I have found 2 banjos and I am not sure what I have. They are in rough condition but I would still like to know the history behind them. Thanks for your help in advance. The pics are in order of each instrument.
I have more but I can only upload 3 pics. I also have one the reads Magnet on the head stock. Thanks again
Welcome. You should be able to upload more photos by simply repeating the process.
I look forward to seeing the Magnet.
quote:
Originally posted by Topfun2001
I have more but I can only upload 3 pics. I also have one the reads Magnet on the head stock. Thanks again
You can post as many pictures as you want, but you can only upload 3 at a time.
Bob Smakula
The photo shows a Regal tenor banjo, probably from the twenties. These are noted for their "elephant foot" shoes that hold the hooks for tightening the head. These "shoes' were made from pot metal, and usually are broken or cracked. Be very careful about tightening the head.
Even in good condition, these are not particularly valuable banjos.
Regal became a distribution company jobbing other Chicago made instruments at some point but I don't know when. By the 1960s, they were owned by Fender and distributing Harmony.
Your banjo appears to have been made back when Regal was making instruments. Though based in Chicago, they had a custom shop in Sunnyvale, CA where I live that eventually became a supplier of piano parts to the repair trade—out of business 20 years now. A friend of mine has the ephemera and records from that shop.
Here is the Magnet pics for vintagetenor... Thanks for the help guys...
Don
George is this the same Regal that had the contract to make Dobros in Chicago?
quote:
Originally posted by The Old TimerGeorge is this the same Regal that had the contract to make Dobros in Chicago?
That I don't know. It wouldn't surprise me, though. I have no real interest in dobros, so someone else should answer that question.
Thanks, Don. Every Magnet I've seen (and there haven't been many) had that same resonator set up. Is here a flat backplate that is removable with a screw or wing nut?
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