My best guess is this is a Farland banjo that could be one of the later instruments Farland made (or modified?) himself. The fretboard inlay looks professionally crafted, but the peghead and heel cap inlays look amateurish.
Priced appropriately, considering the work necessary to get the banjo into playing condition. But you have to go to Framingham Massachusetts for a pick-up, as the seller will not ship.
I have attached a couple of pictures from the eBay posting. Plenty more on that page.
Bob Smakula
smakula.com
Edited by - Bob Smakula on 09/25/2023 04:54:09
I was looking at that yesterday and the first thing I thought of was that it was inspired by the look of the Farland Artist Grand #2 but… the inlay on the peghead looks amateurishly done, though I think that the heel carving has very unique look to it. The back strap on the neck also looks well done, but seems to be coming loose. I can’t believe that if it was a Farland that it wouldn’t have had his Likeness pasted somewhere in the rim. It even looks like it may have the tailpiece knobs attached to the tension hoop as did the latter Farlands. If the bidding stays low enough it could be a fun project.
quote:
Originally posted by TriMD180I can’t believe that if it was a Farland that it wouldn’t have had his Likeness pasted somewhere in the rim.
The paper labels he used frequently come loose and sometimes fall off.
Bob Smakula
The rim may have been Farland and it definitely had a Farland mute attached at some point but the Vega peghead profile, strange carving, heel shape , etc. all imply well made but homemade to my eye. I'd guess all the ugly added inlay on peghead front and back, rim, etc. was put on by some " artisan " after it was constructed. The board inlays look like metal and are fairly well done and probably original to the banjo. It's not quite interesting enough for me to make the half hour drive to see it in person. I hope it gets a proper restoration someday - just not on my dime.
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