BoneDigger - Posted - 12/30/2025:  10:05:35

A local shop has a 1920s or 1930s era Bacon tenor banjo for sale. It is in fairly good condition but isn't a highly adorned model. It has a flat resonator on the back and a simple "Bacon" on the headstock. I can try to get more info, but he's asking $800 for it, which seems high. I know it's not the Silver Bell version or the Seniorita, but otherwise I'm unsure.

It is currently missing a,string and needs a setup, so I can't really gauge the tone.

I also have an option for an Artisan Goodtime Special for $600 with a hard case.

I would be learning Irish music mostly. Should I consider either of these or just wait until something better comes along?

Todd

Banner Blue - Posted - 12/30/2025:  10:26:59

Bacon tenor banjos with simple tone round rings and little ornamentation can be easily found under $500. The big question with any old banjo is whether it is in good playing condition. Most 100 year old banjos need a neck set to get the action low with at least a 1/2 inch tall bridge. They may also need new tuners.
The formula for the used value of a current production instrument that is in excellent playing condition is 75% of the current online price found at Sweetwater, Guitar Center etc. This is how most music stores price their used instruments. If the model being sold is quite common, the price may have to be lower for a quicker sale.

BoneDigger - Posted - 12/30/2025:  10:34:22

Thanks for the response. I am going to look at the Bacon again today and see what their best price is, but if it's not significantly lower than the $800, it probably would be best to pass on it. I am in no huge hurry and could wait to see what else comes up. I'll also see if I can figure out the model while I'm there.

Any thoughts on the Artisan Goodtime Special?

BoneDigger - Posted - 12/30/2025:  12:42:44

So, I took some pictures. Any ideas on the model here? It looks like it might have a tone ring but I'm not sure?

BoneDigger - Posted - 12/30/2025:  12:43:07

Trying to figure out the photo thing.

BoneDigger - Posted - 12/30/2025:  12:46:11

Trying again.

BoneDigger - Posted - 12/30/2025:  12:47:11

One more.

 

BoneDigger - Posted - 12/30/2025:  12:47:43

It looks like he wants about $600 for this. Thoughts?

Culloden - Posted - 12/30/2025:  13:23:10

Except for the resonator, this looks like a Bacon Peerless which was one of their lower priced models. I believe they had 1/4" brass hoops under the head. Bacon may have added the resonator to the Peerless model later in production. I don't know that for a fact, it's an educated guess. The ones I have seen were open back.

If the vendor has given you an offer of $600 that seems fair. That price is not a bargain but, antique Bacon banjos don't come up for sale every day, especially in stores. If you bought the same banjo online for $400-$500, by the time you pay shipping, you will have as much in it as what the seller wants for this one.

You might want to send a private message to Vinnie Mondello (Banjo Haven) in Pfleugerville. He's a member here and he's quite the expert on tenor banjos. You would be able to get more solid information than I can give you.

Edited by - Culloden on 12/30/2025 13:33:58

TLG - Posted - 12/30/2025:  14:03:57

Looks like it has Bacon's version of the Little Wonder ring, the resonator looks like Bacon also. I would ask the store to throw in a bridge & strings.
Yea, ask Vinnie

Mojesty - Posted - 12/30/2025:  14:15:47

Go back to the store, and offer to put new strings on the banjo. Then you can play it to see if you like it. If you don't like it, you only lose the cost of the strings. If it is a 17 fretter, use medium strings. Jim

trapdoor2 - Posted - 12/30/2025:  15:11:44

You might also think about the tuners. If they're not geared, you will want to replace them with more modern tuners...which will add to the expense.

If you want a vintage tenor, Bernunzio's is having a sale on many of theirs. There's a Senorita with upgraded geared tuners there for $675. A large dia. Vega Little Wonder for $425...but it will need geared tuners.

BoneDigger - Posted - 12/30/2025:  17:32:09

This banjo did appear to have geared tuners though I have no idea what brand they were or overall how functional they are. I do have extra tuners though if needed. I like the idea of taking strings up there and giving it a play. It would seem worth that effort.

I guess my overall question is, would it be worth investing in this banjo versus something else?

Also, what kind of tone ring would that be? Someone mentioned a Little Wonder tonering. Is that something they offered in these?

Todd

TLG - Posted - 12/30/2025:  17:58:04

Todd,
It appears to be Bacon's version of the "Little Wonder", like the VEGA tonering, I have a couple Bacons with that type ring in them. I also installed a reproduction B&D Silver Bell style tonering in one of my B&D Senorita , I think, it sounded fantastic, turned it into a real banjo

Culloden - Posted - 12/30/2025:  18:07:44

The Little Wonder tone ring was made by Vega, but the design could easily be used by someone else. It consists of a 1/4" brass hoop covered by a spun sleeve. As Tommy said, it looks like the same design was used on this banjo.
The resonator is definitely a Bacon model. It is not hard to imagine that Bacon could have used this kind of resonator on their later Peerless models. Resonators were becoming the norm by the mid 1920's, whereas the earlier Peerless banjos were open back. Several other companies made the same change.
Would it be better to invest in this banjo versus something newer? A new Goodtime Artisan or something similar is going to cost at least as much and it wouldn't have the panache of an old banjo. Just make sure you check out the condition of the Bacon thoroughly to make sure it has no structural issues. If it is in decent shape, you might not get this opportunity again for some time. Who knows? You might find another one like it for a cheaper price next week, but I wouldn't count on it.

Bob Buckingham - Posted - 12/30/2025:  18:52:55

I'd make an offer of $500, flash the cash and see what happens. Four tuners won't break the bank and you will have a banjo with more mojo. I have a very similar 5 string about 50 some years ago. It had 2:1 geared tuners that worked ok and a wood tone rim. It was quite plain but sounded real good. It may have had a rolled brass tone ring, I can't really remember since it was quite a while ago. But it was a good solid banjo.

BoneDigger - Posted - 12/31/2025:  14:50:54

I may just do that. Anything else I need to be worried about here, or to look out for a specifically?