VTBob - Posted - 11/28/2015:  08:11:33

I am helping a friend determine the worth of a banjo she inherited. It’s a B&D Super Banjo Style A1, serial number 8997 (Super Banjo on headstock, serial no. and Style A1 stamped on dowl, serial number also stamped on the rim). According to the B&D database that I have linked to through BH it was built in 1923. It has been converted to a 5-string (neck maker unknown). A Vega resonator is attached with a clamp and screw unit on the new dowl. The original neck is intact and it could easily be converted back to a tenor banjo. Original tailpiece and perhaps even bridge are included. The neck is gorgeous - it looks like it came out of the shop yesterday. It has a very old looking case in good condition with a blue and gold Vega label in it. Is it possible this case is original and that Vega supplied the cases for the B&Ds? It also has a newer 5-string case purchased after the 5 string conversion. I am a five string guy and don't know much about tenor banjos, although I have read a few of the threads here about B&Ds. Sounds like they are well thought of. My tendency would be to suggest to the owner that she have it converted back to its original tenor configuration. Any thoughts about that, or roughly what it might be worth? A few photos are attached. They really don't do justice to the original tenor neck which is simply stunning.

B&D Super Banjo #8779

B&D neck detail

B&D rim

VTBob - Posted - 11/28/2015:  09:33:49

Here are a few more photos

jbalch - Posted - 11/28/2015:  12:18:08

Here is a database that will help you date the banjo based on serial number:  acoustudio.dk/BD_and_Bacon_database.html

As you know, the resonator is Vega.  Neither it or the case are original to the Bacon banjo.

It probably originally had a small resonator back that fit inside the rim like the one at this link:  billsbanjos.com/baconsuper.htm

Those early B&D rims sound great.  They are fantastic tenor banjos in the original configuration.  Also make awesome old-time banjos as 5-string conversions. Yours is probably a great player.

But because it is incomplete, I expect the collector value is limited.  Plus B&D tenor banjos seem plentiful these days and prices are below levels from a few years ago.  I am NOT an expert.  But I would guess that the whole package as-is might bring $1000-$1200.  Might have more value if you part it out - selling the Vega resonator & case apart from the Bacon tenor banjo & conversion neck.   \

Best wishes!

btw:  There are some true B&D experts in the forum.  Maybe some of those folks will chime in with more information & appraisal.

Edited by - jbalch on 11/28/2015 12:20:16

VTBob - Posted - 11/28/2015:  18:57:15

Thanks John!
I very much appreciate the input, info and links! I think I will recommend to the owner that the banjo be put back into its original tenor configuration, and then go from there.
Bob

jbalch - Posted - 11/29/2015:  04:30:13

If that 5-string neck is a good one - I'd keep it with the banjo too.  Those early B&D rims & tone rings make GREAT Old time banjos.  That might be its best use.

Nice old Rogers head too! 

Edited by - jbalch on 11/29/2015 04:33:18

VTBob - Posted - 11/29/2015:  05:55:30

Good point about the 5-string neck. I'll have to check it out more thoroughly. I did try picking it three finger style, but tonally it didn't really work well for that. The action is also kind of weird. The nut is set pretty high and the bridge is lower than what I am used to. It would need some adjustment. But then again, I don't know what type of setup is advantageous for clawhammer, If I offer to buy it from the owner then keeping it for old-time stuff might indeed be it's best use. I'm a three finger bluegrass picker, but have always wanted to learn clawhammer. This could be the perfect excuse! It does have beautiful tone. It probably would be awesome as a tenor banjo too.

The database you listed above confirms that it is from 1923 (#8997). Too bad the original snap-in resonator (as shown in the link above) is gone - they look pretty cool.

Gordy Ohliger - Posted - 11/29/2015:  11:54:26

Whichever way you, or the owner, go with it my opinion (two-cents) is to keep everything together and have it go to someone who will PLAY IT. Either five or four.

Yes, tenors have lost their value in the last twenty years. It breaks my heart to see it scabbed out.

pgroff - Posted - 11/29/2015:  11:59:34

I think it has some potential for playing Irish tunes in its original configuration as a tenor, possibly with the Vega resonator in place. Although it's too bad the original Bacon snap-in resonator is missing, I don't know how many owners of these actually use that resonator.  I'm saving up for something else or I'd make an offer myself. Agree with John & Gordy that it makes sense to keep all these interchangeable parts together.  It could offer some nice versatility for someone.  Good luck!

Paul

VTBob - Posted - 11/29/2015:  15:27:08

Thanks a lot for the additional thoughts Gordy and Paul. All good points. If I were to buy it I would certainly keep both necks as well as the resonator. With either neck it would be a nice instrument and will certainly get played by me, and used in my studio as well. Anybody know a first rate clawhammer player in Vermont? I'd love to show it to someone who could evaluate it as it is right now (with the five string neck) from a playing standpoint. 

Edited by - VTBob on 11/29/2015 15:27:34