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My Grandfather's 1920's-30's era Melody King- Is this rare?

Sep 15, 2025 - 1:02 PM
4 posts since 9/15/2025

Hello Banjo enthusiasts!
My Grandfather played this banjo for decades, it was passed along to my mother, who has now passed it along to me. I was told as a child that he built this banjo himself, but I have no way to verify it.
I know it's a 4-string tenor with resonator with unique/ornate touches.
Took it to a local music shop and was told its in excellent shape, as far as structure/neck/etc.
My mother gave me her blessing to do whatever I'd like with it, and I'd love to sell this to someone who will treasure and play it. It hasn't been shined or cleaned- I've also learned that some folks prefer it to have more of a rustic look. Here are some photos, and thanks for any advice on what I've got!

***I have several more photos**

Sep 15, 2025 - 1:44:17 PM

592 posts since 2/11/2009

It helps to post the pictures.


 


He didn't exactly build it himself, but it does appear that someone assembled a neck and pot from different sources. The neck was built by Stromberg-Voisinet, and it's a plectrum, not a tenor neck. The flange is not correct for a S-V banjo, however, so it's possible that the whole body is from someone else. We'd need to see more for a positive ID, but the flange suggests it could be from Slingerland.

Sep 15, 2025 - 3:12:28 PM

4 posts since 9/15/2025

Thank you, this is very helpful. I've uploaded more photos (hopefully it worked this time!)

Sep 15, 2025 - 9:49:05 PM
likes this

262 posts since 4/14/2024

Or you may want to consider keeping it in the family and passing it down to a child, grandchild etc who would like to play it...just a thought..

Sep 16, 2025 - 9:13:19 AM

4 posts since 9/15/2025

quote:
Originally posted by Patrick1962

Or you may want to consider keeping it in the family and passing it down to a child, grandchild etc who would like to play it...just a thought..


Sep 16, 2025 - 9:13:52 AM

4 posts since 9/15/2025

Patrick1962 Yes, that is definitely something to consider as well

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