This is a special instrument. Part of the "Roger Smith Collection", instruments sold from the estate of Bluegrass Boy Roger Smith after his passing (pictured below onstage with Bill Monroe). Roger also led the house band at Bill Monroe's Bean Blossom in the 60's. A letter to me from the trusted BHO seller who handled all of the sales on behalf of Roger's family will accompany the banjo attesting to its presumed originality and provenance (Roger had many banjos).
Features:
The condition is really quite amazing. Wood and metal are in strikingly good condition. Never refinished. Only a few faint scratches. Unpunched Presto. Nice clear, matching chalk and imprinted serial numbers [note: slight imperfection to the chalk marking resulting from my using a towel as a sound dampener]. Perfect sticker, tone ring, flange.
Beautiful curly Maple neck by renowned luthier Ernie Wells with a new RADIUSED ebony fretboard by Nechville (who also added a speed finish and matched the neck color perfectly to the resonator).
Original 40-hole archtop tone ring (said to fit nicely--not too loose, not too tight--by Nechville, who also replaced head when they replaced the fretboard). Wonderful playability and tone, bright but not strident. It has been played by at least one pro on this site.
Tuners now replaced with brand-new Gotohs, but originals come with the package.
Original Snuffy bridge.
No original tenor neck or case, but comes with good quality hard case with leather handle.
If you've been looking for an all-original 2PF Archtop with a name-brand neck and nice provenance, it will be very hard to find one nicer than this.
No trades, thanks!
