jbalch - Posted - 01/17/2017:  14:31:54

ebay.com/itm/Vintage-1930s-Bac...w241YfoEr

The serial number is in Polle's database - with no indication as to original configuration.

What do you think?  Original?  Conversion?

Edited by - jbalch on 01/17/2017 14:32:27

ktbown - Posted - 01/17/2017:  14:54:53

I would guess it is a conversion using the peg head and heel overlays from the original neck ..  although it appears to be nicely done

jims38134 - Posted - 01/17/2017:  15:43:01

Looks original equipment to me. 

jbalch - Posted - 01/17/2017:  16:15:38

What about the volute - Is that correct?

Tenor necks I've seen from that period have no volute.  But I have not seen a 5-string neck.

ebaY banjo:

Special #2 19-fret tenor  - formerly in my collection:

Edited by - jbalch on 01/17/2017 16:16:26

ktbown - Posted - 01/17/2017:  16:22:49

Here's a 5 string without a volute portmanguitars.com/new-gallery-1/

 

jims38134 - Posted - 01/17/2017:  17:08:11

Look at:

guitarcenter.com/Used/Bacon-Da...ype%5EPLA

buddysbanjos.com/for-sale/bd-2...erenader/

Hope the links work!

jbalch - Posted - 01/17/2017:  17:28:56

quote:

---

Originally posted by jims38134

 

Look at:

 

guitarcenter.com/Used/Bacon-Da...ype%5EPLA

 

buddysbanjos.com/for-sale/bd-2...erenader/

 

Hope the links work!

 

---

The volute must have been an available option ... I just had not seen one before.  thanks for posting those examples.

jims38134 - Posted - 01/17/2017:  17:30:46

You are welcome. We all learn every day!

rcc56 - Posted - 01/18/2017:  21:22:39

That neck looks good enough to make it worth your while to get it looked over by an expert.

rudykizuty - Posted - 01/19/2017:  15:48:40

I too believe it to be original. The volute was standard on the Serenader. The Medalist only varies slightly from the Serenader, so I am not surprised that it too would have one.

saulsmanb - Posted - 01/19/2017:  16:25:11

I trust all of you more than myself, but I wonder why someone would get rid of a 5 string tail piece if it built as a five sting banjo - or was the tensionator not the tail piece for these models? 

Regardless, it's a pretty cool banjo.

Brian Saulsman

jbalch - Posted - 01/19/2017:  16:50:40

quote:

---

Originally posted by saulsmanb

 

I trust all of you more than myself, but I wonder why someone would get rid of a 5 string tail piece if it built as a five sting banjo - or was the tensionator not the tail piece for these models? 

Regardless, it's a pretty cool banjo.

Brian Saulsman

---

Valid question - I suppose an original 5-string tailpiece could have been lost or damaged.  But one thing is for sure ... this is not the correct part for a 5-string banjo.

Edited by - jbalch on 01/19/2017 16:53:57

rcc56 - Posted - 01/19/2017:  17:10:38

It's only half an hour's drive for you to Nashville or Mt. Juliet.  George and Curtis can both take one look at that neck and tell if it's original.