Banjo Hangout - Collector's Corner Forum Feed

RB-4 re issue inlay Pattern

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Jul 2026 10:35:45 CST

The inlay pattern on my 2001 RB 4 is Hearts and flower with Double cut headstock, like butch Robins or Paul Hopkins RB4. Did Gibson offer an optional HF inlay for the RB-4 re issue then the standard FE pattern? if so was there an upcharge for it? I have seen one re issue RB-4 with HF inlay on face book it was a 1994.Seems like that option is not common. Its not a retro 4, but it still looks cool. Why? because Earls RB4 had the HF pattern.

Trying to identify vintage Gibson Epiphone

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 7 Jul 2026 20:04:38 CST

I just bought a banjo that is a bit of a mystery and I’m hoping someone can help me identify it!

- says ‘Epiphone by Gibson’ on headstock
- has simple dot inlay on neck
- has inlay block that says ‘masterbuilt
- has sticker on headstock that says MB 100 (maybe mislabelled?)

- this banjo also has a wooden resonator with concentric circles on the back
- has a tone ring and wooden rim
- has a two piece flange (tube and plate) and hook style tension hoop

From what I’ve researched, it’s definitely not an MB 100. I think it may be a late 1970s or early 1980s resonator banjo, but I can’t find any evidence of ‘Epiphone by Gibson’ on the headstock from that era. I’ve also read the the necks from the late 1980s that did say ‘Epiphone by Gibson’ didn’t have the simple dot inlay pattern. I can’t find any serial number. Can anyone help me identify what I just bought??

Sammy Shelor's TB-75

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 5 Jul 2026 07:12:05 CST

Does anyone know of any other documented Style 75s that has the fleur-de-lis headstock with the seagulls/style 1 fretboard besides Sammy Shelor's? Maybe Joe Spann knows something?

My 1970's Tokai Hummingbird 5 string Part 2

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 4 Jul 2026 20:25:42 CST

Since I first posted I was sure I posted a second one regarding its construction and the brass rod that sits inside the tone ring (But I can find it). After playing it for a while and tweaking it here and there, I decided to remove the rod to see if it made any difference to the sound. When reassembling it I found that the hole in the tone ring for the top lag bolt to go through wouldn't line up, and the ring was sitting too low on the rim. Apparently the drilling for the position of the lag bolts was dependant on the brass ring being there. They obviously designed this thing with that rod on mind.

The 81 JD Crowe model documents from SAGA and by Us

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 4 Jul 2026 09:48:49 CST

I contacted Mr. Richard Keldsen of Saga Musical Instruments to request permission to make the 81 JD Crowe model materials public. Just the other day, he gave his approval, noting that the documents serve as excellent evidence of our development efforts and that he saw no reason to withhold them from the public.
The factory that manufactured the last vintage Gold Star banjos is still in operation today, and the young man who worked on those banjos back then is now the owner. I learned of the factory's continued existence three years ago and discovered that they had preserved the original banjo parts and production records. Upon reviewing these documents, I found not only the blueprints but also correspondence—including the initial request from Saga regarding the development of the '81 Gold Star JD Crowe model and mails demonstrating JD Crowe’s deep involvement in the project—as well as the subsequent production preparation documents from the manufacturing side (Tokai). The materials date from May 1979 to November 1980, meaning about 47 years have passed since their creation. I was responsible for the blueprints, process planning and the specification for the GF-100 and '81 JD model, as well as the metal surface finishing for the '81 JD Crowe model. Hideo Matsumoto handled the inlay design and served as the project leader for the '81 JD Crowe model.
While the total production figure for the '81 JD Crowe model remains uncertain, the attached documentation suggests a total of 70 units—comprising an initial batch of 20, followed by two months of production at a rate of 25 units per month, but unclear. A key point to note is that all '81 JD Crowe models were built to prototype specifications. In contrast, the '84 JD Crowe model featured wood components that adhered more faithfully to the original specifications—utilizing specific maple quality and finishing—and was manufactured at a different workshop(Eiich Sumi); additionally, the flange and tension hoop were changed from brass to zinc die-cast, and the tone ring featured a gold-plated mirror finish. Apart from the tailpiece, the other metal parts and inlays were the same as those on the '81 JD Crowe model.
Unfortunately, the schedule data has become compressed and is difficult to read.

Elderly Banjolin of Unknown Make, Age, Other Details

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 3 Jul 2026 08:15:41 CST

Please help me identify this banjolin. I do not know the age, maker or anything else about it. There are no identifying marks we can find. Thank you!

1870 minstrel banjo on Reverb

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 2 Jul 2026 16:02:01 CST

retrofret.com/products/unknown...870-14148

Anybody seen one like this before? The case is particularly lovely.

Ornate resonators

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 1 Jul 2026 18:45:27 CST

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketplace/music-instruments/instruments/guitar-bass/banjos-ukuleles/listing/6012787216

3 Reso's have come up for auction locally here. They look Asian to me although one sort of looks Kel Kroydonish.

What are your thoughts?

Banjo-Mandolin?

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 1 Jul 2026 07:46:19 CST

I have a banjo- mandolin that appears to be old. It has a 10” head and approximately a 14” string length. It has no name or serial number, but appears to be substantially constructed. Any clues to what this is?

Strom Banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 09:27:05 CST

I have this old Strom banjo from the late 60’s,early 70’s
Anyone have any general idea of its value?

Interview with Mr. Akira Tsumura – Addendum

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 06:04:34 CST

I recalled that I had recorded a video when speaking with Mr. Akira Tsumura, so I checked it yesterday. In the footage, he discusses how his preferences regarding banjo tone have evolved, noting that the best sound is achieved by using fingerpicks to pluck the strings in an upward motion. I have attached an image capturing that moment. Visible in the background behind him are two banjos; these are the Gibson UB4 and UB5 banjo-ukuleles—featuring the distinctive "diamond-hole" flange—that are documented in *The Tsumura Collection Book*. Upon re-reading the preface to his book, I am reminded of his view that banjos are instruments where the individual parts are largely crafted separately, and the final assembly and adjustment can result in a tenfold difference in overall condition. This differs significantly from other instruments where parts are glued together and only components like tuning pegs and strings are replaceable. He also describes the banjo as an instrument that effectively "died out"; while banjos were once used in the most prestigious musical settings, they lost those opportunities, meaning modern instruments struggle to match the quality of vintage ones. In my view, while the banjo is one of the few instruments with mechanisms that allow for tonal adjustment, frequent playing after those adjustments is paramount. I feel that only through such playing can the inherent stresses at the instrument's joints be relieved or balanced, resulting in a relaxed, pleasing tone. In my town, manufacturers like Yamaha and Kawai produce pianos, and they include a "break-in" playing phase at the end of production to simulate the effects of aging before shipment. Perhaps if we pour that same kind of loving, frequent attention into a banjo as it matures, it will respond in kind.

arch top tone ring possibly homemade?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 10:01:28 CST

hello. could this tone ring be homemade. removed from a banjo that has many homemade parts..tension hoop flange tailpiece all with the same engraving. I know the 47 holes are randomly drilled holes by hand, but what puzzles me are the saw/cut marks on the inside of the ring. any ideas?

Vintage Geared Tuner ID. Help Please.

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 08:31:55 CST

With my assistant organizing my massive collection of vintage parts, we ran in to a single banjo geared tuning peg that is unfamiliar to me.

Some details;
All steel construction, except for the attachment nut and washer.
Housing has a lip on the peghead side.
Housing is 11/16" diameter.
2-1/2 to 1 gear ratio.
White plastic button currently installed looks like a 1950's vintage, but could be newer than the tuner.
Square shaft for the knob.

I appreciate any positive ID you all can give me.

Bob Smakula
smakulafrettedinstruments.com

Speaking with Mr. Akira Tsumura

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 06:16:31 CST

Every year during this month, I visit Tokyo, and it has become a routine for me—after attending a morning event—to visit Kurosawa musical instrument shop in the Ochanomizu musical instrument shop district; the shop boasts the largest collection of collectible banjos and serves as the exclusive Japanese distributor for C.F. Martin guitar. During today’s visit, I had the unexpected privilege of encountering Mr. Akira Tsumura—renowned for the "Tsumura Collection"—and hearing him speak. He explained that while the core of his collection—consisting largely of four-string banjos—has been transferred to the American Banjo Museum, he is gradually releasing his five-string banjos into the Japanese market through this shop. He mentioned that some 500 (or perhaps 800?) antique banjos dating back to the 1800s are housed in a musical instrument museum in my hometown Hamamatsu. Although his passion for banjos was once centered on the four-string tenor and plectrum banjos of the 1920s, he told us today that he now prefers the five-string banjo—played with fingerpicks—because the sound of each individual string is clearer and more enjoyable to listen to. He came to the shop today to arrange for one of his banjos to be shipped to the United States. After listening to him for thirty minutes, we walked him to his car, which was parked on the street; it was a top-of-the-line Mercedes-Benz driven by a private chauffeur. He is now ninety years old.

Prewar Gibson ID

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 04:44:34 CST

Can anyone help me gather some more information on this banjo. The seller has had it for 20 years and doesn’t know much about it other than it sounds good and he didn’t make any changes to it.

I’ll upload the few pictures I have. Only other information he gave me is the resonator has the same number 9559 as the banjo 9559-12.

Trying to determine if this was a plectrum with a replacement neck, what else might not be original.

Also what would the value be roughly?

Old pot assembly

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 12:36:48 CST

Just got this in today. May make a neck for it. Not sure. All info appreciated.

Vega Vox IV value?

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 16:41:04 CST

I've inherited this Vega Vox when my aunt passed away. Serial number look up dates it to 1952. Looking through this and other sites, prices are all over the map. I'd appreciate any thoughts on a reasonable price to ask for it. More photos upon request.

Thanks!

Resonator ID

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 15:19:30 CST

My friend has this resonator, and we're trying to figure out what it came from. I have found a few Stromberg Viosinet examples with the same "concentric circle" design in a green celluloid. One was named "Serenader". I have not located any other color celluloid in my searches. I appreciate any thoughts, guesses, and suggestions of names to search. Thank you.

What's this supposed early 1900s banjo?

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 11:24:50 CST

At an antique mall, they're asking $400 for this old 5 string banjo. It does seem old, it's marked "Elynor" and "Jos Rogers Jr", and "Minstrel Banjo". I can't really tell what the story with it is. Any info is appreciated. Zoom on the first picture to see head and markings, and I included 2 pictures of the back.

Slingerland Maybell tenor tonering.

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 12:56:04 CST

A friend of mine is selling a Slingerland Maybell tenor banjo

It has a resonator fitted.
He says it has a reverse pancake tone ring.
Does anyone here know about this type of tone ring ?

Gibson Two Band tuners

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 00:35:46 CST

Just going through my parts drawer and found a set of vintage two band tuners. After cleaning off the crud I find they are branded Gibson. Only info I can find on line seems to suggest they were used on Bella Voce and Granada banjos in the twenties. Not being a Gibson guy I`m not sure of the desirability of these machines. I think they would be better used to complete a Gibson rather than me using them on an English `jo which is more in my wheelhouse as they say. Any suggestions ?

My 1970's Tokai Hummingbird banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 16:08:02 CST

I posted previously re the frets on this banjo but am starting a new post.

Yesterday I used this banjo in a public performance (local country music club) and I was blown away with not only the sound, but the playability. It is has a very different voice than my 2005 Gold Star GF 85.

The purpose of me posting is the peghead tuners appear (at least to my eye) to be the cheapy Asian ones that appear on Ebay and the like, yet they work smoothly. I know it is a lottery when purchasing these tuners as to whether they work well or even at all!
Does anyone know what the Japanese tuners were during the 70's?

Grover Banjo valuation query

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 12:54:23 CST

Hi all,

Apologies for the lack of knowledge but I have inherited a banjo…. I believe it is a ‘Grover’ and appears quite vintage. It’s not really any use to me so will probably sell it on. The trouble is I have absolutely no idea what it is worth, so was hoping someone could help with a rough valuation before I put it up for sale.

If anyone here is interested please feel free to get in touch.

Hopefully I can add a photo if I can work this forum out!

Thanks in advance!

Vega Style M 17 fret tenor. As close to "NOS" as I've ever seen

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 08:59:04 CST

I'd been looking several months for a 17 fret tenor, preferably a 1920's Vega, and preferably a Little Wonder or Style N open back as the weight of my 19 fret Silver Bell with resonator was aggravating my 83 yo back and left shoulder. About three good candidates located in various places east of the Mississippi had slipped through my fingers over the last two months, when this one appeared on Facebook messenger, located less than a mile from my home! It appears that it spent almost all of its 99 year life in the case, judging by the absolute lack of wear on the wood (with the exception of some strange human-induced scratches on the heel), and complete presence of untarnished original hardware, and what appears to be the original and very clean Jos Rogers calfskin head. After trying to make the original friction tuners work to my satisfaction, I reluctantly reamed the original 3/16" hole to accommodate a "vintage" 1970's set of Five Stars. As for the case, the pictures speak for themselves.

Identification help - Washburn mastertone copy

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 07:14:21 CST

Hi all,

I picked up this beauty on FB marketplace but the owner didn't know much about it. It's a Washburn with a brass tone ring suspended by brass rods, so it seems like a B-23, but the neck inlay says "Mistic", which is an odd misspelling of what "should" say "Mystic DL". The neck and headstock inlays are also unique looking.

I'd love any help from you experts on identifying what this actually is. Is this somehow a copy of a B-23 that was itself a copy of a Mastertone?

I cleaned it up and got it ready to play. It sounds bright and wonderful, so I'll be keeping it regardless of what it is. I'd just love to know more about her.

Thanks for your expertise!

Gibson mastertone, prewar 4 strings

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 16:38:42 CST

Gibson mastertone prewar,

Any idea of value and condition

FON 8834-87

Have you seen my great grandfather’s banjo?

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 18:58:57 CST

I posted this about a year ago. I’m hoping someone has seen this banjo my great grandfather is holding in this picture of him c. 1910. The picture was taken near Winton, NC. He fought in AEF involvement in WW1 from start to finish with the 6th Infantry Reg.
According to my great aunt, the banjo was sold to the milk man in the late 1930s or early 1940s. I’m hoping maybe it’s survived the 80+ years since then and someone has seen it hanging on someone’s wall in northeastern NC or southeastern VA.

Blaine

Banjo I.D.

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 12:34:45 CST

New to banjos in general and just acquired this vintage looking Banjo. Was wondering if anyone could help identify rhe manufacturer, or provide any other info about the banjo based on the attached pics. Thanks in advance.

Old Banjolin?

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 11:56:10 CST

I was just gifted an old, what i think is a banjolin. It's in very rough shape so would need considerable work to restore. There are no markings anywhere that i can find. Any assistance in identifying it would be greatly appreciated. TIA, Ellen

Help ID-ing unusual long neck banjo (this time with pics)

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 10:44:23 CST

Hi friends-- Brand new here and looking for help trying to ID an unusual banjo.

My dad found this for me 15 years ago at an instrument sale in Vermont back when played casually. I haven't really touched it in years, and frankly don't know that much about banjos. Would love any insight on maker, vintage, value, etc.!

Here's what I think I can tell you about this one. It's a long-neck Seeger style banjo with a closed back resonator that's sort of zither-esque. The resonator has a lovely domed shape on the back. There's an inlaid pearl star on the headstock. It's in great used condition and plays nicely.

I believe the instrument is handmade from a maker in Vermont (maybe made from parts of other banjos?) It comes with a beautiful handmade stand, as well.

Thanks!

TB3 8719-10

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 10:32:09 CST

Hello, I have a TB3 with order number 8719-10.

I don't know the neck manufacturer. A Sullivan flathead toner has been fitted, and the rim hasn't been cut.

I have the original archtop toner without tone holes.

The order number isn't on the resonator.

Can anyone tell me which parts of the banjo are original, besides the neck of course?

Here are some photos.

Thank you very much, Patrice.

Help ID-ing unusual long neck banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 10:03:00 CST

Hi friends--

Brand new here and looking for help trying to ID an unusual banjo. My dad found this for me 15 years ago at an instrument sale in Vermont back when played casually. I haven't really touched it in years, and frankly don't know that much about banjos. Would love any insight on maker, vintage, value, etc.!

Here's what I think I can tell you about this one. It's a long-neck Seeger style banjo with a closed back resonator that's sort of zither-esque. The resonator has a lovely domed shape on the back. There's an inlaid pearl star on the headstock. It's in great used condition and plays nicely.

I believe the instrument is handmade from a maker in Vermont (maybe made from parts of other banjos?) It comes with a beautiful handmade stand, as well.

Thanks!

odd rim..factory or homemade

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 05:52:16 CST

does anyone recognize this rim as a production banjo or is this a homegrown idea? rim goes from .71 at bottom to .38 at top. looks really well made

What Era National Fingerpicks Are These?

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 15:09:30 CST

I've had these two pair of old National fingerpicks for decades.

As pairs, they don't match. See the differences such as the lettering in the name NATIONAL, straight legged 7s vs curved legged 7s in the serial numbers, and really the overall character size and spacing.

Reminds me of the old joke about the guy being told he's wearing one black sock and one brown sock and responding, "I have another pair just like it at home." I guess I had all these picks and put together two pairs of one each from a different year or era.

When are they from?

You can probably tell the pair on the left are the ones I've worn the most. They live in my pick bag. The pair on the right have been backups in a box in one of my banjo cases. These days, I mostly play Dotson 8s.

I believe I have two more equally old Nationals in a guitar case. Will check those out sometime.

The 8s seem to be formed from circles, not ovals. So maybe these aren't the most rare or desirable. Does anyone know how to date them? I expect them to be 1980s. Maybe 70s and I've had them for as long as I've been playing banjo.

Italian Made Alfio Leone Banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 06:13:09 CST

Picked this cutie up recently, not knowing anything about it. Has a tag inside and I found a bit of info, but no value. Any ideas?

Bacon and Day Silver Bell plectrum Banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 02:01:13 CST

Hi can anyone help date and provide information on this Bacon and Day Silver Bell banjo - I asked before but I am unable to find the post - I am looking to sell now as I can nolonger play .. Any help would be much appreciated

Dobson vs silver belle tone ring

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 09:35:03 CST

Can anyone explain the difference between these two tone rings? Thanks

Gold plating

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 17:02:00 CST

Hi Guys,
Not sure if this is the right forum but it does concern vintage banjos so I guess you guys may have the answers. I have a couple of `30`s high end Windsor banjos with gold plated hardware but the plating is dull and seems corroded. I`m happy to accept some wear marks but is there anything I can use to brighten up the corroded plating ?

Information on Heritage Banjo from Kalamazoo?

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 15:53:34 CST

Do any of you know anything about this banjo? A friend of a friend is wondering what it's worth. Any more information will be appreciated.

Thank you!

John

Who produced instruments after S.S.Stewart's death?

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 12:29:54 CST

Specifically on ukes and, in this case, a taro patch?

Ok what is it?

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 09:19:06 CST

I got more pictures of this not sure what it is there's no name on it.

10 5/8 tone ring

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 08:43:51 CST

Hello.. Does anyone know @ year when a 10 5/8 silver bell style tone ring would have been available from any maker? Thanks for any info

I would imagine this is a limited edition, indeed

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 06:24:15 CST

A gold plated maple Sierra, for only $10K. Good investment?

Rim construction in a vintage Iida 239T banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 00:21:21 CST

Hello out there,

working on a repair of an old Iida Tenor I came across an interesting rim construction.

From what I read about Iida banjos, the vintage ones are made in Japan in the 70s and the particular one I am dealing with appears to be closest to the 239T model: curly maple, sunburst, TPF, gold plated... 14 ply rim and cast flathead.

But when I opened the pot changing the head there was something that supprised me: when loosening the nuts the hooks would not fall off immediately and the tonering was moving step by step away from the rim showing an increasing gap...

After removing the tension hoop, head and heavy! tonering I found out what is going on: the rim has little brass tubes being pushed out of holes by springs I guess. This is kind of astonishing since I have not expected these kind of construction in a vintage japanese built. It reminds or refers somehow to the Gibson prewar ball bearing system but the tubes (and spring) stick inside and could bot easily be removed. I did not force it in fear of damaging the springs...

In addition the rim itself seems kind of special since it looks like a 3ply built that is stained dark and not as light as the 14ply rims on the Iidas I find in the web. But it appears to be the original rim, the stain and laquier match perfectly to the dark neck. Maybe this is from different production year not from the 1976 catalog that can be found on Paul Hawthrone's site?

Furthermore, the tonering appears to be quites heavy with 1,613 kg and made of brass. It seems unplated and maschined in the inside so I guess it has been sand casted.

Has anyone seen a similar construction in vintage japanese banjos?

Thanks,
Roman

please help me to identify this instrument 😁

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 11:31:21 CST

Hello everyone.

My wife has been given this instrument (is it good english?) ??
It looks like banjo mandoline but not sure of it...
I tried to identify the manufacturer but i don't see any words or signs on it...maybe inside but i'm not sure it is good to open it ??

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance ????
Romuald

Clifford Essex Regal (Adventures in Vinatge Banjos Part 3)

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 03:11:02 CST

I've just purchased a Clifford Essex Regal for the princely sum of £40 off Reverb. (Pictures below)

It's a top tension banjo. The metalwork is in great condition although the resonator back is very worn. I'm not sure about the tone ring arrangement. There's a sleeve around the rim but also a supported brass hoop inside making an archtop shape. The rim must be semi hollow judging by the holes.

The tuners say "Page patent" and seem to be good quality.

I'm assuming the things attached to the tension bolts are for a armrest.

The pegs at the perch pole bracket are missing but I have one carved for my Special XX which wasn't needed and wood to carve the other. The neck is therefore loose at present.

The fifth string tuner is odd. There's a fill or cover on the hole and the tuner pip seems unused.

The head is some strange plastic material and has a slight tear. I guess this is not some original 1920s (or whenever0 experiment. It reminds me of the material from Musima GDR banjos.

It had four ancient steel strings and seems not too bad but the bridge is extremely small. I'll be putting on nylons.

1970's Tokai Hummingbird banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 9 Jun 2026 20:20:18 CST

I picked up this jo last weekend. Am in the process of stripping it down for cleaning and inspection. When I pulled the tone ring off, I found a brass rod sitting inside the ring. Any ideas why it is there and what purpose it serves?

1985 gibson ess

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 8 Jun 2026 14:09:10 CST

Just bought this 1985 gibson ess and it has what looks like marks on the tuner head, are these normal and does anyone know what they are ?

NAME THAT BANJO!

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 7 Jun 2026 22:58:25 CST

Fellow Strummers and Pickers:

I've had this "no-name" Japanese banjo for about 40 years. (Bought it in 1983 from a friend's dad for 40 big ones, during that wonderful Ronald Reagan era of "American pride".) If the photo of the banjo doesn't appear in this post, it is my profile picture.

At any rate, I am starting to play it more often - I really like it - but I hate looking at a "naked" headstock. I want to give it a "manufacturer-correct" - name - and have researched similar looking 1960s and 70s Japanese banjos. I came up with the following possible "name" choices. I realize it could be anyone of these but I'm guessing one of these banjos were more popular than the others so I'm asking for help. Fun stuff, right?

A) Alex
B) Conrad
C) Conqueror
D) Hohner
E) Kent
F) Kingston
G) Lyle
H) Mayfair
I) National
J) Norma
K) Sears "Space Dot" Could it have been bought at Sears?

Please help by responding with one of these names. Or, if you know of other cheapo vintage Japanese banjos that look like mine, please provide the name of that (or those) particular banjo(s). Eventually, I plan to have a waterslide decal made for it, which I will - enthusiastically - install.

If you dislike this post - please pass it by. I don't need any "banjo-snob" BS.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!! Thank you!!!

1932 Gibson TB-2 Five String Conversion Banjo Demo by Geoff Hohwald

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 6 Jun 2026 16:22:09 CST

youtu.be/aF1y469YfT4