I just picked up this fixer-upper five-string.
I don't see any branding on it anywhere, curious if anyone knows what it might be.
The heel brace looks aftermarket to me, since it's kind of crooked. Also the shim to tighten the neck against the pot is a design I haven't seen yet.
I checked the top side of the dowel stick as well, but no markings of any sort.
Looks like not just the add-on heel brace, but the neck itself, is at the wrong angle to the shell. So I’m guessing the neck may be from another banjo. What’s the diameter of the shell? The peghead shape looks Gretsch-like. Or could be one of the Chicago makers.
quote:
Originally posted by Bill RogersLooks like not just the add-on heel brace, but the neck itself, is at the wrong angle to the shell. So I’m guessing the neck may be from another banjo. What’s the diameter of the shell? The peghead shape looks Gretsch-like. Or could be one of the Chicago makers.
Now that I look at it again, the neck does seem to be askew. I guess I'll have to see how far out of whack it is once strung up. Hopefully theres enough slop in the neck mounting to get it in a playable position.
The pot seems to be just under 11". Maybe 10 15/16"
The alignment of the tuners is also a little wonky. Though I haven't removed them yet to see if the issue is wear or the original holes being in the wrong place.
Edited by - A Drum On A Stick on 04/25/2025 19:57:37
Just love seeing old instruments that have been played and loved...wish they could tell their stories. Glad to see you're rescuing this one...
