Gibson Kel Kroydon KK-11 with Fawley 5 String Neck- circa 1930’s.
This banjo is a conversion tenor that I purchased from Gruhn a few years ago. The neck is by Wyatt Fawley in the typical Gibson Style 11 with MOP fingerboard and peghead. The tenor neck is no longer present. All hardware is original-including the armrest, brackets/nuts, window pane tailpiece, flange, tension hoop, and resonator hardware. The flange is fairly flat and shiny and shows almost no flaring. All the metal is in great condition. Resonator sides are dark blue as is the matching neck and rim. Minimal fretware. The tuners are modern planetary style with grained ivoroid knobs. Pre-EPA Remo head, Geared fifth with ivoroid knob.
This banjo does not have a serial number impressed into the rim, nor chalked on the resonator interior-as is the case on many of these 1930’s KK banjos. The rim has the brass tube under the edge of the head and gives the banjo a flathead look. This rim is uncut and totally original.
Rim is fatboy 5/8”. You can leave it as is, or add the tone ring of your choice. Sounds awesome the way it is!
So, here’s a smokin’ uncut rim from the thirties with a Wyatt Fawley neck, with no condition problems-a great banjo! Pictures tell the story. Includes a hard shell case from 1970-1985 in good condition, but is missing the handle/hardware, and one latch. The case is structurally sound, restorable as per the hardware, and will provide excellent protection for shipment.
In the spirit of full disclosure, there is a slight delamination of the peg head overlay near the second string and the fourth string. This can be easily glued and clamped, and poses no problem if unattended. The resonator has a few dings, scratches as is consistent with the age, but in very good condition. MOT Resonator back is the cool lime green shading.
Price is $4400 or Best Reasonable Offer. Sold As Is. Shipping/Insurance via UPS Ground calculated to buyer’s address and instructions. Buyer pays shipping.
Additional pictures and answers to your questions-Please let me know.
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