For enthusiasts of early banjo

Can you ID this guy and his banjo?

I captured this from a DVD set entitled "The American Civil War". This is not the more famous Ken Burns documentary, but it is simlar. This re-enactor is playing a fine version of "Old Dan Tucker" at the beginning of Episode 2, Act 6. He is not mentioned in the credits as far as I could see. I'm especially interested in the seeming contradiction between the fancy headstock and the rather primitive-looking rectangular rim. It looks to me that someone took a manufactured neck and stuck it on a home-made pot. I'm sure this kind of thing must have happened once in a while, but I'd like to know if there are any historical references, photos, etc. that substantiate this banjo.

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Permalink Reply by Bart McNeil on September 16, 2011 at 8:12am

I would think that most younger folks of scouting age would want a fretted instrument... Just for ease of learning and getting the "right note". I know I avoided fretless for years as I figured they would be more difficult and not sound quite as nice. And i still think that appreciation of fretless banjos is an aquired taste. I think you have to work your way through the novelty of fretless to fully appreciate it. At least I have had to. But i think you have a great idea. I know as a kid I flailed away at a Uke as my first stringed instrument and really enjoyed it. It seems to me that the banjo being louder and more raukus would be a great project for kids to build and enjoy.

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Permalink Reply by John Masciale on September 16, 2011 at 8:56am

Great! I can see the add campaign in Boy's Life. Guys, do you really want to annoy your parents? Build a banjo! Learn to play! Its louder and more raucus than those sissy instruments your parents want you to learn...

Bart McNeil said:

I know as a kid I flailed away at a Uke as my first stringed instrument and really enjoyed it. It seems to me that the banjo being louder and more raukus would be a great project for kids to build and enjoy.