Charles McNeil Model 1584 5 String Resonator Banjo, made by Gibson , c. 1938
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Item # 6171
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Charles McNeil Model 1584 Model 5 String Resonator Banjo, made by Gibson, c. 1938, made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, sunburst lacquer finish, maple neck, rim and resonator, rosewood fingerboard, original black chipboard case.
This is an unusual banjo made by Gibson for Montgomery Ward in the 1930's, intended for catalog sales alongside the more familiar Recording King line. The instrument was offered in tenor or 5-string configuration-this 5-string variant is a much rarer find. The banjo itself is very nicely made, price-pointed in between a Kalamazoo and Gibson level of quality with a simple solid tone ring, single co-ordinator rod, tabbed Grover tuners, maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard and an unusual deep-dish resonator with a triple bound edge. The fingerboard inlay is fan-shaped pearl pieces, with Charles McNeil's name stenciled in white paint on the headstock. Wards catalogs listed the McNeil-logo's banjos between 1936 and 1940; from 1934-35 the same basic instrument was sold under the Mitchell Brothers name. The Mitchell Brothers were vaudeville banjosts- Charles McNeil was an orchestra banjoist but primarily known as a well-respected music educator in the 1920's and '30's-he authored what is still considered one of the best tenor banjo methods (and similar guitar method) ever published. Ward's included the "$3.00 value" book with this 24.95 banjo when new. the case was not included-it cost $3.98 extra! Then and now this is is a very fine mid-line instrument and a genuine pre-WWII Gibson made 5-string banjo at a reasonably affordable price.
Overall length is 37 3/4 in. (95.9 cm.), 11 in. (27.9 cm.) diameter head, and 4 in. (10.2 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 26 1/2 in. (673 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1/4 in. (32 mm.). This instrument has survived in etremely fine condition; really the only notable wear is a spot of finish damage to the resonator side where it rubbed against the handle attachment inside the original case for many years. The original cast flange has no cracks or damage but has warped upwards slightly, as is common with Gibson banjos of this era. The original skin head and bridge are included but not currently mounted-it is set up with a modern transluscent head and bridge. The only structural alteration is railroad spikes that have been added at frets 7,9 ans 12. This banjo literally looks to have been barely played, and includes the original chipboard case in equally fine shape. The sound is fairly bright, compared to other sub-Gibson brand instruments from Kalamazoo, with more depth than some. This would make an exceptional string-band banjo, although it it not a Mastertone-level instrument it is a fine playing piece in its own right. We rarely see instruments of this vintage in this level of preservation; this banjo is a real treat to see and hear. Excellent + Condition.
This is an unusual banjo made by Gibson for Montgomery Ward in the 1930's, intended for catalog sales alongside the more familiar Recording King line. The instrument was offered in tenor or 5-string configuration-this 5-string variant is a much rarer find. The banjo itself is very nicely made, price-pointed in between a Kalamazoo and Gibson level of quality with a simple solid tone ring, single co-ordinator rod, tabbed Grover tuners, maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard and an unusual deep-dish resonator with a triple bound edge. The fingerboard inlay is fan-shaped pearl pieces, with Charles McNeil's name stenciled in white paint on the headstock. Wards catalogs listed the McNeil-logo's banjos between 1936 and 1940; from 1934-35 the same basic instrument was sold under the Mitchell Brothers name. The Mitchell Brothers were vaudeville banjosts- Charles McNeil was an orchestra banjoist but primarily known as a well-respected music educator in the 1920's and '30's-he authored what is still considered one of the best tenor banjo methods (and similar guitar method) ever published. Ward's included the "$3.00 value" book with this 24.95 banjo when new. the case was not included-it cost $3.98 extra! Then and now this is is a very fine mid-line instrument and a genuine pre-WWII Gibson made 5-string banjo at a reasonably affordable price.
Overall length is 37 3/4 in. (95.9 cm.), 11 in. (27.9 cm.) diameter head, and 4 in. (10.2 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 26 1/2 in. (673 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1/4 in. (32 mm.). This instrument has survived in etremely fine condition; really the only notable wear is a spot of finish damage to the resonator side where it rubbed against the handle attachment inside the original case for many years. The original cast flange has no cracks or damage but has warped upwards slightly, as is common with Gibson banjos of this era. The original skin head and bridge are included but not currently mounted-it is set up with a modern transluscent head and bridge. The only structural alteration is railroad spikes that have been added at frets 7,9 ans 12. This banjo literally looks to have been barely played, and includes the original chipboard case in equally fine shape. The sound is fairly bright, compared to other sub-Gibson brand instruments from Kalamazoo, with more depth than some. This would make an exceptional string-band banjo, although it it not a Mastertone-level instrument it is a fine playing piece in its own right. We rarely see instruments of this vintage in this level of preservation; this banjo is a real treat to see and hear. Excellent + Condition.