This Van Eps 5 string banjo was made by Fred Van Eps in 1907 and used by him for at least the next ten years to make the majority of his acoustic pre-electric recordings.
Fred called it the 'Meal Ticket' and wrote that on the perch pole in pencil alongside his signature and the date of manufacture, also in pencil. This historic banjo appeared in B.M.G. September 1963
page 389.
This is the banjo one hears on his Victor recording of 'Persiflage' for example. The banjo has its original case which was variously repaired by FVE over the years. The rolled paper covering on the flat spring-steel carry handle fell apart over the years but a small piece is still in the case along with some 'La Qualite' pure silk banjo strings by Clarence Slape. FVE gauge hard nylon strings are fitted now plus contemporary 'Black Diamond' silk 4th. These very fine wound on silk strings are prone to break frequently, which is why the banjo has an E&O Mari 'Senorita' 4th.
The banjo was also upgraded by FVE with his definitive tailpiece, cast fingerboard extension, round tube tone-ring, curved tone-ring supports, FVE 'screw-clamp' side octave peg and 'drum' tuning pegs. This work was probably carried out in the 1950s together with a good clean and re-polishing the neck where varnish/polish was worn off. The original vellum was split and replaced by me.
This banjo was taken by FVE, together with his other possessions, to CA in the 50s. This banjo has had three owners, FVE, myself and the man who obtained it from FVE.
The banjo plays and sounds as a Van Eps banjo should. It will not be sold to a non-playing collector. No time-wasters please.
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