Here are the photos

My guess would be a Stewart McDonald kit banjo.

I am guessing it is a brass resonator, it is heavy and sounds great

I can't see the rest of it very well but the neck is a Stewart MacDonald kit neck.

It most definitely is. Was before my time, I guess they are common for the time. All I knew was that someone built it, and he makes other instruments also. I bought it from the buy and sell center in Eugene Oregon, a great music shop in that area. It is heavy and plays well, doesn’t feel like a toy.

From what I understand, Elaine left the guy for another musician and it sat in his garage for decades. He was cleaning out one day and went ahead and sold it to them.
The young (compared to this era) clerk had no information on it, other than the guy built it himself.
I thought it was more one-of-a-kind build, just another one of my wild assumptions, but it sounds great and I’m guessing a brass resonator by the weight and loud projection. Definitely not steel, which has a lighter weight and ‘tinny’ sound.

In common banjo nomenclature, the "resonator" is the removable plate that covers the back of the banjo. The "tone ring" is the (usually) metallic bearing surface for the head (membrane sounding board).

The fact that it was made from a Stewmac kit or parts does not diminish the fact that it is likely a quality banjo that plays nicely. Stewmac is, and has been, known for quality instrument parts.

It won't have high monetary value, but that is not uncommon trait with many quality banjos. That is to say, just because it is not "worth a lot of money" does not mean it does not have value.

quote:

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Originally posted by Joel Hooks

It won't have high monetary value, but that is not uncommon trait with many quality banjos. That is to say, just because it is not "worth a lot of money" does not mean it does not have value.

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True. A fact that actually works in modern banjo players favour in regard to many vintage instruments. Vintage doesn't automatically equate to quality, as cheap, low grade instruments were manufactured too. But well down the majority of past makers model ranges the build quality and materials were typically of a good standard.

Also a reminder that the value in the opportunity to play instruments that offer hands-on experience of our banjo heritage is not monetary.

I really like the banjo, but due to unforeseen financial circumstances I may have to hit the road and start living out of my camper shell, playing banjo for cash to survive. If that is the case, I might consider selling this banjo. I did pay $1500 for it, would it be reasonable to ask that or did I pay too much

You paid too much

Yeah, you might be a bit disappointed in market value for these kit banjos.

I was told it was a custom build, which was false. At least I don't have to feel like taking it out on the road, I am handling a one-of-a-kind, handcrafted instrument. 
it does play very well and loud. I can definitely make more money than what its monetary value is.

For reference I bought it at the Buy and Sell Center in Eugene Oregon, and whoever was behind the counter was willing to frame a false story to sell it at that price. It is a nice banjo however, better than most I find today

i also bought it with Covid-era unemployment money, so it's not a huge deal.