Custom Slingerland Guitar Banjo ca 1920 Natural

An interesting guitar banjo from an unidentified maker, although it has some of the hallmarks of a Slingerland made instrument.  The five-piece neck is three parts maple and two parts ebony.  The long heel is capped in Brazilian rosewood.  The head stock is also capped with Brazilian, with an inlaid ornament.  The two 'diamonds' are later additions, and add just enough glitz and camp to earn their keep.  The original tuners are a cut above 'plain' and function well, although someone previously had soldered some tips on the ends to reduce 'play' in the inner holes.  The nut appears original, as does the tailpiece, but we're not 100% sure.  All the brackets appear original, but the head was recently replaced with a new skin head.  Based on the 'witness' mark it appears that at some time the stick was adjusted to reset the neck angle.  Frets are good, and the fingerboard shows some divots in the lower position.  There is some wear and finish loss on the back of the neck as well, but the neck has a nice feel to it. The metal parts still gleam but show tarnish and loss in some areas.

The head measures 12 1/4" across.  Scale length is ~24 1/16".  The neck measures 1 11/16" across at the nut and string spacing is 2 1/4" across at the bridge.  Action is set at 8/64" and the guitar banjo plays well with its smooth, 'C'-profile neck shape.  

This is one of the best sounding guitar banjos we've played.  It has a pleasing, plunky sound, not too bright and not too much 'thud', perfect for ragtime and old time blues.  

No case presently.

International buyers please email for shipping costs. 

Product Specs

Condition:Very Good Make:Slingerland Model:Guitar Banjo Finish:Natural Categories:Banjos Year:ca 1920 Made In:United States