{"product_id":"bay-state-model-299-piccolo-banjo-1895-13892","title":"Bay State Model 299 Piccolo Banjo (1895)","description":"Bay State Model 299 Model Piccolo Banjo, c. 1895, made in Boston, Mass., natural finish, spunover rim, cherry neck with ebony fingerboard, black gig bag case. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a rare and interesting (not to mention awful cute!) tiny 5-string banjo, a product of the late 19th century fascination with banjos of all sizes. The \"Piccolo Banjo\" with a 7\" rim and 14\" scale was the smallest size generally attempted, though a few even tinier novelty instruments are known to exist. Much of the impetus for building banjos in many assorted sizes came from S.S. Stewart in Philadelphia, but a number of other makers latched onto the idea as well. They were originally intended to be played in large banjo ensembles, with the piccolo taking the high melody or counter melody in orchestral arrangements. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis diminutive banjo was made for Haynes in Boston under their \"Bay State\" brand. In the 1890s the John C. Haynes Company offered an extensive line of well made if fairly conventional banjos including several Piccolo models; this is the plainest designated Model #299. This mini-banjo does not carry a serial number but has the Bay State brand, \"John C. Haynes Co. Boston\" and the model number 299 stamped on the dowel stick. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe level of decoration is minimal, with just a dot inlaid fingerboard and no inlay in the dark wood-faced headstock. The neck is a very Stewart-like, made of the typical cherry with an ebony fingerboard. The spunover rim and hardware are typical of the era, if better made than some. The tailpiece is similar to Stewart practice as well. This banjo has an almost toy-like appearance but actually plays well (if you have small fingers!) and has a lovely and if somewhat delicate sound.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall length is 23 in. (58.4 cm.), 7 in. (17.8 cm.) diameter head, and 2 1\/4 in. (5.7 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 14 1\/2 in. (368 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1\/8 in. (29 mm.). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis probably 130+ year old tiny banjo is in very good playing shape, remaining largely original with no major repair or alteration. The neck, dowel and inside of the rim retain the original finish with some typical wear. The hardware appears original including the hook\/nut set and the tailpiece. The plating has spotting and minor corrosion but is not heavily worn. The tuning pegs are generic pearl-dot ebony violin style pieces, old but likely not original to the banjo. Set up with an old skin head and NylGut strings this is a lovely little banjo to play with a sparking sound, housed in a modern gig bag. Excellent - Condition.","brand":"Bay State","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47656509079692,"sku":"13892","price":1200.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_aa0d0175-1fb9-4ed8-bc19-05e492064848.jpg?v=1776380471","url":"https:\/\/retrofret.com\/products\/bay-state-model-299-piccolo-banjo-1895-13892","provider":"RetroFret","version":"1.0","type":"link"}