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Kevin74 |
Kevin74 added a blog entry '1890's Buckbee Banjo w/ Henry Hoseus pat. tone ring.' 46 days
Seeking information on my Great Grandfathers Buckbee Banjo. It has the "Snakeskin" pattern on the rim. and a raised head harboring the remains of the Henry Hoseus tone ring. Since receiving it (in two pieces) from my grandmother Eva, (back right in the photo) I have had new fingerboard, frets, nut, tailpiece, head, and Waverly Tuners installed and work on the fingerboard and frets and intonation performed by Antibellum Instruments of Randolph, Vermont.
When I received the Banjo, the neck was off and the Skin head was torn. Gr. Grandfather Buel Parker had attempted to re attach the detached neck via a large 3/8 inch lag screw! The lady pictured showing the Banjo was the family band banjo player, my Gr aunt Nettie Parker (Fish) of Ira, VT. When her Dad, Buel Goodwin Parker passed on the Banjo was given to my Grandmother Eva Belle Parker (Benford) She gave it to me when I was 12 years old.It still hangs in my home, and my son plays it when he comes to visit this country, He Frails.
I've taken this Banjo to NYC, Philadelphia, and Lambertville N.J. to show it to Specialists for identification. I've been told "It might be a Fairbanks, It might be a Vega, (because of the inlaid brass star) it could be a Stewart, and No one knew what it was and ALL claimed," They had never seen a tone ring like that before!" When I walked into Antebellum Instruments in Randolph, Vermont the young man behind the counter, (Jake Wildwood), exclaimed, "Oh my, You've got a Buckbee" before I could even lay it down on his counter.
I'd love to know more about BuckBee Banjos and have learned some about Henry Hoseus of NYC and his patents including this particular tone ring. Any further information would be welcomed and cherished. Thank you! tredwellkevin@gmail.com More detailed photos are available
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Playing Since: 1949
Kevin74 has made 1 recent addition to Banjo Hangout
Age: 77
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Created 2/21/2023
Last Visit 5/17/2026
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