I purchased this at a local charity shop for $275 Canadian plus paid $70 for a setup. Was told it is a 1950’s Kay 5-string gold top banjo worth around $900 by the charity employee. Any information regarding value, identifying make…label imprint says Kay but label is off. Paint looks original. Sounds loud and rich to me but what do I know. I play guitar and am new to the banjo but it’s been a lot of fun already. Thanks in advance for any help.
Hey there Angelo and good luck learning banjo - never look back. I hate to disappoint you but this instrument is basically just above a very basic beginner banjo, and the approx value would be (In U.S. dollars) between 200 and 250 dollars, 300 at most. Around 250 or so would be a decent enough price for it. So all in all I don't think you got hurt any but it's probably worth just about what you paid. 50's would probably be an accurate assessment of the age. It will be very adequate if it is set up properly and you're happy with it. Plenty of time later down the road to spring for a much more expensive instrument for sure! I have little doubt it is indeed a Kay or Kay Kraft banjo.
This is a decent intermediate instrument, barely worth $275, I hope you got a case, ($900 being preposterous). Enjoy.
Thanks for the Quick response. I added a picture of the original novel tuners…folky….which made me laugh and was half the charm of this banjo. At least I didn’t get totally ripped off. Hope you get a chuckle from the pic.
Yes I did get the case…the old pressed cardboard type though. Nevertheless this is my first night with it and I am having a lot of fun already. I have finger picks laying around that I use with my 6 string Dobro and have a little finger picking experience but I am sure I have a long way to go. Happy to have it.
When there are coins involved, we call that car fare.
Hilarious! Wish I had thought of that/
