I refer to this as a German banjo but I'm not 100% sure. When Mandolin Bros. saw pictures, they said it was no known American maker. The tuners (the only marked part) are stamped DRGM 63957. This is a German design registry mark that dates to about 1895. The neck is a multi laminate of mahogany and maple and appears to have been refinished relatively recently. The 9 inch pot is one piece maple and has what seems to be the original reddish stain. With its short scale, small pot, and very little hardware, it's a real featherweight.
The dowel stick brace is one of the coolest I've seen. It looks somewhat like an art deco cow skull. The tailpiece is tie-on style. It's currently got steel strings, but I could deliver it with Nylgut, if requested. Great old-timey look, feel and sound. Recent, professionally installed calfskin head.
↧