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Andyrhydycreuau - Posted - 02/16/2026: 05:55:52
Hi all,
This is not mine, and it's not for sale. I can probably suggest what it's worth too. Posting this for a friend to to see if any English banjo banjophiles can suggest a maker?
The pot hardware looks like George Houghton to me. But the rest of it?
It's nice quality, and has some unusual brass inlay. They're simple but really nice. That doesn't seem like George Houghton?
It plays well, sounds really bright and breezy.
Any thoughts?
Here's what it sounds like:
banjohangout.org/topic/407359
Edited by - Andyrhydycreuau on 02/16/2026 06:26:30
banjonz - Posted - 02/16/2026: 13:32:06
Try checking on the upper side of the dowel stick for a makers name. Run your finger along it to see if there is any embossed lettering. I have seen this where the dowel stick is installed upside down. I have seen and worked on a lot of GH&S instruments but have never seen one like that. I am not saying they didn't make ones like that.
Andyrhydycreuau - Posted - 02/17/2026: 13:31:20
quote:
Originally posted by banjonz
Try checking on the upper side of the dowel stick for a makers name. Run your finger along it to see if there is any embossed lettering. I have seen this where the dowel stick is installed upside down. I have seen and worked on a lot of GH&S instruments but have never seen one like that. I am not saying they didn't make ones like that.
Thanks Wayne, nothing on the dowel I'm afraid.
Looks like a nice mystery. I know my friend is keeping it to play, so it doesn't really matter who made it. It's a nice quality instrument any way!
Stephen John Prior - Posted - 02/18/2026: 10:51:29
Certainly a GHS rim Andy. The neck I think is from elsewhere possibly repurposed. Nice peghead tuners likely from an Essex.
Andyrhydycreuau - Posted - 02/18/2026: 12:39:31
quote:
Originally posted by Stephen John Prior
Certainly a GHS rim Andy. The neck I think is from elsewhere possibly repurposed. Nice peghead tuners likely from an Essex.
I wondered if it was a marriage of parts. The neck is a lot nicer than the GHS necks I have seen.
Thanks Steve.
banjonz - Posted - 02/19/2026: 12:49:13
I think the pot is not limited to GH&S. My feeling is it is not a marriage of two different instruments. It is unlikely to get a neck from one and it be an exact fit to the other make of pot, although not unheard of! Just my 2c worth.
deke46 - Posted - 02/20/2026: 18:41:48
The rim certainly looks GHS, the neckbrace should have a metal receptacle between the rim and the screws, not wedges. The fretboard looks kinda re-used Abbott pattern, peghead has a well done home made look to it.
Stephen John Prior - Posted - 02/22/2026: 03:53:45
All the GHS banjos I have seen had the dowel finish to match the inside of the rim.
Andyrhydycreuau - Posted - 02/22/2026: 11:38:35
quote:
Originally posted by deke46
The rim certainly looks GHS, the neckbrace should have a metal receptacle between the rim and the screws, not wedges. The fretboard looks kinda re-used Abbott pattern, peghead has a well done home made look to it.
Hi, thanks for that. I have given my friend one of those neck brace recepticle she can replace the wedges.
Definitely looks like a marriage or a weird menage a trois / quatre!
Andyrhydycreuau - Posted - 02/22/2026: 11:40:01
quote:
Originally posted by Stephen John Prior
All the GHS banjos I have seen had the dowel finish to match the inside of the rim.
Dowel and internal rim finish clearly different I agree.
It's a nice collection of nice parts!
Stephen John Prior - Posted - 02/22/2026: 12:10:42
quote:
Originally posted by Andyrhydycreuau
quote:
Originally posted by Stephen John Prior
All the GHS banjos I have seen had the dowel finish to match the inside of the rim.
Dowel and internal rim finish clearly different I agree.
It's a nice collection of nice parts!
I think it's a sweet looking banjo. I quite like using brass for inlays.
