reemood - Posted - 04/12/2026:  20:29:24

Can't seem to find anything online. My grandfather was a musician and according to my father he bought it from some random guy at a bar. Does anybody know anything about this model/brand? Any info would help. Thanks!

peghead

Full banjo

OldFrets - Posted - 04/13/2026:  03:03:48

The flange and the style of engraving on the headstock indicate it was built by Slingerland; the 17-fret neck suggests it's a fairly early tenor, probably not later than the mid '20s.

The Old Timer - Posted - 04/13/2026:  07:56:31

Looks like all it may need is a 4 string bridge!

Interesting banjo.

reemood - Posted - 04/13/2026:  08:00:21

quote:

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Originally posted by OldFrets

The flange and the style of engraving on the headstock indicate it was built by Slingerland; the 17-fret neck suggests it's a fairly early tenor, probably not later than the mid '20s.

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Damn! I can't believe it may be that old! Thank you so much!!

reemood - Posted - 04/13/2026:  08:02:52

quote:

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Originally posted by The Old Timer

Looks like all it may need is a 4 string bridge!



Interesting banjo.

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Yes! I already bought new strings and a bridge. I think I'll be cleaning it too, it's dusty as hell. The neck is also a bit loose, I'll try to tight it up a bit. Hopefully I don't break anything. Would love to play something on this thing. 

Culloden - Posted - 04/13/2026:  08:45:38

If the neck wobbles, check to make sure the square wood dowel in the center is not loose in the neck. If it is, it will have to be reglued. That's not a terribly hard job if you know what you're doing. It's easy to get the neck out of alignment if you don't.

Banner Blue - Posted - 04/13/2026:  08:50:11

Head tension is a major detail in how the banjo will sound.

The Old Timer - Posted - 04/13/2026:  10:31:10

Post a video of the neck looseness showing front, back, sides and inside where the neck goes through the rim. Folks here will help you evaluate.

eljimb0 - Posted - 04/14/2026:  17:29:25

It is great to have something from your grandfather. Congratulations! I would guess by the great condition it is in that there is a case for it. Learn that song on it, and take care of it. As a side note, ...the tailpiece (metal thing that holds the strings to the body of the banjo) ...is a very desirable item. Look up "Vintage Presto tailpiece" Knowledge is Power. Good luck!

reemood - Posted - 04/14/2026:  19:21:38

quote:

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Originally posted by The Old Timer

Post a video of the neck looseness showing front, back, sides and inside where the neck goes through the rim. Folks here will help you evaluate.

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Here it is! The screws and everything inside seem fine. The only wobbly thing is the neck. I thought maybe the screw that is right under the neck but that one is already tight.

VIDEO: banjo inside
(click to view)

 

The Old Timer - Posted - 04/14/2026:  20:27:40

I think Culloden called it above. Looks like the dowel has come unglued within the neck heel. Shouldn't be too hard to get reglued if nothing in the neck is split or altered (same for the dowel piece). You'll want someone who knows what they're doing to handle that.

reemood - Posted - 04/14/2026:  22:18:27

quote:

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Originally posted by The Old Timer

I think Culloden called it above. Looks like the dowel has come unglued within the neck heel. Shouldn't be too hard to get reglued if nothing in the neck is split or altered (same for the dowel piece). You'll want someone who knows what they're doing to handle that.

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Hmm do you think I could probably do it if I watch enough tutorials?? Hahaha I'm scared of handing it to someone else, but I'm also scared to mess it up myself. 

John Yerxa - Posted - 04/15/2026:  04:07:20

Looks like the dowel stick clearly loose in the neck. This can be tricky to get right. Be careful about you tube tutorials, lots of bad ones out there. Best bet to consult an experienced banjo mechanic if you can find one in your area. If not, take it apart, go slow, and come back here at every step.

The Old Timer - Posted - 04/15/2026:  07:40:54

Ricardo where are you located? BHO members might be able to recommend a good banjo builder/repair person relatively near you.

reemood - Posted - 04/15/2026:  08:48:36

quote:

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Originally posted by The Old Timer

Ricardo where are you located? BHO members might be able to recommend a good banjo builder/repair person relatively near you.

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In Jalisco, Mexico.

reemood - Posted - 04/15/2026:  08:51:13

quote:

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Originally posted by John Yerxa

Looks like the dowel stick clearly loose in the neck. This can be tricky to get right. Be careful about you tube tutorials, lots of bad ones out there. Best bet to consult an experienced banjo mechanic if you can find one in your area. If not, take it apart, go slow, and come back here at every step.

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I'll do more research if someone may be nearby. Thanks! If not guess I'll let you know guys if I destroyed our family heirloom hahaha

DSmoke - Posted - 04/15/2026:  15:17:07

Step 1 - remove the resonator. There should be a screw in the middle of the back. Post a picture of the inside, or a video of the neck moving and the dowel stick not moving.

This is definitely something you can do with a little help from people here.

reemood - Posted - 04/27/2026:  18:32:41

Update! If anyone is still interested hahaha
Brand new strings, brand new bridge, the neck is not wobbly anymore. I think this banjo is almost ready to be played! However...
I've been trying to tune it to standard tuning CGda but the 'a' string instantly detunes ones I get it to the right note. Should I also replace the pegs??