Hi, I purchased an ancient Washburn Banjo on ebay long ago. When I put the strings on and tightened, I was able to play ok, but the next morning the head had torn. I put it away meaning to restore it, but never got around to it. It is still in my closet, and needs to go. My question is, does it have value to anyone? I had a book on Washburns when I purchased it, and seems it was near the beginning of production. No serial number. It seems of decent construction, but I feel doubtful about its potential as a player. Any feedback would be welcome.
Edited by - markalanmiller on 07/18/2026 16:02:56
You'll want to post pictures of the full front, full back, side, and if possible the inside of the rim. As it is, we can't even tell if it's a 4- or 5-string banjo.
Likely more value than most of today’s fake “Washburns.”
I know little about Washburn’s but from what detail I can see, that looks to be a nicely made banjo that would be cherished and have some value.
That's a beautiful peghead. I’ll admit that while not a fan of big blousy decoration on a banjo, I do love the eye-catching glint of green and pink from a small piece or design of abalone inlay.
Edited by - EEB on 07/19/2026 07:04:25
Old Lyon & Healy have some value. How much depends on a lot more information than is shown in your three pictures.
Thanks for the feedback. I am a newbie, and I thought originally that only three pictures were allowed.
This banjo is more modest than most Washburns I have seen online.
The fretboard has wear in the most used positions, and some lightening, suggesting to me stained pear wood rather than ebony. Parts of the side bindings are missing at the fretboard edge, the nut is primitive and slightly damaged.
There is a dowel repair that preserved the makers mark, but no trace whatsoever of a serial number. It doesn't seem to me it has worn off, I would guess it never had one, which suggested an early origin to me.
The hardware that holds the tailpiece on seems to be missing. I am looking for that, but it may have been lost in the many moves since I acquired it. There is a decent amount of corrosion on the brackets and screws, but the outer pot metal is not terrible, and has some shine.
The tuners seem to have original celluloid buttons, and so there may be some salvagable parts anyhow. I will post some additional pictures just for interest.
Though marked Washburn, your banjo was made by Rettberg & Lange. I have seen a few of these... Lyon & Healy must have contracted with R&L for a few batches of low-mid grade banjos.
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