BANJO FOR SALE
MERLIN (1960s)
An interesting design, and a rare piece of banjo history.
Made between 1963-1964 at the Merlin factory in Chicago. Only about 140 of these ever made.
I know of Tenor, 5 string, and long neck 5 string.
Also some fancier models with more elaborate inlay and metalwork.
You can find history on them, if you know how to search.
Although they came with an aluminum neck , which as I read about them, was not great when it was cold , too hot in the summer.
Someone crafty, made a super nice rosewood neck back for it. Well Done!
Rim is made of fiberglass.
When it arrived, it had some issues I wanted to handle, such as a loose fingerboard and back piece.
I set it up and it plays well.
I had a 5 string friend play it for me and it's tone is warm and clean.
Original case, someone did an amateur job at resto, but it could be done nicer, With tools and skills, that is.
Made between 1963-1964 at the Merlin factory in Chicago. Only about 140 of these ever made.
I know of Tenor, 5 string, and long neck 5 string.
Also some fancier models with more elaborate inlay and metalwork.
You can find history on them, if you know how to search.
Although they came with an aluminum neck , which as I read about them, was not great when it was cold , too hot in the summer.
Someone crafty, made a super nice rosewood neck back for it. Well Done!
Rim is made of fiberglass.
When it arrived, it had some issues I wanted to handle, such as a loose fingerboard and back piece.
I set it up and it plays well.
I had a 5 string friend play it for me and it's tone is warm and clean.
Original case, someone did an amateur job at resto, but it could be done nicer, With tools and skills, that is.
