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ghstudio - Posted - 01/22/2026: 15:16:42
When I lived in NYC in the late 60's and early 70's, I took a few lessons from Roger Sprung and purchased this banjo new from Roger. I've tried to learn to play a few times with little (well, to be honest, no) success) and it's been kept in closets all these years. It's really had almost no use, but over the years, the hand guard and some of the chrome has tarnished which doesn't effect the playing, just the looks. It's time to part with this banjo, but I don't know the model and have no idea of what price to ask....or if I sell, how would I pack it. I do have the original case, but not sure it's a Baldwin case or something less expensive. No serial number that I could find. The bottom of the resonator shows how little it's been used. I could use any guidance on the best way to part without being taken advantage of by a pawn shop or used gear store.....so any help is appreciated.
sorry for the bad picture....the head has both Baldwin and Ode which should help date the banjo.
Edited by - ghstudio on 01/22/2026 19:42:35
pinenut - Posted - 01/22/2026: 15:50:27
It's unfortunate that it's for sale. Baldwin, Ode, and Gariepy aluminum banjos are known to be underated players instruments for any style. (Gariepy is an unrelated maker of a similar banjo)
If there is any support that would convince you to take up playing; please ask, there are methods/resources that can enhance potential success and streamline the learning process.
The aluminum pot gets it lumped in with "Banjo Shaped Objects" that this banjo has no truck with; it still pulls the value down far below the functional worth and price is going to be dependent on the buyer.
reverb.com/item/3314236-60s-70...with-case
reverb.com/item/86812301-garie...ce=google
Edited by - pinenut on 01/22/2026 15:57:07
mvolcjak - Posted - 01/22/2026: 18:06:44
Looking at the head stock, it has a Baldwin only banner, which indicates it was made between 1966 and 1972 (or so). It is a Model "2", which is an aluminum rim'd banjo. A value of appx $800, (or less) is a good estimate. The wood rim'd banjos ("B", "C" and "D") of that era are worth more. Still a decent banjo, just not one that is as desirable as a wood rim model. One has been for sale at Elderly (a later "ODE" banner Baldwin style "2" banjo) for months now, at a "reduced" price of $800, and has yet to sell. The previous post to keep it and play it is a good suggestion......
Take it Easy ... MarK
ghstudio - Posted - 01/22/2026: 19:41:24
Picture of head ....
I'm open to offers (I know this should be in marketplace, but since I started this thread here...)
Banjo is in Sarasota, FL Not sure how to pack/ship, but could meet within reasonable distance.
mvolcjak - Posted - 01/22/2026: 21:26:51
Now that I see the headstock better, this is a later '73-'77 era Baldwin/Ode, as it has both names on the headstock. The value is still about the same - around $800 or so...
Take ti Easy ... MarK
Laurence Diehl - Posted - 01/22/2026: 22:25:58
The one listed at Elderly is described as 'Project Condition' (needs a lot of work).
I think if your style 2 is in VG+ condition you should be able to get $1,000-$1,200 for it but it might take some time to sell. Players are leery of aluminum rim banjo because they are associated with low quality Asian made instruments. The Baldwin 2SR is made from aircraft grade aluminum and is superior in every way to the Asian "bottle caps". I would recommend listing it in the marketplace here.
As to shipping, you can often get a used shipping box from a local music store. Fill the case and the box with scrap material so that the banjo doesn't move at all. Shipping cost can be $100+ depending on where in the US the buyer is from, but you can negotiate these costs with the buyer. I usually ship UPS.
