Need help with trying to market this piece. Does it have any player value or is it more of a keepsake? Part of my dad's estate. SN 45851
Thanks in advance!
It has good player value, based on originality and overall condition. The Model M was a professional quality tenor banjo, popular and plentiful, so it's not "rare". Nowadays it finds a home most often in Irish/Celtic music.
I recommend you send a dozen or so clear photos of banjo and case (that's a good case too) to Bernunzio Uptown Music in Rochester NY. They're easy to find on line. They know this modeland the market for it well. They usually buy instruments for 50% of what they expect their selling price will be. You might able to consign it with them, and keep a higher percentage of the eventual selling price. They're a good outfit; I've bought and sold several times with them with no issues.
I've seen excellent examples of this model with asking prices around $900 to $1100. There's one for sale right now in the BHO Marketplace. https://www.banjohangout.org/classified/115222
Edited by - The Old Timer on 07/19/2026 18:43:36
A style M Tubaphone such as that has definite value, though the market has fallen off in the last couple of years. Others will have a better idea of current value, but it is definitely not a wall-hanger.
It appears to be an 11 13/16" rim. If you put a good 5-string neck on it, it would make an excellent old time player. Mine has a fiberskin head and Kershner tailpiece, and is my preferred banjo for gigs and large jams; a wonderful presence.
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