Came into the possession of what looks to be an Unger plectrum banjo with a Whyte Laydie style ring. Can’t find much about his plectrums and as I’m primarily a tenor player and collector, this doesn’t fit me as much and am curious if it would be worth enough to fund some tenors. His 5 strings seem to be going for $4-5k with some reaching up to $10k..I know it won’t be that high, but would it be sensible in the $4-5k range or less since it is a plectrum?
Thanks in advance!
I doubt there’s much demand for an openback plectrum.
I doubt you'll find much more about Unger plectrums, as I'm pretty sure yours is the only one he's made in the last twenty years or so (and perhaps ever). Doug remains focused on making 5 string banjos with smaller sized rims, embellished with his own take on the banjo aesthetics of c.1900 Boston.
Yours has been made with the same care and attention to detail as any of his five strings, but I'm not sure Doug's work is as well known in the plectrum community.
The player that banjo originally was built for is a friend of mine. He confirms it’s the only plectrum Doug ever built.
Likely it will confirm that rarity doesn’t equate to high value — even with a work of top quality by a well-known master maker.
Thanks for the insights! It’s definitely an interesting and beautiful instrument. High quality craftsmanship for certain! As Bill somewhat implied, it’s very niche and the sound isn’t what one would typically expect from a plectrum or the styles one would be played in. Maybe I’ll find a way to play that suits its tone
stevo58 what sort of style was your friend playing to request the build?
quote:
Originally posted by syodes
stevo58 what sort of style was your friend playing to request the build?
Hard to describe. Not any of the usual styles. He just redid his web presence, and his older recordings seem to have disappeared. He has classical, jazz, and electronic music background. He currently plays in a duo with his wife, but I think he plays mostly 5-string there. Sorry I can't be of more help, but I'm in Germany and he's in NY, and I haven't seen /heard him play in many years.
This is his current web presence. I don't think he'd object to me putting it up here, but I'm cautious about putting any more personal info on the web.
It might be easier to sell this fine banjo into the plectrum market by CAREFULLY adding flange pieces and a resonator. Would not hurt its original collector status at all, but would make it much more suitable for plectrum band playing.
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