I just got this in for some repairs and set-up. The owner just purchased it and knows nothing about it. He's very interested in finding out it's age and manufacturer. There are no markings of any sort, anywhere on the banjo. I know you guys are very good at identifying these old banjos. Ideas??
Low end Gretsch. Probably from the 1920's
Bob Smakula
smakulafrettedinstruments.com
Would this banjo have any value??
Is this banjo all original, or has it been built from parts of several banjos? What is the diameter of the rim?
I agree with Bob, the neck looks like a Gretsch, but the rim and hardware look suspiciously like Slingerland to me.
quote:
Originally posted by YbanjoWould this banjo have any value??
Is the neck straight? Is that split just in the heel cap, or is the neck delaminating? How is the neck angle? Is the pot round?
At best though, it's still a real basic banjo, and except (maybe) for the fact that it is an original 5-stringer, it's pretty much devoid of any $ value over what a recent, used, one-notch-above-beginner-grade banjo in similar shape would sell for.
The neck is straight & frets are in very good condition.
The heel cap is missing but the neck wood is not cracked. What looks like a crack is just the same strip that goes all up the neck.
The neck angle is somewhat off but I can remedy that. I've done many old banjos with the same problem.
The pot is very round. Not bad at all.
The head is 11 inches.
Culloden
A Slingerland would be 10-3/4". At 11", very likely the banjo is all original.
Of course with it being a low grade instrument, it has no real value. It wouldn't surprise me if professional repair costs, to get it playing well, exceed $300.
Bob Smakula
quote:
Originally posted by Bob SmakulaCulloden
A Slingerland would be 10-3/4". At 11", very likely the banjo is all original.
Of course with it being a low grade instrument, it has no real value. It wouldn't surprise me if professional repair costs, to get it playing well, exceed $300.
Bob Smakula
That's true, but I didn't know the diameter when I asked.
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