Gardner Minstrel Banjo

[Donald Gardner]

There has been a lot of discussion about the Gardner Minstrel Banjo.  I am Don Gardner and would like to join the conversation.  My banjos are made for the reenactor who is looking for a minstrel banjo at a reasonable price that he can take out into the field in all kinds of weather and still be playable.  Although my banjos are not of museum quality reproductions, they are a good representation of what would have been around during the Civil War.  I  have been making banjos for over 10 years and people who have played them say they are a good sounding instrument.  If anyone has any questions, please contact me.  Don

[Tim Twiss]

Don, I will be by at Jackson to see you. I'll look forward to playing your instruments. Is there a way of letting us all know what you have  and what the prices are. They are really a stunning deal! 

[Donald Gardner]

Always look forward to seeing you, Tim.  My Minstrel Banjos sell for $375.  We also have several other open-back  5-string banjos that we have reconditioned  -   S. S. Stewart circa 1900 for $750, a 1918 Orpheum for $1400, a 1926 Vega Tubaphone with original case for $2250, and several other no name banjos from the late 1800's to early 1900's priced from $250 to $500.