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llcbean - Posted - 06/18/2026: 11:56:10
I was just gifted an old, what i think is a banjolin. It's in very rough shape so would need considerable work to restore. There are no markings anywhere that i can find. Any assistance in identifying it would be greatly appreciated. TIA, Ellen
deke46 - Posted - 06/19/2026: 07:53:36
Inlays, bracket shoes and neck brace are reminiscent of Retburg and Lange.
llcbean - Posted - 06/19/2026: 08:09:54
that was helpful thanks. looking at images of old retburg and lange and using AI, it may be an Orpheum 2 or 3, and under greater scrutiny, it looks like the original dowel was replaced. That would explain why there are no markings on the dowel...
Thanks again for the lead.
Edited by - llcbean on 06/19/2026 08:20:21
Joel Hooks - Posted - 06/19/2026: 08:44:12
While I can't help you with the mandolin banjo, my advice is to not use AI for banjo stuff. This is very specialized and one really need to be in the weeds. At this point AI is just scraping websites which are filled with nonsense and LOTS of bad info regarding banjos.
When AI gets to the point where it can read primary documentation, determine what is just "its a vega" BS vs. who to actually trust and construct original research and understanding, it will be a great tool.
Right now it will just tell you what you want to hear based on prompts and spit out the loudest nonsense website.
llcbean - Posted - 06/19/2026: 09:31:55
good point. thought it was a place to start, but i definitely have to search out reliable sources.
Andy FitzGibbon - Posted - 06/19/2026: 15:09:48
I don't see any signs of the dowel stick having been replaced. Many instruments made by R&L (and other jobbers around NYC) were sold with no markings.
llcbean - Posted - 06/19/2026: 15:11:23
good to know, thank you.
