Here is a very nice, classic Fairbanks Senator No. 1 banjo, made for Fred Martin in Boston. Martin was a Boston music teacher and distributor of Vega-made banjos, under his name.
The rim is completely original; its a nickel spun-over rim, 10 ¾” dia. x 2 7/16” deep, 28 hooks. Original no knot tailpiece (short top), and Rogers XXX skin head. The inside of the rim and dowel stick are stamped with the serial number 24764. The dowel stick is also stamped No. 1 and Senator, and bears the Fred Martin metal plate.
The original mahogany neck bears Fairbanks style 0 inlays on the peghead and neck. They are elegantly engraved and in great shape. The neck has a 26 1/8” inch scale. The pear wood peghead overlay is cracked, as are most, but was overcoated with shellac to help preserve it. The neck is straight with barely any fret wear, no divots in fingerboard. It has the original hi-hat pip. The heel of the neck has an old, very well-done repair that is under the finish. There is also a round plug showing on the heel plate that is probably related to the repair. I bought the banjo in this condition from a well-known Mass. dealer. I have played it over the past 9 years and the repair is absolutely stable. The original friction tuners have been replaced with Schaller planets with ivoroid buttons, and it has a geared 5 star 5th string tuner with a cream button; spiked at 7th fret.
This banjo is a great player with excellent tone and very good note separation. I’ve posted a sound clip of this banjo on my BHO homepage. I spent some time getting it properly set-up, and it plays great. String height is 3/16” at the 12th fret with a 5/8” bridge. Comes with a used Alpine gig bag, I will build a cardboard case for shipping. $1350. plus exact shipping and insurance. Please add 3% if you want to use PayPal.
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