BRbanjer - Posted - 04/16/2026:  10:36:22

I know this is a long shot by far, but are there any shops that offer a selection of plectrum banjos for sale?
I play plectrum in a trad jazz band and I'm looking for a good working stiff's banjo. Not $$$$ collector-level items but not junk either, just a good solid working banjo, preferably mid-line from Bacon, Vega or that level of makers. NOT looking for Gold Tone or Deering Goodtime. Those are good banjos but my band plays music of the teens through the thirties and I'm looking to keep that vibe going. Not finding much in our Marketplace; if anyone knows some reputable places, I'd appreciate a shout. Thanks.

OldFrets - Posted - 04/16/2026:  11:35:57

Gruhn has a few that have sat there for a while, largely because they were overpriced when first listed. Bernunzio has a handful as well. But generally, plectrums are scarce enough that regular searching on Ebay and Reverb has been more fruitful for me.

EEB - Posted - 04/16/2026:  12:21:43

John Alvey Turner usually have a selection of plectrum banjos:



johnalveyturner.co.uk/banjos/p...m-banjos/



Admittedly not ideal for you as JAT are in the U.K. and you’d have to add shipping. The advice to keep an eye on auctions and eBay is sound; if you're not in a hurry, decent plectrum banjos can be picked up for a bargain price that way.

Edited by - EEB on 04/16/2026 12:22:42

Bill Rogers - Posted - 04/16/2026:  12:25:21

Did you see this?

banjohangout.org/topic/408160

CJSBoston - Posted - 04/16/2026:  13:42:21

I don't know of any specific shops, but Larry Kernagis (TN) and Vinnie Mondello (TX) both have plectrums and tenors going through their hands all the time. They are both on Facebook and are super trustworthy and good folks to deal with. What is your general budget? They might be able to point you in the right direction.

BRbanjer - Posted - 04/16/2026:  16:35:46

quote:

---

Originally posted by OldFrets

Gruhn has a few that have sat there for a while, largely because they were overpriced when first listed. Bernunzio has a handful as well. But generally, plectrums are scarce enough that regular searching on Ebay and Reverb has been more fruitful for me.

---

I've been checking those two places. Bernunzio's has had the same handful for awhile; didn't see much of interest there. I should go back and peruse Gruhn's; it's been a little while.

Thanks for the suggestions.

BRbanjer - Posted - 04/16/2026:  16:39:45

quote:

---

Originally posted by Bill Rogers

Did you see this?

banjohangout.org/topic/408160

---

I did. Very interesting! It's somewhat difficult for me to get a read on the playability of the banjo from the information supplied so far. Looks potentially nice, though. Thanks for the link!

BRbanjer - Posted - 04/16/2026:  16:45:42

quote:

---

Originally posted by CJSBoston

I don't know of any specific shops, but Larry Kernagis (TN) and Vinnie Mondello (TX) both have plectrums and tenors going through their hands all the time. They are both on Facebook and are super trustworthy and good folks to deal with. What is your general budget? They might be able to point you in the right direction.

---

Thanks for mentioning Larry; I didn't know about him. I'll check that out.

Last time I looked at Vinnie's site, I only saw one plec and it was above my pay grade. But I'll take another look.

BRbanjer - Posted - 04/16/2026:  20:32:39

quote:

---

Originally posted by EEB

John Alvey Turner usually have a selection of plectrum banjos:



johnalveyturner.co.uk/banjos/p...m-banjos/



Admittedly not ideal for you as JAT are in the U.K. and you’d have to add shipping. The advice to keep an eye on auctions and eBay is sound; if you're not in a hurry, decent plectrum banjos can be picked up for a bargain price that way.

---

They certainly do have some nice banjos but you're right about the shipping. Thanks for the link!

The Old Timer - Posted - 04/17/2026:  07:39:12

I've seen more plectrum banjos on eBay than almost anywhere else.

Do a Google search on VEGA and Fender plectrum banjos. From the 1950s to 1970s. They turn up occasionally and are not priced like the prewar big guys.

BRbanjer - Posted - 04/17/2026:  08:05:51

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Old Timer

I've seen more plectrum banjos on eBay than almost anywhere else.



Do a Google search on VEGA and Fender plectrum banjos. From the 1950s to 1970s. They turn up occasionally and are not priced like the prewar big guys.

---

Yep, that looks like the best option so far. Those (Salstrom-made?) Fender look like a potentially good deal. Thanks!

mikehalloran - Posted - 04/17/2026:  14:24:55

I played banjo/guitar books in pit orchestras for decades and have a couple of serviceable Vega plectrums from the 1920s that might interest you. Feel free to to PM me for details and pictures.

BRbanjer - Posted - 04/17/2026:  18:02:44

quote:

---

Originally posted by mikehalloran

I played banjo/guitar books in pit orchestras for decades and have a couple of serviceable Vega plectrums from the 1920s that might interest you. Feel free to to PM me for details and pictures.

---

Thanks, Mike. I haven't had good luck with PMs on BHO but I hope this works. I'm definitely interested in working-stiff 20s Vega plectrums! Feel free to send photos and details.   Bob Russell

The Old Timer - Posted - 04/18/2026:  06:56:08

Well, speak of the Devil, and he appears. This morning Gruhn Guitars in Nashville has a 1927 PB 1 Gibson plectrum resonator banjo. Hex hole shoe-bolt flange. It may have friction pegs from what I can see. Asking $2000 and I bet a serious buyer could do better.

guitars.com/inventory/je3452-1...-plectrum

Edited by - The Old Timer on 04/18/2026 06:58:23