Schnitzel - Posted - 02/09/2026:  10:14:46

Hello

the following tenor banjo was made by James W. Lyon. Does anyone know him or his builts?

It appears to have Style-5 binding and burled walnut and golden hardware. The flathead ring is engraved and stamped in the inside with "Tennessee" and weights about 1,36kg. Was it maybe made by The Crafters of Tennessee?

Any guess about the value? It is in good condition.

Thanks in advance.

 

stomapicker - Posted - 02/09/2026:  10:34:17

I'm sorry to waste your time, as I know NOTHING. I just had to say, this is a gorgeous instrument.
Russ.

Alvin Conder - Posted - 02/09/2026:  11:02:30

Tone as stated made by Crafters of Tennessee.

The rest of it, you seem to have a good idea.

Beautiful instrument. As I don’t know the builder, and it’s a tenor banjo, I also really have no clue as to age or value, but everything about it looks absolute top level.

Schnitzel - Posted - 02/09/2026:  12:41:14

Thanks for the response so far. Here ate some more photos:

 

RioStat - Posted - 02/09/2026:  12:41:58

Tone Ring is a Tennessee 20, made by First Quality Music / Sullivan Banjos.

I would say that this is someone's "personal" build....the banjo has been put together by someone with some skills, using high quality parts.

Culloden - Posted - 02/09/2026:  13:40:31

It was made by an individual who knew what he was doing. Great quality of workmanship and top-notch parts. I thought the tone ring was made by Crafters of Tennessee but, after zooming in on the picture, I see the number 20 under the Tennessee. Tennessee 20 is one of the brands of tone rings sold by Sullivan.

The Old Timer - Posted - 02/09/2026:  14:51:16

Those gold engraved metal parts used to be available from a handful of suppliers. I remember Huber, Sullivan, Cox and a couple of others. Strange to to a ball bearing style un-engraved grooved tension hoop being used here. Everything else looks like standard US Masterclone parts. The neck show more individuality in its design and execution, perhaps the mark of Mr. Lyons.

I have to say I respect a banjo builder who puts his name in the banjo someplace (even if it's a full on Gibson copy).

kyleb - Posted - 02/10/2026:  07:02:07

the metal and tone ring are likely all first quality / sullivan, they sold the the tenessee 20 ring, the headstock sape is unique so likely the neck is a creation of mr lyon, the resonator maybe his creation too or it could have been purchased from the supplier like first quality or other, the rim as well. look closely at the rim on the inside and there may be a visible marketing that could tell you what kind of rim it is. Its a beaitful banjo with fine craftsmanship.

Schnitzel - Posted - 02/11/2026:  02:41:09

Thanks for all the answer and help, especially with the tonering. I wasn' sure about the 20 below.

The banjo is for sale! It would possibly make a nice Style 5 conversion copy, too. But the tenor neck is crafted well and a nice one of a kind.

martyjoe - Posted - 02/11/2026:  02:52:43

If it sounds as good as it looks there might be a fair bit of interest here in the Irish trad scene. Top notch banjos here can fetch €3000 plus.

Schnitzel - Posted - 02/11/2026:  12:45:10

youtu.be/QTIW9U4ADIQ?si=h_KC6JiJsZ9BdJuh

DSmoke - Posted - 02/11/2026:  15:50:56

quote:

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Originally posted by martyjoe

If it sounds as good as it looks there might be a fair bit of interest here in the Irish trad scene. Top notch banjos here can fetch €3000 plus.

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Unfortunately, it has a flat head, and most people in trad want an arch top.