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Tripwire - Posted - 05/05/2026: 23:27:20
I’ve never came across a banjo like this…figured it was a wacky custom when I got it but after I examined it closer with the back off I aint sure. The outer rim is approximately 11 1/2”, the small rim is 8”
Bill Rogers - Posted - 05/06/2026: 00:30:38
I think it’s an honest attempt at innovation—though evidently unsuccessful.
reubenstump - Posted - 05/06/2026: 02:20:51
Well, there's plenty of clearance between the neck and tension hoop. 
martyjoe - Posted - 05/06/2026: 02:55:53
How does it sound?
Tripwire - Posted - 05/06/2026: 03:29:29
quote:
Originally posted by martyjoe
How does it sound?
better than it looks, I guess...if you pick close to the bridge it sounds decent (to my ears)it projects the sound good which I assume is the idea of the contraption, but has a kind of hollowness to it if that makes any sense...up away from the bridge the strings are pretty far from the head makes a less banjoy sound than usual for up there abouts....I aint too good at describing...or writing....or banjo playing, in my defense
martyjoe - Posted - 05/06/2026: 04:01:41
Maybe the tension of the head needs to be adjusted, which could be tricky if it’s a hide head. I can’t see anything inherently wrong with the design. It doesn’t look like it has a tone ring so it’s probably only going to be on a par with an entry level banjo.
lazlototh - Posted - 05/06/2026: 04:36:01
Question of the Day: Can I stick it on the refrigerator?
Jbo1 - Posted - 05/06/2026: 07:33:44
Another question of the day: Is it a chick magnet?
Tripwire - Posted - 05/06/2026: 07:49:23
quote:
Originally posted by Jbo1
Another question of the day: Is it a chick magnet?
aren't all banjos?
TriMD180 - Posted - 05/07/2026: 06:19:27
They come out around 1916/1917. Patent was by R&L and they were listed in the 1917 edition of the C. Bruno & Sons catalog
kyleb - Posted - 05/07/2026: 06:43:47
intersting, i like the idea of adjustable string height like that, the claim here in the ad is its also the first removable resonator banjo, do we know what year this was?
Edited by - kyleb on 05/07/2026 06:44:01
Tripwire - Posted - 05/07/2026: 07:01:16
I appreciate the information, thank you
TriMD180 - Posted - 05/12/2026: 13:38:10
quote:
Originally posted by kyleb
intersting, i like the idea of adjustable string height like that, the claim here in the ad is its also the first removable resonator banjo, do we know what year this was?
They were first sold through the Bruno and Son catalog in 1917, but the patent wasn't given until 1919. I just took the resonator off the back of mine and the bar running across the back says "patent applied for" so it must have been made earlier than the patent date.
Jbo1 - Posted - 05/13/2026: 16:38:13
Chick Magnet
Tripwire - Posted - 05/14/2026: 11:27:11
The 1917 ad shows they cost $57.50…I checked the inflation calculator and that’s $1,495.99 in today’s money…don’t imagine they sold too many of them
