FIVE-STRING RESONATOR BANJOS
76-8658 Gibson (used, 2005) Granada five-string resonator banjo, #0538HF, in excellent condition with black hard shell (flat-top) case.
The Gibson Granada is a recreation of the prewar Flathead tone ring Granada with the one-piece flange. If this were the real 1930s deal it would probably sell for something like $135,000. It has the double cut headstock, festooned with flowers and twin f-holes that are mad at each other, and ferns around each capstan (singles at the upper two and doubles at the bottom two). And then there is the black bell-shaped truss rod cover held in place by two gold Phillips head screws. The fretboard is East Indian rosewood bound on two sides by ivoroid and inlaid, starting at the third fret, with the hearts-and-flower pattern. The 21st fret has the pearl rectangle with the word “Mastertone” etched in it and then there’s the 22nd fret with a 3-part pearl formation. The tone ring, flange and stretcher band are, of course, gold-plated, the stretcher band being engraved with a wreath between each of the 24 brackets. The arm-rest is etched with a golden bow-tie and the flip-open tailpiece reads Granada. This banjo is in solidly excellent condition showing only the smallest signs of having been played; there is no fret wear to speak of but there are a couple of teeny nicks near the top edge of the headplate overlay – not significant but you should know it. There are light finger marks or smudges, in typical fashion on some of the metal parts (gold plating often shows this type of thing). It is, in all, a solidly excellent example of a banjo that, if purchased new, would have a List Price of $6,110. But naught enny moore. No, this proud gleaming golden beauty can be yours for only $3,809 or at our cash discount price $3,695.
15-5361 Stelling (new) Crusader (Standard) 5-string bluegrass banjo, #6219, with hard shell case.
Stelling's first mahogany model since 1978, the Crusader features a new peghead profile, a new script logo, and a longer scale (26.428” vs. 26.25”). The Crusader is made from mahogany and has nickel-plated metal parts. Its sound is both dynamic, mellow and exceedingly smooth (lacking stridency) and produces punch and power in all registers. This banjo, like all new Stellings, features the Tony Pass 600TS Old Wood Rim (preserved under pressure for hundreds of years beneath the Big Lake they call Gitchigumi) and housed in a deluxe TKL emerald green crushed velvet plush lined case. Even though the Stelling List is $4300, our Discount Price is $3,325 and our Cash Discount Price is just $3,225.
*76-8509 Bart Reiter (new) Round Peak Open back banjo, #3137, 12" head, scooped at the end of fingerboard and housed in a fine TKL hard shell case.
Bart Reiter mostly makes 11” diameter open back banjos that are fretted all the way to the last fret. We wanted something more in keeping with the needs of the dedicated traditional player and so he made us the Round Peak model – which we are proud to offer you! These are marvelous. $1,336 at Our Discount Price or $1,296 at Our Cash Discount Price.
*76-8529 Deering (new) Sierra 5-string bluegrass banjo, serial #M766, with plush lined hard shell case.
This model combines a 3-ply maple rim with sand cast bell bronze tone ring; it has a mahogany neck and resonator. It sounds great. The Deering List Price is $2,699 and Our Price is $2,049.
76-8859 Steve Huber Conversion (used, 1933) TB-3 one-piece flange tenor banjo, that’s in the process of being converted to 5-string, #9551-48, in very good condition with a newer hard shell case.
This banjo started out in life during the Great Depression as a “Late TB-3” having a mahogany resonator with twin concentric rings on the back of ivoroid-black-ivoroid, crème ivoroid bindings on top and bottom sides of the resonator, a one-piece pot metal flange, and a possibly solid (no-hole) archtop tone ring. The headstock is “double cut” with a flower at the center made up of 6 pieces of mother of pearl, and then mirror-image lower case f-figures or perhaps they’re stems, on each side. Above that is the prewar script logo at an angle with a small ice cream cone in pearl facing up and down above and below it. Also on the headstock is the bell-shaped black truss rod cover held in place by two screws, and, on the back of the headstock, four matching “Grover Pat.” tuners with grained ivoroid buttons. At one point in its past somebody had affixed an old fashioned, prewar, strap terminus as one sometimes sees on prewar J-200 guitars, or John D’Angelico archtops -- basically a tiny metal tunnel held in place by two screws, but this was long ago removed from the back to the headstock between the first and second tuners and lost, and the holes were filled (but still show). The all solid mahogany back of the neck is crack free, but does show normal finger wear. We’re talking here about the tenor neck, something you will get for free when you buy this banjo but which most players couldn’t give a hoot about.
As long as we’re obsessing on the tenor neck, it has a Brazilian rosewood fretboard with a “varied pattern” inlay starting at the first fret (a bowtie), and then a four-pointed flower at 3, large diamond connected to two smaller diamonds at 5, and five other pearl figures culminating with a flying bird at the 17th fret. At the 19th fret is the inlaid mother of pearl block etched “Mastertone.” It has its original four corrugated thumb screws, a likely newer (but properly worn) Gibson type armrest, normal signs of plating oxidation on stretcher band and flange. It has the remains of the chalked serial number at center of back of resonator and enameled serial number inside back of resonator near the neck detent. It has the interior gold Gibson decal label as it should. There are two small holes drilled into the center of the rim one of which is between the first four digits of the stamped serial number and the final two digits (good placement, guy). The original tone ring was an archtop, but Steve Huber will be providing and installing his own “good as prewar” legendary-the-world-over flathead ring. We can’t wait. It should be absolutely amazing when the work is completed. After Mr. H installs his “good as 1933” five-string neck you will have access to a prewar pot banjo with a Huber neck and tone ring that will, when played, make the birds alight on your shoulder, the owls howl while a-prowl and the woodchucks scamper at your feet. It will emerge from the cocoon an amazing bluegrass five-string banjo with the ultimate nickel-plated pot ‘o’ metal. Others are asking $13,500 and $15,500 for the same type of deal. This one-piece flanger can be yours for only $9,995 or at our cash discount price $9,695. A $100 “Right of First Refusal” will hold the banjo until the work is completed and it flies back home.
15-6948 Huber (new) Lexington five-string bluegrass banjo, #607-74, with hard shell plush lined case.
In flame maple and engraved gold plating this is a timeless classic! It has a shaded golden sunburst resonator which makes the flame maple jump out at you like a deranged sky diver. With the distinctive Lexington engraving, it proffers the famous Huber pot assembly with the even more famous Huber tone ring, and heavy gold plating (Uff Da -- it hefts like a complete and original albacore tuna but smells a lot better). To see photos and read all about it, just click on http://huberbanjos.com/c_huber_banjos_lex.htm# This ultimately beautiful Huber goober is, with hard shell case, priced at only $4,898 or, at our Cash Discount Price, $4,750.
76-8888 Stelling (new) Sunflower resonator bluegrass 5-string banjo, #6584, with the famous Tony Pass 600TS Old Wood Rim, curly maple stained in the Cremona sunburst fashion.
This extremely fine, superior sounding banjo has nickel-plated hardware, ivoroid/black/ivoroid binding on the neck and resonator, floral fretboard inlay and it comes to you with a deluxe TKL emerald green crushed velvet lined plush hard shell case. Although it Lists for $4200 your own cost on this is just $3,325 at our Discount Price or, $3,225 at our Cash Discount Price.
76-8974 Deering (new) Boston 5-string resonator banjo, #M709, mahogany neck
and resonator with satin lacquer finish, ebony fingerboard, mother of pearl dot inlays, 24-piece flange, and hard shell case. The Deering List Price is $1979 and the Deering MAP is $1499.
76-8807 Huber (used, 2008) Kalamazoo 5-string resonator banjo, #308-23, near mint condition with hard shell case.
The thing that sets apart a Huber Kalamazoo from this magnificent maker’s other models is that it has a 14” radiused fingerboard. As you know, Huber banjos are considered outstanding for their ability to replicate, quite closely, the great bluegrass banjos of the Holy Period, the fecund festival of felicitous fiddlers and banjo players who invented and popularized bluegrass music during its most formative period. Other features include a maple neck with a mahogany resonator having white ivoroid binding on top and back edges and twin white-black-white concentric purfling rings on the back, having nickel-plated hardware, the famous and greatly desired Huber prewar replica tone ring. It is made using Hide Glue, including to hold the sections of the three-ply rock maple rim together. It has the vintage style, one-piece zinc flange (playing the banjo daily should protect you from the ordinary and common cold). And it has a Brazilian rosewood fingerboard, four geared headstock tuners with grained ivoroid buttons and a geared fifth string with a matching one. The inlay pattern is a fanciful series of variations on a dancing flower, winged hourglass, leaf-diamond-leaf, flying birdie and other bizarre visions that are subject to your own individual interpretation. The double-cut headstock is kept simple with a black ebony overlay bearing the script Huber inlaid pearl logo and a large reliable looking fleur-de-lis there under. We are happy to report that the black plastic truss rod cover is not bell-shaped (heaven forbid). Instead it resembles the silhouette of an elongated fire hydrant. On a hot summer’s day we find this curiously refreshing, just like the exquisite sound of this remarkable, bluegrass dispatcher of delight. Briefly owned, this instrument shows nearly no sign of having been held or played. The radiused neck makes fretting a breeze. $3,500 at our Discount Price or $3,395 at our Cash Discount Price.
76-8765 Deering (new) Sierra 5-string resonator banjo, serial #M570, with plush lined hard shell case.
The Sierra is, for an affordable instrument, a fine quality bluegrass banjo made with a three-ply maple rim and featuring a sand cast bell bronze tone ring. It has a mahogany neck and resonator and new, upgraded fingerboard inlay pattern of leaves and circles. The Deering List Price is $2699 and the Deering MAP is $2049. You might want to find out what our price is.
83-7501 Deering (new) Good Time 2, a five-string banjo with a resonator, ISI-1820,
This entry level gem comes in (and goes quickly out) without case, though we do recommend the optional Deering gigbag. We present a new resonator-back 5-string bluegrass banjo, largely of maple, very fine sounding. Made right over there in Lemon Grove, CA, this is the lowest priced American-made resonator-back 5-string beginner level bluegrass banjo in the land. We like it, we does. You will too. Get out those finger and thumb picks, Hanna, grandpa's coming home tonight! The Deering List Price is $699 and the Our Discount Price is $529. Add $52 for that nifty embroidered zipper gigbag.
76-8782 Stelling (new) Virginian 5-string resonator banjo, #6572, nickel, with the Tony Pass “old wood” rim and hard shell case.
Stelling says “The state of Virginia has long been associated with the banjo and its music. With so many notable banjo players claiming Virginia as their home or birthplace, and the fact that it is the home of Stelling Banjo Works, it seems appropriate to have a banjo called the Virginian. This model features the Virginia state bird, the cardinal, on the peghead, and the Virginia state flower, the dogwood blossom, on the fingerboard. The abalone shell used for the cardinals is selected for the most striking colors to reflect the natural beauty of these lovely birds. Other features include abalone trim and fancy curly maple on the neck and resonator.” This banjo is available for $4,871 at our Discount Price, or $4,725 at our Cash Discount Price.
76-8804 Stelling (new) Masterflower with the Tony Pass “Old Wood” rim, # 6574,
made from fancy walnut wood, having nickel-plated metal parts, whose peghead is bound, whose resonator sports purfling rings, and who comes in a deluxe TKL emerald green, crushed velvet plush lined case. The Old Wood rim remained submerged at the bottom of Lake Superior for (just guessing) 3000 years (give or take a few months) so you don’t have to. $3,866 at our Discount Price or $3,750 at our Cash Discount Price.
78-7214 Deering (new) John Hartford Model five-string, #K737, having the “Pop-On” resonator, with hard shell plush lined case.
This model comes factory-equipped with the famous Granadilla tone ring – a wooden tone ring made of the same type of material as xylophones or marimbas use – except that with those instruments the player strikes the bars with mallets while banjo players are driven away from bars with mallets. This wood, which everybody agrees is handsome (at least its got its good looks) is also used for making flutes and other wind instruments. Other names for this wood include red ebony, or Grenada cocos. It is known, as well as for being handsome, for its old-timey, traditional response while retaining considerable tonal complexity. Volume is additionally enhanced by the addition of the “Pop-On” Resonator – a curly maple veneered dish with a one-piece back, five-ply black-white purfling around said back, two-ply on each side, held in place by four plush-covered metal receivers that hug the hollow tube through which all 24 brackets pass, so that, by just gently pulling the resonator back at an angle, it will “pop off” in a most delightful way, right into your waiting hand. By this manner you can instantly play open-back or, by pressing it back on, resonator-back, five-string banjo, just as John Hartford intended. The headstock is considerably yet delicately inlaid with mother of pearl scrollwork including the “Deering” name in stylized block letters. There is, as well, a black, wraithlike, plastic truss rod cover held in place by two screws so that the neck’s orientation can always be straight. The first fret is a flourish of stately pearl with two f-hole shapes facing one another; the 8th and 9th frets are more mirror image f-hole shapes and another separate but equal scepter, the next to the last fret says “Hartford” and a fine that’s inlaid at the 22nd fret extends up to border the etched block with our namesake’s moniker. All tuners are geared with pearloid buttons, the fingerboard and resonator are bound in ivoroid (that’s a lot of oid) and the inside of the rim is mahogany with twin nickel-plated coordinator rods running through it. It is also quite light in weight for a resonator banjo, weighing in with resonator on at only 8 pounds 2.5 ounces. The sound is sweet and highbrow, a banjo this beautiful will raise many an eyebrow. This versatile instrument puts the “hot” in “Hartford.” The Deering List in this configuration is $5063 and the Deering MAP is $3797.
76-8684 and 76-8168(sold) Deering (new) “Goodtime 2 Special” Resonator-back 5-string banjo, serial numbers ISI-1850, and #ISI-1850, each with resonator and tone ring.
The Gig Bag is optional. For each banjo the Deering List is $889 and the Deering MAP is $669.
76-8191 and 76-8192 Deering (new) “Goodtime 2” resonator-back 5-String banjo, serial numbers ISI1853 and #ISI-1855.
The Gig Bag, she is optional. For each banjo the Deering List price is $699 and the Deering MAP is $529.
76-8723 Huss & Dalton (new) Singletree Old Time Banjo, serial #B153, with hard shell case.
$1485 at our Discount Price or $1440 at our Cash Discount Price.
76-8145 Stelling (new) Red Fox, #6545, red stained curly maple, nickel plating, with the Tony Pass Old Wood rim, with plush lined hard shell case.
One of Stelling’s more recently introduced models, inspired by master banjoist Bill Emerson, the Red Fox has outsold every other model since its introduction in 1996. Although new models tend to do that, Stelling thinks that this model will join the Staghorn in the banjo hit parade because of its universal appeal and acceptance as a classic banjo design. The fancy curly maple used in this model is enhanced by its reddish stain. The many-colored Red Fox in the peghead and the abalone maple leaves in the fingerboard help to make this striking and seductive. The Stelling List is $4300 but your cost is merely $3325 at our Discount Price, or $3225 at our Cash Discount Price.
76-8702 Stelling (new) Staghorn five-string banjo, a fancy model made from highly figured Claro walnut in the neck and the resonator, utilizing colorful abalone shell inlays and trim.
This example bears serial #6560 and is made with the super-great sounding Tony Pass 600TS Old Wood Rim. It is housed in a deluxe TKL emerald green crushed velvet plush lined case. Per the Stelling site: In 1975, Alan Munde introduced the Stelling banjo to an international audience by playing the second Staghorn ever made with Country Gazette. Since then, this has remained one of the most desired banjo models in the world and has become the trademark model of Stelling Banjo Works. The increasing rarity of the materials such as the highly figured Claro walnut used in the neck and resonator, and the colorful abalone shell out of which the inlays and trim are cut make this one of the ultimate sound investments. Although it Lists for $6300, your cost is only $4,871 at our Discount Price or, at our Cash Discount Price, $4,725
78-8065 Stelling (new) Bill Emerson Red Fox Deluxe, #6540, with hard shell case.
Fancy, gold plated. $4871 at our Discount Price, or $4725 at our Cash Discount Price.
78-7347 Kel Kroyden (used, c. 1936) 6-string guitar-banjo, excellent condition, ISI- 1815, housed in a newer Harptone black tolex covered plush lined hard shell case.
Virtually every Kel Kroyden that is not presently a tenor was once a tenor banjo, and was converted to whatever it is now by the judicious application of a replica neck. This one was born a tenor (just like Pavoratti) but around 1968 it was converted to GB – that means Guitar-Banjo – by the addition of a script logo inlaid, double-cut headstock, the Reno pattern (flying eagle) inlaid 21-fret neck with an ebony fingerboard, crème binding on said board, and a Mastertone bell-bronze tone ring. Remember, this banjo retains the yearned-for one-piece flange prewar pot – exactly that pot for which every five-string banjo player on earth craves and raves. A person reading this can only imagine how loud this thing is, but it really is. Wow – is this strong! Quite remarkable really – it could substitute for the church bells in just about every normal-sized church in any suburban neighborhood. (For a cathedral you might need a top tension.) The headplate and back of headstock have crazed nicely – it has an old-looking headstock and there are crazing lines on the back of the one-piece mahogany neck. The resonator is just about perfect, retaining its four-leaf flower or star pattern surrounded in a Deco circle against a background of yellow celluloid (known as yelluloid). The nearly black finished sides of the resonator are themselves bound in crème ivoroid. Three thumb screws hold resonator to the one-piece flange that has the same 23 sequential ‘rectangle shapes with a ‘U’ on each end” that Mastertone banjos have. The head presently on it is “water clear.” The inside of this banjo’s resonator and rim are clean as can be.
We have seen a couple of Kel Kroyden rims that had a serial number, but 95% of them don’t and this one hasn’t. This has the one full-length coordinator rod and one blessed stump. The flange, thumb screws, coordinator rods, brackets, hooks and nuts are original prewar but the tailpiece, armrest and the bridge are newer. Comfortable this is to play, yes, with a generous 1 13/16th” nut width, but the back of the neck is low profile and it’s easy to play. Tuners are newer Planetary style with large pearloid buttons. It has the adjustable truss rod with the bell-shaped plastic cover. held in place by two screws. All that could be original; no tenor neck was provided. Inside the case, along with a used Bill Russell capo and the original card that came with the Harptone resonator banjo case, is a sealed set of “Folklore Center/Fretted Instruments” brand “Spanish Guitar – One Complete Set – Light Gauge” and then the word “Extra” is rubber-stamped, “321 6th Ave., New York, NY 10014.” Does anybody reading this remember Israel G. Young’s The Folklore Center, on the second floor, next to the Waverly Theatre on The Avenue of the Americas? Some of us practically grew up there. This banjo is a throw-back to the distant past, when Mark Silber, Michael Katz, Jonathan Biltchik, Roger Sprung, Marc Horowitz, Eric Weissberg, Steve Arkin and many other New York-based luminaries played real good for free around the fountain (presently being disassembled and moved) at Washington Square Park. We remember the Reverend Gary Davis playing tunes on his guitar-banjo; this instrument reminds us of his iconic sound. If you’re seeking to play a bodacious version of “Dill Pickles Rag” (1906) this is the instrument on which to do it. $6,443 or, at our cash discount price, $6,250.
78-7487 Deering (new) Crossfire, electric 5-string banjo, #L738, black, housed in a Delta- or Ultralite-style zipper closure semi-hard case.
The Deering List is $3389 and calling us for our discount and cash discount price is highly recommended. There is much to learn.
78-7171 Stelling (new) Virginian, fancy nickel-plated 5-string banjo, #6450, with plush lined hard shell case.
$4871 or, at our cash discount price, $4725.
78-7214 Deering (new) John Hartford 5-string,
having the famous Grenadillo tone ring for sweet response while retaining considerable volume, with the “Pop-On” Resonator, so that you can instantly play open-back or resonator-back, #K737, with hard shell plush lined case. The Deering List is $5063 and the Deering MAP is $3797.
78-7037 Stelling (new) Bellflower, bluegrass resonator 5-string banjo, #6428, with plush lined hard shell case.
$3325 at our Discount Price or, at our Cash Discount Price, $3225.
15-6922 Nechville (new) Classic Deluxe, #795, with hardshell case.
$3637 or, at our cash discount price, $3528.
78-7035 Deering (new) Boston B-6 – a Six-String Resonator Guitar-Banjo, #L044, with hardshell case.
The Deering List is $2,029 while the Deering MAP is $1529.
15-6938 Recording King (new) RB-R80, #0000582, with hardshell case.
$1083 or, at our cash discount price, $1050.
15-6821 Stelling (new) Red Fox Deluxe, gold-plated fancy bluegrass banjo, #6400, with hard shell plush lined case.
$4,871 or, at our cash discount price, $4,725.
15-6858 Deering (used, July 1996) Deluxe #06180796-4940, in very good condition with semi-hard case.
The Deering Banjo Company’s web site has the shortest, most terse descriptions we have ever seen. Here is the sum total of what they say about this model in the current display: “Mahogany with white head, diamond inlays, Deering Bronze Tonering.” Well, you certainly can’t say that their writing is flowery, or full of hyperbole. This really good sounding bluegrass resonator 5-string banjo shows neck wear on back center of neck, there is some oxidation (as one expects) on the metal parts. Our shop has installed a new frosted head, the frets are a bit low but it’s playable. There are railroad nails at 7 and 9. The case is a “Pro-Tec” which we call Delta-style; while this is not today the standard type of case for a Deering Deluxe it offers good protection and lots of storage space. $1,645 or at our cash discount price $1,595
15-6727 Steve Huber (new) “Roanoke” bluegrass 5-string banjo, #307-41, with hard shell plush lined case.
The following is from the Huber web site: “Huber Banjos represent the very finest in modern banjo construction - they are designed and manufactured to a higher standard: the classic flathead banjos of the 1930s! Many banjo makers will hint that some aspects of their instruments can be compared to these legendary prewars; we go several steps further. The components used in the Huber Banjos are either identical to, equal to, or even of superior quality to those that were used in the storied prewar flatheads. They are assembled with an attention to detail that assures that each part is perfectly fitted to the others - a crucial and inescapable aspect of that “Killer” tone. No one would believe us if we claimed that the new Hubers sound just like these prized 70-year-old banjos - and, in truth, they don't sound that good.
Yet, we are firmly convinced that these new Huber Banjos sound every bit as good as those great prewars did when they were new.” The Roanoke model is made with a walnut neck, a Brazilian rosewood fingerboard, and a burled walnut resonator which has inlaid wood marquetry. Nickel-plated hardware is utilized, including the Huber prewar style replica tone ring and the precise- replica one-piece flange that’s made of zinc. The banjo is made using animal hide glue, like the originals, including the laminating of the three-ply rock maple rim. The headstock is double cut, with a script “Huber” logo inlaid near the top, a flying birdie at the 17th fret and a rectangular pearl block at the 21st. The sound overtakes a body; it is pure, distilled Kentucky emotion and may instantly take one back to the 1950s recordings of our bluegrass heroes. We are proud to be an authorized dealer of Huber banjos. $3918 or, at our cash discount price, $3800.
15-6716 Stelling (new) Bellflower 5-string resonator banjo, #6384, with hard shell case.
Made of Virginia Black Walnut, the Bellflower boasts the natural beauty of unstained wood. A simple, yet elegant floral inlay pattern combined with tasteful ivoroid/black/ivoroid binding on the neck and resonator make the Bellflower the choice of many happy banjo owners. The metal parts are nickel plated; the rim is the Tony Pass 600TS Old Wood powerhouse, and it is housed in a deluxe TKL emerald green crushed velvet plush lined case. The List is $4300 but, crazy as we are, our pricing is $3325 at our Discount Price, or, at our Cash Discount Price, $3225.
15-6525 Stelling (new) Golden Cross 5-string banjo, #6364, with hard shell case.
The Golden Cross was the ninth Stelling banjo to be built, the first one to have the trademarked Stelling peghead shape, and was named for Tony Golden, who rode motorcycles with Geoff and bought the first Golden Cross. This model was also honored to be the banjo played by the late great Don Reno for the last ten years of his life, and was featured on many of his fine recordings with Bill Harrell. Originally made of walnut, the current Golden Cross currently features nickel plated metal parts, and fancy, shaded, curly maple with the golden sunburst stain and purfling inlaid along the neck and resonator binding. As do all Stelling banjos, the Golden Cross has the Tony Pass 600TS Old Wood Rim and comes in a deluxe TKL emerald green crushed velvet plush lined case. $3673 or at our cash discount price, $3563
15-6341 Deering (new) Calico Professional Resonator 5-string banjo, #0587907 K365, with hard shell case.
The Deering List is $4388. The Deering MAP is $3291. Please do inquire as to what your own pricing is.
15-5361 Stelling (new) Crusader Standard, #6219, with hard shell case.
The Stelling List is $4300. $3325 or, at our cash discount price, $3225.
Recording King “The Professional” Bluegrass Banjo, with hard shell case.
According to the maker: The Professional resonator banjo combines classic pre-war style features and desirable modern touches to create the ultimate bluegrass banjo. This model features a mahogany resonator, mahogany neck, bound ebony fretboard, American Standard thread hardware, 20-hole tone ring and a 3-ply rim. Designed by Greg Rich, this model recalls the most supremely crafted banjos from the Golden Age of musical instruments. The Professional features the traditional Recording King floral peghead and inlay and an authentic Mastertone-style flange. With its exceptional tone and handcrafted perfection, this banjo will appeal to amateurs as an affordable alternative. Features include: one-piece mahogany resonator w/ concentric rings, one-piece mahogany neck, traditional flange, traditional tone ring, a 3-Ply Maple Rim, Bound Ebony Fretboard, dual coordinator rods, the "Style 6" mother of pearl floral peghead & fretboard inlay, a Presto-syle tailpiece, nickel-plated hardware, a Remo frosted head, having a notched hoop, natural finish. The nut width is 1-3/16", the head size is 11", medium crown (7/16" height), it has 22 frets, a total length of 38”, and weighs 11.4 pounds following lunch. The List Price is $1,399.99, but the MAP is only $1,050.
48-4905 Kel Kroyden (by Gibson) c. 1933 tenor banjo, now converted to 5-string banjo, ISI-1680, in excellent condition with newer hard shell five-string case.
This banjo, which started life as a 19-fret full-scale tenor, has been converted to the bluegrass paragon it always yearned to become. It not only has the greatly desired one-piece flange that fans-of-the-prewar love to find, it also has the McPeake bell bronze tone ring that makes the Welkin vibrate unceasingly. It is fitted with a perfect First Quality Banjo replica five-string neck, with East Indian rosewood fingerboard bound in crème, decorated in the hearts-and-flowers inlay pattern starting from 3rd fret. The double-cut headstock presents the script mother of pearl logo and a collection of ferns, flowers, vines, diamonds, and, yes, also lower-case effs. It plays It plays effortlessly. You get both necks, including the original, somewhat worn, tenor neck with the original oxidized geared tuners with the ivoroid buttons. Much as we hesitate to talk about what might have been and what once was, this banjo’s tenor neck has the Kel Kroyden peghead logo, silk-screen over yellow celluloid with a deco star painted there under. The fingerboard of the tenor neck is yellow celluloid (or yelluloid) with painted flowers. The back of the tenor neck (as if you would even care) shows normal signs of use and finish wear. The back of the resonator still retains its yellow celluloid with painted black flowers and border keystones. The tailpiece is a newer replica but the armrest, the brackets, flange, three corrugated thumb-screws, all internal components including the nuts, are original Gibson circa 1933 equipment. It turns out to be exceptional sounding, a pedigreed celluloid-veneered puppy of the highest order. Now with both necks and if you want the tenor case, both cases, this is only $6,443 or, at our cash discount price $6,250.
48-4769 Sullivan (new) Greenbrier 5-String Banjo, # 0258, with hard shell case.
This is an exceedingly classy and fine sounding bluegrass resonator 5-string banjo, having features such as a pearl inlay-bordered polished ebony head plate with a large and ferocious fern (with wings and flower pot) inlaid at center of headstock. There under is a simple black bell-shaped truss rod cover held in place by two nickel-plated round hole screws. The fingerboard is no less fancy, having 1930s style banjo inlays in 10 positions starting from first fret, sweeping depictions of flowers and Victorian flourishes of every description, except at fret number 21 at which position is a rectangular pearl block etched “Greenbrier.” The back of the resonator is one piece of highly flamed maple and the back of the one-piece neck is even more frenetically figured tiger stripe maple. The pot is built in the traditional prewar bluegrass style utilizing a 3-ply rim made from slow- growth, cold-climate, rock maple, harvested on the Canadian border. All five tuners are geared with grained ivoroid buttons. The tone ring provided is a custom made bell-metal 20-hole flathead especially designed for the Sullivan banjo. It has a Sullivan logo engraved on its skirt. For you Ted Williams fans, this tone ring has been cryogenically subjected to 300 degrees below zero for 12 hours to artificially age the metal. There is no longer any need to have to wait until retirement age to get the best sound your banjo can produce. Each side of the resonator, the heel cap, and both sides of the fingerboard are tastefully bordered in black and ivoroid. This banjo is so powerful that (we’ve heard that) in certain south-western climates large condors and vultures worship it as some sort of god. For more information about this model Sullivan banjo click on: http://www.sullivanbanjo.com/Static/Greenbriar.htm The List is $3995. Your cost is only $3089 or, at our cash discount price, $2996.
15-5361 Stelling (new) Crusader –
#6219, with hard shell case, priced at $3,325 at our discount price, or at our cash discount price this is $3,225.
48-3081 Deering (new) Boston 6-String Guitar/Banjo, #F151, with hard shell case.
Deering List Is $1805. Deering MAP is $1399
88-2932 Deering (new) Sierra 5-String Banjo, #F143, with hard shell case.
This banjo Lists for $2246 and has a Deering MAP of $1629.
83-6402 Deering (new) Deluxe 5-string, 823300-8732, H
Deering points out that the gloss finish, ebony fingerboard, diamond shaped inlays and extra trim on the back of the resonator and along the edge of the peghead are features that make a more elegant instrument. The mahogany neck and resonator, they note, creates a sweet tone. It is a banjo made with the same 3-ply maple rim, sand-cast virgin bell bronze tone ring, zinc flange and nickel-plated metal parts that are used on more expensive banjos. We are exceedingly pleased to point out that this is the first Deluxe we’ve received to have the high gloss, lacquer finish, East Indian rosewood head plate with a tasteful and stylish inlaid banner with the word “DEERING” etched and blackened at the center, instead of the plain and still quite bald-eagle-decal they had used. Deering’s list price is $2782. The Deering MAP is $2099.
83-4870 Deering (new) Good Time 2, a five-string banjo with a resonator.
A new resonator-back 5-string bluegrass banjo, largely of maple, very fine sounding, and one which comes a high-quality semi-professional gigbag. Made right over there in Lemon Grove, CA, this is the lowest priced American-made resonator-back 5-string beginner level bluegrass banjo in the land. We like it, we does. You will too. Get out those finger and thumb picks, Hanna, grandpa's coming home tonight! The Deering List Price is $648 and the MAP is $489. Add $52 for embroidered zipper gigbag.
83-4376 Deering (new) Sierra Bluegrass Banjo, 08189899-8027, H.
The Sierra has a 3-ply maple neck with a sandcast bell bronze tone ring, satin finshed mahogany neck and resonator, Planetary banjo tuners, black peghead veneer with white Deering logo and a dot inlaid rosewood fingerboard. The manufacturer's list price is $2246. The Deering MAP is $1629.
If you would like more information on MANDOLIN BROTHERS' products and services, please write, phone, fax or email to mandolin@mandoweb.com.
