For Sale: 1880s H.C. Dobson Banjo - $1,400 USD

This is an original H.C. Dobson banjo with silver bell (or Dobson) tone ring. It's approximately 130 years old and is in remarkably good condition.

• 11" spun over rim – tarnished, but less so than I would expect.
• 25.5" scale length.
• 24 hooks and nuts – all original.
• Mahogany neck, with 6-point star inlay. Note that there is no 12th fret marker (it's at the 11th fret).
• Straight neck, no problems. Shows normal wear from playing.
• Brass cover at heel of neck. This plate is held in place by four small screws (one is missing). It's easily removed, which reveals a frailing scoop. The scoop is not original, but it was done by a professional luthier. I've always played it with the brass cover removed because I prefer the scoop.
• Original Dobson tail piece with 6-point star cutout and patent stamp ("H.C. DOBSONS –PAT- NOV.8.1881"). I'll also include a No-Knot tailpiece – which is a lot easier to deal with if you want to try steel strings.
• Newer Waverly tuners with ebony knobs. 5-Star fifth string tuner. Professionally installed.
• Relatively recent goatskin head, lightly stained to give it an older look.
• Non-original bridge. The current bridge was made by Doc Huff.
• TKL bump case.

This banjo is currently set up with Aquila Classical Banjo Nylgut strings. I've also tried light gauge steel strings, but I much prefer the sound of the Nylguts. It's not what I'd call a loud banjo, but it has a sweet mellow tone. It's an old banjo, but it's still a great player. I've had this banjo for about 3-1/2 years, and the previous owner purchased it from Burnunzio Music. I've really enjoyed this banjo, but I have several others that have Dobson tone rings, and this one just doesn’t get much playing time any more. So it's time to give someone else the opportunity of owning it.Video, with the previous skin head