WHAT IS IT?

Comment by Ian Bell on August 12, 2012 at 12:15pm

Hey Rob. This banjo made me think of some of the instruments in your collection.

Comment by Rob Morrison on August 13, 2012 at 11:10am

Hey Ian.  With the spun metal rim and 21 brackets, it's a step above the most humble of the store tubs.  Most likely 1880's or 1890's, judging from the lack of frets.  Buckbee low end banjos tended to have itty-bitty dots or nothing at all for position markers, so I'd guess it's not from that factory.  In short, I have no idea.--Rob

P.S. I hope I'm the right Rob

Comment by Ian Bell on August 13, 2012 at 1:22pm

Thanks Rob. I only wish I could get the owner to sell it. (He also has an 1880s Fairbanks-Cole which he doesn't play either.)

Comment by Rob Morrison on August 14, 2012 at 9:15am

Ian--

It's a shame it's not being played.  Simple, early mass-produced banjos are relatively inexpensive, cool, and can sound great as well.  It's the closest we'll ever get to period sound.--Rob

Comment by Rob Morrison on August 28, 2012 at 12:50pm

Ian--

A banjo similar in style and vintage to your friend's mystery banjo just showed up on the Bernunzio site.  It's circa 1880s flush fret markers, 25 inch scale length.  I t appears to be in wonderful condition.  The price is probably fair, no more, no less.  Don't know if you're interested, but give it a looksee.--Rob Morrison 

Comment by Ian Bell on August 29, 2012 at 7:28am

Thanks Rob. I know you can't really have too many banjos, but.... At least with the one that walked into the museum I could have said "It followed me home".

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