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Antique Banjos

Antique Banjos

A New Tomorrow for Old Banjos: Mantra of the BRC

February 21, 2016

The mission of the Banjo Rehabilitation Center is to restore vintage banjos for resale to entry level pickers on eBay at bargain basement prices. To this end, the BRC workshop has devised the Peace Dove I and II series of 5-stringers. IMG_3746These hybrids are comprised of a new stock neck with signature MOP inlays and a vintage pot preferably 50 to 90 years old to provide a seasoned wooden tone.IMG_3974

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Slingerlands Banjo Co. made tenor, mandolin, and ukulele  banjos in Chicago from 1923 to 1928 shortly before the family owners  decided to convert their enterprise to manufacturing only drums. This was the pre-techno era of hand-crafted instrument building.

IMG_4011 A lost art form in woodworking, the Slingerlands banjo rims were made of a single piece of wood that was steamed and rolled into circular pot with an overlapping junction (note the pointers tracing the bird`s-eye maple seam).IMG_4001

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Gretsch Co.manufactured the unique Clarophone banjo in Brooklyn, NY, from 1922 to 1928.  Although the gilded Broadcaster banjo was made by Gretsch in the 1930`s, electric guitars became a company priority in 1939. IMG_2758The Clarophone pot had a non removable resonator, and sound portholes were stationed around the rim.IMG_2048 - Version 2

 

 

Despite this somewhat enclosed sound chamber, its conversion Peace Dove banjo had surprising volume.

 

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Something old, something new, something borrowed, something Blue-grass…

 

 

P.S. Have a grand Leap Year.

Antique Banjos

Hybrid 5 string banjo

April 25, 2011

This hybrid 5 string banjo is a fun combination of the old and the new, and it is suited to the entry level bluegrass picker. The new Saga neck is mahogany, and the sturdy bird’s eye maple pot and resonator are from a circa 1940’s (Kay?) tenor banjo. The tuners are old-fashioned non geared pegs, and the tailpiece is a vintage Grover, the hefty flange is one piece, and the flathead pot measures 11 inches across. The 5th string has RR spikes at the 5, 7, and 10th frets. The peghead has a MOP inlay  of “BRC” for my namesake Banjo Rehabilitation Center workshop. The banjo weighs 7 lb…., and it had loud mid range tone with much sustain. It can hold its own in any jam session.  SOLD

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Antique Banjos

Old timey banjo

April 16, 2011

This old timey banjo is suited to clawhammering. It has a maple rim clad in German silver (shines-up nicely) from the Washburn family of banjo mandolins introduced circa 1917. Markings on the head suggest that it is an ‘improved’ Model # 1935. A pencil rubbing from the interior of the rim seems to read “PATENTED 478430”. The neck has a truss rod and is a new-stock Dix banjo neck from the 1970’s with 3 RR spikes and a dowel stick-repaired hairline crack in the heel. To be enjoyed with frailing or swap-in another neck of the owner`s choice. SOLD