I have been given this banjo for repair. There are no markings anywhere as to maker and age. It is definitely British Zither design with some interesting features (Dowel stick end bolt/ TP anchor nut attached by threaded metal plate through the dowel stick). Given that the hole is in the end nut and the TP is different (non plated) suggests that the TP is an added feature and the original is gone!
The rim measure 10 1/4" and the 'tone ring' is wood
Any thoughts?
This strikes me as an open back 5 string w/ a tunneled 5th, (not quite a Zither banjo design).
Agreed, this isnt a zither banjo design
Looks to me to be a hobbyist product.
I like the tailpiece design. I’m going to copy that for a five string banjo lute that I’m building. It should work perfectly well on a wooden top. Thanks for posting.
Commercial zither neck matched to home-made pot ? (Edit: but if so why the screw holes for a maker's plate in a place that would be hidden on a zither ?)
I've never seen 3 on a plate tuners sawn up like that. Too long example from elswhere bodged to fit ?
Edited by - AndrewD on 03/14/2026 09:07:24
quote:
Originally posted by AndrewDCommercial zither neck matched to home-made pot ? (Edit: but if so why the screw holes for a maker's plate in a place that would be hidden on a zither ?)
I've never seen 3 on a plate tuners sawn up like that. Too long example from elswhere bodged to fit ?
Yesterday I started pulling it down so got a good look at construction. I agree with home-made pot, which is reasonably well made and a zither neck.
The 'tone-ring' (brass) while mounted on the rim, is actually epoxied in. The brass bar inside the pot is crudely filed around the holes. The inside of the rim is layed with what looks like benchtop formica as is the peghead...
Edited by - banjonz on 03/15/2026 14:04:33
quote:
Originally posted by banjonzquote:
Originally posted by AndrewDCommercial zither neck matched to home-made pot ? (Edit: but if so why the screw holes for a maker's plate in a place that would be hidden on a zither ?)
I've never seen 3 on a plate tuners sawn up like that. Too long example from elswhere bodged to fit ?
Yesterday I started pulling it down so got a good look at construction. I agree with home-made pot, which is reasonably well made and a zither neck.
The 'tone-ring' (brass) while mounted on the rim, is actually epoxied in. The brass bar inside the pot is crudely filed around the holes. The inside of the rim is layed with what looks like benchtop formica as is the peghead...
I also noticed that the 'shoes' are hand made from what looks like steel bar. The drilling of the threaded holes for the rim screws are very uneven so not all of the shoes sit at the right height.
I'm guessing that the strings should go UNDER the bar of that tailpiece, not (as we see in the photo) over.
quote:
Originally posted by Ira GitlinI'm guessing that the strings should go UNDER the bar of that tailpiece, not (as we see in the photo) over.
Yes indeed. That was how it came to me. I have replaced the head and partially strung it up. The action is to high to be playable but I have thought of a modification that will allow adjustment from the outside. Will post photos when complete.
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