Description
What makes this banjo special: The cuts of wood used to make this banjo are nearly worth the price alone, as it shows gorgeously-figured pieces of birdseye maple throughout, especially the neck and inner rim. The abalone used for the inlays shows tons of color and has various degrees of vibrancy throughout the banjo. The inlaid wood in the rim gives it a great traditional vibe that shows off the intricacy of its build quality. Plus, it still plays relatively well, sounds good, and with a little love and some additional treatment, could provide even better playability and tone. Even if you don’t intend to play it, some more detailed cleanup would make it a killer wall-piece as well.
Condition: This banjo is in good condition overall, if not better. It does show various marks from decades of use – anything from minor dings and dents to light scratches – but is still in fantastic shape for its age. There is a small air pocket that formed under the face place and created a bubble line but the rest is still glued in place and is not showing many other signs of separation. The hardware is only showing light tarnish, which is, again, impressive for its age. Structurally, everything seems to be in good shape and the neck plays cleanly through the 12th fret but loses notes after that. The frets to only light to mild wear. Friction tuners function but with don’t always provide consistent hold.
Body: Birdseye maple rim with wooden inlaid rings. Nickel hardware throughout. Simple wooden bridge and end-loop tailpiece underneath a bar-style rest. Single center brace with adjustment screw mount.
Neck: U/boat-shaped birdseye maple neck and bound fingerboard with various-shaped abalone inlays. Abalone headstock inlays. Friction tuning machines with grained ivoroid buttons.
Weight: 5.40 lbs
Playability/Sound: The neck depth and shape is easy to play and the body, which has minimal hardware, is nice and light at just over five pounds. Neck plays cleanly up through the 12th fret but loses notes afterwards. Has a nice open sound with a warm overall response and great attack.
Case: No case included.
