Hello all, I have acquired a banjo at 50% discount from an estate sale in Southern Oregon. I received a text from a friend asking If I would be interested in the banjo for the grand price of $15 USD. Being the gullible type I am, I thus committed to the banjo-like object sight unseen, save for one photo.
The banjo looks to have been 'restored' and 'repaired' via innovative means. In addition, it has total enhancements consisting of an aluminum disk with holes poked through it, screwed into the dowel rod from the head side. The tension hoop is pained black and appears to be steel, being very thin. Additional details of note: the outside veneer is birdseye maple? The inner pot consists of three bands separately holding together the rim. The neck is thick, the pot is deep. The thing has what feels like a polyurethane finish, dark brown glue scattered about. The no-knot tailpiece could have been added at any time. Possible copper bar frets as well.
Any insight on if this is a franken-banjo folk art project made out or a fancy cheese box? Or something more stimulating.
Photos on profile
Edited by - PickitDavy on 09/24/2023 22:39:38
PickitDavy
Posting the pictures directly to the forum page is a better way to go. Though they are on your media page, making them easily accessible on this page will get you more replies.
When you (and only you) view this page, you can scroll down to an attachments box that has your media photos. click on each one and they will appear in "your attachments" box. Then click post reply.
Very simple and much more convenient for us that have sucky internet connections.
Bob Smakula
Well a vintage No-Knot is probable worth $15. So you weren't completely screwed. Love the imaginative fret placement.
i dont think its anything of value to a collector, but looks like like you could probably get a playable tiny banjo out of it, might be pony banjo size. I'd be interested in seeing if it would play. For 15 buck you did well, you could get atleast 100 if it was playing.
Wall hanging.
I wonder if that biscuit pan will still bake biscuits with the holes punched?
With that fret spacing, it won't ever be playable.
quote:
Originally posted by KCJonesWith that fret spacing, it won't ever be playable.
Amen to that.
There is a way to make this banjo playable that wouldn't cost an arm & a leg but it involves a bit of work. I would plane the neck down the height of a new fretboard rather than trying to refret the neck as is. I had a Lyon anf Healey piccolo banjo for a long time that was a lot of fun.
I'd gladly pay $15 plus a repro NoKnot with a properly aged nickel finish (I use white vinegar) for the one that's on there now.
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