Hello! I just picked up this banjo from a used bookstore that has an instrument section. They sold it as a “waverly” because the only identifier they saw was the Waverly tailpiece. I took the resonator off to find the stamp “Wilson Bros MFG Chicago.” There looks to be a tone ring around the top of the pot. The resonator was very unique looking and build by “Wilmot Wood Company.” I couldn’t find much information on Wilson Bros banjos when google searching. Finally, can anyone tell what the neck is from? I’ve seen a few necks called a Vega Imperial? Any information on this would be great!
I just started playing 5 string banjo in January. I’ve played electric bass for 15 years. This little tenor banjo just looked special and I had to take it home. The neck is beautiful. I’m not sure what to do with it besides try to learn a song or two on it. Is it worth trying to get a 5 string conversion neck for the pot since it’s already kind of a parts banjo?
Naw, tune it in 4th's and noodle like it's a bass solo.
The Wilson banjos I've seen were built mostly (if not entirely) from parts from other companies. The neck of this one came from Stromberg-Voisinet, but the tone ring (and possibly the whole pot) appear to be from Slingerland.
Wilson Bros. Mfg. apparently was a maker of drums in Chicago from about 1898 according to one writer, or 1917 according to another. The Mugwumps list of banjo makers gives their dates from 1890 to 1927+. The business was auctioned off in 1929.
No mention in any of the histories I found that indicate they branched into banjos. One writer speculates that Tom Wilson may have worked for Lyon & Healey before he and his brother opened the drum business. Another writer found published stories from 1923 indicating Tom Wilson had invented a new process for manufacturing fret wire for banjos, guitars and mandolins.
Lyon and Healey, Stromberg-Voisinet, and Slingerland were all Chicago manufacturers in that era, so it wouldn't be surprising if Wilson Bros. acquired parts from any or all of them to assemble banjos. Since Wilson Bros. was a drum manufacturer, it's possible they made rims and some of the associated hardware for the banjos they sold under their own name.
Here are links where I found this information:
https://www.notsomoderndrummer.com/not-so-modern-drummer/columns/harry-cangany-catalog-corner/wilson-brothers-1922-drum-catalog
https://www.snathanieladams.com/2020/02/wilson-brothers-mfg-co-and-hold-fast.html?m=1
http://www.mugwumps.com/AmerInstMkr.html#W.
Just noticed I read one of those documents too quickly. The Not So Modern Drummer history of Wilson Bros. does include this line:
Wilson first made drums and traps, sold Leedy timpani along with his own, and later added banjos just like competitors Leedy and Ludwig & Ludwig, by 1926.
quote:
Originally posted by OldFretsThe Wilson banjos I've seen were built mostly (if not entirely) from parts from other companies. The neck of this one came from Stromberg-Voisinet, but the tone ring (and possibly the whole pot) appear to be from Slingerland.
What indicates this neck being from Stromberg-Voisinet?
Wilson Bros. began making, guitars, banjos, mandolins & banjo ukuleles in 1925, & shut down c. 1928-29. They seem to have also subcontracted other makers. I've seen tenor banjos & banjo ukuleles labeled Wilson that seem to be made by Stromberg Voisinet.
quote:
Originally posted by zackthoquote:
Originally posted by OldFretsThe Wilson banjos I've seen were built mostly (if not entirely) from parts from other companies. The neck of this one came from Stromberg-Voisinet, but the tone ring (and possibly the whole pot) appear to be from Slingerland.
What indicates this neck being from Stromberg-Voisinet?
The headstock shape is distinctly theirs.
