Work Page 4-26
1930's B&D Tenor
Heirloom banjo, owned by the son of the original owner.
He was a very skilled musician who could play many instruments, but was trained in clarinet and soprano saxophone.
He was a very skilled musician who could play many instruments, but was trained in clarinet and soprano saxophone.
This particular example is not branded anywhere inside or out.
It is obviously in the style of the B&D Special, as can be seen by its design and embellishment factor.
My guess is always that any un-branded banjo that is made at a major factory was sold to mail order distributors and music stores that wanted to pay less than a branded instrument so they could sell to that market and compete with other economical offerings sold by the competition.
The Bacon Banjo Co. had many collaborations over the years.
This one was made after the flood in Groton CT that laid waste to the factory, and the remains were later sold to Gretsch who carried on the line until the 1960s.
It was made from some of the older parts that were saved and a few newer ones.
It does have the solid bar truss in the neck.
INITIAL PICS
*********************
It is obviously in the style of the B&D Special, as can be seen by its design and embellishment factor.
My guess is always that any un-branded banjo that is made at a major factory was sold to mail order distributors and music stores that wanted to pay less than a branded instrument so they could sell to that market and compete with other economical offerings sold by the competition.
The Bacon Banjo Co. had many collaborations over the years.
This one was made after the flood in Groton CT that laid waste to the factory, and the remains were later sold to Gretsch who carried on the line until the 1960s.
It was made from some of the older parts that were saved and a few newer ones.
It does have the solid bar truss in the neck.
INITIAL PICS
*********************
Well-played example.
Slight uplift, will heat press.
No makers marks inside.
Simple 1/8" head bearing in a turned groove.
Fairly slim neck.
Grover 2:1 pegs.
That collar keeps the resonator from caving in.
That filler stick hides the end of the bar truss.
A lot of patina on the hooks.
Some de-laminations on the sidewall marquetry.
MORE TO FOLLOW