Last night I attended a concert of a Jug Band. One of the players had an old tenor banjo that caught my eye. I approached and asked him about it. He stated it was a 'Columbia' brand because he researched it as such. I countered by saying that I know of no 'Columbia' brand but most likely was a model. This morning I dove into my archives and the only reference to this name was Ludwig. I thought this strange because the peghead shape appeared Stromberg Voisinet (at least to my eye). I did a search on line but couldn't come up with anything resembling the inlays etc.
Any suggestions??
Edited by - banjonz on 05/13/2025 17:32:40
I've seen the name "Columbia" used on several instruments by different makers: Ludwig beginner tenor, Slingerland banjo ukulele, & the OP's instrument seems to be an SV/Kay ?
This was made by Stromberg -Voisinet before the Kay era. Columbia is a generic sounding name which was likely used by other companies in addition to the ones that have been mentioned.
(BTW, it seems Gretsch also used the name).
This appears to have been made by the Groeshel (1890–1921) company or its successor, Stromberg Voisonet (1921–1930) depending on whether it was made before or after 1921. In 1930, the company became Kay (1930–1968) but this banjo predates that.
Columbia was a popular name to put on fancy instruments. Although Groeshel was around for the World Columbian Exposition of 1893, nobody was making fancy tenor banjos for another 20 years or so. Washburn and other companies' Columbia instruments made during the Exposition could be quite ornate and this may have been a marketing attempt to remind potential customers of the Gay 90s at the dawn of the Jazz Age.
I once played an open back 5 string at Mandolin Bros that was really beautiful -- made for display at THE Columbian Exhibition pre-1900 (I think in Chicago?). It was labeled "Columbian" with an "n'. It was so long ago I can't remember the maker but it was a banjo to drool over. Back in the late 80s or 90s I think they were asking $3000 for it, and it didn't hang around long -- it was gone the next time I stopped in. I distinctly remember beside it was hanging a Fairbanks Curtis Electric. I now own one of those.
Edited by - The Old Timer on 05/28/2025 10:20:54
