Here it is....an honest-to-gosh "time capsule"....

https://www.banjohangout.org/classified/113932

Very cool.

1985 would be the honey colored original right? Not yet called the "Standard"?

What's the plan if when the box is opened it's badly damaged or the neck is warped beyond repair?

Who says the buyer will open it?

Life is like a box of banjos.

Clear case of schrodinger's banjo. The banjo is BOTH pristine and playable, and a decayed bunch of scrap wood until the box is opened and its state is observed.

Or maybe it's a brick that says "I owe you a banjo; call me tomorrow and I'll bring it over."

Schrodinger's Banjo. Heh heh heh... Good one.

Thanks for the comments.
First, I could have opened the box, taken the pictures and claimed it had never been played. And that would be correct, but who would really believe it?
That’s why I am delivering the banjo, and will be present when the new owner opens the box. If there is a major issue as CrazyCatLazy and kayakeradam have referenced, then I’ll pack it up and return home with it. Those were legitimate thoughts they had, and I hope this addresses them.
Old Hickory From my recollection that is correct.
KCJones That is certainly a possibility. Buyers choice!
Thanks again. I wish I had been aware of this site while my shop was still open. We were also a Deering dealer, and were proud of one of our earlier customers, “The Duke of Drive,” Terry Baucom.
Please feel free to ask questions or make comments.
Marion Holloway

It seems to me that the value is actually a lot higher unopened. That's usually how collectors items go. You'd need to document the provenance and include that with the sale.

If anyone thinks banjo prices are silly, there was a funko pop that sold for $15,000. 

Occasionally, our erstwhile moderator, Bill Rogers, has admonished folks for advertising a used banjo for sale that is in "mint condition". I think that a banjo that meets his definition of "mint condition" has finally shown up for sale on Banjo Hangout.

The banjo is worth more in its unopened box, than outside of it once it’s opened.

This really is a once in a life time opportunity.

A definite leap of faith, but the only time in more than 50+ years of collecting and playing that someone is spot on stating “mint condition - unplayed”. Actually amazing.

Provide x-rays please lol

Buy it for provenance and collectability only. In reality, these early Scruggs models were basically Stew-Mac parts banjos and from the couple I owned were not all that great out of the box. Needed neck resets, tone rings refit and had other issues. Don't get me wrong, they can be made to be decent banjos with some major setup work but the later ones after GR took over are light years better IMHO.

quote:

---

Originally posted by RB3

Occasionally, our erstwhile moderator, Bill Rogers, has admonished folks for advertising a used banjo for sale that is in "mint condition". I think that a banjo that meets his definition of "mint condition" has finally shown up for sale on Banjo Hangout.

---

Thank you sir. Mr. Rogers would be correct!

quote:

---

Originally posted by Alvin Conder

The banjo is worth more in its unopened box, than outside of it once it’s opened.

This really is a once in a life time opportunity.

A definite leap of faith, but the only time in more than 50+ years of collecting and playing that someone is spot on stating “mint condition - unplayed”. Actually amazing.

---

Thank you very much.

quote:

---

Originally posted by RB3

Occasionally, our erstwhile moderator, Bill Rogers, has admonished folks for advertising a used banjo for sale that is in "mint condition". I think that a banjo that meets his definition of "mint condition" has finally shown up for sale on Banjo Hangout.

---

Thanks...I can't wait to see it myself!

quote:

---

Originally posted by stanleytone

Provide x-rays please lol

---

Great thought!

I find it hard to understtand that this post is real, its absurd, an instrument sealed in a box for that long is the pure defination of pandoras box, any one spending any money on something like this needs a swift wake up call. The list of problems is endless possibilitys and night mares that will eat your wallet at best. Having been invilved in professional instrument repair for over fifty years now Ive seen and worked on instruments sitting for a lot less time thn this that had terminal problems

Something to think about: I’ve been in the bicycle business years ago, and life long enthusiast, and have been involved in cases of NOS long lost vintage bikes still in their original sealed boxes. Rust and corrosion was a serious issue. Also any grease or oil used in moving parts could be dried out. Also chemical fumes and reactions between packing, foam, glues, wraps, tapes, and finishes can be a big issue. If a freshly built, glued, and finished banjo, was put into a freshly finished case, with freshly glued foam and felt, and then sealed and left for over 40 years, there could be surprises. 

You make a very good point and I had also thought of that. That was the main reason I want to deliver in person. If all is not satisfactory, the deal would be off and I would return with the banjo. That’s the right thing to do.

quote:

---

Originally posted by banjoez

Buy it for provenance and collectability only. In reality, these early Scruggs models were basically Stew-Mac parts banjos and from the couple I owned were not all that great out of the box. Needed neck resets, tone rings refit and had other issues. Don't get me wrong, they can be made to be decent banjos with some major setup work but the later ones after GR took over are light years better IMHO.

---

For better or worse.....

Everything you've said here is absolutely true! I really believe it would have been better to eliminate all the "unknowns" by taking it out of the box and having a professional setup, new strings, new bridge, etc.

Too many caveats here.....

What if the buyer opens it and everything "seems" kosher? Will the seller offer a grace period to have everything examined by a qualified luthier? Or, does the buyer have only a few minutes to declare/decide that all is well? The expression "leap of faith" comes to mind here.

quote:

---

Originally posted by Marion

You make a very good point and I had also thought of that. That was the main reason I want to deliver in person. If all is not satisfactory, the deal would be off and I would return with the banjo. That’s the right thing to do.

---

I understand you.

However,  what would you do if the buyer contacts you a week or so later and says there is neck warp? He didn't notice it at first but his repair tech confirmed there are neck issues. How would you handle that?

Or, what if there are significant finish cracks and checking upon opening....and the buyer says "Well if I knew this I would not have bought it!" How would you deal with that?

I'm sure you are trustworthy.  Nevertheless,  it might be helpful to have some things in writing to protect buyer and seller.

Thank you for your thoughts and ideas. I would encourage the buyer to have present at the exchange a luthier or another experienced player to go over the banjo very thoroughly. It it isn’t right he/she is under no obligation to purchase. The items mentioned should be evident at that time.
What if the buyer would drop it a month later and break the neck-then claim the neck was defective when he got it. By the way, this happened to me with a new Martin HD28. He claimed the neck on his six months old guitar broke while sitting in the case. We found it was actually his young son who was responsible.
This is also another reason I will be present. Both buyer and seller will be protected. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Thanks again for your input.

The buyer (presumably a serious collector) would do well to document the opening on video— simply to prove provenance in the future. This could be interesting. I have a couple of collectible banjos, but their value doesn’t depend on their being pristine originals. This sale will be unique, with nothing remotely similar likely.