This banjo was originally bought by a college student in upstate New York in 1962 who wanted to play like Pete Seeger. Two years later he sold to his roommate. After two or three years, the roommate quit and the banjo has been stored and untouched since about 1967. I bought it in 2019. I now have a less collectible and less valuable one that I play, so no longer need this one.
According to Mugwumps, the last serial number for 1961 is 101998. Since this banjo is A-101990 (with ‘A’ referring to the ‘Adjustable Truss Rod’), that would place its production at the very end of 1961. (Another site says the first serial number for 1962 was 101999.). Either way, 1962 was a significant year because the wooden dowel stick was traded for the adjustable double coordinating rods. So, this transitional banjo has a blend of 1961 and 1962 parts, making it one of the earliest models with the coordinating rods.
The headstock has mother of pearl block letters and star, with some tiny superficial dings. The spear-point truss rod cover has two screws.
The neck is a great sunburst three-piece maple (w/ walnut stripe) with no thumb wear on the back or scratches from capo use. Thankfully, this banjo was never drilled for a sliding capo as so many were in the day.
The ebony fretboard is in great shape with only the slightest wear on the first fret of the second string. There is one period-correct railroad spike that is totally functional. Dot markers on fretboard are pearl.
Headstock tuners all work fine and the original 1:1 ratio friction 5th string tuner is great too.
The original Vegalon head in great shape with minimal finger oils and scratches.
This is the standard 11-inch pot with the 5-ply maple rim. Has the tu-ba phone tone ring. There are 24 J hooks brackets.
The flip-open unsigned chrome-plated tailpiece has one rivet on the cover missing, though it works perfectly and doesn’t buzz. This is most likely the standard original bridge (not the four foot one that Pete later made famous). String action is set up for clawhammer.
Includes the original blue reptile skinned case which is not functional due to a broken hinge. Fine for home storage but not for travel. Includes the original period Seeger-style 1960’s capo and strap.
I’m happy to talk on the phone, Facetime, or set up a zoom meeting if that’s helpful. If you live near in New England, I’m also happy to drive to avoid shipping. If you do want it shipped, it will be very well packed and insured.
Feel free to message me through the Hangout.
