SS Stewart #19303 - this puts it in 1898 as far as I can calculate.
Excellent condition with a natural varnish finish, spunover rim, cherrywood neck with ebony fingerboard. Overall length is 36 3/4 inches, 11 inches - diameter head, and 2 1/2 inches in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 27 inches.
This is a one of a kind banjo. I had a friend try to sell it a couple months ago. Since then I had Elderly Instruments set the neck and put new nylon strings on it. ($400.00) The neck was straight, but it was slightly angled. This made the action higher at the low side of the neck near the pot. This was the way I got it when it was purchased at Gruen Guitar in Nashville, Tennessee about 12 years ago. It has played well all the years I've had it. Now it as as perfect as you can find anywhere!. You won't find a nicer one of it's kind that plays so well.
Listen to it on Banjo Hangout - dhullinger
Maggie Walker Blues - there are 3 recordings - the last one is the SS Stewart.
The heel is in tact. (no cracks) It had light metal strings on, and I had nylon put on in Valparaiso. Since then brand new ones from Elederly were used. I just Picked it up on April 2, 2010.
This is your chance to own one of the most famous historical instruments that was made at the height of the turn of the century banjo makers. How many are still in tact with no cracks on the neck? This one will play well as long as you take care of it. Elderly said that it has had great care to this date. Everything on it is original except the head. (Remo) I had Elderly check the fingerboard and they said it was original. They put it under a light and said there were none of the obvious marks that show replacement.
I want to purchase a Chuck Lee at Elderly or this would not be for sale.
Email me at daveanddoug@daveanddougunplugged.com
or dhullinger@sbcsc.k12.in.us
I will play insurance and shipping at $2200.00.
