pot, or tuners, or whatever. I can say that the case is in stellar condition, and is likely very old, so that might be worth something to someone, even if the banjo isn't. Just thoughts... would love some input from you all.

Thanks

Open back

Headstock

Front

 

Prax - Posted - 12/07/2025:  09:03:27

Case Pics

Case 3

Case 2

Case 1

 

Prax - Posted - 12/07/2025:  09:07:43

A few more

Headstock 2

 

Wildeman - Posted - 12/07/2025:  10:50:00

That's a very cool banjo, I'd hate to see it parted out. I think you should sell it as it is, someone might just be looking for a great old player to make music with. Conversions are pretty common in the banjo world, any instrument that can be taken apart easily commonly gets modified, look at Fender guitars. I want a Stella 12 string and can no way afford a real one, so I may go the modified six string route, I will clearly identify it as such if I do.All just my opinion.

Edited by - Wildeman on 12/07/2025 10:51:38

Prax - Posted - 12/09/2025:  13:49:37

Any other thoughts on this one?

At this point I'm leaning toward selling it "local pickup only" for about $300, and see if anyone bites. There's a small folkie scene in the area, so someone might be interested.

mainejohn - Posted - 12/09/2025:  13:52:44

quote:

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Originally posted by Prax

Any other thoughts on this one?



At this point I'm leaning toward selling it "local pickup only" for about $300, and see if anyone bites. There's a small folkie scene in the area, so someone might be interested.

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Where are you located?

Prax - Posted - 12/09/2025:  14:07:30

I'm on the Olympic Peninsula, Washington State.

mikehalloran - Posted - 12/11/2025:  11:55:16

quote:

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Originally posted by Prax

Any other thoughts on this one?



At this point I'm leaning toward selling it "local pickup only" for about $300, and see if anyone bites. There's a small folkie scene in the area, so someone might be interested.

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I'll buy it for that, pay the shipping and tell you exactly how to pack and ship it so that it gets to me safely. Please message me!!!!!!