Low end Cubley banjo from the 1880’s. These are getting very hard to get ahold of. They seem to have all dried up. Banjo is in excellent playable condition for fingerstyle or clawhammer.
Has the scribed fret positions on an fretless neck. Action is about a quarter inch at 12th fret area with a 5/8 bridge. Perfect for fretless. As you can see the nut has a couple extra slots.
The fifth peg is vintage I believe walrus tusk.
The four pegs are reproduction made by Mark Ralston. Also made by mark are the bridge,tailpiece and two of the hardware.
So 8 hooks and nuts are original. 2 of those original nuts are stripped but still hold on, just can’t be tightened. It’s super tight though. Included will be a couple extra hooks and nuts made by Mark that are not antiqued,just raw brass. They are the Cubley patent hook and nut design. All eagle shoes are original.
Currently set up with Nylgut Minstrel strings and super tight thin goatskin head.
I am always surprised how loud this thing is! I think it’s the thin rim. Super loud and thumpy and fun to play! A true antique piece of functional art from Ravenswood IL.
Please reach out for more pics and info!
