Posted By: davidppp (+8) | Rate Member
$900 USD
This is a Luscomb 5-string open-back, 24 1/8" scale and 10 1/8"D head, serial #1/1678. It features the patented cast brass rim with a rabbeted wood tone ring. The plating looks like what it is: 130 year old nickel. It is everywhere intact.
The 24 1/8" scale is shorter than modern, standard banjos, e.g., 26". So, it can easily accommodate either standard pitches or be tuned up a whole step.
Hooks and tuners are original. The tailpiece is a Stewart "common sense." Close inspection of the tuners in the photos reveal homemade white nylon washers, which replaced the missing or worn out originals; they make tuning smoother.
The vintage wire arm rest and a TKL hard-shell case are included. Note that the full length of the banjo is only 32 3/4", and the case is 35 1/4".
The stated "Very Good" condition refers to the slight wear on the first three frets -- shown in a photo with the strings pulled aside. As a player, it is Excellent. Certainly, with nylon or the current nylgut strings, there is no discernible fret issue.
The neck and rim are free of warp or twist or other distortion. There are two shims which lower the original 19th Century-style action to 0.16" at the 12th fret with a 0.52" bridge. Visible in the photos are the thin brass shim at the end of the fret board and the thicker wood shim at the end of the dowel stick. These are totally non-destructive and can be easily removed or adjusted to change the action.
Head material & tension, bridge, and strings have a huge impact on the sound. The neck and pot are sturdy enough to set up as modern or period-correct as you choose. Currently, there is a skin head and Aquila strings. I think this set-up sounds sweet.
Luscomb was a professional stage performer, with innovative ideas about what he wanted in a banjo. He has several patents, and the banjos were manufactured by the very competent Thompson & Odell. This wood-topped brass rim was the most successful and lasting design. Clifton Hicks posted a fine demonstration and description of two models, set up very differently: youtube.com/watch?v=NWEm_uq8bfE . (At one point, he confuses these with another Luscomb patent, which features a metal-wood-metal sandwich; however, both banjos in the YouTube and this one for sale have the solid brass rim with modest-sized wood tone ring on top.)
Location:
United States, Pasadena, CA, 91103
Shipping:
$95 ConUS, carrier negotiable
Payment Methods:
Paypal
Payment Option Notes:
Veno also OK
Return Policy:
Returns accepted. Buyer must contact seller within 2 days to arrange return. Refund will be given as Money Back.
Buyer pays return shipping.
Additional return policy details: Refund excludes actual initial shipping.
Condition of Item(s):
Used - Very Good Condition
Discussion URL:
Category:
Make:
Luscomb
Ad Status:
Sold
Listing No:
98680
Page Views:
618
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