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I need help to ID an old Banjo

Posted by Lowatter on December 29, 2012 at 10:30am in Cool gear discussion - that's not cigar box relate

Hey guys. If anyone can help me ID and place a value on an old banjo a friend of mine has I'd sure appreciate it. It was his great grandfather's banjo that's been passed down. The only markings on it say Washington on the tension bar inside the drum. The headstock looks like it may be Washburn shaped but again, no markings. I've read that Slingerland made alot of parts for small no-name builders back in that era but I know nothing about banjos.

I plan to re-skin it and if my friend can't find the bridge that he says he has around the house somewhere, I'll have to make/buy one. Thanks in advance! 

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Replies

  • steven smith-- dewy January 23, 2013 at 9:04am

    could be a Wizzard , think harmony company made them

  • Ron "Oily" Sprague January 21, 2013 at 9:08am
    Washington brand banjos were distributed by J. W. Jenkins Music Company, a music shop in Kansas City, Missouri. That one was most likely made by Slingerland, some time in the 20's to 30's. they aren't worth much, having been student grade instruments originally, and sell for around $100-150 on the Web. Or so says my quick Internet research.
    • Lowatter > Ron "Oily" Sprague January 22, 2013 at 7:37pm

      Thanks good Sirs.This banjo belongs to a good client of mine and it's been in his family for many, many years. It's a bit disappointing to find out how little it's probably worth but alas I'm going to get it up and playing again and just return it to him with any info I have acquired on it. Time to track down a bridge and some goatskin.

  • Lou "cubancigar2000" January 21, 2013 at 8:10am

    It looks like a home made jo from the early 1900's Not sure about value but doubt it would fetch that much

  • Dan Sleep December 29, 2012 at 10:40am

    http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/112726

    • Lowatter > Dan Sleep December 29, 2012 at 6:42pm

      Thanks Dan. Looks like it may be a Kay or a Slingerland. I forgot to add that it does have a 101 stamped near the Washington stamp. I'll try to see what simular ones go for on the "bay" but I would hope that it's worth at least $500 considering the age and family history.

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