A. A. Farland Metal Banjo Head Banjo Parts, c. 1918
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Item # 3265
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A. A. Farland Metal Banjo Head Model Banjo Parts, c. 1918, made in New Jersey.
One of the most interesting pieces of banjo esoterica we have ever seen, an original A.A. Farland metal banjo head. This was another creation of the ever eccentric Farland, who was a crusader against metal tone rings on banjos, preferring a specially designed all-wood rim. (See our stock #3264). Seemingly perversely, he then designed and patented this unique all-metal banjo head!
This is a thin piece of steel carefully crimped to a flesh hoop, and painted white. It carries on the underside a charmingly elaborate printed label which tells its story in flowing gilded age prose. "FARLAND'S PATENTED BANJO HEAD, perfected by Mr. Alfred A. Farland Phenomenal Banjoist. Positively not affected by moisture. Practically non-stretching. Gives a louder, more sustaining tone than calfskin or any kind of vellum and the tone is always the same, rain or shine. PATENTS PENDING IN ALL ENGLISH SPEAKING COUNTRIES".
Also included are a 5-year guarantee, installation instructions ("The head will be tight enough when your banjo sounds better than it did…"), and an entreaty to use other Farland products. Next to a portrait of the stern-looking Mr. Farland is the further sales pitch "Farland wood-rim banjos are best!" Simply a fabulous banjo item and a wonderful look back at the golden era of banjo invention.
Height is 7/8 in. (2.2 cm.), 11 in. (27.9 cm.) diameter head.
Lightly dented, considerable paint wear around the rim, and some general play wear…this was obviously on a banjo for some time! Label 90% intact, some added paint on one edge. Still nicely displayable condition for this very rare banjo artifact. Very Good + Condition.
One of the most interesting pieces of banjo esoterica we have ever seen, an original A.A. Farland metal banjo head. This was another creation of the ever eccentric Farland, who was a crusader against metal tone rings on banjos, preferring a specially designed all-wood rim. (See our stock #3264). Seemingly perversely, he then designed and patented this unique all-metal banjo head!
This is a thin piece of steel carefully crimped to a flesh hoop, and painted white. It carries on the underside a charmingly elaborate printed label which tells its story in flowing gilded age prose. "FARLAND'S PATENTED BANJO HEAD, perfected by Mr. Alfred A. Farland Phenomenal Banjoist. Positively not affected by moisture. Practically non-stretching. Gives a louder, more sustaining tone than calfskin or any kind of vellum and the tone is always the same, rain or shine. PATENTS PENDING IN ALL ENGLISH SPEAKING COUNTRIES".
Also included are a 5-year guarantee, installation instructions ("The head will be tight enough when your banjo sounds better than it did…"), and an entreaty to use other Farland products. Next to a portrait of the stern-looking Mr. Farland is the further sales pitch "Farland wood-rim banjos are best!" Simply a fabulous banjo item and a wonderful look back at the golden era of banjo invention.
Height is 7/8 in. (2.2 cm.), 11 in. (27.9 cm.) diameter head.
Lightly dented, considerable paint wear around the rim, and some general play wear…this was obviously on a banjo for some time! Label 90% intact, some added paint on one edge. Still nicely displayable condition for this very rare banjo artifact. Very Good + Condition.