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LivingSpecimen - Posted - 10/18/2012: 18:25:38
Hello, i have the chance to trade some labor I've done for a 1921 4 string Bacon Style C Banjo
I only have these pictures, but i'm hoping someone can tell me what it might be worth.
Really, any information would be useful.
as a side note:
Im currently looking to buy a 5 string as im interested in learning bluegrass,
would I be able to learn to play this banjo, then easily transition to a 5 string?
Thanks for your time!
aeroweenie - Posted - 10/18/2012: 18:34:22
No idea as to value. But 4 string banjos are played very differently than 5 string, they are like different instruments IMHO. If you want to play bluegrass, get a 5 string.
LivingSpecimen - Posted - 10/18/2012: 18:44:31
Thanks for the quick response aeroweenie!
depending on how much its worth, maybe this can help pay/trade for a 5 string
jbalch - Posted - 10/18/2012: 18:49:51
The style C was Bacon's student-grade player. I think an ebaY price would be $350-450. The resonator adds a bit of value over a plain-Jane open-back style C.
Here is one that sold on ebaY in August for $437 (I think that is the upper end of the range). ebay.com/itm/OLD-BANJO-BACON-S...868999561
Edited by - jbalch on 10/18/2012 18:55:14
tdennis - Posted - 10/18/2012: 18:51:30
I've seen several style C banjos mentioned lately that have sold for $250 to $300. There is one available on my local Craigslist right now for $250.
LivingSpecimen - Posted - 10/18/2012: 19:14:11
Great! Thanks Jbalch and tdennis
now that i have my facts straight, I can proceed to negotiate a fair deal.
BanjoHangout is a great resource. i found everything i needed in one sitting!
jbalch - Posted - 10/19/2012: 05:09:14
Polle: I've seen the style C "super" designation once before. What does it mean exactly? Resonator? The tone ring is same as a regular style C ... correct?
Polle Flaunoe - Posted - 10/19/2012: 05:25:10
John,
Yes - a late 20s Style C Super has a resonator with Tulip hole flange - whereas Style C is an open-back.
Tone ring? No such thing - only a steel rod ring, AFAIK.
Polle
Edited by - Polle Flaunoe on 10/19/2012 05:25:49
Gordy Ohliger - Posted - 10/19/2012: 10:15:59
When I was a child, I could only find a fellow to teach me 4-string style. That's all that was available where I lived. I became consumed with the joyous music of the 1920's. Then at 20, after a three night gig, the piano player said he would rather give me this ol' 5-string banjo in his garage instead of the $75. I just fussed around on it for years until I could make it work. (An old Dobson from the 1880's)
The G-tuning is rather forgiving. Go for it. I suggest you get the tenor and tune it like the first four of a guitar.You can learn a lot of tunes in jams that way, and make the jump to G-tuning on the 5, which is yer standard bluegrass.
It's worked for me. Mel Bay has just put out a DVD of my concerts...The Banjo-ologist.
BrittDLD1 - Posted - 10/19/2012: 10:30:25
The "Style C" was introduced in the 1922 catalog (published Fall of 1921).
BUT the original Style C was an OPEN-BACK, with a 17-fret neck. The banjo
shown is a later-20s resonated 19-fret model. So Polle is probably correct.
Best- Ed Britt
Edited by - BrittDLD1 on 10/19/2012 10:32:03
