Fairbanks & Cole 5 String Banjo , c. 1882
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Item # 7822
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Fairbanks & Cole 5 String Banjo, c. 1882, made in Boston, serial # 2211, natural finish, spunover rim, mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, black gig bag case.
Overall length is 34 3/4 in. (88.3 cm.), 11 in. (27.9 cm.) diameter head, and 2 3/8 in. (6 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 25 in. (635 mm.). Width of nut is 1 5/8 in. (41 mm.). This is a very plain but relatively well preserved early Fairbanks & Cole banjo from the beginning of the 1880's, the first years of what would become the foremost banjo makers of their period. It is in very original condition for an instrument this old-the only major alteration we note as it looks like an outer front veneer from the headstock face has been missing for a VERY long time. The metal has been cleaned-probably more than once-and the patina is a blend of eras. The wooden violin pegs are correct style but more recent, and the banjo is set up with a Fiberskyn head and Nylgut strings. The neck has some warp but is fully playable in minstrel or frailing style with a lovely dark sound, particularly in the lower tunings correct for its era of origin. The head has an autograph and some doodles with the admonition "Keep Playing Well' which we suppose is good enough advice for anyone! Overall Very Good + Condition.
Overall length is 34 3/4 in. (88.3 cm.), 11 in. (27.9 cm.) diameter head, and 2 3/8 in. (6 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 25 in. (635 mm.). Width of nut is 1 5/8 in. (41 mm.). This is a very plain but relatively well preserved early Fairbanks & Cole banjo from the beginning of the 1880's, the first years of what would become the foremost banjo makers of their period. It is in very original condition for an instrument this old-the only major alteration we note as it looks like an outer front veneer from the headstock face has been missing for a VERY long time. The metal has been cleaned-probably more than once-and the patina is a blend of eras. The wooden violin pegs are correct style but more recent, and the banjo is set up with a Fiberskyn head and Nylgut strings. The neck has some warp but is fully playable in minstrel or frailing style with a lovely dark sound, particularly in the lower tunings correct for its era of origin. The head has an autograph and some doodles with the admonition "Keep Playing Well' which we suppose is good enough advice for anyone! Overall Very Good + Condition.