thunderfan - Posted - 12/09/2025:  10:38:40

I have an old banjo I would like to sell, but I have no idea what a reasonable price would be. The rules require me to set a price in US Dollars, so I want to follow them. However, if anyone can help me price my banjo fairly, I would appreciate it. It measured at 11". Thanks, all!

 

Banner Blue - Posted - 12/09/2025:  13:48:32

These banjos with 38 tension hooks were made to appear expensive. The lowest end banjos made had few tension hooks, so these were made with an excessively large numbers to appear expensive.
I have bought several over the years in bad shape just to get a life-time supply of vintage-era replacement hooks and shoes.
There is an optimal number of tension hooks--it is not 38. Because the tension on the head is distributed over 38 hooks, instead of 20 or 24, each of the 38 hooks are somewhat loose. Hard for players to keep all the hooks attached to the tension hoop as they easily work loose.
Circa 1900? Maybe sold by Sears and Montgomery Wards--there are re-print catalogs from circa 1900 of these companies which may show such a model for sale.
Somebody has replaced the head. Its value is $50 to $300 depending on its playability. Repair costs can often exceed the value of these banjos in fresh-from-the-attic condition.

Banner Blue - Posted - 12/09/2025:  13:50:21

Has the fingerboard been replaced? If so, that may be a good thing from a playability perspective.

Jon Borcherding - Posted - 12/09/2025:  13:58:43

I paid $75 for this one.  It only has 30 tension hooks, but look at that gorgeous braided bailing twine strap!

I had some fun with it.  Put nylgut strings on it and tuned it to low G.  It hangs on the wall now.

Buckbee?

 

thunderfan - Posted - 12/09/2025:  14:02:22

No work has been done on it. Honestly, I have been unable to keep it in tune and have had no luck repairing it. I have a more modern one I actually play and so wouldn't mind letting this one go, hopefully to somebody that can get it up and working.

Bob Buckingham - Posted - 12/09/2025:  17:12:36

It looks like it is missing some of the hardware for the dowel stick where it joins the pot at the neck. New geared tuners would also help with the tuning. Is it worth putting perhaps $200 into it? Maybe not that much.

Jon Borcherding - Posted - 12/09/2025:  17:32:14

I can't tell for sure from the photo, but those look like friction tuners. You might have more success keeping it in tune with nylgut strings. That is... after the first few days with new nylgut strings when it will be impossible to keep it tuned for more than a few strums.
What is the action like?

Pauls Pretty Good Stuff - Posted - 12/09/2025:  20:41:55

I have a few like that that I would happily sell for a hundred bucks. The market is DEAD for this kind of banjo. Fix it up, keep it, and enjoy it.