I love this Banjo it sounds so nice and loud and its set up well with a new head, new Sonny Osborne strings, new tail piece. Perfect for someone that wants a Gibson RB-250 without spending a ton of cash. I bought a few months ago from Chicago music exchange and all I want for it is what I have in it. in fact less. I want to get a Washburn B17 that I saw. I know it wont come close to the sound of the Taka banjo but i only want it for the Bling on stage that's the only reason I'm selling this one. I don't need 2 banjos. trust me you wont find another like this one. I am also including a Meyer's "the Grip" Microphone. worth $139 that I never used and only took it out of the box to look at it. I have around $550 invested in this banjo. $400 is a really good price for it. comes with Hard case. need more pictures just send me your email and ill be glad to send you some.
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For Sale: Taka Master clone Banjo. - $400 USD
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For Sale: Gourd Banjo. Built by Bob Thornburg - $600 USD
I purchased this beautiful, unique gourd banjo from Bob Thornburg a little over a year ago. As the story goes, it was built for a small museum, in California I believe. It consequently closed its doors and it was returned to Mr. Thornburg. The neck is made of redwood from 100 + year old water tower. The banjo is strung with real gut strings (Purr'll Gut). Four extra strings are included (2nd, 5th and 2 1st). In the photos, you will see a couple of worm holes that were filled with resin by Bob. I feel that it adds to the primitive nature of this type of banjo. I find that I am not a great fretless player. I have my eye on another (standard open back) banjo, and must thin the herd a bit in order to buy it (and keep my marriage in tact!). One of my favorite claw hammer players, Josh Turknett, plays "Bonaparte's Retreat" on a Thornburg gourd in a You Tube video (click on or copy and paste this link: youtube.com/watch?v=CzVMI9qvG4A). I have a few more photos available if you would like them emailed. Please don't hesitate to e-mail me should you have any questions).
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For Sale: Banjo Making Book - $15.99 USD
Old-Time BanjoCraft, 5 String Open Back Banjo Making, is a brief look at banjo making in the small shop. This book is intended to to be accessible to banjo people and wood workers of all skill levels. BanjoCraft contains 50+ full color photos and 46 pages of detailed banjo making knowledge. BanjoCraft guides the reader through the process of making an open back banjo, from raw wood to a finished instrument. It focuses on building techniques and considerations that are specific to banjo making and does not delve deeply into sub-topics such as fretwork, inlay, or how to use a protractor. In composing this book it was our goal to provide general considerations, instructions, and techniques while encouraging the reader to get to work in the shop and cultivate experience of their own. Makes a great gift for that special Banjo Picker!
Please visit the web page to purchase.
www.banjocraft.com
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For Sale: Deering Maple Blossom - $1,650 USD
1989 Deering Maple Blossom. All original. (No-hole tone ring). This is a really great banjo. It has lots of presence and is pleasing to the ear with great note seperation. This one will turn heads when it is played out and about.
Like new but some patina on the nickel hardware. TKL case and new Kershner tailpiece. I put a new AMB head on it a month ago. No fret wear. Fifth string capo spikes at 7 and 9 frets.
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For Sale: REDUCED: 2009 Prucha Walnut Professional ---- Near New Condition--- - $2,750 USD
2009 Prucha Walnut Professional Model with Radius Fretboard in Very Near New Condition. Only the slightest signs of being played on the first position frets only. No Scratches or Dings. Beautiful Walnut Neck with Burl Reso and the Elegant Inlays in Abalone on an Ebony Radius Fretboard. Highest End Prucha Components and the Renown Craftsmanship to go with it. Finish is Deep Lacquer and Gorgeous. This one is a Very Powerful Banjo. (I also have a mahogany model that is more subtle and suits my humble pick'n) These banjos have turned me into a radius fretboard guy for life. The playability is superior. I have held on to this one for years, but I can't justify both, and the other is a lower end model in typical used condition that takes the pressure off of me for putting the first scratch in this Beauty. I am finally making the move that I have been avoiding. I travel several states in my work and am willing to meet up rather than ship if possible. Comes with the original Guardian case in the same condition as the banjo. Feel free to contact me with any questions. Thanks for Looking ! Philip
UPDATE: I have added photos from where the Banjo was purchased for much better clarity. These are a much better representation. They do not however, come close to how good this instrument appears in person. Thanks for Looking. PJW
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For Sale: Two prewar conversions in the NorthEast, all work done by Robin Smith - $3,800 USD
I have a 1929 TB-1 conversion and and a 1928 TB-2 conversion to 5-strings, both restored to how they would have been if originally issued as 5-strings of their time period. I did cheat a little on the 1929 TB-1 and went with the gulls inlay from 1930...The dots from 1929 were just too bland. Classic and appropriate peghead shapes for each.dartmouth.edu/~smg6/pics_tb1.shtmldartmouth.edu/~smg6/pics_tb2.shtml
I could use some cash for a non-banjo project, so I'll offer these up for a bit to see what happens...
I'd prefer to not ship: I'd want to meet up in-person, let you try out one or both, see which one speaks to you, and go from there. BUT, if you have a preference and are OK buying without touching or deciding between the two, I may consider shipping a single one as it arises.
***I will be down to Eastern PA and near Saratoga, NY at times. Willing to meet up and work with you.
Both are original and have the original tone hoop still. Full thickness (fatty!) and unmodified rims on both: I personally don't think they need tone rings at all, but you'd be all set to have one installed. Practically new Robin Smith necks on both: TB1 = straight grain maple neck with waverly tuners, TB2 = walnut neck with gotoh tuners. No issues whatsoever with either banjo except one: The TB1 has a pretty good scuff on the resonator, which is not structural at all but does go beyond the normal wear and tear of a 90 year old instrument. Robin does the best work I've ever seen. Gibson labels and FON numbers all intact and accounted for.
Ballpark pricing I figure to be
1929 TB1 = $3350, includes tweed 5-string hardcase, old-but-not-original tenor neck with what might be original tuners, tenor hardcase
1928 TB2 = $3800, includes tweed 5-string hardcase, original tenor neck with original tuners, tenor hardcase, and what I believe may even be the original head!
...with both individually appraised for much higher: Formal appraisal from Rob Smith included for either one.
For collectors: You want the TB2 since it's a more complete overall package, and it's also featured here: earnestbanjo.com/gibson_banjo_...47-71.htm
For players: Whichever one speaks to you the best
They are super light (4 pounds less than a 'normal' tone ringed banjo), sound great, and are all original. The TB2 is slightly louder than the TB1. I don't screw around with them, so their setup is solid. My seller rating rocks: I'll make sure you're a happy camper.
***You can only have one!! :-) I'm definitely keeping one of them for myself.
I had both done and thought that I would sell the one that I like less (in a walnut vs maple battle)...I really can't choose. I personally prefer the feel and sound of the TB1, but the TB2 is slightly 'better' with volume and ring. So since I can't choose, I'll let fate do it for me. I'm truly happy with either one. They both rock and have great bluegrass grit. They sound TERRIFIC in simple fiddle-and-banjo settings.
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For Sale: Gibson Mastertone - $1,500 USD
Gibson Mastertone banjo from late 60's. Full thickness rim and one- piece flange. I have 2 videos of me playing it on my hangout page videos (the second and third from the top) banjohangout.org/myhangout/vid...rID=22701 . It sounds and plays better now than it did. I replaced the nut with prewar style bone nut and pip and replaced the worn original jumbo frets with medium stainless steel frets. The 4 tuners are original and work great. The fifth string tuner was originally a friction type but I put a Waverly geared tuner in its place. The tuner buttons are original. The neck was broken and repaired long ago and is structurally sound. Has good old sound from the old wood. A great Gibson tone and power. I must be nuts for selling it. There's a marking on the headstock... Gibson, and on the fret board inlay...Mastertone.
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For Sale: 2004 Deering John Hartford - $2,900 USD
A lightweight banjo with warm wood tone, this 2004 Hartford is a real closet find in near mint condition.
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For Sale: Gibson RB-3 Wreath Copy - Final Price Reduction! - $950 USD
This is a courtesy listing for a friend.
He's selling a really nice Gibson RB-3 Wreath copy......folks, this is a steal of a deal for a banjo like this!
Double bound mahogany neck, rosewood fretboard with wreath MOP inlay, double-cut peghead, bound Cox mahogany resonator with dual concentric rings, Cox 3-ply maple rim, Sullivan 20-hole flathead tone ring (same ring as the Gibson-Crowe), dual coordinator rods, one piece flange, 24 bracket notched tension hoop, new Remo head, 5th string capo spikes installed at 7 and 9, planetary tuners with geared 5th peg, and Presto tailpiece. All of the hardware is nickel plated.
The only issue with this banjo is the heel was originally cut for a two-piece flange, and has now been modified to fit a one-piece flange.
The inside of the resonator is signed by the late, great Earl Scruggs.
Comes shipped in a good, serviceable hard shell case.
A sound file of this banjo is available.
In case you might want to see and play this one in person, the banjo is located in the Bedford, VA area.
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For Sale: Bart Reiter open back banjo w/scoop! Galax model with Whyte Laydie tone ring - MI - $1,150 USD
Whyte Laydie tone ring
Ebony fretboard
26.25 scale length
22 frets
Scoop for claw hammer playing
Bone nut
Geared 5th peg
Built in 2012
Soft shell case
Excellent condition!
List on reiterbanjos.com is $1994
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For Sale or Trade: 1936 Gibson TB1 with original walnut resonator. Clean, well done conversion. - $5,750 USD
1936 Gibson TB1 Conversion. You can hear it on "Ballad of Earl Parrot" on Chris Pandolfi's Trad+ album: tradplus.bandcamp.com/track/ba...parrott-2. Banjo is still set up the same way it was on that recording.
This is a super high quality conversion job with no expense spared. The conversion and neck was done by Robin Smith with a touch of extra width, mahogany, gull inlays with mastertone block, dannick 20 hole ring, prewar presto tailpiece, really clean - no warping on the flange, no rash on the resonator, chalk inside is white and bright. The whole banjo is absolutely pristine for just turning 80 years old. This is a rare style 1, as it has a walnut resonator that is way more figured and better looking than the standard style 1 resos. Here's the banjo before conversion: earnestbanjo.com/gibson_banjo_...749-7.htm.
The only things not original to this banjo are the the new tone ring, neck, tuners and a prewar presto tailpiece. Everything else is 100% as shipped from the factory.
Over the years, people have played it and wanted to buy it on the spot, but I wasn't wanting to let it go so I'm confident whoever buys it will love it. 2 day return policy to make sure that it exceeds all your expectations. It's a killer banjo with a really complex and even tone all over the neck.
Will also consider a trade and cash: Mainly interested in prewar 3, 75, or Granada - possibly a Huber Jim Mills, lexington, VRB Granada or Greg Rich era Granada.
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For Sale: New John Hartford Deering (Standard Resonator/Scale) - $3,200 CAD ($2,489.94 USD)
Bought it 2 months ago brand new and now have to sell one of my 3 banjos! Nice rich sound with strong mid range. Like new and beautiful wood grain finish. It is good and loud even with Grenadillo ring. I do really like the neck shape. My luthier says it is the nicest Hartford he has seen/heard for what that is worth. He set action perfectly and it is very easy playing. Also remarkably light for a resonator banjo. Not much more to say, it is mint, plays well and looks 'showroom'. Also, comes with really nice upgraded 2016 Deering case (better than old Deering cases). The price is firm given retail price (example: $4900 Cdn at Janet Davis), so please no deal seekers or banjo traders. Time to visit beautiful Vancouver BC! Come on up, Canada is on sale with the exchange rate!!
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For Sale: Gold Tone BC-350+ Open Back - $1,150 USD
I have for sale Gold Tone BC 350+ (Bob Carlin) Open Back Banjo. It's in mint condition and only played a few times. This Banjo has a vintage inlay style and triple plated hardware. A work of art.
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For Sale: 2011 Yates RS walnut - $4,250 USD
2011 Yates Ron Stewart Walnut for sale. This banjo was commissioned for purchase new form Warren by me in 2011 and is a stunning banjo. Bell like tone, a beautiful walnut resonator, I actually got to hand pick the piece of wood that was used, and a killer fourth string. I have all of the original stickers and tools that came with it and original case. It has been played but mostly just around the house and the case has a few spots on it but otherwise both are like new!! If you have any questions please let me know. I can also provide sound samples upon request.
Thanks, Abe
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For Sale: Vega Tu-Ba-Phone 11 13/16 rim , new neck , new case. SOLD pending payment - $3,850 USD
The 11 13/16 inches diameter rim is in excellent condition. The hardware is original with no rust on the hooks and the nickel plating is still very nice.
The original Vega quality stamped Jos B. Rogers calfskin head is in great condition with normal wear marks for it's age.
The new curly maple hand made 3 pieces neck has been build using the No 9 inlays pattern and the No. 3 carving pattern. Neck scale is 26 1/4''. Width at the nut is 1 3/8 inch and 2 inches at the heel. 2 way adjustable truss rod accessible by the heel back. The neck is very comfortable and easy to play all the way up the fingerboard.
Ebony fingerboard, head stock veneer, back plate and heel cap. The ebony was top quality and did not required any stain. All the Mother of pearl 1/16 of an inch thick inlays are hand cut and engraved.
Natural Unbleached bone nuts.
Waverly 2 band tuners with ivoroid knobs.
New nickel plated brass Kershner adjustable tailpiece.
New nickel plated brass wire armrest.
Set up with a moon bridge and medium gauge steel strings.
A great sounding instrument with the Old time sound that only a Vega can deliver.
Superior hard shell bump case included.
Plated Second Life Banjo No. 1249-4. Neck was build and the banjo put together by Carl Arcand in spring 2016.
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For Sale: MAY BELL Guitar banjo. - $1,850 USD
Circa 1920 , 10 3/4 inches MAY BELL banjo rim and hardware in excellent condition. All the original hardware including the tension hooks have been newly re plated with nickel.
Those May Bell pot and resonator are among the best ones I have work with. They look like new even after almost a century. They can be transform from open back to resonator banjo in a few seconds. The Silver Bell Tone ring is powerful and deliver a loud and punchy sound with a good balance great for Bluegrass and many other type of music like Jazz, Rag time and folk. I made one of those a few years ago ( No.1181-4) and it was a great banjo so I did it again.
Silver Bell tone ring. There were 3 small cracks on the tone ring skirt but I fixed them by soldering a small plate at the back of each cracks. It is now solid and the sound was not affected by the repairs.
Resonator have been re finished with tru oil and wax.
Original re plated engraved flange.
New remo fiberskin 10 3/4 inches head
No KNot style nickel plated brass tailpiece.
Original re plated armrest
New 2 pieces walnut hand made neck with a 2 way adjustable truss rod. 20 frets. 24 1/2 inches scale. Ebony radius fingerboard with nickle and silver fret wire. Mother of pearl dots and hand cut inlays. Ebony head plate and heel cap.
Neck is 1 3/4 inch at the nut and 2 1/4 inches at the heel. action is 3 mm at the twelve fret.
3/4 inch Ebony and cherry radius bridge.
New 14/1 ratio tuning machine
Unbleached bone nut.
Banjo weight is 9 3/4 pounds.
Plated second Life banjo 1235-4
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For Sale: 1890's George Washburn 5 strings banjo - $1,150 USD
1890's George Washburn 5 strings banjo
The original hardware is beautiful and with no missing parts except for the Grover friction tuners installed a long time ago in replacement of the wooden or bone pegs and for the Antique tailpiece that I installed to replace the original one that was broken. Every hardware part have been cleaned and polished. There is not much of the nickel plating left so the hardware will age rapidly to a nice patina.
11 inches diameter nickel plated brass double spunover rim with a hard maple rim. The Calfskin head is not new but in great shape.
The original black cherry neck has been resettled and re finished. The head plate and the fingerboard were unglued. I straightened the neck replace the maple and black wood lamination, re install the fingerboard, re crown the frets and polish the fingerboard. There are a few surface cracks on the ebony probably due to dryness so I applied 2 coats of mineral oil which was rapidly absorb by the wood. All the inlays are intacts and original. Scale is 26 1/4 inches.
Strung with Nylgut strings and set up with a 7/16 inch bridge the action is 1/8 of an inch at the last fret. Neck angle was adjusted with a brass angle ferrule to lower the action.
A great Old time banjo with a sweet voice, easy to play. Plated second Life Banjo No. 1248-4
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For Sale: Carl Arcand Old time banjo No.1219-4 Whyte Laydie tone ring, - $1,950 USD
11 inches hard maple x 2 ply rim with a 1/4 inch thick ebony cap and a Whyte Laydie nickel plated brass tone ring.
Tension hoop, bracket shoes, hook nuts are nickel plated brass, shoes bolts and hooks are nickel plated steel.
Presto nickel plated brass tailpiece and N.P.B. armrest.
Thick natural white calfskin mounted on a square brass flesh hoop.
Hand made North America hard curly maple one piece neck with Ebony fingerboard, head plate, heel cap and back plate. Mother of pearl star, dots and side dots. Adjustable 2 way truss rod. Bone nuts. Nickel / silver frets.
Five star tuners with real ebony knobs and Waverly straight post geared fifth string tuner.
Neck dimensions are 1 1/4 inch at the nut, 1 7/8 inch at the heel, 26 3/16 inches scale with 22 frets. action is 1/8 of an inch at the last fret.
The banjo is strung with medium gauge strings.
This one of a kind banjo was build with the best of the best components.
Easy to play, with a deep old time sound, a lot of volume and good sustain. . The Whyte Laydie tone ring is well known to be one the best for open back banjos.
Plated ''Second Life Banjo / Carl Arcand No:1219-4
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For Sale: OME 74 JUGGERNUT XX BANJO 5 STRING - $1,500 USD
OME 1974 BANJO JUGGERNAUT XX, 5 STRING, SMALL DENT AT NECK , LITTLE DIMPLE ON BACK OF RESONATOR REST OF WOOD GREAT, LITTLE WEAR ON ARM REST, NEW SKIN ON HEAD, NO RUST, PEGS IN GREAT SHAPE. JUST TUNE UP, COMES WITH NEW CASE. INSIDE # 717 neck 26" fret 22 hooks 24 1974 # 595-929. THE STYLE AND VALUE WAS GIVEN TO ME BY OME IN 2010 AND RESALE EST STARTED AT 1500 AND UP, MUST SELL.
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For Sale: Pisgah Dobson Model Maple $799 - $799 USD
11" Dobson banjo. Maple neck and pot with walnut trim and persimmon overlays and vintage heel custom option. Banjo is in good condition. A little spot on the laminate is coming up under one of the tension hoop hooks. Banjo sounds great.
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