A.C. Fairbanks "Baby Electric" Banjo (1890s)
Added 2020-08-25 19:28:35 +0000 UTCThis Fairbanks "Electric" banjo (patented 1890) has an unusual 21-inch scale and 9-inch pot. My understanding is that these smaller banjos were advertised as women's instruments.
Comments
And the essay on old vs modern bridges in very interesting. I think I recall you saying that a simple wooden bridge gives a better sound with nylon strings so I am going to experiment with that.
eric affsprung
2021-03-22 23:27:10 +0000 UTCThat's a nice web site.
eric affsprung
2021-03-22 23:21:25 +0000 UTCI think the older, "ball end" tension nuts were intended to reduce snagging on clothing. There were some patented accessories as well which covered the nuts entirely. Joel Hooks sells a remake of a 1918 patent here: https://www.banjothimble.com/shop/the-banjo-hooks-guard.html
Clifton Hicks
2021-03-22 20:21:09 +0000 UTCI was told by someone who would know that some of these Ladies (Lady's?) Banjos had special hardware so as to avoid causing runs and tears in the lap of dresses.
eric affsprung
2021-03-22 16:25:55 +0000 UTCGlad to hear that, Daniel. Even after all these years of performing and recording, I still can't ever gauge if my work is "good" or not; I just do my best and hope it turns out OK. As for vintage banjos, it seems like Fairbanks and Stewart are the two most common pre-1900 brands that were really well made. And you can find a good one for < $1,000. Truthfully, no banjo on earth is physically worth more than $1,000--if I sell something at a higher price, it's merely because of the rarity of the instrument. I partner with several large private collectors, so I have to accomodate their asking price.
Clifton Hicks
2020-08-27 13:58:57 +0000 UTCfascinating stuff ... I could watch these videos all day and it helps me work out what vintage banjo to purchase one of these days!
Daniel Pearce
2020-08-27 11:57:05 +0000 UTCA great instrument to show your picking style, especially the right hand. Thanks.
Rob Kunkel
2020-08-26 10:51:47 +0000 UTCI have a little HC Dobson with a 9" rim and short neck. Fun banjo to play. I keep it in arms length by the computer desk. I've heard this size called ladies banjo, and also a pony banjo.
Richard
2020-08-25 23:27:18 +0000 UTCBadass banjo
Blaine Chappell
2020-08-25 20:47:12 +0000 UTCClifton, it looks great and sounds great. I can see myself sitting in my chair with that little banjo in my hands, as you said: "one person, one instrument, singing one song". I hope you don't mind the quote but it really reflects what old-style or old school banjo playing is about.
Dean Schober
2020-08-25 19:45:50 +0000 UTCIn a local shop they have a 5-string conversion similar to this. It's apparently an old Mandolin banjo. I believe it's the same 9" pot with bracket band and 'Whyte Laydie' tone ring, but originally had an 8-string Mandolin neck. It is now fitted with a short scale 5 string neck from the 90s, made by Bart Reiter in Lansing, MI. Great sounding little banjo, and can tuned to A without the use of a capo.
Steven Sams
2020-08-25 19:40:53 +0000 UTCIt would be great for short tunes!
David Brown
2020-08-25 19:40:46 +0000 UTC
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