…..of which there are too many—more than a dozen; most were rarely played, and not at all any more. Except for a 2007 Huber Lancaster, all are quality openbacks, most with steel strings, tone rings and frets. They range in age from 1880 or so to 2024. Maybe three I bought new; most came with varyinng degrees of use. A couple are perhaps collectible, though I bought them with playing in mind. For the most part, I’ll be consigning them at Gryphon in Palo Alto. The logistics of selling and shipping that number of banjos is more than I can handle these days. I will let Gryphon decide how many to dump on the market, and when. I’m going to try to have them over there in time for the Christmas market, if there is such a thing for openback 5-strings. I will keep a couple or three instruments for such playing as I still do. … I know too, that I have some “project” banjos—potentially playable with some ordinary work—that I may sell through the Classifieds. Assuming this effort reaches fruition, I’ll keep y’all posted; perhaps we’ll learn something about the state of at least a segment of the used banjo market.
I sympathize with your "problem," Bill – you live too close to Gryphon Music in Palo Alto. I bought my first "real" banjo from Gryphon, a Standard Bart Reiter for $700 in the late '80s. I would hoof it over the hill from Santa Cruz every few months and pick up music supplies and "fondle" all the instruments. What a great store! Best wishes unloading your treasures! banjered
Ah Bill, that's a sad report. Best wishes.
You're doing your family a huge favor. And consignment is such a good way to go. I have consigned several instruments through Acoustic Corner. It has a national (prob. international) following, and they take care of all the issues. People think "giving up" 20% in fees is a lot, but it's often well worth it, considering the time and issue dealing with questions, bad buyers, shipping, etc. My last experience selling online might be my last effort. It was a buyer here who claimed remorse, but he would not just return the instrument during the approval period. Getting 80% of the actual value from a wide market, and not having to deal with the hassles, is often better than the local price you would get on FB Marketplace.
And if your kids don't care about these things, better to liquidate while you are in control of things. Plus, it gives you money for the next hobby or adventure.
"Plus, it gives you money for the next hobby or adventure."
Yeah like buy another banjo.... B.A.S. – incurable to the last breath.... banjered
Bill, I'm a few years younger but a few years ahead on facing the challenge of getting my precious acquisitions into the hands of people who'll play them. I've been doing it one at a time, but your post set me thinking again, and I look forward to hearing about your experience.
Christmas market for openbacks? I heard once from Deering management that they go into high gear in July (or thereabouts) in anticipation of just that.
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Privacy Consent (EU/GDPR Only)
Copyright 2026 Banjo Hangout. All Rights Reserved.
