After much deliberation, I’ve decided to sell this wonderful H.C. Nelsen 5-string banjo.
As you can see, it features the rare double spun-over rim, making it an especially desirable example.
Specifications:
11" pot
25.5" scale length
The banjo is all original except for:
the fifth-string tuning peg
the Remo head
the Clifford Essex bridge
the tailpiece, which was handmade by the previous owner
I believe the neck is walnut, with a lovely V-shaped profile and a beautifully crafted low-profile fingerboard.
It has a number of unique features, including engraved metalwork where the neck meets the pot, a metal star inlay on the peghead, and elegant inlays along the fingerboard.
In my opinion, this Nelsen has one of the prettiest pegheads I’ve ever seen.
There are 30 original J.B Schall ball shoes with matching dome shaped nuts
The famous J.B Schall / H.C Nelson nickel plated spearhead heel plate
All hooks, shoes, and nuts are present and correct.
The only minor flaw is that, at some point in its life, somebody drilled a small hole through the dowel stick — no doubt to fit a different tailpiece. I considered having this repaired, but in truth it causes no issues, is not especially noticeable, and I ultimately decided to leave it untouched.
I have also considered fitting a real skin head but again, the renaissance Remo head sounds great.
Its currently strung with Aquilla red but Aquila classic and also Aquilla Minstrel sounds great (for that Nora Brown sound).
Aside from its beauty and rarity, it’s also a fantastic player. The neck profile feels wonderfully distinctive in the hand, and it has exactly the sound you’d hope for from a high-end Chicago-built banjo of this era. I’m very happy to provide sound clips on request.
As many of you will know, banjos this rare — particularly in this condition, do not surface often. They are scarce even in the United States, and rarer still in Europe and the UK. Over the years I’ve encountered only a handful, and none came close to this example in terms of condition and preservation.
I hope the photos accurately show the condition of the instrument, but I’m more than happy to provide additional photos upon request.
(Clifton Hicks also has a very informative video on Nelsen banjos for anyone wishing to learn more).
As mentioned, this sale has not been an easy decision. If it sells, wonderful — the funds will go towards a custom banjo project. If it doesn’t, I suspect I’ll feel equally relieved.
Happy to answer any questions.
Craig
